Kovorov

In the far North of Ramesh lies Kovorov. Home to the city of silver, Karjakin, Kovorov and its people are known to be of the strongest wills. Under the rule of Vorov and his Orics, Kovorov is the richest of any nation or city state in Ramesh. Kovorov’s raw resources are almost as plentiful as its snow. Built on tradition, a traveler venture through the frozen lands will find history older than memory.

Weather

Brutal Cold

Kovorov’s geographical location subjects it to the brutal cold of Northern Ramesh. In the winter months, venturing across Kovorov becomes next to impossible. Temperatures at night can reach as low as -50F with wind chill bringing the total down to -70F.

For the winter months, most Kovorovians shelter in their town as the world grinds to a halt. Life can sometimes be put on autopilot. Local businesses might only open for four to five hours a day. Local mead halls are usually full and nobles give out firewood for charity (and to buy public support).

Polar Night

During the winter, in the north of Kovorov past the city of Khaningrad, the land falls under a shroud of night. The polar night begins in the middle of winter and breaks during the first day of spring. For over sixty days, the sun does not rise. Darkness covers the land.

These are considered strange times. Physicians note that more people simply die during the polar night or act strange. People go mad, animals stop acting regularly, and the luck of everyone seems to sour. It is an ominous time. However, the Kovorovian people are strong and the polar night is simply another test of Vorov.

Undead activity, particularly undead who avoid sunlight, increases significantly during the polar night. However, with the cold and dark closing in all around during these days, not much can be done about undead outside the walls. There are usual undead hunts that come at the first light of spring. Yet, those who find themselves stranded in a hamlet with undead closing in during the polar night have little recourse for help. A prayer to Vorov might be answered or ignored...

Zamoro Storms

These storms are the ravaging blizzards that blow through Kovorov. They are predicted by experienced magic users due to their high volume of primordial magic. Zamoro storms are ferocious and being out in one, even for a person filled with Aether, is considered a death sentence.

Zamoro storms snuff all non-magical fires, freeze small animals solid, have howling winds of more than 70 mph and can cause warping across the land. Their primordial energy can change the land, plants, animals, and people alike. There have been stories of humanoids being touched by a Zamoro storm with devastating after effects.

Political Climate

Hatred of Magic

Kovorov as a government and as a people hate magic. It was not only used to betray Vorov but it is also a crutch. Weak individuals, who cannot succeed on their own merit, use magic. Therefore, magic is avoided whenever possible.

In this way, Kovorovians are a bit hypocritical. They also tolerate magic that benefits them. Clerics are looked at with disdain but also are sought out quickly when illness grips a loved one. Torosk third-born, the pride of the Kovorovian military, are paladins with oaths to Vorov. Therefore, despite outward hostility, no normal citizen or military official would do anything harmful to the average high magic or primordial magic user.

Wealth of the Earth

The land of Kovorov is filled with the wealth of the Earth. Ore, gemstones, and other precious minerals are plentiful, especially around the capital city of Karjakin. Its epithet, the city of silver, is born from its abundant natural resources. Part of Kovorov’s national identity is tied to its mines. Mining is considered a noble profession and miners are favored by Vorov for their efforts.

Peace

Wealth flows into Kovorov in incomprehensible amounts. Their economic prosperity is legendary. The Kovorovian trade routes are the most profitable in all of Ramesh. Therefore, war is avoided at all costs. War would compromise the trade that makes the nation so rich.

Yet, Kovorov is a sleeping giant. Just because they choose peace does not make the nation weak. Their soldiers are ready and blades sharp. A nation who brings Kovorov to open war is awakening a sleeping bear.

Resisting Zell

For centuries, Zell and Kovorov have clashed. Their war has been fought in the shadows and by agents. Open war would be bad for both parties. Zell attacking Kovorov would anger the other nations that Kovorov trades with and create an unbeatable alliance. Kovorov attacking Zell would result in damage to their prized trading routes and the Orics pulling miners out of their precious mines to fight in the war.

Therefore, the resistance is subtle. Although soldiers still do occasionally clash. In the Gravetti Mountains to the South, Zell scouts make their way through mountains. Kovorvian troops usually meet them and skirmishes ensue. These skirmishes are not widely known within or outside the borders of Kovorov.

Government Structure

The Orics

Vorov broke down his government into Orics. Each Oric controls a facet of the government. The Orics, while all supposedly working together, do jostle for power. Rarely, Vorov will assert his authority to realign the Orics.

One-hundred and twenty years ago, the Oric Moheta attempted to take sweeping control over Kovorov. They resisted Vorov’s attempt to relinquish their power. In response, Vorov manifested an avatar and crucified every member of the Moheta in the streets of Karjakin. This event is known as the Mohetan Bleeding. Invoking the name can send chills down the spine of any member of any Oric. While Vorov gives much freedom, he is still their god.