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.

Oric Divisky

The Oric Divisky is the clerical part of the government. They run the churches and worship of Vorov. Only high ranking clerics have access to magic. This process requires six years ofisolation in Brastroma followed by a grueling series of trials known as the Distria. However, many clerics of the Oric Divisky compensate for this by focusing in one of three fields: alchemy, medicine, or the material sciences. Due to this, the Oric Divisky has some of the finest scholarsin the Rings under its crest.

Oric Magestov

The Oric Magestov runs governmental operations within Kovorov. This Oric’s leader is the Kovorovian Czar who is chosen by Vorov for life or until Vorov removes them from power or the Czar retires. Due to the Oric’s massive size, the Magestov can be slow moving to the rest of the world and the Kovorovian people. However, to the Magestov, Kovorov is like the ice. It changes slowly because going too fast or slow sends shockwaves across the world. Immediate problems are handled with haste, but there is no problem with taking careful stock of a situation before investing.

Oric Moheta

This is the Oric that controls the economics of Kovorov. From the production of silver to the minting of coin, all of it runs through the Moheta. Other works must petition the Moheta for coin if a venture is outside their assigned budget. The Moheta makes sure that Kovorov maintains its position as the predominant trading power on Ramesh.

Oric Sarafan

Sarafan is responsible for the soul of Kovorov according to Vorov. They make sure the culture is secure. Their duties range from planning holiday events, restoring heritage sites, and running the schools within Kovorov. Many archeologists are from the Oric Sarafan. Thus, their members can be seen all across Kovorov and Ramesh exploring unseen wonders relating to Kovorovian history.

Oric Voyen

The military falls under the Oric Voyen. This Oric, while not often deployed, stands ready at any moment. At the moment, the Oric Voyen supports the town guard in major population centers, defends transports, and clash with Zell soldiers in the Gravetti mountains.

Oric Zaklanik

Some call the Oric Zaklanik the favored of Vorov. It is the job of this Oric to patrol Kovorov looking for users of magic. They are the finest mage hunters in the world. Led by Teodore Kostra, the Oric Zaklanik is one of the most feared.

This Oric is almost most seen around Ramesh. Routinely, the Zaklanik cross Kovorovian borders to hunt mages. Other nations do not consent to this, but the Zaklanik are almost never seen discovered to be Kovorovian during their raids. However, the aftermath of a Zaklanik attack leaves no question in the mind of any who witness it. The Zaklanik are everywhere and will hunt any mage they hear about on the continent.

Torosk Third Born

The Torosk Third-Born are a sect of the Oric Voyen. Every third-born child from Torosk is conscripted into this elite fighting force. One in four die during training. However, if a recruit survives and takes their oath, they are one of the most feared warriors across Ramesh. Each Third-Born is a paladin and swears an oath to Vorov and the Czar.

Third-Born are easily identified by their red half capes and golden helmets. These helmets block enchantment magic and mind-reading. Each Third-Born has a personal weapon which they forge themselves. Many also forgo their birth names and instead choose squad names. For instance, a squad might make their naming theme Canines, names of Kovorovian cities, or famous warriors from history.

The Third-Born fortress is in Torosk and is called the Embermane Bastion. On the outside of the Bastion are a series of obelisks with the names of great Third-Born heroes etched into them. It is the dream of every Third-Born to have their name etched into a column.

Karjakin

The multi-tiered metropolis of Karjakin is one of the grandest cities in Ramesh. Its sprawl spans for miles. Hundreds of years ago, the city began to grow so large, the Czar Nicolai Fekkato began to build upward. While below, Karjakin is filled with mining tunnels, above the city continues to climb higher into the sky.

All the Orics have their headquarters here. The city is the nervous center of Karjakin. Within its borders, decisions that will affect the country for decades are made everyday. Decadence abounds amongst the highest spires of Karjakin. Czars have poured their excess silver into this city. There are fineries and furnishings in Karjakin that could scarcely be found anywhere else on the continent (at least, for those with the coin to access them). Although, with a population approaching two million people, only a select few can truly enjoy Karjakin’s amenities.

Great Mines

The great mines of Karjakin are the source of the cities’ great wealth. At its founding, Jakin of Nalizon, discovered a cave brimming with silver. Even hundreds of years later, the mines still produce riches.

Part of Kovorov’s global influence is based on the mines. Therefore, they are highly protected. Guards stand watch at every mine entrance. The Moheta carefully monitors the amount of ore and precious jewels being taken from the mine. Over expenditure is of great concern to the Orics and the Czar.

However, even in times when the Orics have needed to draw more resources from the mines, the supply of ore has not dwindled. Some scholars have theorized that the mines actually are a gateway to another dimension, Zhemzhina. The rumors of the jeweled dimension have been quashed by the Orics Moheta and Sarafan. Two Orics working so closely together have only furthered the rumors spinning around the great mines. Only with time can the truth be revealed.

Upper Roz

The space above ground level, upon which many thousands of tons of earth have been laid, is called the Upper Roz. At its highest foundation, the Upper Roz reaches 2,000 feet into the sky. With beautiful buildings made of marble and silver, new visitors to Karjakin are usually astounded by the splendor of the upper city.

Many nobles from around Ramesh own houses here. Karjakin’s luxury draws all with the money to afford it. Adventurers who wander the Upper Roz will see all of the continent represented. But traversing the Roz is no easy matter. Entrances to the Upper Roz are guarded at all times. Lines for entry are long, sometimes upwards of four or five hours. Entrance also requires one ofthree distinct passes.

The first pass is an owner’s pass, it signifies a person owns property within the Upper Roz. Usually these people walk to the frontline of the line or have other, secret, means of entering their abodes. The second pass is a silver pass. It is given by a property owner within the Upper Roz to a guest. On the pass is written the date and valid times of entry. The pass can be valid for no more than twenty-four hours. Many servants within the Upper Roz work under these passes.

Employment is day to day with the constant threat of not receiving a pass for the next day. Finally, there is the platinum pass. This pass gives a non-property owner full access to the Upper Roz. Platinums are extremely valuable, selling for tens of thousands on black markets. Obtaining a platinum pass is a grueling process. Guards who hold platinum passes have salaries ten times as high as those without. Merchants with platinum passes can become unbelievably wealthy.

However, if a person is found with a platinum pass that was given to another, they are publicly executed. Rumors speculate that there are other ways into the Upper Roz. The most popular is that there are gnomish tunnels that lead inside. Yet, the rumors also speak about the high price one must pay in order to purchase a ticket.

Once a person enters into the Roz, they can never see the world the same way again. There are museums and conservatories galore. Shops within the Roz sell only the finest quality items. Adventurers might be able to purchase priceless magic items, long lost books, combat treaties of legendary quality, and more. Many vendors on the streets of the Upper Roz sell their wares for free. They are sponsored by a noble within the Roz usually. The price is simply speaking the deeds and good tidings of that noble. It is a more elegant form of propaganda.

The theaters within the Roz house the finest performers. Most theater tropes keep at least two or three high-magic casters on hand to aid with shows. Performances are imbued with magic and finery. Actors fly across stage, shift forms with the whisper of a spell, and anything else a trope can conjure to excite the most powerful people on the continent.

There are also a fair number of scientific laboratories within the Upper Roz. Some nobles wish to be patrons of innovation. Thus, inventors, artificers, and other pioneers work tirelessly under their supervision. Competition is fierce but every few years a new invention is created that delights the noble populace.

One of these recent inventions is Teculite. Stronger than steel but lighter than air, this new alloy can float in the air and support one-hundred times its weight. Upper Roz scientists have begun deploying the first floating structures in Karjakin. Now, hold neighborhoods can be suspended in the air. The Czar has begun to put them under regulation but even he cannot hide his excitement. Teculite appears to be the future of Karjakin and perhaps Kovorov itself. Yet, not is all as it seems within the Upper Roz. There is a dark underbelly rarely seen. Even with so much excess, some nobles still desire more. There are secret places in the Upper Roz, back allies that come to life under moonlight, where any noble can get their fix.

Drug dens run rampant. Those who want highs unlike any on the continent can find the finest alchemists. Each alchemist has their specific brew which are closely guarded secrets. There are a series of different depraved clubs that offer whatever a person with coin desires. Sex, torture, homicide and more are all options. Some clubs specialize in specific acts. Club Vanisssh is a hot spot for murder. Nobles routinely bring unsuspecting victims to the constantly moving demiplane. Club Vanisssh is run by Yuan-Ti and known for not leaving loose ends. Bard’s Temptation is known as the best brothel. The list goes on and is ever expanding. Some think theclubs have the guards in their back pocket while others believe that it is some of the guards who own the clubs. Yet, another mystery within the Upper Roz.

Occasionally, a necromancer will attempt to find work in the Upper Roz. Sometimes they are taken in by a club or private benefactor, while other necromancers are entrepreneurial. Some nobles crave the taboo of watching the dead be resurrected. Animals are nice, people are better, and political rivals are best. There is always the chance of a Zaklanik raid but to the nobles, that’s half the thrill. Besides, if the Zaklanik find them there, they will probably not have to worry about their future.

The underground profession that pays the best are deathmatches. Nobles pay well to see elite warriors risk their lives and fight to the death. A particularly brutal fighter can buy themself into the nobility after only half a dozen or so victories. Not many live that long, but it is the dream that fuels the fighters. It is often known that vampires lurk at these blood sport matches. Match organizers can make decent coin off selling the blood that leaks from the stage. The lazy vampire is usually more than happy to pay.

Criminal organizations have begun to spring up around these dark delights. The Stain obviously has their hands in a few areas. It is said that they own Club Vanisssh but this has never been confirmed. However, the Stain is only a small player amongst the dozens of organizations vying to be the depraved despot rulers of the Upper Roz’s underground. Currently, one of the largest players is the Flux Gang. They control a litany of clubs and dark services. Although, like any organization within the Upper Roz, their hold is tenuous at best.

But the organizations all respect each other and occasionally will aid each other. This usually occurs during one of two events. The first is if the Orics attempt to crack down on the underground. The second, is if a fiendish activity is discovered. Depravity is the dinner bell for devils and demons alike. While vile indeed, the criminal hives within the Upper Roz nevertheless seek to expel fiends whenever possible.

Lower Roz

Below the splendor of the Upper Roz, is the Lower Roz. Some buildings within the Lower Roz are hundreds of years old, dating back to the founding of Karjakin. Sullenly, it is sometimes joked by the residents of the Lower Roz that while the nobles live in the city of silver, they live in Copper Town. Over the years, that has become the colloquial nickname of the Lower Roz, Copper Town. Despite what the name suggests, the residents of Copper Town do not live lives of complete disparity. At least, most don’t. There is a middle class located toward the front gate of the city. The further from the front gate a person wanders, the more decrepit Copper Town becomes. Lifestyles range from the wealthy merchant who is just below the threshold for entry into the Upper Roz to the career beggar who dies at thirty-five without ever having a roof over their head. Copper Town is both a melting pot and crucible for those who decide to carve out a life in it.

Problems within the town vary wildly as well. Many residents are miners and thus, many have the physical scars of old mining accidents. Drugs are a problem as well. In the monotony of life, some fall victim as a way to break the cycle. The guard in Copper Town is also underfunded. Therefore, a hungry wererat or other beast might claim a dozen or two lives before the guard are able to assemble resources (or pay a group of adventurers) to deal with the problem. Crime within Copper Town is minimal. Most organized crime occurs in the Upper Roz and many communities within Copper Town are tight-knit. Miners watch out for miners and carpenters protect other carpenters. Despite this, the Stain continues to run drug and protection rackets. Unlike other organized crime in Karjakin, they actually dedicate most of their resources to

Copper Town.

The organization almost has a monopoly on crime with Copper Town. Yet, they are tolerated due to them giving back to the community. During times of crisis, famine, or economic downturn, it is the Stain who steps up to aid Copper Town. They are still brutal and criminals, but some in Copper Town look favorably on them. Despite the Orics forgetting Copper Town, the Stain never does.

There are many ways for a young person to escape Copper Town. Many hop on a merchant caravan and never turn back. Others save their coins, buy a sword, and strike out as an adventurer. Those with magical talents might be let into the prestigious Madam Theravik’s School for the Magically Gifted. The school, located on the far Western side of Copper Town, takes in those with a natural proclivity to magic. Students gifted with high-magic or primordial magic talents they train. Those with low-magic talents they send to the Ard Magos. The school is constantly under scrutiny for its teaching of magic. Only through generous, private, benefactors can it keep its doors open. Even then, Madam Theravik’s only trains at most twenty gifted individuals at a time for no more than five years each.

Others still follow an entrepreneurial route and start a business in Copper Town. Whatever the path, there is always a way upward in the Copper Town. That is perhaps why all are attracted to the city. No matter origin, creed, or beliefs, anyone can always find a way to succeed under the watchful eyes of Vorov.

Seat of Government

The true seat of power in Karjakin is located in Vyborg Palace. Within, on the throne of Czar Chatacan the Magnificent (known as the Chatacan throne), sits the Czar of Kovorov. Upon the throne sits a ruby, inlaid with the power of Vorov. When the Czar dies, retires, or is declared unworthy by Vorov, the ruby breaks. Every Czar sits on the throne wary of the ruby breaking. It

is common to say, “the ruby is breaking” as a short-hand for a failing government.

Vyborg Palace is located in the Upper Roz near the main entryway. Around the Palace are a

series of buildings which house different Orics. This area of the city is known as the Silver Heart.

Kovorov’s current Czar, Gorelov Petrovich, also known by the epithet Gorelov the Unbreaking,

is a middle-aged human man. The name, the unbreaking, comes from the time he was captured in

his youth by the nation of Zell. In exchange for their freedom, Gorelov and other prisoners were

offered the chance to apostatize and pledge their allegiance to Zell. All but Gorelov did so

publicly. For ten days and nights, knights of Zell tried to get Gorelov to apostatize in the streets.

Yet, he refused all their attempts.

Eventually, Gorelov was brought to the executioner’s block where he gave a rousing speech to

the crowd. He spoke the ideals of Vorov that day. As the axe struck his neck, his Torvian awoke,

and the steel shattered against his flesh. With his newfound abilities, Gorelov fought his way

back to Kovorov, evading everything Zell had to throw at him. When Gorelov returned, he made

his way back to his post in Karjakin. That very day, the previous Czar felt the winds change and

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Vorov confirmed his time was done. As Gorelov entered the city, he was greeted to a hero’s

welcome. After being anointed Gorelov the Unbreaking, he was made Czar by Vorov.

For twenty-six years he has ruled and Kovorov has grown strong. Gorelov is unfaltering in his

resolve. In his youth, many times he would take up the Blade of the Czar and deal with wayward

brigands on his own. Now, as age continues to creep through his bones, the Czar has allowed

others to carry the weight of heroism. Yet, the Unbreaking still harbors a terrible resentment for

Zellist intent. Any chance Gorelov can get to weaken Zell, he will take. Eventually he hopes the

moment will be right for Kovorov to strike the decisive blow to make Zell crumble. But this is a

secret hope. For now, he waits on the Chatacan Throne with his hatred simmering.

“Your blades and arrows are but summer butterflies to me. Your steel like paper and resolve like

sand. Come forth now, summon your strength, because I am not impressed. Show the champion

of Vorov himself why you are worth a swing of my blade”

- Gorelov the Unbreaking, at the border of Kovorov and Zell, surrounded by eighty knights of Zell.