Paese

A country forming a landmass between the continents of Eaden and Aebloa, considering itself to be a part of neither, Paese is a loose conglomeration of city states who seem to always move between being at war with or fighting alongside eachother.

It is also the home of the Head Druid (head of the Great College and the Morabist religion), based in the central city-state of Mangraia.

The culture of Paese is a combination of simple peasant living, monastic life and intense cultural activity. The country is at a stage of rapid urbanisation, though it is heavily reliant on agriculture for much of its wealth. A developing merchant class and shipbuilding suggests a change. Governors of each city are rivals, and adopt a mercantilist view of their stature and some try to create layers of bureaucracy to prevent people from shifting allegiance to other cities. Though seldom officially at war, skirmishes have been known to break out between city states' forces, and assassination attempts are rife.

Unaffiliated people live in the rainforests, as an unofficial city-state called Selva. They believe themselves to be descended from the first residents of Paese.

Small villages are under the protection of the nearest city state and are obliged to pay a tithe. Some states allow a 10% flat rate, while others require a fixed amount that some struggle to pay. This has in the past led to revolts and what historians of Paese have euphemistically dubbed 'changes in management'.

Other city-states include Nicre, Lisma, and Nezo