[vah-say]
1. Overview
Vasae, located on the western edges of Lake Serenith, thrives amidst its humid marshlands, shaped by the relentless easterly winds and near-constant storms fed by the expansive lake. This dynamic region has turned its wetland challenges into opportunities, supporting a unique agricultural system centered on crops and herbs that cannot thrive elsewhere. However, Vasae is currently embroiled in numerous challenges: territorial disputes with Avatolika over historic control of Star Rise Island, piracy threatening its merchant ships, and increasing numbers of refugees fleeing Doulas, further straining its resources. Despite these adversities, King Galla Ipato works tirelessly to twist these trials to strengths, striving for a prosperous future.
2. Geography
Vasae’s geography is defined by its extensive swamplands and the Thrysa River delta, which branches into a labyrinth of waterways as it feeds into Lake Serenith. These wetlands dominate the region, with their nutrient-rich soils supporting the cultivation of unique crops and herbs adapted to the humid, storm-battered climate. While much of the land remains saturated and marshy, pockets of hilly terrain and dry areas exist, offering opportunities for more traditional agriculture and settlements.
Given the challenges posed by its watery landscape, many of Vasae’s cities and villages are built partially or entirely over water, using stilted platforms or floating structures. The people of Vasae have mastered navigating their environment, relying on shallow-hulled boats designed to skim over the water with ease, making transportation and trade feasible even in the most waterlogged areas.
3. History
In the early days of Siar’Morrin, the lands that would become Vasae were largely avoided due to their challenging geography. The dense swamps, constant rains, and shifting waterways made settlement difficult for those unfamiliar with the terrain. However, as fertile, unoccupied land became scarcer, settlers gradually moved into the region. Over time, the people of Vasae adapted to their environment, mastering its intricacies to such an extent that they now thrive where others would struggle. This expertise makes incursion into Vasae exceptionally difficult, as its people excel at navigating and defending the swamps, discouraging all but the most determined invaders.
During the Schism Wars, Vasae avoided direct involvement, opting instead to support Pistos through financial and resource aid. As the tide of war turned in Mesokinis favor, however, Vasae distanced itself from the conflict, wary of provoking Mesokini’s ire. This cautious approach ensured the kingdom’s survival and stability in the aftermath of the wars.
In more recent times, Vasae has found itself at odds with Avatolika over control of Star Rise Island, a historically vital location in Lake Serenith. Both kingdoms claim the island, with Avatolika accusing Vasae of imposing oppressive trade tariffs and piracy, while Vasae counters with accusations of merchant vessel raids and territorial aggression. This growing conflict threatens to spill into open war, as tensions over trade, territory, and sovereignty continue to rise.
4. Political Structure
Vasae operates under a monarchical system, with King Galla Ipato presiding over the realm. Unlike many of its neighbors, Vasae’s governance reflects the kingdom’s materialistic and trade-oriented culture. The king’s court is less focused on military might or religious ceremony and more attuned to commerce, economics, and the luxurious lifestyle Vasae prides itself on.
Advising the king is a Merchant Council, a group of influential traders and artisans who represent the kingdom’s most prominent guilds. This council wields considerable power, particularly in shaping trade policies and negotiating tariffs with other regions. While the king has ultimate authority, the council’s decisions often dictate the kingdom’s economic direction, ensuring Vasae remains competitive and wealthy.
This structure has created a delicate balance between royal authority and the economic interests of the merchant elite. Critics argue that the kingdom is overly influenced by its wealthiest citizens, with policies often skewed toward preserving luxury trade at the expense of common folk. Supporters, however, claim this system ensures the prosperity of Vasae as a whole, even in challenging times.
In recent years, King Galla Ipato has been praised for navigating the growing challenges faced by the region. The ongoing conflict with Avatolika has been framed as a noble fight for Vasae’s sovereignty and honour, rallying the people under a shared cause. The influx of refugees from Doulas, initially a strain on resources, has been transformed into an economic boon by integrating these newcomers into Vasae’s workforce. Furthermore, King Ipato keeps a watchful eye on the potential conflicts with the centaurs and Doulas, ready to capitalise on the conflict to expand Vasae’s territory into the fertile lands of Hybla Gratis.
5. Economy
Vasae’s economy thrives on a foundation of trade and luxury, making it one of the wealthiest and most commercially dynamic regions in the Shattered Kingdoms. Its love for opulence and fine goods is not just a cultural hallmark but also an economic driver, as Vasae both produces and imports luxury items to satisfy its materialistic populace.
A critical component of Vasae’s wealth is its unique agriculture, enabled by the marshlands and fertile deltas of the Thrysa River. This land supports the cultivation of rare herbs, aquatic crops, and other goods that are difficult or impossible to grow in neighboring regions. These products, highly sought after in both local and distant markets, form the backbone of Vasae’s export economy.
Additionally, Vasae serves as a key trading hub within the region, leveraging its strategic location along the western edges of Lake Serenith. Its well-developed trade networks connect it to neighboring kingdoms and even extend into New Birania, allowing the region to import luxury items and export its unique produce. Vasae’s shallow-hulled boats, designed to navigate its intricate waterways and the lake, enable swift and efficient transport of goods, giving it a competitive edge in trade.
While the kingdom prospers, economic disparity is apparent. Wealth is concentrated among the merchant elite and the king’s court, while the labor force, comprising farmers, craftspeople, and marsh workers, often struggles to share in the prosperity. However, King Galla Ipato has worked to mitigate economic strain by integrating Doulas refugees into the workforce, channeling their labor into agricultural and trade sectors to boost productivity.
The ongoing conflict with Avatolika over Star Fall Island has put pressure on trade routes and increased piracy risks, which Vasae has countered by fortifying its merchant fleets and imposing additional taxes to fund maritime defenses.
6. Culture and Society
Life in the marshlands has made the people of Vasae highly adaptable and innovative, finding ways to not just survive but thrive in the challenging environment. Their ability to cultivate rare crops and dominate trade routes has instilled a pragmatic outlook, success is valued above tradition, and wealth is seen as a reflection of one’s resourcefulness.
Vasaeans take immense pride in their love of the finer aspects of life, considering it a marker of their kingdom’s success. As such the people of Vasae predominantly worship through the Ascended Church, paying equal homage to the deities Mercio, Ratura, and Vilcren. This triadic worship fosters a sense of cultural superiority, with Vasaeans considering themselves a society of elevated ideals, blending commerce, intellect, and agriculture into a way of life that few others can rival. Temples to the ascended gods are prominent and opulent, scattered throughout the lands, although Ratura and Mercio are more commonly worshipped in cities, while Vilcren is seen as more a Goddess of the commoners.
As a thriving trade hub, Vasae has become a melting pot of cultures, attracting traders, artisans, and adventurers from across Siar’Morrin and beyond. This cultural exchange has cultivated an outwardly tolerant society, where different races and customs are generally accepted. However, this tolerance is often tied to economic contribution, those who bring value through trade or skill are welcomed, while those who don’t are regarded with indifference.
7. Military
Vasae’s military strength is heavily concentrated in its navy, a force honed for dominance over the waterways and marshlands that define the region. Their vessels, designed for speed and maneuverability, are unmatched in the shallows of Lake Serenith and the intricate waterways of Vasae. These agile ships are essential not only for defending against external threats but also for combating the increasing piracy that plagues the lake.
While their navy excels in aquatic engagements, their ground forces are notably weaker, raising concerns about their ability to defend against or launch sustained campaigns on land. This imbalance places Vasae in a precarious position when facing Avatolika, whose forces are better suited for ground warfare and close combat. The strategic and logistical challenges are mutual: for Avatolika to launch an effective invasion, they must navigate the aquatic terrain where Vasae holds the advantage, while for Vasae to strike offensively, they would need to extend their forces onto the dry plains, where Avatolika’s warriors excel. This dichotomy highlights the stalemate that has defined their ongoing conflict, with both sides constrained by the other’s superior grasp of their respective environments.
8. Notable Locations
- Vasae: Nestled within the delta where the Thrysa River opens into Lake Serenith, Vasae is an architectural marvel. Built as a floating city, its intricate network of wooden platforms, bridges, and stilted structures creates a stunning display of engineering ingenuity. The capital’s bustling markets and lavish districts reflect its love for luxury, while its unique design showcases its people’s mastery of aquatic living.
- Star Rise Island: A strategic location and the focal point of conflict with Avatolika. The island’s control is critical for dominating Lake Serenith’s trade routes and serves as a symbol of power for both regions. Its fortified structures and prime position make it a coveted asset, with both Vasae and Avatolika vying for dominance over this contested territory.
- Fire Marsh: This treacherous stretch of marshland is infamous for its explosive gas pockets that bubble up through the sodden ground. The unstable terrain and natural hazards make it a perilous area to traverse, yet its eerie beauty has drawn adventurers, scholars, and alchemists alike.
- Delta Bay: A naturally formed bay near the delta’s exit into Lake Serenith, this area serves as the primary naval base for Vasae. Its sheltered waters and proximity to the capital make it an ideal staging point for naval operations, from defending against pirates to patrolling the contested waters of Lake Serenith. The bay is a hub of military activity and a testament to Vasae’s naval prowess.
9. Significant Characters
- King Galla Ipato: Renowned for his strategic mind and political savvy, King Galla Ipato has led Vasae through numerous challenges, uniting his people amidst conflict and turmoil. His ability to turn misfortunes into opportunities has earned him both admiration and criticism, as he walks a fine line between pragmatic leadership and opportunistic ambition.
- Queen Selyra Ipato: A mysterious figure in Vasaean society, Queen Selyra is whispered to be a Kitsune, though such claims are considered heretical by the Ascended Church. Her sharp intellect and rumoured mystical insights have made her an invaluable advisor to King Galla, though her enigmatic nature often leaves her true intentions obscured.
- Eren Velstar: A pivotal figure in Vasae’s thriving economy, Eren Velstar is one of the wealthiest and most influential merchants in the region. Serving on the council, he is a staunch advocate for expanding trade routes and ensuring the kingdom’s economic dominance. He also acts as the primary diplomat in exchanges with Mesokini, a position that has brought both lucrative opportunities and quiet suspicion.
- Admiral Kyros Althane: The brilliant leader of Vasae’s formidable navy, Admiral Kyros is a master of naval strategy and a staunch defender of the kingdom’s waterways. Known for his ruthless methods in dealing with piracy, and his distain for Avalotika. He has urged for more open conflict with Avatolika from the earliest stages.
10. Current Issues and Future Prospects
Vasae faces mounting challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Avatolika over Star Rise Island, the growing threat of piracy along its trade routes, and the strain of accommodating refugees from Doulas. Internally, tensions simmer as the king’s ambitious policies demand unity in a region already stretched thin. Despite these struggles, Vasae’s mastery of its unique geography, thriving trade networks, and cultural cohesion position it as a kingdom with significant potential. If it can navigate its current crises, Vasae may emerge stronger, securing dominance over Lake Serenith and expanding its influence in Siar’Morrin.