Overview Damshian Bua is a land that although not highly populated is full of successful commerce. Being a peaceful land for the most part it makes for an ideal stopping point for anyone journeying from trans-Caeldera. Those that inhabit the region seem shifty but pleasant on the whole. There is much good to be said for the Land and its people, but there lies secrets, generations old that haunt the dwellers... secrets they will keep from outsiders... at any cost.

Government a heirearchy of regional councils... mostly local laws apply with overarching laws that govern the realm.

Ruler A council of 5 men called the Elders of Lapish oversee the major decisions and conflicts. The 5 receive the title Ri' [i.e. if an elders name were Ganhelh...his titled name would be Ri'Ganhelh]

Capital the city of Rokomokujin [as a result of the last struggle between the Carmody and Gavin clans 450 years ago]

Population Total Population - 36,000; Rokomokujin - 9,000;

Languages a varient form of Ancient Galic, yet well-spoken in many languages known through Caeldera as a result of high traffic of so-journers

Resources precious ore and gems in the mountains, Asha Plant, Fishing. In the mountains, hot springs and "cold" [not hot] springs can be found, proves to be good for brewing as well as theraputic endevours...

Climate An ideal vacation/rest spot for a journey. The weather is usually agreeable,save for the winter months when it gets a bit chilly. Rains along the coast are like clockwork when the sun begins its decent in the afternoon. The mountains in the southeast are unpredictable at best. Usually not as violently cold and unforgiving as the Kraggenfast, many have been known to get caught and killed in freak blizzards. The south central range is differs with a more pleasurably consistent demeanor. Life in the plains between the mountains and the coast is quite pleasant with a gentle breeze rolling through the land off the bay.

Geography encompassed by two rivers on the east and west - with rising mountains to the south while the Wyte Sail Bay borders the north

Flora & Fauna The Asha plant, found only in the Damshian Bua near the Southcentral mountains, is a popular smoke throughout the land. Halflings particularlly enjoy it. It has a certain medicinal use when smoked that seems to relax and regenerate feelings of health. Almost every sojourner that passes through will take the oppurtunity to experience the Damshian pride. Apart from that it powers the Damshian Transports. Its abundance in the Bua makes it a inexpensive treasure as its uses are as plentiful as its abundance.

Popular hunting game revolves around a breed of beast with exceptional chameleon like abilities, but more advanced. As the beast walks it naturally reflects what it walks in front of as a defense mechanism, rendering it almost "transparent". Only the sharpest of eyes can detect the tell-tale ripple. It is a largely peaceful beast but is known to be rather territorial, especially towards all the bounty hunters that come roaming around. It stands almost as tall as an average Damshian and can weigh upwards of 1000 lbs. [not sure what to call it yet, bear with me here ] more to come....

Demographics Populated by a "new" race known as the Damshas , about 15% of the population is made of other races most of which are elven. The Damshas are festive folk, very jolly in appearance and demeanor to the average bystander. The average Damshian man will stand about 5'5"-5'7" and weigh about 170lbs. The women usually stand around 5'2"-5'4" and weigh about 115 lbs. Dark hair is characteristic [but other colors are possible, usually viewed as a sign of inferior blood in the family] along with a darker toned skin color. Eye colors can vary without being looked down upon. Appearing very human at first sight, due to its Celtic roots, they have developed a bit of an elvish nature as time has progressed. The barely noticable elvish traits are a result of frequent intermarriage of half-elves into the culture. Half-elves find the Bua to be a suitable home due to its tolerant outlook, but as with anywhere, purebred elves tend to look down upon their half-brethren and give them a "hard time".

History The Damsha race has lived in the land for generations living at peace with its neighbors while struggling with its own internal affairs. Struggles for power and trade interests have sparked several clan skirmishes which remain hidden from outsiders. Many unions of clans trying to overthrow the system were swiftly put down by the Blackwatch. When at peace though the Damsha are a very festive people which is condusive to their "tourist" accomodating commercial structure.

The age old rivalry between the two most powereful clans (the Carmodys and Gavins) was sparked 1200 years ago when a guild of thieves calling themselves The Black became a subversive force to be respected as it maintaned ambiguity regarding its membership. The Black were clever at casting shadows of guilt on others and used this ability to make the two clans suspect each other. Skirmishes between the clans grew quickly in frequency and severity. The Elders of Lapish, hoping to end the struggle, conducted an investigation and discovered the guild. To counteract the guild, the Elders created an organization masked with ambiguity too, it became known as the Blackwatch.

DamshaBuaChonisticHistory

Legal System A head council [Elders of Lapish] rule the land, under them are three councils [Elders of Rokomokujin (Ro'); Harte (Ra'); and Subergh (Ru')]. Set up like a court system with the Lapish Council the head. They are in charge of the Blackwatch. Capital punishment is in effect for high crimes like murder, stealing, or rape, carried out by the Blackwatch, entirely in secret. Other crimes are punishable by prison terms but those are decided at a level below the Secondary councils, usually by a town Magistrate. Within each council the Great Elder sits at the highest point and is regarded as the wisest of men in the region. He usually always gets his way, subservient to the Elders of Lapish and the High Elder there.

Military A peaceful place that is defended from minor threats [from insiders or outsiders] by a special force known formally as The Blackwatch but are usually reffered to as The Wind ("what happened to Bill?" "dunno, i suppose the Wind got him"). The reason being everyone knows it exists but cannot tell you of whom or what it consists. In the event of a battle, the men of the realm would be called upon for dutiful service. Damshian Bua has yet to taste war since its popularity as a trading ground and journey point would invoke other realms to ally against an invading force. Borders are patrolled by Elven scouts.

Economy Mostly trade in cities, entertaining travellers is the business of the major cities. Farmers, Hunters, and hermits are scattered throughout the countryside. In the mountains, Natural Springs and Spas are the ever popular attraction with sojourners. The number one export is the Asha plant, for its many uses.

The economy relies heavily upon Damsha's advanced mass transit system. The Damsian ingenuity has made traveling the long distances which would have taken days by one's self into shorter periods of time, and transports large numbers at once. The Transport is a horseless system that runs off a complicated steam based turbine developed by the Damsian people of the last hundred years. It allowsfor faster travel than a team of horses pulling a cart, and doesnt need to stop for meals or to rest or for water persay. One can travel from the east end of Damshia to the west end in a matter of 2 days if need be. These Transports are also a great advantage in taking people to and from the Hot Springs in the mountains. Another great advantage of the Damshian Transport is its ability to efficiently carry large quantities and weights swiftly across many terrains. Great for transporting mining harvests.

The steam enigine used is a very reliable and very safe engine. Its compact size is the result of its long history of development. It is powered by the Asha plant which is indigenous to the Bua. The steam produced by the Asha plant is considerably more than any other source of boiling. [Meaning, when you boil the plant, the steam comes thick and powerful.] Also, the engine is a very cost efficient means of transportation. The trasport itself is expensive but the Asha plant and maintenence are not.

Religion no official state religion; but many religions are practiced and welcomed

Social Customs a jovial cry of "WeeYa" is often heard between friends as a greeting. Those that dwell in the land are expected to bow low when in the presence of an Elder and speak to them only when spoken to.

Calendar Lunar calendar is observed

Current Events In the city of Rokomokujin, a festival in honour of the daughter, for whom the city was named, of the Great Elder of the past Ro'Rokometh is held. The festival is a week long and commemorates the victory of the Carmody clan over the Gavin int the first struggle between the two clans over a thousand years ago, when the city was first named and made the capital. Since then the Capital has moved between Harte and Rokomokujin 5 times, and is currently Rokomokujin where it will remain, much to the dismay of the dwindling Gavin clan.

Damshian engineers began research on a new use for the Asha plant, upon request of Trortain. Goal is to discover the abilities of the plants oil, when burned and harnessed, to sustain substantial weight in suspension.
The process is to dehydrate the leaves first, then press them making the oil in the plant leak out. The oil is collected in a basin and then purified. The purification process separates the oil into two parts, a lighter oil and a darker oil result. The lighter oil is then used for testing in the gas envelopes of the Trortain Dirigibles. The darker oil is being tested for use in a new motor idea for the Damsha Transport.

Allies & Alliances On good terms with surrounding areas, Trade is frequent and plentiful

Trortain - Research project for new use for Asha plant. Trade of Asha crop at cost for military aid; results pending
Kraggenfast - General trade
Raaktor Khanates - Open trade border for military aid; pending
Wessex - Trade, Land grant for temple in Rokomokujin; military aid/pending
Ashel Loren - Pending

Places of Note The Damshian Hot Springs Spa in the southern mountains are a popular stopping point in many travels.