Koritan

Kingdom of Koritan
Capital	Prevela
Ruler	Great Servant of Asmodeus Antan Haritir
Government	Theocratic monarchy
Demonym	Koritanite
Adjective	Koritanite
Languages	Razgovir, Common, Infernal, Koritan
Religions	Asmodeus; Green Faith; other deities to lesser degrees

Koritan (pronounced KOR-ih-ten), formally the Kingdom of Koritan, is a realm north of the Phiora Sea where the clergy of Asmodeus hold great influence. The rulers and upper classes of Koritan have come to believe in Hell as the most ordered society in existence, and seek to replicate its strict lawful and ordered hierarchies in their earthly realm.

Geography, flora, and fauna

Geography and climate

Located across a vast expanse of the north coast of the Phiora Sea and stretching up to the Northern Wall, Koritan is a colder realm than most. Cool summers and freezing winters are common most years, though the worst of the winter weather is usually moderated by the Phiora. While plains are somewhat common in the coastal regions, in the north boreal forests cover most of the landscape. A number of rivers run through Koritan, mostly originating in the Northern Wall or the Scrios Mountains - the largest of these are the Rivers Iskartan, Veleda, and Yanten.

Parts of the Sciath Bay, particularly near the strait at its entrance, feature a unique geological phenomenon. Interlocking basalt columns form an incredibly distinctive beach and coastline. While the origins of this feature are unknown, some Koritanite scholars believe the volcanic material was sent to the Material Plane from Avernus (though it is important to note that this formation far predates the infernal pact).

Some ancient underground ruins and abandoned mines burn seemingly eternally under Koritan. These are suspected to be the result of the fires of Hell escaping from planar tears and coming into proximity with the unique geology of the region, which includes some rocks that provide an apparently inexhaustible fuel. These fires make the exploration of many ancient ruins in Koritan far more treacherous.

In some parts of Koritan, especially in the north, seemingly natural-looking rises are actually the remains of ancient hill forts. Certain types of fey seem to be attracted to these hills in particular, and many rural Koritanites remain highly superstitious around them.

Flora

Hawthorn, apple, elm, oak, and poplar trees are common around the southern regions of Koritan, as are a number of other types of trees. In the north, these give way to the spruces and pines of the boreal forests. A wide array of bushes and other types of underbrush are commonplace as well.

Animals

Some of the megafauna that live in the Northlands also regularly cross into Koritan, especially megaloceros, smilodons, and cave bears. Most wildlife of the region is smaller than these, however, and includes wolves, brown bears, pine martens, beavers, stoats, lynx, wolverines, mountain goats, moose, ermines, sika deer, and dall sheep. Common birds include condors, bald eagles, harlequin ducks, puffins, ptarmigans, lapwings, great auks, and spectacled cormorants. Salmon, char, trout, and other fish live in the rivers of Koritan.

Stellar sea cows are common sights on the coastline of the Phiora Sea near Sciath Bay. Absolutely gigantic sea-dwelling mammals, these creatures can grow up to thirty feet long. These sea cows acquired their name from the speckled, constellation-like patterns on their tough outer hides. These patterns seem to shift as the sea cows travel, apparently reflecting the status of the night sky at their location. When the animal dies, the patterns stop changing, providing a permanent indication of where the creature met its end. Traditionally, some sailors believe it is possible to navigate by using the stellar sea cow hides as star charts.

Magical creatures

Magical creatures abound in Koritan, ranging from the simple and mostly harmless to the highly dangerous. Rocs, griffon, and gorgons are common sights in the region of Koritan closer to the Scrios Mountains. Mandragora can be found throughout the southern plains, hiding among the taller grasses. Gholes and gowrow are some of the more terrifying creatures in the region, though they are mostly limited to the far north.

Though elusive, sasquatch have been confirmed to live in the remote parts of Koritan, particularly in the northeast and far west. Attempts to communicate (or fight) them typically are met with failure, as the sasquatch greatly prefer their solitude and isolation.

Large amounts of fey live in Koritan, as they do across much of the northern side of the Phiora Sea. The Asmodeans strongly dislike the chaotic nature of the fey and try to control or eliminate them when possible.

History

Old Razgovir

Together with Izgrev, the lands that are today Koritan were for many centuries known as Razgovir. Razgoviri society was led by innumerable druids, who served as protectors, leaders, and guides to their communities and local areas, often consulting and working alongside local fey. While the druids were generally benevolent, this situation was often highly chaotic and unstable. The human, orc, and giant tribes of Laurentia frequently launched raids into Koritan in search of loot and captives.

Viridian conquest and retreat

The reign of Viridian king Turan IV, commonly referred to as the Sun King, marked a time of rapid expansion and conquest for the Dominion. In conjunction with the legions sent to invade Ishtar, armies were also directed to bring Viridian rule to the lands north and west around the Phiora Sea. Beginning in Y9356^*, Viridian legions made quick progress in their conquest of the disunited territory, securing most of what would become modern Izgrev and Koritan by Y9368^*. The druids were swept aside, and Viridian nobility were appointed to serve as leaders in their stead.

Viridian governance was not precisely benevolent. The nobles and senatorial families granted positions and titles in Razgovir continued their old disagreements and feuds, but now in a land where they were free from the laws of the Dominion. Cities, divided amongst multiple rulers, became repressive and squalid, as Viridian rulers were more interested in enriching themselves and furthering their position than in caring about their new subjects. The countryside across most of Razgovir descended into a land of anarchic bandits. Some Viridian nobles attempted to rectify this situation, but any efforts proved ultimately futile.

In the decades of their occupation, as their communities crumbled and their families suffered, many in Razgovir attempted to fight against the Viridians. By far the most effective group within the Razgoviri was an alliance between clerics of Asmodeus and the nobles of the city of Prevela. Out of desperation, these nobles entered into an infernal pact, receiving devil advisors and supernatural abilities in exchange for ceding the soul of their future kingdom and granting the Asmodeans power and influence in perpetuity. Using the devils summoned to their cause, the Prevelans were able to halt the Viridian legions and stop their city from ever being taken. Despite many misgivings about their methods, Prevela soon became a symbol across the region, with many professing their support.

After the death of the Sun King in Y9402^*, Viridian control of their new territories quickly fell apart. Viridian nobles retained their firm grip on the nation that would become modern day Izgrev, but were unable to effectively counter the rising tide of resistance elsewhere north of the Phiora. Soon after the abandonment of their Ishtaran territories in Y9410^*, the legions left Koritan as well.

Infernal Koritan

In the power vacuum that followed, the Prevelans were able to quickly consolidate control of other cities and their surrounding countryside. Decades of struggle against the Viridians had left many of the people of Razgovir tired and searching for anything to bring stability and peace. The Prevelans, presenting themselves as the answer to the lawlessness and squalor that had long held sway, quickly expanded. While in many places the arrival of the Prevelans was cheered for their role in kicking out the Viridians, in others they used the devils granted to them to maintain order by force. In Y9414^* this new realm was declared as the Kingdom of Koritan, stretching from Ezetoro in the west to Edis in the east. The personal and dynastic names of the first king of Koritan have been struck from history for their later betrayal of the Asmodeans, though the details of this remain shrouded to all but the high clergy.

By Y9420^* Koritan had grown farther, expanding to additionally encompass all of the cities between River Yanten and River Athea, except for those already under Razivian control. By this time worship of Asmodeus had spread and become highly popular throughout the realm, helped in no small part by the declaration of the church of Asmodeus to be the state religion. Particularly devout (and shrewd) Koritans were granted titles, becoming a new noble class. Unlike the Viridians, however, they worked towards building a unified nation, one where inequality might be commonplace but at least there was peace and stability.

Horrors from under the Scrios

The last vestiges of active and public discontent with the Asmodeans was soon quelled after the emergence of a horde of qlippoth from under the Scrios Mountains in Y9497^*. Though the terrible creatures destroyed the cities of Brashran and Havda, Koritan and the Asmodeans responded quickly. The portals the qlippoth traveled through were closed, and the beasts from the Abyss gradually eliminated. Since then, even those who previously resisted the infernal influence in Koritan have come to see the infernal advisors to the kingdom as a beacon of safety against all threats both mundane and monstrous.

Wars with Izgrev

Resenting the continued rule of Viridian nobles in Izgrev, and wishing to further expand their infernal influence, the monarchs of Koritan waged many wars against their neighbor to the southwest. In the culmination of their last conflict in Y9735^*, Koritanite battlemages cursed the entire border region between the two realms, leaving it incredibly hostile to life. The Cursed Barrens, as they are now known, is now a no man’s land of warped creatures and dangerous hazards.

Independence of Talam Galta

The easternmost part of Koritan declared independence in Y9956^*, calling themselves the Free People of Talam Galta. This region especially had long chafed under the infernal rule of the kingdom, and clerics of various faiths, particularly those of Milani, had carefully cultivated a network of rebellious individuals. Unwilling to accept the loss of its subjects, Koritan immediately went to war against the breakaway state. In a long and brutal campaign, the forces of the rebellion were slowly pushed back. The rebellion quickly lost control of the cities on River Yanten, and over the next fifteen years was forced to withdraw all the way to the current borders at River Archar, fighting at great cost against the armies of Koritan. Since Y9962^*, the conflict has cooled somewhat. Both sides maintain regular patrols along the Archar, and small skirmishes are commonplace. Most in Talam Galta believe Koritan is simply gathering its strength for one final push, and wait in fear for their defeat by the infernal kingdom.

Demographics

Koritan is largely human but has sizable populations of other ancestries as well. There is a very significant number of orcish citizens in particular - the land that is now Koritan has been inhabited by orcs since ancient times, and many of the descendants of these orcs have integrated into the infernal society. Koritan also has large minority populations of tieflings, changelings, fetchlings, and ifrit. Some particularly zealous diabolists harbor a dislike for aasimar, and many aasimar who are born in Koritan attempt to leave the region.

Culture

Religion

Asmodeus is the primary deity worshiped within Koritan, especially fervently by the upper classes - the Prince of Hell is generally less popular among the poorer parts of society. The other archdevils are followed by specific segments of the population as well, mostly depending on the domains of each archdevil in question. The worship of some other deities is tolerated, as long as one does not preach beliefs that undermine or contradict the Asmodean clergy. Certain gods, for example Desna, Milani, and Kazutal, are outright prohibited, with their faithful and clergy persecuted.

Koritanite followers of Asmodeus do not just venerate the god and other archdevils, but also view the structures of Hell to be worth reproducing in mortal life on the Material Plane. As such, they usually view the strictly ordered society of Koritan very favorably, and seek to extend the reach of the law where possible. Despite the otherwise strict adherence to Asmodean tenets, Koritanite followers of the God of Hell by and large look at slavery distastefully. Most, however, see absolutely nothing wrong (and in fact, look favorably upon) contracts that put one party in a state of perpetual indentured servitude.

The Asmodean clergy is strictly ordered and well-defined. Every devout follower of the god of Hell is aware of their role in the hierarchy, and would only dare to usurp their superiors if those above them are seen as weak. Asmodean clergy in Koritan dress in fine black clothes with striking red accents, and sometimes include horned masks in their wardrobes for ceremonial purposes.

Among worshipers of Asmodeus elsewhere in the world, the Koritanite clergy are strongly respected and their proclamations heeded. Most consider Koritan to have received the infernal blessing of Asmodeus, and therefore the Koritanite clergy to be above other mortal Asmodeans.

Traditions

All wealthy and powerful families in Koritan have their own intricate coat of arms, and heraldry is widely used to mark possessions or relations. Infernal symbolism is the most widespread on these coats of arms, but imagery from other sources also makes frequent appearances.

Old traditional practices in Koritan were markedly different from the dominant modern practices. Historically, Razgoviri society relied heavily on druidic leadership - druids were leaders and guides to the people they lived around, and also watched over the surrounding lands. The Green Faith and the practices associated with it were widespread, though today only remain strong in the northern communities. Old Razgoviri had complex relationships with the many fey that lived and still remain in the region - sometimes hostile, sometimes helpful. While some of the lower classes still ascribe to these beliefs and follow these traditions, the Asmodean ruling class has spent much time and effort in stamping out the old practices, with a large degree of success.

Among the rural populations who are less under the thumb of the infernal leadership, druids continue to keep alive ancient practices and the worship of the natural world. The Asmodean cardinals have long attempted to stop these traditions, viewing them as a threat to their order and stability, but the druidic practices have proven quite resilient. In large part this is due to their popularity among the rural and isolated populations in Koritan, who support, hide, and protect the druids when necessary.

Society

Society in Koritan, especially for the upper classes, is fundamentally self-interested. Following Asmodeus’ tenets, those with the ability to exploit others view such actions as morally correct and obligated by their society. As such, despite the pleasantries that are often shared between members of the upper classes, and all their social gathering and events, wealthy and powerful Koritanites are permanently attempting to gain an upper hand over their peers. Friendships are frequently negotiation tactics rather than a genuine display of goodwill. This is far less the case among the common people of Koritan, who generally view their sense of community as a collective good.

Languages

The majority of the common people of Koritan are fluent in Razgovir and use it as their primary language. Common is understood widely as well. Other regional languages are less frequently spoken, though some citizens of Koritan are fluent in Thadrian. Racial languages see common use among individuals of relevant ancestries, but little outside that context. More recently, the Asmodean clergy have begun attempting to introduce a new language in Koritan, called simply Koritan. This constructed language has more in common with Infernal than it does with Razgovir, and features an altered vocabulary as well - for example, words to easily describe concepts like the rebellion are nonexistent, but there is a huge variety in precise honorifics.

The upper classes of Koritan prefer to use Infernal as their day to day language of choice. Fluency in Infernal and mastery of its often tricky homophones and deceptive conciseness is seen as a mark of stature in Koritan, befitting someone in high society.

Art

Traditional art in Koritan includes metalworking, stone carving, and painting using highly stylized motifs featuring depictions of plants, animals, and geometric shapes. Most ancient ruins in the region incorporate these designs heavily, and they remain somewhat popular with the lower classes. The wealthier part of Koritanite society, however, favors extremely realistic artwork displaying infernal symbolism. Most self-respecting members of the upper class commission regular portraits of themselves, which are then displayed in their places of residence. This practice is extremely lucrative for skilled artists, many of whom travel to the kingdom despite the sometimes unsavory characters that are the subjects of their portraits.

Magic

Koritan has a relatively high proportion of divine casters, including clerics, warpriests, and especially inquisitors. The Infernal Interrogators, inquisitors of Asmodeus in service to Koritan, are widely feared among those in the kingdom who do not follow the King of Hell. Alongside their mortal membership, the Interrogators also make heavy use of imps, who they deploy as spies to watch individuals under suspicion.

Occupations

Many Koritanites become barristers, in keeping with Asmodeus’ interests. Experts in their own byzantine and intricate legal code, these barristers form an integral part of Koritanite society by staffing the courts and temples as well as serving as advisors to the upper class. Some choose to take their training and go to other parts of the world, but this is less common.

Food and cuisine

Farms in Koritan grow a number of crops, with wheat as the staple grain. Generally, the types of crops grown are those best suited to colder climates or shorter growing seasons, but this is less the case in the southern parts of Koritan. Vegetables like cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, spinach, and others are common, as are fruits like apples, pears, and grapes.

For many inhabitants of Koritan, the ingredients available are limited to those that are locally grown. While large amounts of foodstuffs from elsewhere are imported, these don’t generally make it to the interior communities of the north. Wine is the most popular drink of choice in Koritan, included in everyday meals. The wineries on the southern coast are world-renowned for their quality. Some dishes that are commonly eaten in Koritan include the following:

• Meat and rice rolled in pickled cabbage leaves
• Thin, flaky pastries stuffed with meats, spinach, or cheeses, usually rolled into a spiral and cut in sections
• Cornmeal and potato porridge
• Spicy fermented sausage
• Casserole of fried eggplants and other vegetables
• Sweet leavened breads for dessert

Architecture and urbanization

The major cities of Koritan are built in a highly decorative and ornamental style. Religious and governmental buildings, as well as the manors of the wealthy, are specifically intended to inspire awe (or fear). Decorative domes, columns, and large interiors are all staple features of this style of architecture. The homes and shops used by the lower classes of Koritan are far more simplistic, usually basic stone and wood constructions, far more utilitarian in design. City centers and the buildings along major thoroughfares are usually designed in the highly ornamental style, so that individuals of high status traveling along them do not have to see the less grand buildings used by the common people.

Prevela, the capital of Koritan, only recently completed an almost two century-long project to demolish and rebuild almost the entirety of the city to follow a new design. The old, somewhat haphazard layout of streets was replaced with a new set of major roadways that form a pentagram within the city. Large expanses of the city had to be destroyed to see this project to completion - while the wealthy largely relocated or rebuilt their homes as necessary, most were not able to do so. Other cities, in particular Havda and Valchitan, have begun similar efforts.

Most of the population of Koritan is located in the east near Razivia, or else around Sciath Bay. The north and west in particular are sparsely populated. The majority of the region’s inhabitants live in small towns or villages, though some Koritanite cities are quite large. The infernal rules of Koritan generally hold less sway as one moves away from the major population centers, as the Interrogators are less able to enforce their laws.

Travel

The roads of Koritan vary widely in their quality and level of maintenance. The southern routes that connect the major cities are kept in very good condition, while the roads between the northern towns and cities are generally left to decay unless an urgent need arises. When possible, most Koritanites choose to travel by sea instead.

While Koritanite rulers and administrators have long attempted to attract immigrants by portraying their kingdom as a haven of law and order, many are put off by the starkly unequal nature of Koritanite society. Still, some find these desirable characteristics and relocate to the infernal kingdom. Conversely, emigration is restricted as much as possible, with outbound ships subject to routine and thorough inspections to ensure all are approved to depart (as well as checking all trade goods are approved and no smuggling is taking place).

Leisure

Wealthier individuals in Koritan often enjoy wargames as entertainment, which are usually played against their peers. These are frequently days-long events involving high levels of planning, with the game’s components set up on multiple large tables. Some manors have dedicated rooms for this purpose, so that the activity can be set aside for a night and picked up again the next day with no disruption. Physical parts of the games are often enchanted so as to mock out their activities - knight pawns, for example, might be animated to fight each other.

Fashion

Koritanite wardrobes include many layers of clothing, both for practical and fashionable purposes. Most clothing consists of many bright colors, which often contrast with each other. Outfits tend to be more complex and elaborate for the upper class, and more utilitarian for the common people.

Education

The monarchy and the Asmodean clergy have attempted to expand education across the kingdom as much as possible, opening and funding schools that provide free education and encouraging all to attend. Low literacy rates would inhibit the ability for the Asmodeans to spread their official narratives and accounts of events, which might differ from what the people have experienced themselves. Among the more isolated rural populations, especially those in the north who have long harbored hostility to the Asmodeans, government institutions of learning are not trusted as they are seen to risk the molding of one’s mind by the infernal clergy.

Government

Though Koritan is a hereditary monarchy, the king or queen holds a largely symbolic role. The real power rests with the clergy of Asmodeus, who direct all the affairs of the realm. The highest rank of the clergy are known as cardinals, with high priests and priests below them. Cardinals, alongside devils acting as infernal advisors, serve on the monarch’s council and provide suggestions and advice. While the monarch is capable of unilaterally vetoing any action, in practice the suggestions of the council are almost always accepted.

The kings and queens of Koritan are careful to hold tightly to the laws and commands that originate from their infernal pact. In the past when rulers have slipped, they have been quickly and “disappeared” by the agents of Hell and replaced - few wish to repeat this. The monarchs often use the title “Great Servant of Asmodeus” as their honorific.

None outside the monarchs and cardinals of Koritan know the precise details about the infernal pact their ancestors entered into many centuries ago. The exact plans of the devils are not understood by the broader world, though seemingly they are willing to interfere in mortal concerns far more regularly in Koritan than they do elsewhere.

Laws in Koritan are rigid and punishment is strict. While local guards and courts handle most transgressions, those who severely or flagrantly break the law are pursued by the Asmodean inquisitors and, once captured, tried by the Infernal Courts. Koritanite inquisitors frequently operate outside Koritan, though they try to obtain the consent of local rulers first (often through coercion).

The laws of Koritan hold that all are provided basic protections, as long as one accepts their role in the hierarchy. While this entails greatly curtailed freedoms, including of religion, speech, privacy, and sometimes even free movement, protection is guaranteed as long as one serves their expected role and pays homage to the Asmodean priesthood and monarchy.

In general, the people of Koritan are predisposed against slavery, though it remains technically legal. Despite not following this particular tenet of Asmodeus to the letter, the Prince of Hell and his minions evidently do not take issue with the lack of slavery in Koritan. Many Koritanite nobles and wealthy merchants will, however, coerce people into terribly exploitive contracts that are slavery in all but the technicalities.

Koritan is one of the few regions of the world to have a standing military, though most of the time it operates at a highly reduced capacity. The military is led by powerful battlemages, who not only direct their troops but engage in combat themselves, providing benefits to their allies and handicapping their enemies.

Economy

Koritan is a major mercantile power in the Phiora Sea, second only to Viridia. The Dominion heavily restricts Koritanite trade through the Tanerde Gates, and as a result merchants from Koritan have to resort to trickery, bribery, or carefully arranged contracts and shell operations to move their goods past the Gates.

Wealthier Koritanites frequently use exploitative contracts, both when dealing with merchants and with their employees. These contracts are often carefully worded to provide advantages to the writer, often in ways that are not immediately obvious. When it comes to employees, these contracts often end up with the employee in a state of indentured servitude, little better than slavery.

Koritan has some valuable natural resources, such as  obsidian from the Scrios Mountains, pearls harvested in Sciath Bay, and wood from the extensive northern forests.