Ventali Overview
Ecology
• General Geography: Coastal Lowlands
• Climate: Tropical
• Ocean: Long southern Coast
• Mountains: to the north
• Frequent Trouble: Hurricanes
• Wilderness: 25%
• Wild Animals: uncommon
• Natural Resources: few
Magic
• Rarity: Common
• Commonly Used for: Everything
• View: Respected
• Enchanted item rarity: Common
Politics
• Political Structure: Monarchy
• Influence: Trade Guilds
• Popular Issues: Taxes
• Stability: fairly stable
• Personal Freedoms: very good
• Scandals: common
• Foreign Relations: Good
Culture
• Highly Values: business success
• Known for: Trade and Merchants
• Popular Entertainment: Drinking / Theatre
• Respected Profession: Merchant
• Discrimination: almost none
• Major Taboo(s): Personal Questions
• Major social Ill(s): Gangs
Religion
• Gods: Kaelon, Thaelor
• Theme: Nature, luck, commerce
• Popularity: Worshipped by a fair amount
• Preferred Worship. Communal Ceremony
• Holidays: Infrequent
Economy
• Main Resource: Fish and Logistics
• Main Export: Sailors and Merchants
• Main Import: Building Materials
• Amount of trade: Heavy Surplus
• Strength: Very Strong
• Wealth: Large gap between workers and middle class
Military
• Strength: Fair
• Focus: Navy
• Main Units: Warships
• Soldiers: Mercenaries
• Main Use: Protecting Trade Routes
• Earning Ranks: Merit
Population
• Urban: 80%
• Rural: 20%
• Literacy Rate: 70%
Quick Points
• Heads of State
Viscount Rollo Kepplar
the leader of the country is also the Commander in Chief of the famed Graysail Navy. Ruling out of the royal Earnside Castle, nestled in the northern Shoresprawl Mountains of Ventali. Rollo now into his 50s was a sailor himself as a young man. Through his shrewd business mindset he found himself as a first mate of the comparatively large Tradeship "The Fancy" at 26, which he would later become the Capitan of. He had more than a few brushes with piracy during his time on the water, but his time at sea did not disolve his diplomatic demeanour and seemed to only add to his charm. Proving a success in his shipping ventures until age 43 he was called to the throne upon the death of his Uncle Simeon Kepplar to lead Ventali. Since then he has used his charm and wit to navigate the trecherous waters of the political landscape leading to the countries continuing economic growth and prosperity, by way of shipping contracts with multiple countries governments and larger businesses thoughout the region.
Admiral Bograhm Roxley
The second in command to Viscount Kepplar and the right hand of the mighty Greysail Navy. Admiral Roxley, a half orcish woman has spent her entire career in the military. Coming from a fairly well known family of Greysail Sailors. She has earned her strips many times over on the waves protecting trade routes and enforcing maritime law on the open ocean. A no nonsense leader with an astute eye for talent and capability have allowed her to gain the highest ranking position the military of Ventali has to offer, Admiral of the greatest Navy in the World. Her opinion is heavily considered on all matters of state by Rollo as they have known each other for over half of their lifetimes. She resides with him in Earnside Castle and accompanies him almost everywhere he goes. For a long time there have beenrumors that the two are secret lovers, as Viscount Kepplar has never married, but there has been no evidence to back up these claims.
Spymaster Alton Wraithschild
Spymaster Wraithschild is a small wisp of a man that is rarely seen by the public, certainly less so than the Viscount or the Admiral. A gnomish fellow, rumored to be an adept spellmaster that keeps mostly out of sight, both of the public and otherwise. He is responsible for gathering information on the behalf of the Royal house, including but not limited to the realm of economy, politics, military and magical significance. He is the headmaster of the Royal organization known as the Cerulean Eye, which was historically responsible for reconnaissance missions during the Clash. Since then they have taken a much preferred back seat.
• Coat of Arms / Flag
A fish jumping out of the water with a coin in its mouth
• Government
The government of Ventali is technically a Monarchy, but the influence of the wealthy is such that it functions close to an oligarchy. The Black Leaf especially have a say in what goes on. The two main issues that are heavily discussed are the economy and how to stay out of the way of the empire to the north. Ventali tries to take a very neutral position as if they chose a side, they would only lose contracts. This has been becoming more and more difficult as the conflict drags on with Montbois and Bourgeois.
• Factions
Greysail Navy
The Greysail Navy is renowned as the most powerful navy in the world, patrolling waters all around Faelendor. Currently most of their presence is outside Ventali waters in the west / southweat region around Montbois and Bourgeois protecting valuable shipments from piracy. Ironically they can draw their origin from piracy in the 3rd era. Their riches gained in the early days fueled the rapid growth of Ventali. Now the Navy is an undeniable power in the world due to them controlling the main shipping channels around Faelendor.
Black Leaf Trading Company
The black leaf also known colloquially as the merchants guild. They have their hands in most businesses. Always willing to help, for a nominal fee of course, most businesses pay them their dues to stay competitive. They have found themselves in Ventali because of the focus on entrepreneurship found in the country. The access to massive tradeships and neutral political climate. Headed by chairmen that office out of almost every major metropolitan city on the continent. Their wealth buys them influence amongst most national leaders due to the economic implications of a healthy relationship with the company. Recently they are heavily investing in enchanted items since the recent resurgence of their popularity.
Oldman Barton
Known in most circles as n accomplished business man, Barton controls a sizeable portion of the docks in Ren. His enforcers known as the bootnecks and officially function as dock protection and Barton's personal protection service. Allegedly Barton has ties to the theft ring known as Hatch 22.
Western and Wise
A two man partnership Donn Western and Elijah Wise are world famous treasure hunters that have made their fortune rediscovering lost treasure from previous eras. Their latest score of fame was of a wrecked ship transporting the hoard of the fallen dragon Mesuss, rumored to be over 50,000 gold worth of loot. Donn and Elijah compliment each other very well. Donn is a rougher woodsman type character that uses his skills to lead expiditions onto the uncharted islands dotted across the sea. Elijah lives up to his namesake and uses his expertise as a cartographer to plot courses to these aformentioned islands. They make a great team, and word has it that they are closing in on their biggest score yet, the Pit of Zalzra.
The Yellow Court
Founded and lead by Shepherd Varis, who runs a small shop in the City of Ren and in select circles is known to run a very successful Brothel under the city called the Amber Alcove. Their goals seem to be mostly altruistic, taking care of the weak and fostering a steong sense of community. Their methods however are certainly less than common. Followers, known as members of the flock are known to pay for peoples lavish meals, buy their drinks, provide free psychoactive substances, as well as provide meals and clothing for the leaa fortunate. Not only are they champions of the common folk but they also attract the more affluent of society with their extravagant parties with exotic ammenities. Their internal structure and rituals are very secretive and not much is known abouthem other than thwir charitable acts.
Woodworkers Union
Timber is a very widely imported and expoeted commodity across the continent and lomg ago the workers among the sawmills in the more rural parts of the world started the first ever union of workers to negotiate for better pay. Their presence is not what it used to be, but it they are still one of the favored craft guilds for working men in the more rural parts of the world. Originally founded in Vesh, they maintain a strong foothold in Ventali by way of the city of Millpine due to the really high trade traffic through the ports Ren.
Black Goat of the Wood
A new gang based out of Ventali, the black goat's members are really only known for being highway men and robbers of the more well traveled roads around the coast. Identifiable by their nlavk goat tattoo under the arm, nobody is really sure of their leadership or where they are based, but presumeably they hold up in the wilderness and off the beaten path. Secretly, the Black Goat of the Wood is a cult to the interdimensional great old one Shub-Niggurath and have formed a shaky alliance with Orcus and Beshaba to help find the pages of the ancient book the Necronomicon.
• Noteable Characters
• Alliances
Ventali is officially allied with no state, but unofficially seems to be allied with every state. Being the primary keepers of the shipping lanes they try to stay neutral. Ventali's true alliance is probably only to that of Vesh seeing as the countries have a long and intertwined history dating back to the founding of Ventali itself.
• Enemies
With their adamantly neutral position in the current time of war Ventali doesnt have much of in the way of enemies. Their main rivals if you could call them rivals even are the Eblahmeri far to the north west. Due to various disagreements and missteps on part of both sides the Ventali refuse to ship their goods without a hefty tax. The Eblahmeri instead choose to ship their own goods mainly by way of caravan over land and into the empire, but also by sea avoiding the trade routes.
• Cities / Towns / Villages
Ren
The largest city in the country and the largest port city in the world. Ren is a a metropolis populated by all sorts of people. Ships from all alomg the coast of Faelendor stop and start their journeys from these docks. On the surface Ren is mostly a beautiful city, the sky bridges that connect the wealthier districts to each other are something to behold, and all manner of goods or comforts can be found here for a price. Just under the surface there is an seedy underground thattraffics. The more illegal wares. Gang violence, smuggling, bribery and corruption run through the city at seemingly every level.
Home to the base of operation for the Black Leaf trading company, the Rybar Institute and a healthy smuggling community, whether a traveler is looking to find wealth, knowledge or trouble, they can certainly find more than they bargain for in Ren.
Earnside
The royal city of Earnside tucked amongst the craggy rocks of the Shoresprawl range. The city itself is built upon a large Mesa surrounded by peaks. The rocky soil is not conducive to growing actual crops, but hardy grasses do prosper here so most of the food is from cattle and imported from the coast. Home to many of the more noble families of Ventali, Earnside is known mostly for its prestigous schools, both military and scholarly alike.
The Kaibelt Military Academy specializes in training officers and is mandatory to attend for all higher ranking Sailors in the Greysail Navy.
The Tasserion Library specializes in the teaching of history and more expert knowledge of nature, mathematics, engineering and the like.
The Cerulean Eye is said to be headquarted here, presumably in the underground tunnel network beneath the city.
As the mesa overlooks the coastlands below the Royal castle overlooks the city of Earnside. Built mostly by dwarves in the 3rd era, serving as a stronghold during the Clash the Earnside Castle has been the home to the Kepplar Family for many generations now.
Beechwall
The worlds largest Naval Military base, Beechwall is located on the Western side of Ventali near the border of Montbois. Its namesake comes from the natural rocky outcroppings And small islands athat dot the coastline in a semi circle around the harbor creating a natural defensive position. Much like the rest of Ventali, Beechwall can trace its origins to piracy and was one of the first cities settled due to its naturally protective harbor.
The city of Beechwall isnt the largest, especially compared to Ren, and the city itself is almost purpose built around the Naval base itself, supplying housing, supplies and entertainment for sailors on leave. Its an older city and the officials here, mostly career military men don't put too much of the taxes back into repairs and upkeep of infrastructure. Just the bare minimum for the maintaining of logistics. This is probably one of the reasons that there is not much of a civilian population that stays here. It is not a pretty or exciting city.
The famous Beechwall Forge Original is here known for their superior craftsmanship and the official supplier of weapons and armor for the Greysail Navy.
Faelton
Located on the far west tip of Ventali on the border of Montbois and Gerumelia Faelton normally acts as a large hub of trade between the three countries. A beautiful city where most of the far eastern goods are brought to market, Faelton is known for their both real and imitation ancient curiosities. It is home to the Netherridge Museum which is world renowned for its 3rd and 4th era artifacts.
Since the start of the conflict between the other two countries the commerce has crawled to a halt to maintain neutral standing between the two military powerhouses. Fighting has yet to spill over the border, but tension is continuing to rise. As it does the Grey Sail Navy is starting to relocate small battalions in civilian dress to the surrounding area, just incase.
Waelmoar
Having started as a small logging settlement Waelmoar has grown far beyond that capacity and into one of the larger cities in Ventali. Advantageously enough the area surrounding the city is home to the very rar Vikrab tree that is used to create glues and rubbers and is one of the few climates that has an abundance oof them.
The influx of wealth to the town sparked a population surge that grew the town into what it is today. Somewhat of a tourist destination travelers flock here to see the various performing acts and to spend their coin in the gambling halls. Similar to Ren, Waelmoar does have a reputation for being a dangerous place for the common man who can not only lose himself to the vice laden city, but also to the cut throats that are looking for easy marks.
Naesby
Another city built into the Shoresprawl Mountain range by Dwarves long ago like Earnside, Naesby has served as a strategicly placed stronghold. Positioned on the highest peak in the range, Mount Terot, the city looks out over Ventali to the south and Gerumelia to the North.
Recently a disease of unknown origin has been cripplimg the local population. The city has been on quarantine for months with no signs of improvement any time soon.
Moorwick
A small town out of the way and not visited much by travelers. It is located in Witchbrook Swamp very near the eastern border with Vesh. The fog that hangs on the town seems to never quite fade. It is the home to a Temple of Selune and the main source of income for people here are the rarer mushrooms that grow in the Witchbrook.
The swamp around Moorwick is very dangerous for the average person, and ia known to be home to many species of dangerous creatures. Grungs especially are a problem for anyone caught wandering the swamp.
Fairpond
Located on the edge of Rocklyn Lake, Fairpond is a slow farming and fishing community that is known for producing scholars. Fairpond does have a very small library, but not much in the way of worldly knowledge so its uncanny how they seem to produce such a large percentage of acedemics.
Under the Rocklyn lake there is a large network of underground caverns that is home to all sorts of cave dwelling creature the most known are the Myconids. Their spores are known as a remedy for many sorts of psychological issues and are sought out by many for this and for peraonal exploration.
Millpine
Somewhere between a town and a city, Millpine is centered around their namesake the Quindal Mill. The town itself is located a few days to the east of Ren located in the Primmberry Forest. It supplies most of the lumber for the ships built out of Ren and also exports via Ren to other parts of the world. Millpine's relationship with the surrounding forest used to be problematic until a wandering Druid known simply as Gaedem took up residence there to be a go between.
The town of Millpine is very quite and is mainly known just for its mill and to be somewhat of a retreat from the metropolitan hustle and bustle of nearby Ren. Many tourists come every year from Ren in the Spring to celebrate The Seeding, or as most would call it, the planting of new trees.
Raycliff
A farming town that sits at the foot of the Shoresprawl mountains. Raycliff provides food to the cities up in the Mountains. A quite and relatively boring town there are not many reasons one would visit Raycliff except for one.
Raycliffs most noteable feature is very hard to miss for anyone new to the area. The town sits infront of an absolutely massive door that stands roughly 80 ft tall and is 35ft wide. Many have tried, but none have been able to open the door. The glyphs on the door seem to have been magic at one point and can be traced back to ancient draconian. As far as anyone knows nobody has been able to actually open the door, but there are rumors that a secret passageway can be found somewhere in the surrounding area.
Entmont
The town that sits on top of a large mound in the middle of the Witherbane Wood, it gets its namesake for a very uncommon occurance that is not known to happen with any regularity anywhere else. Every 25 years on the Spring Solstice the two trees closest to the town are awakened and become Ents.
While miraculous this does have an impact on the city. All the structures are built from mudbrick and sod is typically burnt for warmth in the winter for warmth as you never want to mistake an Ent for a regular tree.
The locals and the treefolk do have a mutual respect of each other and there is a festival for the newly awakened trees that the Ents participate in. Likewise the Ents collect fallen branches and bring them to the town as an offering every winter.
Oldlark
Oldlark is a town that was built by the followers of Chieftain Dalkon Cantonda, a hero from the Clash. After the Dragons flew over his homeland destoying all in their path, it is said that Dalkon tracked them into Ventali and slew them 1 at a time single handidly After which he gained the title of ascended. He is entombed here in Oldlark with his prized Greataxe. The town even borrows his nickname "Oldlark".
The town is very small, but many know of it as the followers of the late chieftain are always proselytizing and trying to win the the new lesser diety followers.
Graywell
Greywell has been a place of great intrigue especially among magical scholars for Centuries. There are spontaneous magical events that spring forth randomly as if the barrier between the planes is very thin. These anomolies are generated in pockets of various size and shape. Some believe this is a Draconic curse left over from the Clash and some believe it to be a thinning between the Faewild and the material. Whatever it may actually be the sometimes dangerous events have forced all but the bravest and most stubborn locals to find another place to call home.
• Points of Interest
Moonlit Lady (Shipwreck)
Off the coast of Beechwall, sank a very large pirate vessel that was rumored to be carrying the stolen gems of the Wetby family. Among them, the prized possession the Glass Eye of Tortu, which according to legend is able to grant brief glimpses into the future.
Solace (Shipwreck)
Not much is known about The Solace other than it belonged to a legendary Elvish explorer by the name of Elion Gwaelon from the 3rd era. He was famous for producing the first comprehensive maps of the coastline by sailing around the world.
The Bottom Barrel (Shipwreck)
One if the largest ahips ever created and definitely the largest at the time, the Bottom Barrel was a battleship that carried supplies across the ocean during the Clash.
The Cayman (Shipwreck)
The Cayman is a small ship that belonged to the Legendary dragon hunter Pello Falrin. Supposedly burnt to cinders before reaching the shore while carrying loot from a dragon horde.
Viiragohl's Cave
Located in the crags of the Shoresprawl Mountains this cave was once home to the dragon Viiragohl. Its actual location has yet to be discovered, but according to scholars it is refrenced in texts brought back from ransacked Draconic temples across the sea.
The Black Hollow
A very large sinkhole in the Witchbrook Swamp, estimated to be at least a mile deep. The local towns people avoid it because it is deep in the dangerous swamp, but a few of the curious visitors have reported strange sounds echoing up from the depths.
Coldstone Cove
Once home to frost giants, their magics still linger here and in this natural cave along the water and for some diatance out into the ocean the temperature is drastically lower than the rest of Ventali.
• Economy
The economy of Ventali is heavily based on logistics, specifically the transporting of goods from one side of the continent to the other ptimarily by ship, but secondarily by land via different merchants.
For the most part the country produces very little as far as exportable goods are concerned, and imports quite a lot. Their protection or as some would argue, extortion of the safer shipping lanes make this possible as the waters outside of the reach of the Grey Sail Navy are known to be home to pirates and worse. Because of this the way to get rich in Ventali is through knowledge based crafts. A very common one being that of an accountant.