The South

Government
There are eight major cities in the southern nation, each led by a different wealthy family. Several generations ago, the country was torn apart by feuds, until the Kastairn family proposed to unite under one name and rule as one. The Kastairn's efforts earned them the reputation of being just and fair, allowing their city to become the capital. Three other royal families of major cities include the Batrun, Tanith, and Shol, who have sworn fealty to the Kastairns for generations.

Aside from the major eight, the southern nation is home to hundreds of smaller cities, towns, and villages. Most fall under the jurisdiction of one of the ruling cities, but some choose to govern themselves. These are exempt from tithes and taxes by the major cities, but enjoy no protection in return.

Beliefs
The South is host to a wide variety of religions, from all over Kalon.

It was the South where the worship of the Celestial Dhanir originated, among others, and is still widely practiced throughout Southern cities, even with the introduction of new Celestials and rites from other nations. Dhanir is the Celestial of homecoming, of safety in travel, of bonds between souls even over distance. If one lives their life in building those bonds, sharing goodness with those around them, they will have a home in the astral plane in the next life. The sky is Dhanir's domain, so his followers are never far from his presence, and all the stars are the lanterns of the departed as they watch over and guide travelers on their way home.

Small shrines to Dhanir can be found all over the South, and less frequently in other parts of Kalon, from actual places of worship to simple rock cairns built over a written prayer, often found marking a safe path through dangerous terrain. As a keeper of souls, the practice of blood magic, and especially soul binding, is an affront to Dhanir.

Bal-sunar is the goddess favored by practitioners of blood magic, namely the Lekapos family. She represents sacrifice, power, and betrayal, and grants the use of blood magic to favored individuals. Because of her cruel nature, she does not limit her gift solely to worshipers, instead allowing blood sigils to be used and studied freely where it could cause the most harm. Bal-sunar revels in the chaos of power struggle, and the carnage that inevitably follows blood feuds is her feast.

Blood Magic
While blood magic is a taboo or outright illegal in many parts of the world, the Southern nation is far more relaxed around the use of blood magic, being far more open to mages of all kinds. The Lekapos family are recognized as the head of the cult of Bal-sunar in the South, so their city, their allied cities, and all towns and villages under their rule are free to use blood magic as they wish.

Until a few years ago, blood magic was also tolerated by the Kastairns and their allied cities, as long as blood mages caused no harm in their practices. Three years ago, however, Dunaetha became outspoken against the practice, though she could not outlaw it without losing much support and several allies.

Blood magic is done through the use of sigils. The blood used in the circle is usually that of the person or creature that will be affected by the spell, though there are some variances. Once the sigil is drawn, the spell is cast when the mage places their hand in the center - though again, there are variances. Multiple individuals can be targeted with a single circle if a mix of blood is used, but spreading the effect can weaken the overall magic.

There are a few consistent spells that most students of the practice are able to learn, or at least learn the theory of. A few fringe mages know how to develop their own spells, but they are difficult to find, even for the Lekapos.

Geography
The Southern nation sports a warm, dry climate of mostly deserts and grasslands. One major mountain range cuts through a third of the region, where the elevation allows snow in the winter. Water flows out of the peaks to feed the vast river, most heavily in the spring; settlements and cities along its banks enjoy rich agriculture, and fertile forests thrive in the subtropics.

Wildlife
Herd animals such as antelope and ibex are plentiful around the mountains and grasslands, while the shaggier mountain goats inhabit the peaks. Puma and snow leopards also rove the range, preying on unsuspecting travelers and the herds of mountain villages. The dunes hide venomous reptiles of every shape and size hidden under the sand from the sun. Travelers are encouraged to carry antidote should they fail to watch their step.

Horses, while not native to the region, were introduced hundreds of years ago through trade with other kingdoms, and now a handful of wild herds roam the grasslands. Modern breeds are well-adapted to the South’s climate and are as good a beast of burden as any native desert creature.

History
Several generations ago, the southern country was torn apart by feuds, until the Kastairn family proposed to unite under one name and rule as one. The Kastairn's efforts earned them the reputation of being just and fair, allowing their city to become the capital, and to acquire the sworn allegiance of three other families.

However, the Lekapos family refused to follow the Kastairn family, as they were far wealthier, leading their city with fear by hiring mercenary soldiers to police their people and keep them controlled. The Lekapos also practiced blood magic - a legal art, but frowned upon by many - and with this craft, they became the only family in the southern region to successfully create a phylactery in recent decades. For these reasons, they considered themselves more fitting rulers. They earned one ally, and both Lekapos-controlled cities openly opposed the Kastairns for years, but never moved against them. The remaining two cities preferred their independence and stayed neutral, keeping peace with the feuding families but supporting neither side.

Thael Lekapos left his family to court Dunaetha Kastairn, causing a massive rift between families when they eventually married. Thael was effectively disowned by the Lekapos for sharing the blood magic skill with their perceived enemy. It has been over eight years since then, and both sides have lashed out several times with devastating consequences, though the Kastairns still hold their position for now. The southern country teeters on the edge of civil war, and travelers there must take care lest they find themselves swept up in the feuds.

Jaraska
The majority capital of the South controlled by the Kastairn family, led by Dunaetha Kastairn and her husband Thael. It was formerly led by by Dunirias, now deceased, and his wife Neri. The city is located by the bay and has a major hub of trade routes spanning not just the region, but all of Kalon.

Aimirum
The minority capital of the South led by Metsis Lekapos, a blood mage of unknown age whose soul is bound to a phylactery. Situated in the mountains; most of the raw materials produced by the South are mined here. A second major city lies under their control, though the royal family took on the Lekapos name upon pledging themselves, thus the old name has been lost to history.

Oriflamme
An independent factory city known for its production of valuable weapons and refinery of raw resources. The city is controlled by an underground organization known as Chariot, while Lady Tessleen is responsible for the weapon trade.

Aubade
A beach resort located at the south east of the region, consisting of a few hotels along the ocean, mainly serving to collect gold for the capital through tourism.

Roashan
An independent collection of islands inside the southern ocean, worshipping the Celestial Dionas.