Ta’Kanasiti
The forested mountain realm of Ta’ Kanasiti.
| Regional Information | |
|---|---|
| Population | 258,753 |
| Capital | Asthiert Valoth |
| Government | Great House and Lesser Houses |
| Major Religions | Dra’Pahkun and Quarial Ta’luthin beliefs |
| Imports / Exports | Alchemical components, ceramic products, hemp, horses, marble, spices, steel, stone, tea, timber, talc, void ship components, rare and very rare spellcraft componentry |
| Total Area | 157,500 sq. miles |
| Dimensions | Length: 450 miles Width: 350 miles |
| Elevation | Average: 6,850 feet Lowest: 3,500 feet |
| Known For | Ta’Jahu mountain cities, tircha art, protected valleys, Great House rule, Via’ Asthierr Mountains |
| Major Terrain | Forested mountains, warm glades, quiet streams, lakes, bogs, hill valleys |
Ta’ Kanasiti — pronounced Tah Kah-Na-si-tai — is a forested mountain realm of the Ta’Jahu within the Northern Realms. In Cor Shan, the name means Ta’Jahu Home.
Ta’ Kanasiti was founded in 9,775 B.F.A. by the Ta’Jahu Houses of Via’ Asthierr, Asthierr Sylth, and Via’ Mysi in the Plume Mountains, now known as the Via’ Asthierr Mountains. These houses carved out the kingdom directly beneath the unsuspecting gaze of the Kishian Empire of that age.
It is the second largest Ta’Jahu realm beyond the borders of Lathia and borders the Kingdom of Panthais, Myanothia, the Duchy of Harr, and Ceithlenn.
Overview
Ta’ Kanasiti is dominated by the Via’ Asthierr Mountains and the Uvai’nil Hills. The whole region is shrouded in thick forests, warm glades, quiet streams, lakes, and mountain pastures.
It is, in many ways, a small reflection of Lathia. Unlike Lathia, however, Ta’ Kanasiti is not magically protected from the cold winters or heat of the northern summers.
Before the Ta’Jahu arrived, the region was known as a place of wild animals, ancient secrets, and wild magic. It is a land of honor, beauty, and magic, but also a realm that has known defeat, enslavement, conquest, and separation from the rest of the world.
The mountains are the defining feature of the nation. They surround a wide open interior region of lakes, forests, and pastures cut out by the ancient glaciers of Iztalik as they receded thousands of years before.
The interior experiences milder weather than most of the north. Some speculate this is because of the presence of the Ta’Jahu, though most scholars agree it is due to the high mountain walls that surround the region. Alongside the numerous lakes, bogs are common in the minor valleys just above the tree line of the higher mountains.
Inhabitants
Unlike Lathia, Ta’ Kanasiti is not inhabited only by Ta’Jahu, though they remain the largest species group by far. The region is also shared by small clans of humans, Ba-Liyan, Aelwyn, and Jakara. There is even a small village of Gantu in the southern portion of the valley.
There are also many monstrous humanoids that crawl, walk, hunt, and call the nation home. The most prevalent of these are the Fir Darrig, who make up most of the monstrous humanoids travelers encounter in the steep mountain valleys.
The forests closest to the mountains are home to several prides of Cuth Sith. The high mountain forests are home to many hamlets of Gunthians, who make their homes high above the ground in the more ancient trees.
There are also groups of Sigah Bhalka, kobolds, goblins, Atufolk, and other Nuhtegh inhabiting the darker valleys and vales of the nation.
Languages
Cor Shan and many of its dialects are predominantly spoken within Ta’ Kanasiti. Though Cor Shan is the national language, many other languages are heard in markets, high councils, and other important places.
Most commonly, Dejah, Fak-Chun, Rahvad, and Al Zirr can all be heard.
Life and Society
Slightly more than 250,000 Ta’Jahu call Ta’ Kanasiti home. It is the second largest continuously inhabited Ta’Jahu kingdom on Ta Los, born thousands of years ago as a separatist colony fleeing the Second War of the Ta’Jahu.
This has created a tight-knit population among the Ta’Jahu who call the realm home.
Life within Ta’ Kanasiti is much like life in Lathia. Though Lathia is somewhat more Tircha in its day-to-day workings, Ta’ Kanasiti is harsher in practical reality. The island nation of Lathia sits mostly unthreatened by dangers found on mainland Ta Los, whereas Ta’ Kanasiti, like any Ta’Jahu region outside Lathia, must be careful not to overexpose its use of tircha or aradgah to the rest of the world while maintaining individuality and national security.
This does not mean life in Ta’ Kanasiti is cruel or joyless. While Ta’Jahu life is easily twice that of humans, and much longer than most mortals, it is not a life spent in quiet contemplation. Ta’ Kanasiti Ta’Jahu spend most of their days attending to matters of the House, home, or state.
Ta’ Kanasiti Houses
When the Ta’Jahu Houses of Via’ Asthierr, descended from House Silveal, Asthierr Sylth, descended from House Malzin, and Via’ Mysi, descended from House Quisnar, left Lathia and broke from their ancient home, they also broke free of the rule of Houses as practiced there.
While Houses remain important, they are not as influential as they are in Lathia. This causes strain between the two nations, as Lathia sees Ta’ Kanasiti as disregarding the decrees of Ammavaru and the Quarial Ta’luthin.
Ta’ Kanasiti views these decrees less strictly than Lathian Ta’Jahu. Because of this, they do not participate in the Druc a’Orruanil. Instead, they believe in the power of a royal house created once every 200 years through a selection process called the Loqai Quarial Opatur.
From an outward perspective, there is little difference between Ta’Jahu of Lathia and Ta’Jahu of Ta’ Kanasiti. Those meeting a Ta’Jahu for the first time would likely be unable to tell the difference. Their temperaments, behaviors, and thinking are close enough that distinguishing the two can be nearly impossible.
The three Houses that left Lathia did so at the height of the Ta’Jahu House Wars, hoping to preserve what they saw as the true and ancient heritage of the Ta’Jahu after the loss of their ancient homeworld of Emirual tens of thousands of years ago.
Life and society for Ta’Jahu in Ta’ Kanasiti has not greatly altered from that of Lathia. Many Houses cling to daily rhythms that have persisted over the past thousand years. Conflict still exists between Houses over trade, politics, and marriage. Unlike Lathians, however, Ta’ Kanasitians see little value in carrying grudges or feuds for long.
Social Customs
Ta’Jahu are well known for hundreds of social customs, ranging from the important Elghal during a young Ta’Jahu’s Qinth Josta, to greeting elders and peers, initiating romantic relationships, giving gifts, touching other Ta’Jahu, and touching outsiders.
While there is little difference between various Ta’Jahu settlements in broad custom, each community develops its own local practices, and Ta’ Kanasiti is no different.
Culturally, Ta’ Kanasitians are more openly friendly and helpful than many other Ta’Jahu, where the norm is often to keep to oneself. In Ta’ Kanasiti, Ta’Jahu tend to look out for one another.
If someone drops an item, they may find it later skewered on the branch of a tree so it is easier to spot. This practice is common in Ta’ Kanasiti society and is considered a polite way to help someone recover lost property.
Ta’ Kanasiti Ta’Jahu are also very comfortable with nudity. Visitors will not find many Ta’ Kanasitians who think much of going au naturel. This is especially true at Ta’Kurista, where an hour-long naked dance called the Jurkas is performed each year to commemorate the beginning of summer.
Arts
As with all species spread across Kralis and Ta Los, art is one of the forces that unites cultures and societies. This is no different for Ta’ Kanasitians and the broader world of the Ta’Jahu.
Ta’ Kanasitian artists are well known for using Tircha to craft unique, lifelike sculptures famous for their ability to interact much like an Arabeitz. These sculptures are far more fragile, less deadly, and less heavily programmed than true aradgah constructs. They are often sculpted from granite and ivory imported into the nation.
One of the most distinctive arts of Ta’ Kanasiti is calligraphy, known as Tiakur. While calligraphy is not unique to the Ta’Jahu or to Ta’ Kanasiti, Ta’ Kanasitian calligraphers may spend hours on a single character and years learning the languages of thousands of species.
Their calligraphy uses sweeping, flowing brushstrokes similar to painting. It is a fluid, spontaneous motion intended to hold sacred value in each line, acting as a meditative and spiritual offering by the Ta’Jahu artist.
Literature and Education
Similar to nearly all Ta’Jahu communities, settlements, and Lathia, the Ta’Jahu of Ta’ Kanasiti push their young to learn as much as possible about everything, while becoming near experts in a few chosen topics.
Most education in Ta’ Kanasiti is conducted through cooperative argumentative dialogue between instructor and students. Lessons are delivered through asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying assumptions.
Nearly all villages, towns, and the three great cities of Ta’ Kanasiti have formal libraries or similar institutions where classes are conducted. Additionally, every family within a House has access to historical house libraries and tutors.
Depending on House alliances, young Ta’ Kanasitians may find themselves in service to various organizations, from mercantiles and security groups to work deep within the Nal Salaith.
Architecture
The architecture of Ta’ Kanasiti is unlike anything found in Lathia or elsewhere in Ta Los.
Most buildings are constructed from dark blue and white granite and are built as extensions of the mountains and hills upon which cities, towns, and villages are founded.
The larger cities are designed to feel as though they have grown from the stone and surrounding earth. Many villages and smaller towns are also known to have a luir shantyn built into the depths of the earth, an important feature of these settlements.
Where stone is not used, heavy red oak is combined with stone and granite roof tiles. Most buildings range from one to three stories, though some rise several hundred feet for business, government, or the opulence of the Ta’Jahu Houses.
Lifestyles
Very little has changed in the lifestyles of Ta’ Kanasitians compared to their kindred in Lathia. Of all things least likely to change, the core lifestyle beliefs of the Ta’Jahu remain most stable.
There may be minor changes in how things occur, but very few changes in what things are.
One of the most important lifestyle concepts held by Ta’ Kanasitians is the freedom to live as they see fit, so long as the nation and the Ta’Jahu people are not threatened or overtly disturbed.
This belief is often summarized as: Do as you please, but harm none.
Kingdom Law and Government
As with all Ta’Jahu settlements, one House rules over all for its time as the Great House. This rule lasts approximately 200 years, so long as the Great House does not perform acts detrimental to the settlement or nation as a whole.
The Great House has sole responsibility for the protection of the nation, financial and trade issues, and the standing defense of the realm.
While Great House edicts are law within the nation, the House often rules with a mind toward unity among the various lower Houses. Every appointed House Johta may question and discuss proposed edicts brought before the Great House’s Court. Once a decision is made, however, the discussion ends.
Below the Great House are numerous other Houses and leaders of smaller groups throughout the nation. Individual leaders of groups do not hold the same position within the House hierarchy. While they may greatly influence their groups and guilds, they cannot directly influence House or Great House laws and decisions.
Each House rules a specific region of the nation, though their power is limited to their particular settlement, province, or dominion.
Technology and Crafting
The Ta’Jahu are known for superior technology, both what they arrived on Kralis with and what they have created through their ability to manipulate Tircha.
Most of this technology is guarded jealously in an attempt to keep it out of the hands of ni Ta’Jahu, especially the Ha’vatu.
While Lathia remains the central location for crafting advanced tircha, Ta’ Kanasiti is known for producing many fine to superior items.
The most recognizable item from Ta’ Kanasiti is a type of Ja’Katal, or stun staff. These staves function as normal but can also strike the ground with one end and release an energy burst that stuns those nearby.
| Ta’ Kanasiti Ja’Katal | |
|---|---|
| Type | Stun staff |
| Use | Strike the ground as a normal attack |
| Effect | All beings within a 10-foot radius must make a Stamina check or be stunned for d10 turns |
| Uses | 3 times per day |
Additionally, Ta’ Kanasiti Skoryi, constructed from ivory, are highly desired throughout the Southern Realms.
Religion and Beliefs
Ta’ Kanasiti is shaped by the philosophy of Dra’Pahkun and the beliefs of the Quarial Ta’luthin.
These belief systems influence social life, House politics, education, art, and the relationship between freedom and responsibility. While Ta’ Kanasiti does not follow Lathian interpretations as strictly, the old beliefs remain deeply woven into the realm.
Features and Important Sites
There are many strange and unique sites within Ta’ Kanasiti, many of which have existed for millennia as part of the natural world of the nation.
Jhuta Ko Valley
There are hundreds of valleys leading from the surrounding Via’ Asthierr Mountains, each beautiful and unique, with small rivers, waterfalls, and glens.
Yet Jhuta Ko, located in the western side of the mountains, is described as a “vision of death and life all at once.”
The valley is only 11 miles long but drops more than 3,500 feet over the course of its run. While this alone is not unusual, the valley floor is covered in grass and copses of trees, and the cold running river is edged by naturally heated pools of water.
These blue-green pools can be as large as 50 feet in diameter and are believed to heal the infirm and reverse aging.
Thumar Ni ‘Drazan
Situated north of Asthiert Valoth are hills known as Thumar Ni ‘Drazan, or the Hills of the Dead.
This is a burial region for the Houses of the city and the surrounding lands. The hills are surrounded by a high gray-granite wall with a diameter of roughly 100 miles around the central hill region.
Within this region are above-ground crypts in many architectural styles, including pillared and domed mausoleums and elaborate pyramid tombs. Most are for higher-ranking members of Houses.
Smaller tombs topped with statues are used for lesser individuals of Houses. The hills themselves have also been dug out to provide additional burial space. These crypts stretch across a 6-mile diameter and are built in circular fashion.
At the center is a naturally formed 50-foot-diameter hole leading down roughly 2 miles into the depths of Tav Aeduhn. It is sealed by powerful Tircha and wards of protection.
Laques Nal Quasar
Laques Nal Quasar, also called The Pink Lake, sits in the southern mountain plateaus of the Via’ Asthierr Mountains, just north of the border with the Duchy of Harr.
The lake is 1,500 feet wide and nearly 1 mile long. It is filled by water rising up from deep below.
The water is crystal clear and very cold, but the land around it is made of pink granite. Over the millennia, the shores have become pink sand.
Ni ‘Drazan Fier Khaikin
In 4,100 B.F.A., Ta’Jahu armies faced three great clans of Rhakas, Oku, and Oracs as they stormed from the Storhet Forest.
The battles lasted 8 months. In the waste of war, the plain between the Via’ Asthierr Mountains and the great forest became drenched in blood and dark magic, corrupting the region.
Now, where the Running River slows, the land has become a fetid swamp called The Eternal Death. Here the river expands into a 10-mile diameter of shallow, murky water.
It is a place filled with undead things, from poltergeists to zombies and skeletons, as well as clouds of ays, flights of caetrus, nests of daeva, and other horrors.
Organizations
Thagnil Nal’ T Yritas
Thagnil Nal’ T Yritas, or The Company of 13, has origins buried in the distant past, long before the Ta’Jahu fled their home solvetras.
Many groups over the past 1,500 years have resurrected the name of the group and its code. This code was built upon the concept of Druc-Na Nal Da’ath, or Warrior of Honor.
These norms of conduct teach loyal service to the king, filial piety, faithfulness to friends, courage in battle, the evil of indiscriminate killing, loyalty to the nation, refusal to retreat in battle, and the importance of making a just kill.
Qualth Abin
Qualth Abin, or the Protectors of Order, are an organization within Ta’ Kanasiti focused on protecting the natural order around the nation.
The group is charged with ensuring that the natural order of the world is respected and preserved against evil factions and those who threaten that order.
This has sometimes led them to move against both individual Ta’Jahu and the Houses of Ta’ Kanasiti.
Vehlan Nal’ T Yritas
Vehlan Nal’ T Yritas, or the Companions of the Arcane, is a spellcaster cabal of the highest order. Its members come only from the highest-standing Houses.
The Companions number in the thousands and believe they must monitor and influence magical cabals, factions, societies, and other arcane-oriented organizations.
They are particularly interested in groups they have marked as too dangerous.
Major NPCs
The following is a brief introduction to some of the major people of note within Ta’ Kanasiti.
Lord Curo Dra’ Asthierr
Lord Curo Dra’ Asthierr is practically a giant among Ta’Jahu, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall. He has light pale-purple skin, crystal blue eyes, and long gray-white hair.
He is the Johta of House Nastath Asthierr, the current Great House of Ta’ Kanasiti.
Curo believes the future should be a focus, but not at the expense of the present. He follows his instincts and has always possessed an empathic nature, which is his greatest strength.
Master Tiril Via’Lur
Master Tiril Via’Lur is petite even by Ta’Jahu standards and is the current commander of the military forces of Ta’ Kanasiti.
Tiril has light brown skin, emerald eyes, and orange hair ending in white tips, often pulled back into a single long braid. As commander of the military forces, Tiril bears white facial markings indicating high command over the military.
Tiril is described as stubborn, aggressive, enlightened, loyal, incredibly brave, generous, and kind-hearted. Tiril has always seen herself as the right one to do the job, no matter the odds.
Mistress Ghunvar Cyth Armyr
Mistress Ghunvar Cyth Armyr is an average-sized Ta’Jahu with short red hair, bright yellow eyes, and light purple skin. Her haircut reflects the traditional Ta’Jahu style of angled lines.
She was born in Ta’ Kanasiti into House Ry Lunia. She is currently a member of the Nal Salaith and belongs to its elite high command.
Ghunvar believes in restoring the Ta’Jahu heritage on Kralis, even at the expense of other nations.
Cities
Ta’ Kanasiti is home to four great cities, each shaped by House rule, mountain architecture, and the traditions of the Ta’Jahu.
Asthiert Valoth
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Asthiert Valoth |
| Meaning | Star Light |
| Population | 125,650 |
| Government | Great House Nastath Asthierr |
| Major Religions | Predominantly the philosophy of Dra’Pahkun |
| Imports / Exports | Alchemical components, books, coal, coffee, glass, linens, organic chemicals, precious stones, silver, slag |
| Known For | Capital, City Below, blue-white towers, Muneri Valoth, Alu Lunia, Uvai’nil Ratrel springs |
Asthiert Valoth, meaning Star Light, is the capital of Ta’ Kanasiti. It rises high into the air upon the tallest hill of the far northern portions of the Uvai’nil.
Blue-white pinnacle towers and green tiled roofs sparkle in the sunlight. The city is divided into several sections, each behind a thick wall of blue-white granite. It is home to roughly 100,000 Ta’Jahu.
Built in 9,500 B.F.A., Asthiert Valoth rivals the grand white city of Aethier in Lathia.
The city is surrounded by a very high granite wall pierced only once, on its eastern side, by the Muneri Valoth, or Road of Light.
The hill upon which the city is built is the fountainhead spring of the Uvai’nil Ratrel. The Ta’Jahu have used these waters to surround the whole hill, creating a deep moat-like barrier. The waters then flow freely into a small basin to the west, forming the Alu Lunia, or Pool of the Moon.
Surrounding the whole city are hundreds of farms and fresh fields of wheat, barley, corn, and other vegetables. The Muneri Valoth leads east for several miles before branching to the roads of the realm.
Asthiert Valoth is also well known for the City Below, where Ta’Jahu have delved into the earth and stone searching for materials, precious stones, and metals.
Cyranthor
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cyranthor |
| Population | 107,650 |
| Government | Houses Cyth Armyr, Sylth Qusorel, and Callirr |
| Major Religions | Predominantly the philosophy of Dra’Pahkun |
| Imports / Exports | Amber, ammunition, aradgah components, books, cotton, Dark Dust, glass, ink, limestone, precious stones |
| Known For | Southern Gate, Nau’nil Ratrel, river fortress, granite bridges, southern border defense |
Cyranthor stands south along the shores of the Nau’nil Ratrel. It is the first city reached by those who travel up the river and is known as the Southern Gate.
Cyranthor is charged with protecting the southern border from “undue influence.”
The city straddles the river, with large, elegantly crafted granite bridges joining its two halves. In the center, the Ta’Jahu have built an island fortress from which they control the river.
This formidable fortress sits directly in the waterway and extends roughly 1,000 feet up and down the river, giving the guards within the ability to halt any river traffic when needed.
Karraduith
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Karraduith |
| Population | 97,650 |
| Government | Houses Via’ Mysi, Ssilvael Sylth, and Dra’ nith |
| Major Religions | Predominantly the philosophy of Dra’Pahkun |
| Imports / Exports | Alchemical components, books, ceramic products, clocks, semi-precious stones, tea, timber, common, uncommon, and rare spellcraft componentry |
| Known For | Frontier city, Scar border, Legion of the Wind, hidden walls, Panthais border |
Karraduith is the third largest city of Ta’ Kanasiti. It sits on the acknowledged border between the Kingdom of Panthais and the Ta’Jahu realm.
It also sits on the edge of the desolate region known as The Scar.
Karraduith is a heavily protected city, hidden by thick walls and the hills of the Uvai’nil. It is home to the largest regiment of the Legion of the Wind and just over 30,000 Ta’Jahu.
It has few surrounding farmlands and is considered by most Ta’ Kanasitians to be a frontier city.
Asthiert Sauluir
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Asthiert Sauluir |
| Meaning | Southern Star |
| Population | 77,305 |
| Government | Houses Fae Lur and Krilith ‘al Qelvarxu |
| Major Religions | Predominantly the philosophy of Dra’Pahkun |
| Imports / Exports | Amber, books, ceramic products, clocks, limestone, natural gases, resins, slag, timber, wine |
| Known For | Southern Star, Harr border, trade district, Ni-Ta’Jahu District, Dark Moon Inn and Tavern |
Asthiert Sauluir, meaning Southern Star, is the last major city in Ta’ Kanasiti. It sits along the border shared with the Duchy of Harr.
The Southern Star is the smallest of the four great cities and is considered the inbound port for most trade from the Southern Realms and beyond.
Due to its status as a port for land trade and airships from Harr, Asthiert Sauluir is the only city in Ta’ Kanasiti that allows all species to roam freely in the Trade District and the Ni-Ta’Jahu District.
The remainder of the city is highly patrolled by squads of Qelvar Qualth, or Guards of the Sword.
Asthiert Sauluir is home to the Dark Moon Inn and Tavern, often patronized by Rayche Blackstone. Rumor claims that Bishop Sandstone, long thought dead, owns the Dark Moon.
