Jaastenland

Pre-war Travelogue (as of LY 2142)

Jaastenland is the great continent of the South on Saltwave. It lies two thousand miles south of the Elven Isles and is even farther from the Four Kingdoms. There are three great nations in Jaastenland, Kyriabor, Smeisserand, and the Southern Patriarchy of Chirrar'-Hroch. In addition to these settled and civilized nations, there are many smaller states tucked in and about the continent. Tarnia and the lands of the kenku would be included in this category.

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The People of Jaastenland

Humans

While there are many human settlements throughout Jaastenland now, the continent had no original human inhabitants. It was settled by people from other lands, most notably the Four Kingdoms. Human exploration and colonization began in earnest in the early fourth century, Landers reckoning. Many of the early colonies were later utterly destroyed by kzinti, kenku, or other less common raiders. Some, however, survived the perils to become centers of civilization. The settlements that later grew into the great cities of Elantra, Katraal, and Aelizon were founded in this early period, in the latter half of the fourth century. All of the major colonies were founded in central and western Jaastenland. Any colonies that were founded in the eastern lands were swallowed up by time.

Today, the human people of Jaastenland are broken into four basic racial groups. Overall, humans represent 75% of the population of both Kyriabor and Smeisserand.

The Heidann - The Heidann are tall, fair-skinned people with blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes. They are of large build and rugged constitution. Most pure Heidanners live in the hills and mountains of Jaastenland in tribal or clan villages, away from the influence of civilization. Many consider these people to be barbarians. They are traditionally the most open-minded race, although this also means that they are the most superstitious people. They believe that the spirits of the land, sea, and sky talk to them and they treat all things with a corresponding respect. (Kyriabor: 15%, Smeisserand: 20%).

The Jaani - The Jaani are derived from Japanese stock. They tend to be of compact build, with warm tan or golden-tinted skin, brown or occasionally green eyes, and dark hair. Jaani also have the epicanthic fold, giving them the appearance of having slanted eyes. They tend to be city-dwellers, and are traditionally friendly and voluble. Many are merchants or expert crafters, having brought their traditions with them in the distant years of colonization. These days, there are few pure Jaani left as many have intermarried with the other races. There are still a number of strong family lines, however, and these tend to have frequent contact with "the Old Country." (Kyriabor: 15%, Smeisserand: 10%)

The Kraanichers - The Kraanichers are a handsome race of people derived from the Qoolmians. They are bronze-skinned, with dark, almond-shaped eyes and hair. They are almost always intelligent and physically attractive. Kraanichers are usually reserved, and tend to be intellectual and contemplative. There is a much higher incidence of psionic talent among Kraanichers than in the general population. They make up much of the gentry class in Kyriabor and nearly all of the nobility of Smeisserand. Kraanichers believe in education for their children from an early age and all can read and write.

The Kraanichers have a set of philosophical beliefs and sense of racial pride that binds them together. Marriages and children are planned around these beliefs. This has given rise to the rumor (among non-Kraanichers, of course) that Kraanichers are selectively breeding themselves for excellent traits, much as one might breed dogs or horses. Kraanichers snub people crass enough to relate these rumors in public. (Kyriabor: 20%, Smeisserand: 25%).

The Landish - The majority human racial type is the Landish group, who typically have fair to medium-toned skin, brown or reddish-blonde hair, and brown or green eyes. They are usually of compact or medium build, and tend towards ruddy complexions. As the least homogenous group of settlers, they also display the greatest variety of features. The Landish, as might be expected, are descended from the Ilandic colonists. They make up the majority of both societies in Jaastenland and tend to follow either the druidic or Komatsine religion. Along with orcs, Landish make up the bulk of the peasant class in Smeisserand. (Kyriabor: 50%, Smeisserand: 45%).

Orcs

Orcish settlers traveled to Jaastenland with their human counterparts. Originally serving as soldiers and heavy laborers, many of the orcish families now living in Jaastenland have broadened their horizons. Although they still tend to be involved in lower class occupations, many are minor landholders, crafters, and lesser military officers. The orcs found special opportunities in the military class of Smeisserand, and used this social mechanism to turn good service into land ownership. Even with this method of gaining status, they are still restricted to the peasant and military classes in Smeisserand. This does not bother most easy-going orcs. Orcs tend to interact well with Landish and Heidann humans in both countries, and seldom hold prejudices. Orcs are earthy, practical people; a bit slow, but honest and trustworthy. Most of the orcs in Jaastenland follow the druidic faith, which is more tangible and easy to grasp than the higher principles of Komatscience. (Kyriabor: 15%, Smeisserand: 20%).

Elves

Elves arrived in the western forests of Jaastenland in the middle of the second century, several centuries before humans first explored the territory. They did not develop large areas that would upset the kenku or rival the later human colonies in size or scope. The elven enclaves were mostly limited to forest kingdoms of no more than 30,000 elves. The elven princes grew their domains slowly and carefully, as one would expect from such a long-lived and slow-breeding race. Elves make up about 5% of the population of Kyriabor and none of Smeisserand.

These days, elven culture ranges from the traditional swashbuckling attitudes prevalent in Kyriabor to the withdrawn and guarded qualities of the Aelvenwode. The High Elven homes and Wood Elven tree steadings of central Jaastenland resemble the open and friendly places found in the Saltwave Isles. The villages of the Aelvenwode have the feel of a secluded court nestled within the ancient trees of the forest. These elves tend toward strong opinions, and there are three major factions.

One faction opposes contact with humans, especially from Smeisserand. These are known as the Sacred Tree Protectors, led by Lord Elros Tyrannol, Count of the Winding Path. Most of the raids upon Smeisserand are conducted by members of this faction. Another faction, known as The Lady's Brave Hearts, encourages engagement with the humans on the terms of the elves. Their opinions are led mostly by Lady Syrrathar Hyzenthlay, Countess of Birch Knoll and a member of the Kyriaborian Senate. Lady Hyzenthlay represents the elves of the Republic in the Senate and wields considerable influence far beyond her single vote. The third faction represents a more moderate view, cautious toward humans but not hostile. This faction is Years of Waiting, led by Lord Rydellian Bryn, brother to the Prince of the Aelvenwode. The Prince himself, Lord Cirdan Oordryhl, remains stoically above such politics in his efforts to maintain the unity of the Aelvenwode.

Dwarves

The Dwarves of Jaastenland arrived during the early years of the Colonial Period, in the fifth century. These immigrants were of the traditional clans, more given to mining, smithing, and hoarding than to tinkering with corporate greed and technomancy. They founded several clanholds of moderate size, but no great cities like those in Technikor. One of their early holdings became known as Castle Rock, the site of the modern Enchanters' Guild of Elantra. These clans have endured to this day, occasionally setting out to found other small holdings.

Most of the dwarves in Jaastenland have retained the traditional culture. They are vocal opponents of technology, and bar technomancers from their halls. In addition, they are only reluctantly enticed to trade, preferring to tend to their crafts deep inside their strongholds. Even in the more cosmopolitan and tolerant Republic of Kyriabor, dwarves tend to be reclusive and somewhat suspicious of strangers. They make up less than 5% of the population of both Kyriabor and Smeisserand.

Half-Elves

Half-elves tend to have a hard life everywhere, but nowhere is this worse than in Smeisserand. Halfbreed babies have been put out on "stones of shame" to be exposed to the elements for hundreds of years. Many such babies are secretly removed from the stones by druids, open-minded foresters, or the babes' elven parents, but many others die. Half-elves are regarded with even more mistrust than the elves, if such is possible. Tolerated and regarded with pity as mere children by the elves and viewed with hatred, fear, and jealousy by humans, few half-elves born in Smeisserand live to an old age. Many are fearful, bitter people. Loners by necessity, they seldom trust others. If they can find other halfbreeds, they form strong friendships with others who know the oppression they feel.

Fortunately, things are much better in Kyriabor. Half-elves are regarded with no special suspicion or scorn. They mix well in the urban society of Elantra or the lake towns. Such half-elves can serve as excellent liaisons between groups of humans and elves. Many still feel restless and not completely at home in the company of either of their parents' races, however. Some of these people wander or take up the adventuring life. Others turn to separate half-elf communities or neighborhoods. The half-elves of Jaastenland seem happiest surrounded by others like them. They make up less than 5% of the population of both Kyriabor and Smeisserand.

Kzinti

Kzinti arrived much later, in the 1600's. The wars against the Four Kingdoms and at home in the Patriarchies gave rise to an adventuresome spirit in many leading heroes of the age. They explored many areas of the globe and gave challenge to any they encountered. In some places, like southern Jaastenland, there was no one to give challenge. As word got back to the Patriarchies of the rich hunting and land available, many young heroes struck out to make their names in the South. These quickly became known as the Southern Patriarchies.

Without the ancient manufacturing plants of the traditional kzin homelands, these southern kzinti were at a distinct disadvantage. These patriarchies were conquered by kzinti from the north several times. Each time, the lack of a steady supply of high-tech weapons and irridesium arms proved to be a disadvantage to the conquerers. Eventually, the patriarchs learned to band together much more efficiently to hold their territory. After the rise of the elven pirates in the nineteenth century, kzin invasion fleets found it difficult to leave port, much less journey as far as the south of Jaastenland. Contact between the northern and southern kzinti was thus broken for hundreds of years. These days, the kzinti of southern Jaastenland are well-discplined warriors, ranchers, and slavers. They are held in check by the mountains and the vigilance of the human defenders of Kyriabor and Smeisserand.

Kenku

Kenku had always been present in Jaastenland, and resisted the human colonization in differing ways. Humans make them cranky and hard to manage. They resent the humans for spreading out and taking over the land. They resent the kzinti for eating them. The tricks and jests that kenku play on people turn deadly when those people are near a kenku nest. Presently, the kenku regard the Kyriabor attempts to expand farther east as the most serious threat. The kenku city of Ankitchku lies within sight of the southern edge of the great Drachenwaald.

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Last updated 09-Aug-2004
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