If you're Nature and still reading, you're an unsportsmanlike dick.
So the thing about races, right. Apparently we're thinking 'German precision Elves' and 'Russian/Chinese (TBD) Ratmen'.
Something about our Elves, then.
Race: Elves. You know, tall, slender, pointy ears, long lifespans. Some elves prefer forests. Not those found in Kantar. The majority of Kantari elves belong to the Zitadellefolk- only weirdos live in the woods.
Civilisation: Zitadellefolk. The Zitadellefolk, or Zita, are not a united people. Rather, each citadel-state is its own political entity- alliances are common, but so is war. Only in the face of a great external threat do all the citadels come together.
The vast majority of citizens living in a citadel are elves, though other races are technically allowed to become citizens. However, they have to prove themselves worthy, which requires undergoing rigorous testing of intelligence, craftsmanship, and knowledge of Zita history and traditions.
Zita civilisation is defined by the titular citadels. Bastions of civilisation, rising up from the land, projecting their influence far and wide. With a core of solid stone, outer areas are frequently built of brick, or occasionally wood. They rise in tiers, growing narrower as they rise, the population going from the very poorest living in the vast (but neatly laid-out) city at the base of the citadel, to the richest- noblemen, priests, and the very best craftsmen living in marble-clad houses a dozen stories above ground level.
The citadels are laid out with geometric precision, with public squares and gardens strategically located, the streets laid out by master planners to ensure traffic flows efficiently.
Many citadels are gleaming white, with light touches of colour for variety. Marble facades, faux pillars, and statuary are popular decor.
The Zita value craftsmanship highly, and especially precise craftsmanship. Their goods are highly sought-after amongst the 'lesser races', for anything made by the Zita is sure to last a lifetime, and do so in impeccable fashion. The best craftsmen have a high status amongst the Zita, with the best being equivalent to minor nobles- if they are not already nobles, for unlike in many civilisations, working as a craftsman is considered a noble profession.
In war, the Zita employ highly drilled soldiers wielding the best equipment- they may have less quantity than their opponent, but they make up for it in quality. The majority of their troops are armed with muskets, but a substantial portion use (still muzzle-loading) rifles. They also employ iron cannons and large warships, but do not have large quantities of cavalry.
The Zita worship a wide pantheon of gods, although gods of crafting are elevated.
When the first of the First Men came, the Zita taught them to craft, and were delighted to find eager pupils. They were less delighted when more and more men showed up, and decided that they would teach the men no more of their secrets... but once man has tasted something, he will not rest until all is consumed- and the Zita find themselves growing outnumbered by the comparatively rapidly-breeding humans.
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Topic: Balancing Acts: Industry (Read 2154 times)