Godfall

Godfall

Government
Democracy
Capital
Zâram-Tûm
Cities
Banak, Hizag, Wûra-Mor
Major Worship
Heironeous, Pholtus, Ulaa

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Climate
Windy, cold to moderate
Exports
Alchemical ingredients, gems, herbs, salt, wool
Imports
Building materials, cloth, spices, vegetables, woodcraft

The former dwarven realm of Baltur is now known as 'The Godfall'. During the Collapse the sky fell onto the land and created a depression thousands of miles across with the Haklur Desert at its center.

Ever since, the remaining dwarves have tried to reclaim their former glory. The change in climate has made life harsh, but these days dwarven cities are a marvel to behold once again.

When it comes to government, every citizen has a vote in affairs on both a local and national level. Of late, there have been complaints that certain interests are making promises in return for votes.

Geography

The Silvalhuese River is now considered the eastern border of the nation. It has created a strip of arable land around it that is the only source of staple crops for the Godfall. The Nâla river to the south unfortunately goes through a canyon for most of its course and hasn't created a floodplain.

The lands to the north of the Haklur Desert are mostly plains but not much lives there until you get to the border with Fir Lanear.

The rest of the country is mostly shrubland; heaths and moors. The people have been able to grow a few things out here, see the food heading, below. Be careful of any standing water, much of it is contaminated with all kinds of things, sometimes clearly indicated by the color of the water; bright yellow, pale blue, etc. Some of the local wildlife has adapted to be able to drink this.

One of the great dangers out in the Godfall is the ever present dust storms, called Felak. These can appear out of nothing, with a few minutes' warning at best. What makes them so dangerous is that ever so often ancient magics are stirred up and dust particles get loaded with eldritch energy.

Ecology

Ever since the Collapse many creatures of old have not been able to survive here but new species were fast to claim their niche.

The most famous of the Godfall animals is the Imbar, the two headed goat. These dauntless creatures can be quite dangerous when provoked. They unfortunately don't get along well with sheep, which are the main source of meat for the country, not to mention the wool, which is a major export.

The only large animal that is seen in any number is the moor elk, which the Godfallers have tried to domesticate to middling success. Stoats and weasels are abundant and can be a pest when they infiltrate cities. Rabbits, hares, and grouse are also quite common though they are the favorite prey of coyotes, foxes, owls, and the larger snakes. There are quite a few reptiles, including some venomous lizards. In spring and summer large numbers of blue butterflies can been seen descending upon the gorse. Nightjars, whinchats, twites, and skylarks are the most common birds seen around.

Monsters

Lizardfolk tribes were some of the first to arrive after the Collapse and have never left. They mostly keep to themselves though they have been known to raid some caravans, or at least been accused of doing such. Kobolds might be the most populous but they try and stay hidden, you could walk right by one of their camps and never realise it.

Stirges are ever present, Will-o'-Wisps are quite common and dangerous to the unwary, certain other fey creatures are around as well. Packs of Death Dogs are fortunately not seen often, in large numbers they can overwhelm anyone. There are many stories about a huge, dark dog called the Ci Annwn, whose outline can be seen standing on a hillock late at night. It is said its presence is an announcement of impending death. There are quite a number of Restless (undead) ever since the Collapse. Not just the common skeletons and zombies, but also wights, and much worse.

Really dangerous creatures like basilisks and trolls thrive here as well, the pockets of civilization are further apart here than in most countries so they have large habitats. Hag covens are also thought to be ever present here.

History

Much of the early history can be found in the articles for the Collapse and Baltur. After the Collapse many people fled and those who were left stood for an impossible task to rebuild their former country.

Both the eastern and western turgs (provinces) went their own way and mostly failed. Many of the smaller interior towns were abandoned so the survivors could focus on rebuilding the larger cities. Unfortunately these were built with magic and materials that now no longer were available. At first they were not but shelter for a people living a hard scrabble existence. But over the centuries the people now known as the Godfallers managed to build up a proud civilization in a harsh world.

Nowadays smaller cities have been built or rebuilt and some very large farms can be found along the trade ways.

Culture

Food

Apart from the eastern part of the country, not many crops can be grown in the Godfall. The most common staple is the kolth, a small potato. These can be grown in the arid earth that has been reclaimed from the heath but are quite labor intensive. Local chefs are able to do quite a bit with it though; they work well parboiled and then grilled, jacket fried, or mashed with Imbar cheese. Artichokes and turnips are the other locally grown vegetables but are usually more of a side dish.

The vast majority of the meat dishes favor sheep, Imbar is only popular in a few cities, usually slow cooked for at least a day. Insects are really common in the Godfall and some popular snacks are deep fried gabil dragonfly on a stick, ogre beetle balls (not the testicles of said beetle, rather a ball made of their meat and then grilled), and maggot moss stew (flavored with either Imbar cheese, mushrooms, or berries).

Beer and wine were very popular in ancient Baltur but nowadays they need to be imported and are too expensive for the majority of the populace. Most alcohol is now distilled, either from the kolth or from juniper berries, and often flavored with cranberries or cloudberries. The common drink is the khel, a light liquor made of kolth and flavored with salt.