Oaltava

“When the Oaltan survives, Oaltava provides.”

“Nature’s trial has no draws”

“The wilds provide to those strong enough to take from them.”

Known as the ‘Kingdom of Last Resorts' (self sustaining, no imports or exports permitted, though some things go in and out under the radar ‘ie black market’) Government: Upon the retirement of an Oalta (ruler) a new Oalta claims the throne by chopping off a head of The Hydra

Culture: When an Oaltavan reaches the age of 45 they retire to the work of fishing. While in other cultures river fishing is hard labour, the Oaltavans see it as a symbol of their service to the gods - their debt is paid to the gods when their body is too weak to hunt big game in the Shocksands or The Muck, much less claiming the jacklewere’s stolen goods for their own. This is how the Oaltavans are sustained.

Their lands are the most dangerous in Thera. Not protected by the mountain like Romoha, or the rivers like Marwha. They are out in the open in a meager village with walls of clay; and the city has been held for centuries on the back of the able blades of it's renown soldiers.

Their history is one of few allies, on their own and against the odds, and they are all the stronger for it.

The most recognized Oaltavan’s are those who have died in battle, and there are special cemeteries dedicated to them with a statue commemorating each one. Those who show skill in masonry will become builders or statue makers instead of fishermen in their old age.

A lot of the best Oaltavan armor and weapons are obtained by raids on the Jacklewere camps in the Shocksands desert. The Oaltavans take great pride in these raids, as they see it as indirect pillaging from Mahrwa and Orix, where the Jacklewere obtain many of their items via similar attacks on caravans and the like.

The Black Market: It is taboo to sell pottery, birchwood, or other Oaltavan wares to outsiders except under the most lavish of payments. An Oaltavan who is believed to be selling clay pots for less than twice what they would get from an Oaltavan would be considered “no better than a tree-smuggler” (someone who sells birchwood to Marwha or other blackmarket dealers)

Devout Champions: The Oalta guard are known as Devout Champions and they are a very respected position in Oaltava. Generally speaking these are champions who have succeeded in a number of raids but who prefer to serve the Oalta rather than attempt to fight the Hydra for a chance to lead. They do not respond to conversation from anyone but a superior and they only speak when necessary to enforce their duty, which includes upholding law and order.

They wear the best armor available from raids (usually plate mail) and some of them are paladins.

The Chosen : The twelve best warriors who are supported in anticipation of a nearing Oalta Day; the day the current Oalta turns 45 and retires. No expense is spared in their combat training to prepare them to battle the Hydra. They take turns from oldest to youngest confronting the beast in solo combat to return with one of it’s heads and claim succession of the throne.