The Gathered Races of Hermertia Homeland (GRHH)

Year founded: 220 AI

Capital: Anthi Laguna

Estimated population: 33,000

Crest:

Map:

How the people of this realm came to be in the empire (if applicable) and how the realm formed. A list of important historical events or more detailed written record of realm's history can also be included. Use subheaders as necessary.

Details on the government structure of the realm. A list of leaders throughout history can also be included.

The GRHH is a major producer of agricultural and animal-based products. These are mainly produced in Anthi Laguna.

The primary manufactured goods produced in the GRHH are ceramics, carpentry, and textiles. Stonecarving is produced in Petra Nova and is used on numerous buildings around the Empire.

The GRHH has one of the largest mercenary populations of any realm in the Empire. Mercenaries have legal status and are regulated by the Mercenaries' Guild. These mercenaries operate both within and outside the GRHH.

Petra Nova

Anthi Laguna Burning Shore

Lumber, woodworking, masonry, flowers, dyes, wool, textiles, Anthi Laguna Dark Lager, ceramics, leather, mercenaries

Iron, gold, gemstones, tools, weapons, armor

Casadia, Östlaed

Imperial Isle, Laghima, Ertia, Kaine

The anniversary of the founding of their first settlement, it is marked by feasts and parties as well as an air of jubilation and patriotism. Some people wear sheep masks or fake ram’s horns and a few (usually younger) are known to head-butt each other.

The anniversary of Gathered independence from Ertian rule, this day is one of rest and relaxation. Some feasts occur, but the festivities are far less energetic than on Chairman’s Day. Ertian flags are flown as a show of appreciation. They are lowered ceremonially and replaced by GRHH flags at sundown.

The anniversary of the birthday of Dax Chairmanson, this is a day of reflection and service. Community leaders will often meet with citizens and/or give speeches. People will clean the streets, host potlucks, and perform acts of charity.

Other festivals are culture dependent, but commonly include solstice and harvest festivals.

Practices surrounding marriage are specific to the culture, religion, and values of the individuals involved. Divorce is legal, but is often disruptive when it occurs due to the close nature of communities. Not all couples have children and many adopt the children of others who cannot care for them. Children are seen somewhat as a community responsibility.

Most Gathered identify first as being one of “the Gathered” and second as their culture of origin. The Gathered form tight-knit, family-like connections with each other, and it is not unusual for neighbors to eat meals or celebrate festivals with each other. Newcomers are often heavily encouraged to integrate into their community and a desire to remain separate is often seen as a discomfort that can be overcome or mere haughtiness. The Gathered are very open-minded when it comes to other peoples' culture.

Many Gathered ascribe to the “Philosophy of the Three Paths” which places emphasis on being steadfast, harmonious, and morally balanced. Many Gathered also hold animistic beliefs that are not necessarily exclusive to other religious convictions.

The basis for their attitudes toward death is twofold. First, it is believed that death is absolute; there is no reversing it, no continuation of life beyond it (at least not in a way that life is understood), and no way to communicate with the dead. It is the cessation of existence as we know it. Second, death is not an end, it is a transformation. One’s consciousness, body, and spirit are converted into other things through natural processes. These two ideas lead the Gathered to have peculiar practices surrounding death. There is little, if any, reverence for the dead or corpses; the primary concerns are the prevention of disease and quick acceptance of the loss. Most bodies are either discarded in the wilderness, burned, or buried. Important people are sometimes buried with a tree or flower planted above them, and their body becomes fertilizer. Embalming, purposeful mummification, or any other attempt to preserve a body is seen as unhealthy fixation, for the body is not the person who once lived in it. Wills are used only to avoid conflict in the allocation of the deceased’s assets, and have little power beyond that. Condolences are expected to be provided to survivors by close friends and family, but are not offered by strangers because they are believed to prolong mourning. The Gathered do mourn death, but it is not formal and is seen as something to be moved past rather than practiced. The Gathered do not honor the dead, but do construct memorials; they are meant to use past people as examples of virtuous behavior.

The Gathered are often wary of foreign authority, though this feeling has faded over time. They are quite liberal, having been a force for more democratic governance in the Empire.

The Gathered are generally accepting of foreign cultures and races, but there is a minor dislike of Kairatites and Minervans. Their isolation from most other peoples in New Hermertia has stifled cross-cultural interactions to an extent. However, they have a close relationship with Casadians, with many of the Gathered being Unburnt.

A verdant peninsula located at the southern end of the Imperial Sea.

Founded around 312 AI by Chairman Dax, it is naturally fortified by hills and cliffs that provide a striking backdrop to this bustling town. Each neighborhood has its own name, helping visitors locate themselves. The city doubled in size under the guidance of Chairman Gunnar during the 470's AI.

Located just outside Anthi Laguna proper, this village is home to many farms and the docks that connect Anthi Laguna to the rest of the world.

Home to the GRHH Co. headquarters, the County Vote Fountain, and the tree under which Dax's body was buried. A tunnel leads out of town to Clayroot.

Home to livestock and small farms, this area produces a great volume of animal products and pumpkins for consumption by locals.

Built by Chairman Gunnar during Anthi Laguna's expansion, this area is home to Anthi Laguna's oldest tavern. The Laguna bridge is the easiest way to cross the lagoon without a boat, and receives major traffic every day. Some say they've seen strange figures vanishing into the south abutment of the bridge at night, but most think it's just an urban legend.

This bustling street is actually just a small part of Anthi Laguna's main thoroughfare, but it is arguably as lively as the rest. Located north of Laguna Bridge and south of the nether portal, it is home to a cafe, park, brewery, inn, and one of the few gay taverns in the Empire.

Founded by Chairman Nicholas around 354 AI, this small village in a swampy archipelago produces surprising amounts of fish, clay, and slime.

Incorporated by Chairman Ulrik as part of a new growth initiative around 537 AI, this fishing village was located at the extreme eastern end of the GRHH.

Another fishing village located along the Anthi Laguna River incorporated around 537 AI.

Though they make up less than half land area of the GRHH, these islands are home to most of its population and a significant amount of its industry.

Founded by Alexander Stark around 374 AI, this village has grown to be one of the larger settlements in the GRHH. The natural beauty of the island and idyllic community attracts many visitors.

Originally founded as a quarry for special kinds of stone, this onetime backwater is now the largest city and port in the GRHH. Its dense and organic construction leads some to get lost in its narrow streets. It is also home to Gunnar Plaza, which hosts a bustling marketplace.

Founded as a quarry and mining operation by Chairman Dax, this village near the Kaine-GRHH border is well fortified. Due to its small size, it has expanded vertically, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the Empire.

Also known as the “land of water,” this peninsula east of Sothis and Arcadia is peppered with many lakes and inlets.

The first permanent settlement created by the Gathered and of the GRHH, this small town specialized in fishing and agriculture, possessing a large sheep farm. Its Lighthouse Authority was the site of a near-fatal bombing during the Unraveling. Other bombs were found and diffused around the town.

A small sandstone quarry located south of Tidewater. It was the site of the First Chairman's famous Quarryton Speech where he called the Gathered back from exhile after the events of the Unraveling.