Table of Contents
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Life in the Dunsain Highlands
The East Stands Alone
When Garynshae signed a treaty to incorporate into the new High Kingdom of Ralstaa, Viran Uth-Rallis wrongly surmised that they spoke for all of the Dunsain save the clanlanders. He was very wrong, and this left him to rule over merely a city in the heart of hostile territory. Where the folk of Tuarvael call the High King friend, the Dunsain remember old tensions, and though they uphold a chilly alliance with their western kin they are as ready to call the High Kingdom a foe as any other threat, and as able to strike out. Generally, however, the Dunsain are as busy squabbling amongst themselves as they are silently resenting the west.
Social Etiquette and Customs
Arts and Entertainment
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Diet and Eating Customs
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Fashion and Dress
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Religion and Philosophy
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Transportation and Communication
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Common Pass Times
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Political
Political System
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Legal System and Enforcement
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Military
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Technology
Architecture and Construction
Dunsain architecture is altogether more austere than that of the rest of Ralstaa, with even the buildings of the cities being square structures of hewn granite. Mullioned windows and broad doors are common, but exterior decoration is less common, except in the most extravagant of buildings, and clay tiles or wooden shingles are exposed rather than hidden behind façades. Windows are generally narrower, and in colder regions they have interior and exterior shutters to keep the wind form penetrating. Tuarvae glass is prized in southerly regions. Deep ledges are often home to gruesome gargoyles, but these are haphazardly placed rather than uniform. Finials universally decorate the ridges of rooves to prevent large birds (and in some regions birdmen) from roosting on the peak of the roof. Brass statues on stone plinths frequently decorate public places, and the subjects are often grim - frequently in positions of suffering, or depicting the final moments, or greatest suffering in the life of of some hero or legend. It can give a threatening and fatalistic impression to travellers unaccustomed to Dunsain sensibilities.
In the villages and free hamlets stone and thatch are as prevalent as anywhere in Ralstaa, with narrow shuttered windows only on the sheltered side of a building. Often structures are 'L' shaped, wrapping around a semi-courtyard, with a smaller main room used for sleeping, cooking, eating, and general family life, based around a large firepit, and another larger room with access both from outside and from the main room, where livestock are kept, and also frequently where guests are invited to stay. Herb-laced straw covers all of the floors, keeping the buildings warmer as well as dealing with the damp, or melt from snowfall, and internal and external shutters are essential. The pitch of rooves is also much steeper, to allow for snow to slide off more efficiently, leading to wooden ceilings being built in living areas, to prevent heat from the fire being lost in the large vaults these steep rooves create, and sometimes cramped but private sleeping quarters will be separated from the main room between roof and ceiling. A small wooden storage shed will usually shelter the exposed side of the main door, giving these buildings a short, covered porch ideal for removing snow-covered cloaks and boots before entering the home.
Daily Living
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Major Industry
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Medicine
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Economy
Trade
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Major Export and Import
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Money
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The Knives of Rallah, High Kingdom of Ralstaa | ||||
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The Shaeish Kingdoms | Caldare, Donnaigh, Rhuovaith, Kileirey, Balleymoore, Cannavin, Wynd, Breconn, Coulbaigh | |||
The Lleweith Kingdoms | Avalaigh, Haeliard, Lammornia, Branddale, Talladale, Bradenthyr, Tohl | |||
The Starwood | Cwmbran, Kentallen Wood, Uerenuell | |||
Tuarvael | Castrette, Serlot, Friesse | |||
The Dunsain Kingdoms | Byrnham, Blackstone, Craigbyrn, Duncarrick, Strath Gorge, Garynshae, The Clanlands, Aulorn's Gate | |||
Director's Miscellany | Amenities, Culture, Gear & Prices, Professions, Random Encounters, Small Settlement Generator, Supporting Cast Generator |