The Kingdom of Kolobros
West of the Trackless Wood, across Lake Verge, lies the Kingdom of Kolobros. A nation over twelve hundred years old, Kolobros is known as the principal successor of the ancient, fallen empire of Concordis. It consists of about a dozen cities, centered around the capitol of Chios, a port city and island on the Verge.
Because of its connections to ancient Concordis, Kolobros holds knowledge of ancient enchantments that have been lost in many other places. Powerful magics defend the nation's borders, and the university in its city of Lefkada attracts scholars and students of magic from all over Ariath.
In part because of its reliance on magic, Kolobros does not use much in the way of technology. Like most parts of Ariath, its sciences and manufacturing are roughly at the level of medieval Earth. Some uses of magic make the kingdom seem more advanced than it would otherwise be; enchantments bring light and water to individual homes in a manner similar to 20th century Earth. Also, due to a campaign against disease-causing Dark Spirits a few centuries ago, the sanitation systems in Kolobros are the envy of the civilized world.
For as long as its people can remember, Kolobros has been ruled by Alexis Kolobros, the Phoenix King. The lower-ranked nobles pass their positions down to their descendants, but once every human lifespan, King Alexis is reborn from the fires to rule once more. His skillful rule is kept from stagnation as, despite still being Alexis Kolobros, the monarch rises from the flames a new person each time.
While once the kingdom was ruled by its monarch directly, a senate now governs Kolobros and maintains law and order. The king maintains absolute power, but prefers to hold a light hand on the reins, stepping in only in times of crisis. The senate, an elected body whose size depends on the nation's population, makes national policy and acts as a check on the power of the nobles.
People of Kolobros
While all Folk are welcome in the nation, most Kolobrossi are members of surface-dwelling, native Ariathan races. Civilized talking animals, elves, fauns, and fae of all sorts make up much of the population. In addition to the Trackless Wood, Kolobros borders on the ocean, mountains, and the Territories; it sees enough varied travelers that it would take a lot of effort to stand out there.
The country is prosperous, and even the less affluent can generally afford fairly fine clothing. Kolobrossi are known for dressing well, and many of them use accents in their wardrobe that hint at their allegiance to the Phoenix King, particularly while abroad. Only Folk actually in royal service are allowed to wear the nation's red and gold phoenix livery, but patriotic citizens may simply wear the colors, or wear phoenix-shaped jewelry.