Noria Republic

The People

The People of Noria are split into two distinct classes, the Vassals, who work the land and the Nobles, who own it. Previously, this had created some issues within the society itself, where the Nobles were more focused on themselves and their lives than listening to the needs to their people. However, with the change of Government in 1125AC there has been a shift in power, as the Vassals now have the power to enact marked change within their ruling class. Keeping the Vassals happy keeps the Nobles in power. 

Nobles are titled with a variety of monikers, from Duke to Knight and everything in between. They work for the people and the country, engaging in Military service, protecting their workers and the villages on their lands and guarding that land from threats. A Duke might have several Knights working under him to keep the peace and safety. 

Knights abide by honour codes, usually sticking to a rigid Chivalric code, and they swear an oath to the Chancellor to serve the people in all things, and are being closely monitored. Honour codes are a common amongst all the people of Noria, usually quite strict. Though these honour codes may have shifted due to recent turmoil. 

The Vassals are hardy, hard-working folks who tend the fields, harvest the orchards, fish the rivers or craft goods. Their working conditions are hard, but fair and they get paid a decent wage. With the new government, they also get more of a say in their country’s politics. They tend to be focused on the day-to-day, concentrating on the here and now and short-term problems, placing trust into the Nobles to foresee large scale threats. 

Nobles are always on alert for larger threats, being focused on the bigger picture. They want to curry political favour, to gain and maintain positions within the Government and now many of them are looking towards potentially becoming Chancellor one day, but they know that for this, they have to keep the people happy. 

Popular Clothing 

Vassals of Noria will dress simply, in shirts, hose, tunics and kirtles made of warm woolen fabrics or comfortable cottons and linens. They will wear waxed cloth or leather to protect them from the elements and many people will own woolen cloaks or travelling garb for being outside in colder months. Clothing for Vassals is usually in simple, bright colours, but can be faded by the sun or dirt if it is older. 

Knights tend to wear similar clothes, but will add tabards of their colours, possible even displaying a crest, either their own or the Norian fleur-de-lys. On the battlefield, Knights and Nobles are known for wearing heavy armour- suits of plate are expensive, but worth it. 

For the Nobility, fabrics are more likely to be silks, brocade or damask, with fur trims and in beautiful colours. For the Nobility who like to showcase their wealth, hose are usually covered by shorts to the knee. Dresses are likely to be layered, in heavy, expensive fabrics. Trims are likely extravagant and beautiful for all clothes belonging to Nobility.  Travelling dresses are cut to just above the ankle, but at parties the dresses can be floor length, or beyond, with trains and trails. Opulence is worn. 

Culture and Customs 

The people of Noria would say that the culture is one of honour, where trust is important and your word is your bond. They are unlikely to break promises made and unwilling to entertain the idea of breaking their moral codes in most instances. Knights and Nobles swear to a chivalric code when they are sworn in. 

Though the code does vary for everyone, the basics can be encompassed through: 

• Prowess: Seeking excellence in all endeavours; seeking strength to be used for justice rather than personal gain.

• Justice: Seeking what is right without personal bias or prejudice; tempered by humanity and mercy.

• Loyalty: Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to a person or ideal.

• Defence: Defending your lord, the needy and those who depend on you.

• Courage: Choosing the more difficult path, rather than what comes easy; choosing to live by truth.

• Faith: Having faith in your beliefs so that when humanity disappoints you, you still have hope.

• Humility: Refusing to boast in your own accomplishments; putting others before yourself.

• Largesse: Being as generous as your resources allow.

• Nobility: Seeking great stature of character; being the best you can be, realizing that perfection is impossible but always striving toward that ideal.

• Franchise: Emulating all parts of the code of chivalry in the hope that others will follow your example.

Noria is a martial nation, with a culture of Military prowess and, as such, military service and training. Many Vassals opt into military service and Nobles all take part. Training is mandated weekly, for all those of fighting age and capability. It is popular for villages to turn this into a game, or a competition each week to encourage each other and themselves. 

Villages in Noria are largely considered to be one family, and abide by the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child”, children are usually left free-roaming in villages and hamlets, learning together and relying on every adult around to take on a caring role. Food tends to be shared, especially for large feasts and parties where potluck style offerings are produced.

They have a lot of floral based customs, for births, deaths, marriages etc, flowers are given, traded, worn and put up as protection or decoration. These customs vary from town to town, but almost all residents agree that flowers are important. 

History

Historically, Noria has been a global superpower for centuries. It rose to power after the Cataclysm as a force to be reckoned with both on land and in the sea, with a dominating naval power and a huge army. 

They first expanded as a military state, setting up many garrisons, castles and naval bases, starting the law that stated military training was mandatory and military service is expected. This allowed them to formulate a nation of trained soldiers that would aid them in their centuries long war with Liberata. 

They held the city of Aberddu as a naval garrison for an extended period of time, occasionally losing it to Liberata and then, eventually, losing it completely to being a solo City State. They remain on good terms with the city of Aberddu and joined the treaty nation alliance in 1113AC alongside Liberata, Paravel, Ilarin and Aberddu. 

Their reputation was somewhat marred by the Demon War of 1117AC as many of the nobles fled the encroaching war, proving to the people that their so-called honour code mattered less than they had pretended it did. 

In a bid to win back some of their honour on the world stage, the Queen of Noria married the King of Hasselt, taking control of the lands of Hasselt and renaming it Noria Minoris. This saved face for a short period of time, but the people grew restless. 

In late 1124AC the people of Noria revolted, capturing and killing the King and forcing the Queen to flee. They overthrew many of the Nobles who owned the land, naming them corrupt and useless. Power was given to a regent, Lord Otto and a great game began. The armies of Noria began a march across the world, taking many countries and starting a global War that was ended in 1125AC by the intervention of the AAG and an alliance of countries. 

The Queen of Noria was imprisoned, and the country became a republic, voting in a Chancellor and agreeing to return to their old ways of life, but given a voice and the ability to enact meaningful change. 

Leadership

Noria is a democratic republic following the War of 1125AC. The current leader is Xavier Lancaster, who was voted in as Chancellor in 1125AC. 

Land is watched over by a series of nobles - Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Barons and Lords. Beneath the Lords there are Knights - these are either the children of Lords or people from the lower classes who have been raised up. Knights operate as a bridge between classes, having more contact with the people, but still being considered Nobles. 

The nobility are placed in charge of land and they are responsible for caring for the wellbeing of the people who live on that land. It is expected that they will always act with the interests of the majority at heart - this has not always been the case, but has recently improved

Whilst it is technically possible for anyone to for positions of parliament,including Chancellor, it's still mostly considered  a game for the nobility.However, as the Vassles have the right to vote, and therefore the final say- they can no longer be ignored. 

Religious Beliefs 

Noria is a highly religious country, it always has been and prior to the Demon War and the deaths of the Gods Law and Chaos, Noria was a country that openly followed what was then known as the Light Alliance: Amroth, Life and Law. 

Since the death of Law, they have clung tighter than ever to Amroth and Life, though primarily Amroth is most worshipped, due to the strong honour code of the people. Most of the Nobility follow Amroth and will display holy symbols prominently on their arms, armour and in their houses. 

Some choose to follow the Aesthetics as striving for perfection that cannot be earned is a prominent part of some people’s code. 

On the flipside, Noria used to have the “Dark Alliance” of Gods: Keesoth, Death and Chaos outlawed. This is no longer the case, though worship of Keesoth specifically is heavily frowned upon and in some areas or villages it is considered illegal.