Striog, ruled by a council of half-orcs and gnomes, is the fishing, boat-making, and shipping center of Astvanor. Rarely does something get shipped and doesn't come through any of the major ports in Striog. Many orcs and half-orcs consider Striog to be their cultural homeland, often citing important clans and tribes that lived on the Striog mainland even before the Genasi founded Kastvar. Strigosians often contend with prejudices that come from misinformation regarding orcs and those of orc ancestry, often finding travelers frustrating when they come with certain expectations.
The Strigosian Council strongly favors early education. Of the nations in Astvanor, Striog has the most robust education system. The council funds private individual tutors for children under the age of eight, provided they fit certain criteria (children of people working on behalf of the nation of Striog, children of those of a lower socio-economic status, children of single-parent households, etc.). Additionally, from the ages of 8-15, Striog has a robust system of free public schooling. The gnomes of Striog largely inhabit the mainland and spend their days tinkering and inventing in the capital of Cantor.
There are long-standing problems, however, between Striog and it's neighbor to the north, Avisrune, where people in Upper Crescent Port City often considered themselves governed by the laws of Striog - however they are officially part of Avisrune, the neighboring kingdom. This is unpopular in the Ucie (a friendly way to all Upper Crescent Port City), largely because the monarchy of Avisrune is so far disconnected from the problems faced by the Ucie
Striog is largely divided into two sections: mainland and islands. While both follow the same principles and consider themselves to be Strigosian above all else, there are some cultural differences that have built up over the years. Mainland Strigosian Orcs pride themselves on their Orcish roots. There are numerous archaeological digs, museums, and festivals dedicated to learning, teaching, and celebrating Orcish culture.
That is not to say that the island Orcs and half-Orcs have shunned theirs. The needs of the islands are different from the needs of the mainland. Those on the islands have adapted to salt winds and rough seas, occasionally viewing those on the mainland as being softer.
Since its founding, Striog has been ruled by various councils, cabinets, and assemblies. The current iteration of the Strigosian Senate has been the most stable for the nation. Long strides have been made towards reform ensuring representation between the people, and between the mainland and the islands.
While the senate meets in Cantor, most members can be found living in or around the port city of Bo'rava.
While there is no definitive head of the Strigosian Senate, Urzog the Scribe serves as the meditative and spiritual core. The title of See'veka loosely translates into common as being the one who knows. Some falsely equate this to being a seer or diviner.
While the See'veka does provide spiritual guidance to the rest of the Senate, and often serves as the master of ceremonies for various spiritual and religious events in Striog - Urzog never pretends to know the future. Xir role is to refer to and understand the past of Striog and commune with Roshka. Xe uses that information to consult on how best to lead, often considering xirself to be a mostly ceremonial role.
Lumber is a precious resource in Striog. While the northern islands, and northern parts of the mainland are the richest sources of lumber - in the south it is a scarce commodity.
The Turen family operates the largest lumber company in Striog, often serving as the only source of wooden building material for the southern-most parts of the mainland. The Turen Family Lumber Company (TFLC) has also been known to trade in Kastvar, an island nation that often finds itself lacking in lumber.
There have been early-stage negotiations with Kastvar to allow the TFLC to harvest lumber from the furthers islands of Kastvar - however they have been reaching some unexpected delays.
Considering himself Captain of The Blackborn Roar first and a member of the Strigosian Senate second, Captain Zorax's focus has always been and will always be on his ship and his crew. Captain Zorax is the youngest Admiral appointee in the history of Striog, a feat that many say was only accomplished due to his intense determinism and dedication to his work. He is often as vocal about his disdain for politics as he is his hatred of smugglers on his seas.
Captain Zorax has a long-standing and well-known rivalry with the Admiral of the Previdian Royal Navy, Admiral Cyrel.
Grand Matron Spinnerfitz has taught children for multiple centuries all across Striog and into parts of Avisrune and Kastvar - making her a strong choice for Grand Matron of the Strigosian schooling system.
Charged with overseeing the development of public education programs, Matron Spinnerfitz has dedicated her long career in public service to the refinement and development of early education programs in Striog.
While some adults find her to be strict and stringent, she has little patience for people who treat children poorly.
Gnomes are often known to be clever inventors - and the gnomes of Striog are often known to the best of those inventors. Access to the mines near Cantor and the rich mineral deposits found under the mainland deserts have meant that Strigosian gnomes have an ample supply of raw material to work with.
Of the best tinkerers and inventors, none in Striog is known like Lord Togworth. He cemented his place in the Strigosian Senate, as well as his place as a household name, for both the series of inventions he has created as well as his position as an educator for other young engineers, tinkerers, and inventors.
For many centuries, the Axemight family has controlled the mineral-rich mines in Striog. Their name has been left on mountain passes, inventions, fields, ships, and even forts.
As the only child of her family's fortune and name, Lady Yazgar is currently the head of the Axemight Mining Company, and heir to the Axemight fortune.
Since the creation of the Strigosian Senate and in every iteration before, the head of the Axemight Mining Company has had a position. Some speculate that this is due to fears of retaliation by the Axemight family, should something come to pass that might harm their holdings.
Off the southern coast of mainland Striog, is the island of Alu'daar. Alu'daar is a long semi-continuous island, interrupted by shallow waters occasionally. It is the homeland of the two clans of Sea Elves known to the people of Astvanor, the Tel'alu Clan and the Nelath Clan.
Once powerful and large, the clans of Alu'daar suffered a catastrophic loss in the wake of a violent tsunami around the time of the Spring War. They believe this tsunami was caused by the same magical backlash that killed the mortal Alaeymena Thayerblossom and triggered the creation of the Pantheon.
The Sea Elves of Alu'daar worship a two-headed goddess. She is referred to as one individual, however the aspects of her, Moon and Tide, are referred to as Tsav'aya and Tsav'ana respectively. Her symbol is a two headed fish. They believe she was created to protect them following the destruction of their homeland.