[RPR II] The Local Flavor, by Loz

[El Fiji Grande]

The Local Flavor​

When one considers the culture of the Alnarian Empire they would be forgiven in thinking there is no one national culture, and from a certain point of view they may even be correct. Natives to the vast Empire would likely disagree however, and vehemently. The truth of the nature of “Alnarian Culture” lies somewhere in the middle of these opinions. Prior to the 16th century the land that is now Alnaria was nine separate and squabbling regions, alliances between these petty states would rise and fall, but unity would not be achieved until the 18th century after more than 200 years of near unceasing warfare waged by the north most Kingdom of Nurlinor, and its ruling House Valarun. The issue of culture weighed as heavily on the Valarun conquerors then as it weighs on the Valarun rulers now. As they marched south they were cognizant of the mistakes of past attempts of unification and the folly of forced cultural assimilation. The Valarun Kings knew ultimately it was not the great folk of land that would be their greatest obstacle to rule. Winning the small folk of opposing Kingdoms would become the true war. This was achieved by making as little of an impact as was possible. The Valarun made adept use of cooperative local officials to implement passive means of control. Rather than create new, unfamiliar systems of taxation and conscription, Valarun officials would simply adapt existing, and familiar systems into the Imperial supply chain. While this plan would fail at points throughout the growing Empire, the rate of success was enough to both implace new rule, and retain old culture. As such it is correct to think there are many cultures within the Empire.

The culture of the North is the culture of Nurlinor of old. Proud and bright, home to colorful jungle flora and fauna, the spirit of which architects and artists have tried to capture for millennia. The cultural North comprises the whole of the Nurlinor, and the northern districts of the Kingdom of Darnur, and the Province of Haradalis. The cultural capital of the North is also the Capital City of the Empire; Armenalis. The golden city has been the seat of Valarun power for over 2000 years since the family began as a squabbling tribe. Given the tropical climate, adventures attitude, and friendly people, the north of Alnaria is a popular tourist destination both for citizens and visitors of the Empire.

The central lowlands that make up the heart of Alnaria present a more quiet experience than the fast paced North. The Provinces of Gondarien and Arlanath were frequent battlegrounds before and during the early days of the Empire. Valarun hosts laid waste to dozens of petty kings and minor nobles during the Great March of Conquest, dotting the land with the husks of once proud fortresses. The lowlands and prairies would once again see violence during the failed Syrixian Invasion, ending with the death of the Syrixian Emperor during the siege of Ardurelos. These centuries of warfare have made the people of the middle Empire somber and weary, but when moved to action they can be your greatest friend, or worst enemy. The one exception to this is the provincial capital of Ardurelos. Ardurelos is both the Empire’s largest city, and largest port. The cultures of 100 civilizations can be seen painted on these city streets. Skandan, Syixian, Esplandian, Midrenean, it can all be found in the sprawling metropolis. Ardurelos also served as the Imperial Capital in the later days of the Great March, making the province of even further value to the historically minded traveler.

The Empire’s Southern Highlands are both geograpically, and ethnically separate from the northern provinces. Above the Mountains of Heaven the population is majority Alnarian, while below the mountains the population is majority Sinnitic. Historically this has led to conflict both physical and cultural. However in the modern day the southern provinces are fully integrated into the Imperial Political System, and are active contributors to the systems success. The south is particularly fascinating in terms of population density. The majority of the population of the regions live in large cities, while the outlying countryside could be mistaken for another place in time. The dichotomy of these megacities and rural villages is reflected in the residents themselves. Many work themselves to the bone during major business cycles and then take several months work holidays to re-center themselves in the country. As with the heartland, the extreme south of the Empire along the border of the Zhen Empire bears the scars of the Syrixian Invasion. The Imperial Commision on the Administration of Battlefields operates a particularly vivid, and educational tour of the Battle of Ionior that is a perennial attraction tourists from both Alnaria, and those from the Syrixian Commonwealth.

The Regions of Alnaria present distinct, and sometimes seemingly irreconcilable cultural differences. However it is through the combining and accepting of these cultures that the Empire has held together. Through each region can be found echoes of the others, through each region can one find people from the others. This cultural melting pot follows in the highest traditions of the first Valarun Kings who understood such a thing would take time. Five Hundred years later their vision has been realized to perhaps its fullest extent under the Banner of the Empire of Alnaria, and under the wise guidance of House Valarun.