Etymology

Yulania (you-LAH-nee-ah) is derived from the name of Yulani tribesmen that originally occupied the region. The Yulani were a Midron people, though modern Yulanian’s share much in culture with their Southron neighbors.

Geography

Yulania is a country to the south of Zaldara, bordering Kuskar at the Arahani River to the south, Melnys Vale at the Uralda Mountains to the east, Borael and Hadurk-Sur by the Inavina River to north, and Ornis by the Mondira River to the west. Napathi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in all of Zaldara lies in southwestern Yulania, at the end of the Lesser Mondira River.

Cities and Places of Interest

The capital of Yulania is the city of Osandar, on Napathi Lake. To the north of Osandar, on the Lesser Mondira River, lies the city of Edandir. North of Edandir is the city of Jenaris, near the border with Borael on the Inavina River. To the northeast of Osandar, where the Inavina River meets the Lower Iamari River, and nestled in the Uralda Mountains, is the city of Edeva. To the southeast of Osandar is the city of Kydos, at the Kuskar border on the Arahani River.

In the far southeast corner of the country lies Yulania’s sole Tower of Wizardry, Tower Yenuil.

History

Ancient Acheran chronicles note frequently the renowned fierceness of the Yulani tribesmen. They were said to have the “fires of battle” flowing through their veins. It is this fierceness that has allowed their descendants to control one of the largest countries in the known world.

The Imperial Period

Even under Imperial rule, the Yulani proved to be problematic subjects. Uprisings in the province that became the nation of Yulania were frequent throughout the Imperial period. In particular, a tribal leader known as Ghazar managed to band together many of the Yulani clans and actually laid siege to the Imperial fortress as Osandar, eventually taking the city and holding it for seven weeks before Imperial troops were able to secure it once again. Though drawn and quartered by the Imperial garrison, Ghazar’s name lived on in the hearts and minds of the Yulani.

Post-Imperial Yulania

As the empire declined, the Yulani uprisings grew in number and it became increasingly untenable for the Acherans to hold the Yulanian province. Once the imperial armies withdrew, the Yulani quickly banded together under the banner of the descendants of Ghazar and declared their patriarch, Nahabed Ghazarian, King of the Yulani. The first Ghazaraian dynasty was born.

Since that time, Yulania has grown into a prosperous and powerful nation in its own right. It has garnered the good will of most of its neighbors, with the exception of Kuskar, who still attempts (from time to time) to cross the Arahani River in attempts at expansion.

Laws and Governance

Yulania is a strong, hereditary monarchy. Its general laws benefit the common good, though there is room for interpretation and mercy to be doled out by appointed magistrates. It is generally the spirit of the law, rather than the letter, that prevails in the courts.

The current monarch, King Arakel Ghazarian, is known to be a just man, a powerful warrior, and benevolent leader.

Royal, Noble, and Political Titles of Yulania

Economy

The riches of Yulania come from the diamond mines maintained in the Uralda Mountains. Much of Yulania is open plain, though there are some woodland areas for timber and hunting.

Money System

*CP = Copper Piece, SP = Silver Piece, GP = Gold Piece, and PP = Platinum Piece

Ethnic Groups

The primary ethnic groups populating Yulania are the descendants of Yulani tribesmen. There are some Kuskars and a fairly strong Halfling population, emigrants from the relatively close Melnys Vale.

Racial Characteristics

Yulanians are a Midron people that tend toward olive-toned skin and dark hair and eyes. Some in the north of the country share characteristics with Boraelans, having fairer skin and hair and even having blue or green eyes.

Languages

Yulani is the primary language spoken in Yulania (as well as Tradespeak). Acheran is prevalent as well. Kuskar, Ornish, and Boraelan can also sometimes be heard.

Popular Names

Commoners user a patronymic (-ian) as a last name while nobility use a House name as their last name.

• Noble houses : Ghazarian (Royal), Ounian, Kassabian, Hartunian, Aghassian, Edesatsi, Tavidian

• Male: Armen, Bedros, Levon, Sarkis, Tavid, Vartan, Zaoravar

• Female : Aghavni, Dalita, Mairan, Sona, Taline, Yania, Zhenya

Religions

Yulanians are willing to worship the Midron pantheon of gods as the equally popular precepts of Mazranism. Both faith systems flourish in Yulania. The organization of “evil” religions is outlawed in Yulania.

Sorcery and Wizardry

The practice of sorcery and wizardry is permissible within Yulania. The country is a signer of the Athanasius Pact.

Culture

Culturally, Yulania is very much a mix of Midron and Southron traditions.

Music

Yulanian music is highly influenced by the melodramatic styles of Kuskar composers. It primarily utilizes string instruments and pipes.

Cuisine

Yulanian cuisine is known for its hearty stews, with savory southern spices and hearty northern staples, such as potatoes and beef.

Weapons and Armor

Like most things Yulanian, a mixture of southern styling (curved blades, veils) and northern sensibilities mark Yulanian forge work.

Clothing

Yulanian women tend to wear dresses and blouses with plunging necklines—at least, in comparison with their relatively modest Midron neighbors. Men’s clothing is colorful and ostentatious.