Wayward Coast
The Wayward ("WAY-WAR-D") Coast is a small nation on the south western tip of Ezavriel. The nation controls many small islands throughout the ocean, namely the Wayward Isles. It's capital, Esila, sits on the mainland of Ezavriel. It is where the Empress and her Archpriests reside.
Society in the Wayward Coast cherishes faith, balance, and the seas. They worship the Way of the Sun and Moon, referring to the deities Atal the All-Bright and Yher the Dark One. To worship the Way of the Sun and Moon is to believe in the balance of the world. Darkness is never seen as evil. The sun is not good and the moon is not bad.
There is no light without darkness.
A world of all light is blinding.
Subsequently, it is hard to find an occupation within the Wayward Coast that is not tied to sea. Many citizens work as crew of a ship, dockhands, or merchants selling newly-acquired goods. Even the lowliest sailor will pray to deities above. Atal is prayed to in order to keep the weather nice for sailing and Yher is asked that the currents may flow favorably.
Relationships
Most citizens of the Wayward Coast follow the teachings of Atal the All-Bright and Yher the Dark One and, thus the Empress's rule. Non-believers usually feel societal pressure to worship and many convert. The Empress is regarded as an extension of Atal and Yher, so most people consider them at least part deity.
Most nations regard the Wayward Coast as a distant, small land of sailors. Other governments will meet with and show respect to the Empress, but the Wayward Coast is frequently left out of decisions due to their distance from the other capitals.
Key Figures
Empress Lur, the Sun-touched
Female Human
Archpriest Voola
Male Orc
Archpriest Fano
Female Human
History
From a City to a Coast
The islands originally governed themselves, before merchants and missionaries sailed out of Esila. At first, they were rejected and ignored by the islanders. However, after some were taught the Way of the Sun and Moon, the outsiders were slowly welcomed into society.
As more missionaries arrived on the isles, more islanders were converted. When a majority of the inhabitants followed the Way of the Sun and Moon, Esila proclaimed sovereignty of the isles.
As Esila's influence grew, the Wayward Coast was established to be continentally recognized, and thus the Wayward Isles were named.
After the Wayward Coast waned, the islands returned to their original state of governing themselves.
The Wane of the Coast
After the Yhoran-Opirian War and the Opirian Alliance continued its expansions, Esila was pulled into focus. With the advancement of airships, Opirian forces could easily travel over the Mirthvale Swamp and the mountains below, over to Esila. While the Opirian expansion to the west was stifled, much of the Wayward Coast's resources were expended.
Due to this resource strain, the Wayward Isles could no longer be supported and the Empress and Archpriests agreed to relinquish their control of them.
Music/Inspiration
#Organization