(Book 6, DWR)

History

The territory of Molasaria has been inhabited since time immemorial as the dust choked ruins at Balava, Sarvi and Enisa demonstrate. In the ancient past Hamangia, Boian and Karanovo cultures inhabited the region; these ancient peoples were tribal bronze skinned people and herders, and their descendants still herd goats among the hills of the region. At the rise of Emphidian* civilisation, under the influence of tribes and cultures driven from the north, the brutal fey-touched Guniţa reavers appeared in the region and ravaged the existing peoples. Hundreds of years later populations migrating from the north of the Coradian Sea*, of the bloody and war-like Kurga culture, mixed with the Gunita population, creating the savage Cerna kingdoms. The Cerna had rudimentary commercial contacts with the Emphidian Empire* as the ancient Emphidian* sword-grave ruins beneath Midia prove.

Emphidian* colonists from Miletus founded the first colony in the region—Hisi in the 7th and 6th centuries before the death of the Saviour*, more Emphidian* colonies were founded on the coast in the following years including Calla, Tomi, Membria, Dionysolis, Paropolis, Aodisias, and Enia. In the 5th century BC these colonies were under the influence of the Despian Alliance, passing in this period from oligarchy to democracy.

In the same century King Dari of Peras (now Crescentium*) subdued the Cerna living in the region during his expedition against the Anari to the north.

In later years one of the Cerna kings, Athos fought against the southern Anari cities, King Athos was defeated by the Emphidians* under King Philos, who afterwards extended his rule over all Molasaria.

Decades later the Emphidian* colonies led by Catis, supported by local Cerna rulers, revolted against Emphidian* rule. The revolts were suppressed by Limachus, the local Emphidian* governor, who also began a military expedition against Dromites, the ruler of the Anari to the north.

In the same century, proto-Algish* people from across the ocean settled in the north of the region. Later the Perasi king Zoltes invaded the province several times, but was defeated by the Emphidian General Rhexos, who became the protector of the Emphidian* colonies for many decades until the rise of the Selentine Empire*.

During the Third Southern War, these colonies were occupied by the Selentine* Proconsul of Emphidor*, Marcus Terentius. A treaty was signed between the Emphidian* colonies and the Empire*, but soon the colonies revolted. General Gaius Antonius intervened, but was defeated by the rebel colonies and the Cerna peoples near Hiria.

A wily Cerna ruler from southern Molasaria, Rholi supported the Proconsul of Selentine Emphidor*, Marcus Licinius, in his action against the rebellious cities to the north. Declared Socius et amicus Populi Selentini by Emperor Octavian, Rholi helped Crassus in conquering the states of Dapox (in central Molasaria) and Zaxes (in the north of the region). Molasaria and the cities on the coast came under direct rule of the Imperial Governor of Emphidor*.

Five years later the Selentine province of Molasaria was created. The dispossessed Cerna invaded the region several times, but each time were driven further from the civilised lands into the mountains. In the same period, the base of the Selentine* fleet was moved to Novum at the mouth of the Ravali River and great shipyards were constructed.

The Perasi king Deces led a coalition of Perasi, Zhenari, steppes barbarians and Azurian mercenaries in an attack against southern Molasaria. The invading army was defeated by the Selentine* legions under Emperor Trajan on the Yara river and again near Adisi, in the southern part of Molasaria. The latter victory was commemorated by a monument and the founding of the city of Tropa.

The province was generally stable and prosperous until the crisis of the Third Century, which led to the weakening of defences and numerous Barbarian* invasions. During the reign of Tritan Decius the province suffered greatly from the attack of Kurlish* tribes under King Conar. Barbarian* attacks followed each year and a fleet of allied Kurlish*, blood thirsty Cerna and rebel Anari attacked the cities on the coast. In the following decade the Selentine Emperor* defeated the rebels north of the Ravali and settled a part of them near Calla. The same Emperor* put an end to the crisis in the Selentine Empire*, thus helping the reconstruction of the province.

Under the Emperors Licius, Juli the Apostate and Valuss the cities of the region were repaired or rebuilt and the great port city of Olac* was established.

After the division of the Selentine Empire*, Molasaria became part of the Tamorian Empire*.

With the defeat of the New Empire* in Analika, a large mass of Likari crossed the border, settling in the north of Molasaria and absorbing the last civilised remnants of the Cerna, though throughout the hills Cerna settlements continued in isolation until they vanished from living memory... the villages abandoned where they stood.

The Empire's* presence in Molasaria lost weight under the pressure of the repeated attacks on the Empire's* eastern borders by steppes barbarians. In the crumbling coastal fortifications of Molasaria are said to be lost Selentine* treasure hordes.

Molasarian victory over Imperial* forces in the Battle of Onla, established the Molasarian Empire. Tsar Ipor created great cities, a great wall from river to the sea, the city of Megov* and populated the lands of Karuna. The region was embraced by a large net of earthen and wooden strongholds and ramparts. Around the end of his reign, wide building of new stone fortresses and defensive walls began. Some of the ruined Selentine* fortresses were reconstructed as well. During the following three centuries of, Selentines* still controlled some of the coast and the mouths of the Delta, and for short periods, even some cities.

At the beginning of the 8th century, Emperor Justinian visited Molasaria to ask Tsar Terva for military help. Tsar Omur built a palace and city, Plessa, on the Delta and erected a mound in the middle of the distance between Megov* and his new building;on it was built the first True Faith* cathedral in Molasaria: Four Hundred Martyrs Church. Around it was established the city of Silis which became an important Molasarian ecclesiastical centre. The adoption of the True Faith* in the north loosened the hold of the pagan Tsars, spelling the end of the native religions, and slowly the Empire* crumbled back into its constituant parts.

Molasaria has suffered a number of invasions from Crusaders*, Barbarians* and the like over the last 100 years and has broken down into seperate warring kingdoms who squabble over the land even as invaders pick at their flanks.

The hills are riddled with crumbling ruins of lost empires and older catacombs that predate the coming of the Emphidians*, some hill folk say that the Cerna never left this land, that they now dwell within it... and that they have been building up their numbers. They call them Uryk, 'the hidden'.

Capital

Megov*
The name of Megov* is clearly of Likan origin; apparently it was initially founded and functioned as a Likan settlement until its fortification at the beginning of the 9th century. The proximity to the then provincial capital of Plessa led to the fast development and expansion of Megov* during the reign of Tsar Ipor and Tsar Omur. By the time of the coronation of Tsar Brego in 852, Megov* had turned into an important strategic military centre and was the seat of the noble council. A number of churches were built in the city after the conversion of the majority of Molasarians to the True Faith*, this led to conflict with the Tsars who still followed the ancient religion.

The revolt of the now True Faith* nobility led by 'King' Faldmir in 892 was decisive for the future destiny of the city. In 893 Vladimir was dethroned and the new ruler, Silos, decided to move the capital of the state from the still somewhat pagan Plessa to Megov*. In the following 80 years the city developed rapidly, turning into a centre not only of Molasarian politics and diplomacy, but also of culture, literature and the fine arts. A chronicler mentioned that it took Silos 28 years to establish and build up his new capital.
In view of the impressive town planning, the vital economy and the grandeur of buildings like the Orb Church and the Royal Palace, Megov* was a true rival of the largest and most important city centres in the Coradia*. Culturally, it was the centre of the a great literary collection which was founded in Plessa in 886 and was moved to Megov* along with the rest of the court in 893.

It was probably around this collection that the famous illuminated mauscripts of Molasaria developed in middle of the 10th century. The city also has large ceramic workshops which produced art ceramics, glazed tiles, as well as ceramic icons and iconostases. The city's is currently occupied by Prince Svislav, who currently claims rulership of Molasaria; though his claim extends only as far as the reach of his troops.

Government

Molasaria has been a tribal alliance, an oligarchy, a short-lived democracy, an imperial republic, a short-lived sultanate and an empire. It is currently a loose collection of kingdoms, nominally allied around Prince Svislav against the Tamorian Empire* and the threats of Hudristania* and the Crusaders* to the east and south.

Culture

Molasaria is a land of many faiths. The northern areas are of the True Faith*, mostly of the Tamorian* branch of the religion and some even more divergent local variants.

The south has long been dominated by the Ta'ashim Faith*, originally introduced by Perasi invaders, though it is likely that the imams of Zhenir* would find many local differences in the Faith's* practise. In the north small villages still honour Anari and Likan Gods* introduced by northern invaders and settlers.

The mountains of the country hold the last bastions of the countries native religions, based around the dualistic worship of draconic forces of fire and water, embodying the male and female divine in the form of great Worms*. In some areas particularly isolated coastal villages there is still ongoing, though quite divergent, worship of the lost gods of Emphidor... though many of them have been reduced to local folkloric beings in the minds of their worshippers.

The people of Molasaria are a people divided, their ancestors hail from Anari, Likan, Emphidian*, Ta'ashim* and many other peoples. But they are also a people united by a common heritage and the struggle to survive in the shadow of darkness which has long troubled their lands. Molasaria's rich folk traditions have been nourished by many sources, many of which predate the Selentine* or even the Emphidian* occupation. Traditional arts include wood carving, ceramics, weaving and embroidery of costumes, household decorations, dance, and richly varied folk music.

Wood is the main construction material, and heavily ornamented wooden objects are common in houses. In many cities wood is used to create impressive structures such as churches or gates, in the south, windmills were made of wood, and in mountainous regions hardwood is used even for covering the roof. Linen is the most common material for clothing, combined with wool during the winter or colder periods. These are embroidered with traditional motifs that vary from region to region. Black is the most common colour used, but red and blue are predominant in western areas. Men wear a white shirt and pants with a wide leather belt, usually over the shirt, and a vest sometimes made of leather and embroidered. They wear either hard boots or a simple shoe made of leather and tied around the foot and they usually wear a cap or hat which differs in design from region to region. Women wear a white skirt and a shirt with a vest. They wear an apron which is also embroidered and a headscarf;on special occasions they wore more elaborate outfits.

Music and dance represent a lively part of the Molasarian folklore, and is invaluable in lifting the spirits or drowning out the howls of Wolves* or less wholesome beings. Party music is very lively and shows both Emphidian* and Analikan influences. Sentimental music, however, is the most valued, and Molasarians consider their songs unique in the world.

Molasarians have had, from time immemorial, a myriad of customs, tales and poems about love, faith, kings, princesses, the Undead*, Dragons* and Hags*. Customs related to certain times of year are: Midwinter chants, the burning of effigies of the past on the turn of the year or the Martis, marriage festival, custom marking the first day of spring. Other customs are of pre-Selentine* origin, like the Paparuda rain enchanting custom in the summer, or the masked folk theatre or the Two Dragons War pantomines and rituals in winter. Two such customs are outlined below.

The Nestvo

A ritual performed in several villages in the Strazha ( South Emphidian*) Mountains close to the coast in the very southwest of Molasaria. It involves a barefooted dance on smouldering embers. It is usually performed on the square of the village in front of the whole population on the day of St. Vagda or the day of the village's patron saint. The ritual is a unique mixture of True Faith* beliefs and older pagan traditions from the Strazha Mountains.

Traditionally, the right to perform the ritual is hereditary and the head dancer may be succeeded only by his or her son or daughter, and only when he or she is too old or ill to continue performing it. The head dancers house is sacred, because it houses the stolna – a small chapel where icons of several saints are arranged, as well as a sacred drum used specifically for the ritual and believed to cure the drummer if he is ill.

On the day of the ritual the villagers would go to the stolna led by the head dancer and the local priest, where they would watch him thurify the icons and the other dancers, symbolically transferring them the spiritual power and inspiration. The people would then head to a local holy spring carrying the name of the saint, where they would eat an offering of mutton. After sunset, the crowd would build up a large fire and would dance a traditional jeer-filled round dance until the fire dies and only embers remain. The barefoot dance on embers that follows as the climax of the night is accompanied by the beat of the sacred drum and the sound of a bagpipe. It is popularly thought that some of the dancers reach a religious state of trance while dancing, explaining why their feet don't burn and they allegedly don't feel pain.

The origins of this custom stretches back to those villages who honoured the cthonic worm draconic principle over the fire-drake draconic principle, in other parts of Molasaria a similar but inverted ritual is practiced where burning oil is poured over a votive representation. Their offerings at the spring and the dance over embers symbolizes both their allegiance to the water and earth and their rejection of and triumph over fire. In more recent times with the loss of old traditions and the retreat of the Dragons* into legend the rituals have become focused around the Saints* of the True Faith*, though canny, and long lived, observers will note that little has actually changed... in some cases the local saint is even called by the same name as the old object of veneration.

The Kukeri
A traditional Molasarian ritual to scare away evil spirits and undead performed at Winters End, with a costumed man performing the ritual. The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of an animal ,usually a Goat, and large bells attached to the belt. Around Mid-winter the kukeri walk and dance through the villages to scare evil spirits away with the costumes and the sound of the bells, as well as to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness to the village during the year.

The kukeri traditionally visit the peoples' houses at night so that "the sun would not catch them on the road." After going around the village they gather at the square to dance wildly and amuse the people. The ritual varies by region but its essence remains largely the same.

The ritual is attributed to ancient Cerna origins. Similar rituals can be also found in Emphidor* and Lika . The masked goat-type figure is known as Kukri, its horn's are adorned with girls' beads and kerchiefs, ribbons, multi-coloured tassles, mirrors, ivy, basil, natural or artificial flowers etc. The Capra's body may be made of different materials depending on local tradition, such as carpet or red cloth with adornments sewn on: traditional colourful cloth, embroidered handcerchiefs, beaded ornate women's textile girdles, reeds, seed heads, goat pelts and fabric ribbons.

Whilst the ceremony today is seen as a ritual of protection, despite church mutterings about Devil* worship and the image of The Enemy, there are disturbing hints as to its original function:

When the predations of the night became too great the Cerna would bind up their war-prisoners and old house-slaves arms and dress them in horned goat pelts drenched in blood. To the horns would be attached fluttering streamers, noise-makers and shiny things which would attract attention. The 'scape-goats' were then driven out of town during an elaborate ritual of drumming and chanting which attracted the attentions of all nearby predators... when the screams had died down in the early hours of the morning the Cerna would rise and go to war to fetch more offerings... safe in the knowledge that at least for the moment the ancient hungers were appeased...

Language

Klav*, which is written in Classic Script* throughout Molasaria, though Emphidian Script* is used in a number of regions alongside Classic*. In the south are large minorities who speak Nascerine* and write Jezant*.

Geographical Features (not including Places of Interest)

With the exception of the Ravali Delta, a marshy region located in its northwestern corner, Molasaria is hilly, with an average altitude of about 200–300 metres. The highest point is the Greki Peak in the Farzali Mountains, having a height of 467 m. Lake Siltghul is one of the most important lakes in Northern Molasaria.

Molasaria lies in a temperate climatic zone; the local climate is determined by the influx of oceanic air from the northwest and southwest and continental air from the southern desert regions.

Molasaria's relatively level terrain and its bare location facilitate the influx of humid, warm air in the spring, summer and autumn from the northwest, as well as that of northern and northeastern polar air in the winter. The Deorsk Ocean* also exerts an influence over the region's climate, particularly within 40–60 kilometres from the coast. The average annual temperatures range from 11 °C inland and along the Ravali River to 11.8 °C on the coast and less than 10 °C in the higher parts of the hills.

The coastal region of Southern Molasaria is the most arid part, with an annual precipitation of 450 millimetres.

Molasaria is a windy region known for its windmills. About 85–90% of all days experience some kind of wind, which usually comes from the north or northeast. The average wind speed is about two times higher than the average in the region.

Due to the limited precipitation and the proximity to the sea, rivers in Molasaria are usually short and with low discharge. However, the region has a number of shallow seaside lakes with brackish water.

Cities, Towns and Villages

East

TBA

Northeast

TBA

North

Megov*
Plessa

Northwest

TBA

West

Olac*

Southwest

TBA

South

TBA

Southeast

TBA

Places of Interest

East

TBA

North

TBA

West

TBA

South

TBA

Approximation

TBA

Creatures of Molasaria

Dragons of Molasaria

Molasaria has always been known as a land of Dragons*, the ancients worshipped the great beasts and venerated them above all others. The Khala, a chthonic Goddess* of water, earth and darkness was venerated by the leaving of offerings at shrines erected outside the lairs of Worms* and The Zmej, an opposing male god of fire, lightning and thunder was venerated by leaving offerings at the lairs of ‘firedrakes’.


The most famous earthly Dragon* is Veri Çelen ( Вěри Çěлен; i.e., "fire snake") (Veri Celen in Albish) which is said to be capable of assuming human form and visiting unprotected women at night to have sexual intercourse with them and to produce progeny; indeed many Molasarian Sorcerers* claim to be descended from such a child. Veri Celen is reported to be truly enourmous and to be so old that its flames have eaten through its armour in places making it appear to burn from within.
Arçuri is a local wood Demon* from the SE, is described as a great snake-like beast ( perhaps a Worm*) who guards his woods and the ancient ruins within them jealously.

The Perasi Dragon, Ajdaha (Аçтаха), is also mentioned from time to time, it was once said to lair in the mountains on the border between the current Principalities* and Molasaria.

According to one legend, when the Selentines* came to found the town of Biläri, they discovered a Worm* living in the area. When they decided to kill it, the creature surprised them by speaking in the local toungue and begging for peace. When the Legionnaires attacked regardless she called on the Ta’ashim* God* to give her wings. Huge wings burst from her back, and the beast flew away from Biläri towards the south.

Another great Dragon*, was said to live in a pagan tower temple at Alabu. Although the Molasarians adopted both the Ta’ashim* and Coradian* faiths the beast allegedly survived and was worshipped by locals until the current age when it was driven into the hills by the Warlord Tepes.

Ibn Fadlan of Opalar*, who visited Molasaria during a particularly hot summer, referred to numerous Snakes*, especially on trees. Once he saw a big fallen tree, which was longer than 40m. Ibn Fadlan wrote that he'd seen a big Snake* at the trunk that had been almost as large as the tree itself. The locals allayed his fears, assuring him that the Snake* was not dangerous. Whether the beasts referred to in his notes are the, now rare, local pythons or perhaps young Worms* is unknown.

The Djadadjii

The Djadadjii are a specific kind of undead hunter, native to Molasaria who dispose of the restless dead by "bottling" them. The hunter would first bait a blessed and prepared bottle with human blood. He would then use a picture of a saint, or the Saviour or another relic as an icon, and would drive the creature from its hiding place, and straight into the bottle. The hunter then corked the bottle and disposed of the spirit by throwing it, bottle and all, into a fire. The djadajii are a kind of ‘lucky charm’ for local villagers who believe that the hunters are plucky lads ready to defend them from the undead who stalk the night. In truth, if one wishes to become a djadajii then one should have hefty sorcerous, blessed or demonic power to back up their ‘bottling’ or they will find themselves joining the lists of the dead like those before them.

Karakoncolos:

A forest dwelling variety of Ire Goblin from northern Molasaria.


The Ustrel

The Ustrel is a Vampiric* beast believed to rise from the grave of a child born on a holy day but not baptized before death. Nine days after burial, the ustrel claws its way out of its grave. It then finds a herd of cattle to satisfy its thirst for blood. It then returns to its grave. But on the next day it returns to the herd and never returns to its grave. It then resides in the horns or a bull or the hind legs of a milk cow. It feeds first on the fattest cattle and then works its way on down as the poor animals whither and die.

To get rid of an Ustrel, a Vampire* hunter - called Vampirdzija - must perform the ritual of the need fire. On a morning, all the fires in the community are extinguished. Then two bone fires are created at a crossroads. The cattle are then led between the two fires. The ustrel drops onto the crossroads from the animal whose horns or hind legs it had inhabited when that animal passes between the two fires. The Ustrel cannot leave the crossroad and is eventually devoured by Wolves*.


The belief in the Ustrel is probably a way of explaining wasting diseases in herds of cattle, though outsiders who have witnessed the ritual have reported seeing a wailing, naked child left behind after the herd passes.

Balaur

A Hydra*-like beast with Draconic* rather than Human* heads atop its necks. Legend says the first was born from the mating of the the Dragon* Zmeu with a mysterious Emphidian* Hag*.

Capcaun

Ogre*

Iele

Powerful and Fey* Elves* of the mountain forests.

Moroi

A term for Vampiric* or life draining Undead*.

Pricolici

Lycanthrope* (Werewolf)