| Tarassian Union Overview |
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This thread aims to provide a small overview of the Tarassian Union. This thread is about a Non Playable Nation and is not the property of one player. You can help to expand Tarassian lore by giving feedback or making articles on TSPedia.
TSPedia: Tarassian Union (A1-0) - TSP Encyclopedia The Tarassian Union
"Tarassiau Enosu" ![[Image: Tarassian-Union-Flag.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/tCv4CTWB/Tarassian-Union-Flag.png) The flag of the Tarassian Union known as the Shield and Spears. Introduction The Tarassian Union is an established nation on the A1-0 Sector. While not many may know it whereabouts or even existence, the Tarassian Union has existed for thousands of years. Slowly expanding it realms over the years, the Union now holds 29.000 stars and 1.873 planets. From the primitive age, the Tarassians were a martial species. Putting emphasis on fighting, they evolved to become formidable warriors and have spread their martial way to the stars. Even subjugating two species, who now walk among them as equals. The Tarassian Union's society is unique. The line between civilians and military is blurred as a vast tiered citizenship forms the basis of its society. All members are required to fulfil military service and to rise on a political level, one must do so through the military. The Tarassian Military not only defends the star nation, but also governs it. This unique governance system is similar to a military occupation, but with more democratic and timocratic (honour) elements. Service guarantees citizenship and one is needs to serve to military is to serve the Union's people. With the newly appointed Tarassos Gor D'Kut, the J'Tarassa Council has agreed to explore the sector once again. This is the first time in millennia that the J'Tarassa Council has taken a different stance than complete isolationism. Whether this mean the Tarassians will actively wage war to expand their domain remains to be seen... Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Astrography
The Tarassian Union is divided into 10 Mandates (Entala(e) in the Tarassian language) which act as sectors and states. Each Mandate is headed by an Archon who has a seat on the J'Tarassa Council which is both the executive and legislative body of the Tarassian government system. Each Mandate is then divided into Oversectors, Sectors and Sector Clusters. Mandates have their own military forces which primarily defend each mandate individually, but also sustain the economy. ![[Image: Map.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/wMH7JGjF/Map.png) A map showing the 10 Tarassian Mandates, each named after their Mandate Capital, shown by the whit circles. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Culture, Species and Population
- Main article Tarassian Union (A1-0) Since the Tarassian Bronze Ages, war was deemed a necessity in life. Even the word Tarassian in the native Tarassaka tongue means "honourable warriors". Honour, loyalty and duty became the most important aspects of Tarassian culture. Great Warriors became renowned on Tarassia and in some cases deified by their tribe. This aspect of each species' culture has only gained more prominence since Martial Reforms. Duty to the state and military became the most important goal in life. From an early age, all Infant Tier Citizens are taught duty at school and often join training camps in their free time. These extracurricular activities are often seen as a show of promise for future officers and reflect well in later training. Literature of the Union is a great tool to reflect this mentality. The most famous literary work is The Never Ending Sacrifice by Bor J'Khanna. This behemoth of a book follows the journey of multiple generations from different career paths and shows how everyone can do their part to devote themselves to the Union's State. Although a great devotion to the military is present, some individuals still hear the muse of arts. The Union tolerates these artists because they see them as assets to maintain morale in the ranks. The culture of the species have thus become a tool to the Union's military. Most common forms of art in the Tarassian union are Turshian throat singing, Onkori flight theatre, Tarassian wardancing and Feesi dancing. While these arts ar appreciated, Union society at large doesn't praise them as much as other star nations and have become completely subservient to the military. Despite the many sacrifices demanded by the state, the Union also allows great freedom in some areas. Recreational drugs are allowed and regulated by the military. Though it is forbidden to use them while on duty and only some liberties are granted to some of the higher Citizen Tiers. As long as the usage of drugs doesn't inhibit the user's competence and duty to the Union, Citizens are free to use any drugs they desire. Jen'Tarsai - Path of Glory The Jen'Tarsai or Path of Glory, is a series of rules and codes that reflect how each Citizen should live. It was introduced by the first Tarassos, Sakir J'Dir. Though only a select few historian know it, the Jen'Tarsai is based upon alien teachings. An ancient tomb from the First Tarassian Bronze Age was discovered after the Ryccian bombardments, revealing the tomb of an ancient godlike legend. Near the tomb was a book with teachings from a mystical Order south of the Union far far away. This Order would later be revealed as the Jo'Dai Order and the legend would be the Jo'Dai Master Zeva Nassu. Luckily the sole deciphered ancient Tarassian scripture was used to translate Her teachings would form the basic code of honour and philosophy of the Union. While the Jo'Dai Order taught to serve Ashla, Tarassos J'Dir replaced this with the Union State. The principles of protecting the weak and limiting harm to those not involved in the war effort became pillars of the Union's military doctrine. To fight the unjust The Jen'Tarsai also acts in concordance with religions as it teaches that devotion to the state leads to salvation. What this salvation exactly is, isn't specified and is compatible with most religions. Religion The Union state is tolerant of all religions so long as they don't inhibit the Citizen's abilities. While traditional religions amongst the species are present, most Citizens have come to accept the Jen'Tarsai as its own form of religion. Religions such as Slinushi, Korinity, Jen'Slouthos and Turshian spiritism are still widespread. Though they have been in steady decline ever since the conception of the Union. It is estimated that roughly 40% of the Union's Citizens follow the Jen'Tarsai as its own religion. Many outsiders interpret this as a religion of the state, however most Citizens will try to persuade them otherwise. Saying that through the Jen'Tarsai they serve the Union at its best, not that the Union controls Jen'Tarsai doctrine. Religions have also shifted in that killing individuals in the name of the state or a just cause to be acceptable. Since this would otherwise inhibit a Citizen's abilities to serve the Union. Language Like the traditional religions the languages are well preserved and schools are allowed to teach in their native tongue. However, a lingua franca does exist which is a combination of all four species. This language is called Tharaseka and a mixture of the four languages spoken by each species. Tharesaka is also the official language of the Union and is used in all military affairs. To reflect that, the language uses very short words and has no conjugations. The language is easy and direct to enhance military communication. Population and Species The Tarassian Union has a vast populace, 755 billion in total. While it's relatively small compared to other star nations such as the Drakari Celestial Imperium, Ryccian Empire and the Stoinian Star Kingdom, it is comparable to the Treecuu Star Empire. However, despite its small population it has the largest percentage devoted to its armed forces. Not for nothing is the Tarassian Union the strongest military power of the A1-0 Sector, even though it remains seemingly isolated. ![[Image: Population-Map.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/XvVkgCFG/Population-Map.png) A map of the Union's population of each Mandate. It's population is split in the four species of the Union. 325 billion Tarassians constitute 43,04% and the vast majority of Citizens. The other four species are at roughly the same population size. The 150 billion Feesi make up 19,86% of the population, the 145 billion Turshieni 19,22% and the 135 billion Onkori 17,88%. This discrepancy of the Tarassian population is attributed to the fact that Tarassian culture promotes a higher fertility rate among its people compared to the other species. ![[Image: Species-Row.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/50DPptbh/Species-Row.png) A Turshian couple, a Tarassian male and female, an Onkor and a male and female Feesi.The Union's Citizens have come to the conclusion that one's species doesn't dictate their role. While species are better suited for certain jobs, they can complement one another and overlap each others fault or weakpoints. Tarassians make excellent melee fighters, while Turshieni are exceptional marksmen. Likewise the Feesi are specialized for aquatic warfare and the Onkori dominate aerial combat. This has lead them to believe that everyone, even non Union species, to be worthy of the Union so long as they serve the Union to the best of the abilities. However, if the first individual of a species gives a subpar impression, it will result in the spreading of stigma of the species. While Citizens won't prohibit any other members of the species to prove themselves, they will likely face some sort of discrimination to prove themselves. Often this discrimination is meant to provoke the individual to prove themselves. Education The Union's Education is one which instils discipline and teaches the Jen'Tarsai to its children. Being directly under the Union's military command, Citizen children are obligated to enrol in these military schools. There they are exposed to principles of honour, loyalty and duty. To accomplish this, the education system requires many sacrifices to be made. From harsh physical courses to even giving a falling tooth or an equivalent of it to the T'Latos Order for safekeeping. Just like in the military, the education system is run in a militaristic structure where the most promising student get a small leadership role in class. this doesn't mean that only academic excellence is promoted. Pupils who go out of their way to help others who struggle are also elevated. This has lead the Union's education system to be both compassionate and competitive, with schools maybe leaning more towards one or the other. Aside from school, extracurricular camps help form each pupil's passion and talents. From leadership to medical training, these camps help form each pupil and their strength. Often these extracurricular camps are seen as mandatory for specialization later in life such as medical practice or an officer career. The education system is split into four stages. The nursery school takes care of toddlers and is mostly spared of the harsh requirements in the other stages. The elementary stage consists of roughly 6 years where pupils are taught the basic of military life and academics. The high school period is similar to the elementary one, but it starts to specialize into certain directions. These are typically large complexes with many different studies. Pupils however enrol in one of the predetermined trajectories based on their final examination in the elementary stage. In the last stage, one can learn higher levels of education to further specialize to equip the pupil for its future job. Be it medicine or engineering, all these Academies are run by the military and vary from 3 to 5 years of studying. Of course if is unable to begin higher education at an Academy, they are drafted for their active service in the Armed Forces. Health Healthcare in the Union is universal. Although advanced outsiders might consider it to be substandard, the Union's Citizens are happy and consider it a great gift from the Union. Although not all diseases can be cured, the Union Medical Force has done tremendous work in eliminating most known diseases. However, if the Union gains information on hostile species it will try and turn that information into biological weapons. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Tiered Citizenship
- Main article Tarassian Union (A1-0) Political life in the Union is bound by military service. There is no longer a clear distinction between the two and with the tiered citizenship, certain ranks need to be achieved before one is even allowed to run for public office. Political parties are also non existent in the Union. Every citizen is expected to swear loyalty to the Union directly and obey the Chain of Command at all times. This apolitical systems has worked with for the Union population who is drilled from birth to follow the Path of Glory. Executive and legislative power are always taken together in public offices to ensure maximum effectiveness which is highly regarded by the Union's population. The Union's population no longer has the concept of what a political party or an extensive bureaucratic system is. They view any other form of government as sluggish and inefficient, especially the ones with civilian oversight. There are however socialist tendencies in the Union. The wealth generated by the Union is distributed in such a way that every Resident Citizen gains the same amount of money to ensure their survival. If one wants to improve their standard of living, they must do so through the military. This is the embodiment of Union political belief. Everything must be in service to the military who in turn serves the people at large. The Union's populace however sees it as a part of the Path of Glory and frown upon being called anything but a loyal and obedient citizen. J'Tarassa Council The J'Tarassa Council is the legislative and executive body when it comes to governing the Union. These members are the most highly regarded individuals throughout the Union. The Council consists of 11 members. Each Archon of a Mandate and the Tarassos. The function of the Tarassos varied throughout history. It began as a special title for Strategos Sakir J'Dir who wished to be only the first among equals. This has however changed over the thousands of years, if not every so slightly. The Tarassos now holds superior authority over any other Archon and is entrusted with 15% of the votes within the Council. This high number reflects the importance of the Tarassos' decision making responsibility and must guide the Council to make new laws and doctrines. Their opinion is attributed such importance, that it has become normal for the Council to make unanimous decisions. To declare war however, only a simple majority is needed in the J'Tarassa Council. The Tarassos serves a term of 14 standard years and usually former Tarassose retire directly after their term as they usually are of an old age when elected. While they aren't prohibited to run for a second term, it has become a rule to only run once. Only in times of great peril or may it be even able for the Tarassos to run again. If the Tarassos is rendered unconscious or is unavailable, the Archon of the Dissadia Mandate becomes Tarassos. The J'Tarassa Council Members:
Tiered Citizenship Since the Martial Reforms by Strategos Sakir J'Dir, the focus of the Tarassian Union has become to defend the Union. To ensure a competent and flexible leadership, a new system of tiered citizenship was introduced. The military had already take control from the civilian government during the Incursion War and so it was easy to introduce these reforms. The complex tiers of 22 different citizenships forms the basis of political rights for every Union citizen. The higher the tier, the higher the honour and respect associated with the individual. The higher one's tier, the more power they have as lower tiers must obey except for in immoral cases. Contrary to what some might believe, not every citizen wants to raise to the top of the command chain. Most citizens are happy in their position where they often stay for life. Outsiders often view this as stagnant, but the citizens themselves see this as way for balance. Remaining in a certain tier is viewed as knowing one's limitations and honourable within Union society. Their corresponding voting power applies everywhere, even in voting for non-military affairs like in boards of corporations or within the family. There are different categories of citizenship and each have their own limitations and benefits. Citizen Tiers Tiers for the non-combatant workers of the military or for those that no longer work directly for it.
Tiers for the combatant elements of the military. These tiers are highly regarded by society, especially the higher ones.
![[Image: Military-Structure.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/W3VzZGJC/Military-Structure.png) Administrative Tiers Tiers for the administrative elements of the military. In some ways these are the political tiers of society together with the Archon and Tarassos Tiers. These tiers are also viewed with great respect by the citizen tiers who live under these tiers. Each position has their own term and this varies throughout the ranks. The Kotarch, Ethnarch and Eparch all have terms of 4 standard years. The Vestarch has a term of 6 standard years and the Exarch a term of 5 standard years. Sector administrators have longer term periods. A Pentrach serves for 6 standard years, while a Cas'Moff serves for 8 standard years. The Jaz'Moff serves for 10 standard years and the Archon for 12 standard years. However, there are no term limits for the following tiers.
![[Image: Administration-Ranks.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/0Q1Mfght/Administration-Ranks.png) Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
History
- Main article Tarassian Union (A1-0) Pre-FTL Before the Tarassians left their homeworld, they evolved from a large porcupine species. Once they began to walk on their back legs, evolution had its way and they evolved to have opposable thumbs. From those early days, the Tarassians had a martial culture emphasizing fighting prowess. They began to use their quills, which fell off after some time, as weapons and tools. These quills would eventually form the basis of Tarassian melee warfare: shield and spear weaponry. Tarassian arms are slightly shorter compared to other humanoid species. As a result, their range and swiftness for sword fighting is suboptimal and the Tarassians have ever since preferred spears over swords. The ancient Tarassians became proficient with these weapons and primitive tribes banded together. The early Tarassian nations often fought against one another as they rendered their natural predators obsolete. While many would see infighting as an obstacle to progress, the ancient Tarassians viewed this differently. They saw it as their way to make progress. Little documentation survived the centuries, though Tarassian histories agree that the Tarassians had three Bronze Ages with two of them succumbing due to unknown reasons. Some say it was due to interstellar interference or climate change Centuries went by and the Tarassian thirst for combat fuelled their quest for new technologies. In a fairly rapid societal development, the Tarassian spent only 700 standard years from their bronze age to planetary unification. Their weapons reflected their philosophy of honourable warriors. Instead of actively trying to kill each other, Tarassian focus laid with disarming and wounding their enemies so that they might fight another day and beat the again. This way of fighting is an oddity within the Sector and has never been recorded anywhere else on such a large societal scale. Tarassian Stratocracy After a series of planetary wide wars, the Tarassians unified together in a federation where the most honourable leaders of each nation ruled in a council. Honour was dictated by a codex and trials by combat were common practices for multiple applications. In their search for new challenges, the Tarassian Stratocracy researched ways to travel the stars. This led to the discovery of Hyperspace and the Ziltos sit Tarassia (Zeal of Tarassia) was the first spacevessel capable of FTL-travel. Slowly but surely, the Tarassians began to explore star systems close by. They colonized their first world of Criton, Gharvon, Porillim and Joumissim which would later form the Tarassian Cluster. Disputes over rules and quarrels were dealt with trials by combat even to those days. For the next hundred years the Tarassian slowly expanded their dominion until they finally clashed with neighbouring species. The Onkori and Feesi Republics were also star faring nations by the time the Tarassian made contact with them. This proved a new opportunity for the Tarassians who indulged into wars with them. For the coming century, all three parties would fight against each other in the War of a Billion Tears. All parties propagated a xenophobic and supremacist agenda in their governments. The Tarassian Stratocracy would be put under the leadership of the first Warrior-King Ser B'Sirim who managed to conquer both Onkori and Feesi Republics. He lead the Tarassians into a Golden Age where the Tarassians ruled over their subject species with an iron grip. After the Warrior-King's death, the Onkori and Feesi staged major rebellions. During these Wars of Prestige, the Onkori and Feesi would adopt Tarassian way of warfare and gain the admiration of the Tarassians. The Onkori and Feesi had proven their fighting prowess and the Warrior-King Bor B'Sirim would grant them all equal citizenship and put an end the the Tarassians' oppressive nature. From then on, everyone was equal to a Tarassian if they proved their worth in combat. Further cementing the Tarassian belief that conflict makes progress. The Incursion War After the Second Golden Age, the Tarassian Stratocracy would face one of its most ruthless enemies yet. The Ryccian Empire was in an era of turmoil where Imperial Pretenders arose and claimed the Imperial Throne for themselves. The alien dominated western parts of the Empire rebelled against the pretender. As a means to find new resources and fuel the Reformist war machine, Viceroy Scipio Cassius Ferrius Virtutius Bluerose Charlein, the Duke of Velpus, lead an incursion into Tarassian space as a way to claim new territories for resources. However, the Tarassian Stratocracy resisted and this let to all out war. The Ryccian ships obliterated Tarassian vessels in space combat, but formed significant resistance on the ground, drenching the Ryccians into a bloody war on Tarassia itself. This war was so brutal that the Warrior-King's family was killed off along with 60% of the planet's population. Strategos Sakir J'Dir would mount an enormous Task Force to attack Duke Bluerose Charlein's fleet. In the Battle over Gharvon, Strategos J'Dir personally boarded the flagship of the Duke's second in command, Admiral Boldan. The Tarassians had adapted their warfare to primarily use boarding parties in this battle as their ships' weapons barely damaged the Ryccian ships. While the battle had been won, it was by far the bloodiest naval battle in Tarassian history. Strategos J'Dir executed the Ryccian Admiral and with the Imperial pretender attacking their core territories, the Ryccian Reformists were forced to retreat. The Incursion War had proven a giant failure of resources and manpower for the Ryccian Reformists. Tales of Tarassian legends and myths have been obscured over the years and the conflict has been largely forgotten by the Ryccian Empire. Martial Reforms With the nation left in shambles and Tarassia itself scarred, the nation fell into a vacuum of power. Surprisingly, Strategos J'Dir used his forces to secure control of the nation and instigated a military coup. Tarassians, Onkori and Feesi alike yearned for a strong leader that might rebuild their nation and J'Dir fit that description most excellently. J'Dir would become the "Father of the Union" and enact the Martial Reforms. The Tarassian Stratocracy reformed itself into the modern Tarassian Union. J'Dir wanted name it the Glorious Union as a way to include the other species, however they would settle with the new tiered citizenship which allowed everyone to become the Commander of the Union. To honour the Tarassian which had effectively made the Union and its core principles, the name Tarassian Union stuck. The major aspect of the Reforms was that the military took over responsibilities of government. Tarassians, Feesi and Onkori, all swore their new allegiance to the Union and vowed to never again allow an invader go unpunished again. Mandatory military service was introduced and only those who actually completed it, became full fledged citizens. From that day on, the union's Citizens would always follow the new Jen'Tarsai or Path of Glory, which stipulated how a good Citizen lives and acts. The Jen'Tarsai would become the core doctrine of the Union and decide its modern form and policies. This Jen'Tarsai is however based upon the scriptures of a mysterious tomb revealed during the Ryccian bombardment. Cleansing Wars As the Union expanded southwards, the Union was faced with nomadic tribes of pinkish skinned humanoids. These would later be revealed to be the Qraunsil Zeltrex Tribe, a pleasure seeking nomad fleet. The Zeltrex continued to enter Union space despite them firing upon their vessels as a warning. The Union was faced with only one option as the Zeltrex continued to violate their space, an offensive. Rallying behind a defensive cause, the many citizens of the Union fought multiple wars against the Qraunsil Tribe. The Union Navy would also mobilize its newest ships made from re-engineered Ryccian technology, proving a new way of proficient warfare for the union. The Cleansing Wars would take over 5 standard years and it would end at the Battle of Dissadia. The Union would face the last Zeltrex remnants near the paradise world of Dissadia, which the Zeltrex used as a temporary vacation spot. It was a resounding victory for the union as no Zeltrex survived the battle and Dissadia was claimed as new world for the Union. Turshian Consolidation As a result of the Cleansing Wars, the Union adopted a more expansionist policy. Over the centuries military expeditions took over hundreds of star systems unopposed. Until it met resistance from the Turshian Hierarchy. Skirmishes were common for the next five years and nearly all out war seemed imminent. In a surprising turn of events, the Turshieni deciphered the Union's language and requested a diplomatic meeting with the Union's leaders. The J'Tarassa Council was unsure, but ultimately decided to approve this meeting and appointed Tarassos Porodak to meet these newly met aliens. The Turshieni were impressed by the Union's military prowess and tactics which had gained them much respect from the Turshieni. Talks between the two star nation's leaders continued and realized that they were more alike one another than different. Both parties devoted themselves to martial prowess and adamant artists in war. Eventually the Turshieni decided to become a vassal state of the Union with the goal of eventual integration. It only took roughly six standard years to do and relative few opposition was present due to the Turshian Hierarchy's strict obedience policies. Shimon Border Skirmishes Even more centuries passed and the Union had expanded a lot changed since the Turshian Consolidation. However, it would once again be facing a new foe. Mysterious ships made incursions into the newly claimed Shimon Territories. The Tarassians used frequent border patrols, a tradition standing to this day, to solidify their domain. This sometimes lead to Drakari ships trying to initiate contact, but the Union feared another incursion like the Ryccians once did. In their fear, they destroyed nearly all Drakari scout ships. Never engaging in any form of communication with them. The Union didn't want to commit to another war as the new Territories were in their initial colonization phase and not proper logistics were in place. Sometimes these skirmishes would lead to larger ships groups to face each other off. But as soon as the Drakari realized that the Union won't attack their territory and their stiff no diplomacy policy, the Drakari ceased to send any more ships to Union territory and no further skirmishes have been noted ever since. The skirmishes only lasted one standard year, but remain in the Union's memory as a warning sign. End of the Slumber With the newly elected Tarassos Gor D'Kut, a young prodigal military commander, the Union has began a new era of exploring beyond the Union's borders. Small squadrons and Flotillas have begun to travers their border and scan the star nations surrounding to assess their strength. The Union has slowly shifted from a purely defensive stance, to a more pre-emptive stance. This recent shift has given the T'Latos Order, the military intelligence agency, to new levels of importance as they must process the collected data and report to the J'Tarassa Council. Whether the Union will wage war in the near future remains to be seen, though they won't step away from their defensive nature. Perhaps they will step back from a complete isolationist policy. But for now, they remain a closed society and ever vigilant of what might lay beyond. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Foreign Policy
With the election of the new Tarassos Gor D'Kut, the Union has shifted from its harsh isolationist stance. Patrols on the borders have grown more and more common. The Union vessels trespass beyond their border for short intervals at first. Then they stay their for longer periods and increasing the amount of patrols. This way they create a pattern that can be easily found and then their ships can be easily intercepted by other parties. A special group of patrol officers have also been designated to initiate first contact protocols should the need arise for it. While the Tarassian Union doesn't have an active diplomatic service, it is speculated that that will now change in the short future. Whether the militaristic nature of the Union will prove productive is an other matter. However, the diplomatic service will most likely by under the control of the military and work similarly to that of the Stoinian Star Kingdom. While trade and migration treaties with other star nations might arise, it's yet unknown if the Tarassian Union will become an active political power and use its vast military to project it. Most speculate that the Tarassian Union will still maintain its isolationist policy and gradually engage more with the other star nations. Starting with its neighbours. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
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