Ulundin

“Ulund first. Ulundin always.”

Overview

The city-state of Ulundin, nestled in the sprawling plains of the Pristine Northwest's Northwest Lowlands, is a bastion of strength and discipline. A stratocracy, Ulundin seamlessly merges the state and military under the supreme command of the Mak Mkuu.

Governance

In Ulundin, the state and the military are indistinguishable. Both are governed by the iron fist of the Mak Mkuu and the military council, the Baraza la Kijeshi, both of whom oversee all aspects of governance, including administrative, judicial, and legislative affairs. The right to govern is reserved exclusively for those who have proven their worth on the battlefield, an approach that cultivates discipline, order, and a unified sense of purpose.

Economy

Ulundin's economy is largely agrarian-based. A complex network of canals and floodgates controls the distribution of water across the city-state’s farmland to ensure optimal irrigation and crop growth. Intrastate commerce of armaments, defense infrastructure, and other military-related sectors also play an important role. Additionally, through its strategic location, Ulundin controls several key trade routes in the Northwest Lowlands, enabling the imposition of tariffs and trade agreements that further bolster its economy.

Ulundin mints one of the many variations of Praetorian coinages, which serves as its primary medium of exchange.

Demographics

Races

Ulundin is the heartland of the ulund, a populace known for their robust nature and unparalleled resilience. Its borders are tightly sealed against other races, maintaining an impenetrable frontier against potential intruders.

Religions

Ulundin primarily pays tribute to the following deities, all of whom they depict as ulund:

• Mitreyya, Goddess of Might

• Gryyja, Goddess of Protection

• The Brotherhood, Gods of Fellowship and Bounty

Culture

Ulundin's citizens are deeply distrustful of other races and cultures, and the city-state's sealed borders fosters self-reliance and a profound bond among the ulund. Their culture is one of discipline and community, and society is structured around military hierarchies, where respect and rank are earned through service and valor.

Ulundin architecture is characterized by squat, fortress-like structures. Most public buildings and spaces feature communal baths, which are a common locale for business meetings and social gatherings alike.

Literature, in the form of stories and parables, tells tales of military campaigns, honored commanders, and the virtues of strength and solidarity, while philosophy venerates the themes of duty, honor, and the collective good. Public forums and debates on ethics, governance, and strategy are commonplace as well.

Typical dishes include riverine and lacustrine delicacies—namely fish and reeds—seasoned with herbs or boiled into a hearty stew. Fare is served in communal bowls shared by all, and meals are often followed by the customary communal bath, symbolizing renewal and unity.

Indeed, communal gatherings take many forms and are a large part of daily life in Ulundin, and music and dance often play an integral role in them. Songs are deep, powerful and rhythmic, and in spite of their bulk, the ulund can exhibit surprising grace in their dance.

Sports are extensions of the ulund’s military training. Tournaments celebrate strength, strategy, endurance, and prowess in combat. More than mere entertainment, these events further reinforce the values of discipline, military acumen, and camaraderie.