Honbira
The people of this country follow their spiritual leaders, Kalashtar, who through their prolonged bloodline connection have developed a level of spiritual authority over the citizens of Honbira. Those who worship them do so because of their ability to "tame" the Quori spirits within them, however inner circles understand the situation to be more nuanced. Bloodlines of certain Kalashtar are even considered equivalent to royalty, with some paid tribute to by surrounding villages in hopes to gain favor with them.
Honbira as a nation is widely pacifist, having avoided most of the major conflicts throughout history. Similarly, they were exempt from the Great War that ravaged the continent 1000 years ago.
Honbira also has a very large population of Orcs, who split off from the mainland population during the war. They are a fixture in local politics, with many high positions in the government belonging to Orc veterans and refugees.
Overview
Climate: Tropical/ subtropical
Biome: Wetlands, Rainforest
Government: Theocratic kingdoms with each ruler operating on a court within the Honbiran republic.
Technology: High magic, low tech. Magic futurism
Primary culture: Kalishtar as ruling class, but below that, a healthy mix of human and orcish.
Cultural Values
Cultivation of the Soul
In any meritocracy, there is the valued commodity. For Honbira, that valued thing is spiritual enlightenment. Cultivation of one's soul is tantamount in Honbira, following in the teachings that saved their country so long ago.
More than Magic
Honbira's connection to the outer planes like the plane of dream has over time grown into a desire to explore more of the planes of existance. Honbira is one of the few cities in the world with direct and stable connections to the Astral Sea, and although it was thought to be a limited endevor, recent developments in tech from countries like Taragai have resulted in air ships that can travel between planes.
Spiritual Supremacy
The rule that the Kalishtar have over Honbira is not by accident. It is the belief of the people of Honbira as well as the Kalishtar themselves that the bloodline bonds to the Quori make them something close to divine. Their rule is a religious one, maintained by public rituals and ceremonies to display the might of the Kalishtar. They are viewed as both the religious authority, and the spiritual protectors of the realm. Even amongst nobles of other races, they are a step apart, more than mortal, less than gods.
Population
Cultural Notes
Please note: these are only the most notable opinions held within the culture. If a species isn't mentioned here, assume they take the view in the species' description page
Kalishtar
A group of Kalishtar will not speak out loud. Why would they? They can see each others thoughts. Outsiders to Honbira have quite the hurdle to jump over when they make their way into the country. While the cooperation with Quori and higher-planar beings has fostered progress past their neighbors, it does come with a caveat. To properly function in a society with a focus on spiritual, mental energy, one must be willing to open their mind to sharing that energy. Many outsiders would see it as an invasion of privacy for their thoughts to be shared, but for locals, it is a way of life.
Only Kalishtar are born with this ability, and the make frequent use of it. Although they cannot speak to groups like this, it is seen as so social courtesy so that ideas are not misconstrued. This lends to their image of being spiritually enlightened.
Orc-Kin
Although Orcs have a repuation for being barbarians, the Orc-Kin found in Honbira fill an important niche. Originally refugees from the Orc-Goblin war, Orcs have made themselves a home in Honbira. Their unique view on the world is appreciated, and traits like their relentless endurance are seen as a strength of will, not constitution. They make up much of the warrior class in Honbira.
Planewalkers from the Astral Sea
The gate between Honbira and the Astral Sea has only recently become acessable and stable. As a result, many astral sailors find themselves in Honbira. Astral elves and other alien species can find relative peace when settling down here, and as with all ports, communities have sprouted up.
Adventuring
Although Honbira itself is peaceful and protected, It does present itself many oportunities for the explorer or adventurer. From gates to distant planes to the occasional monster peaking through, adventurers often pass through Honbira to another location.
Kalishtar and Orc adventurers will find much work here, as they will be the first tapped when danger thretens Honbira's shores.
Off the coast, pirates rule supreme, and many adventurers in the area will have had some dealing or another with the rogues there.