Zushonia

Zushonia is a powerful and fertile kingdom located on the Continent of Osnines. It occupies a strategic central position, bordered by the Okkar Sea to the north and the Central Sea to the south. The nation is defined by its warm temperate climate and its sophisticated mastery of water management, which allows its people to thrive in a landscape defined by low-lying flood plains and river deltas. As a hub of continental commerce, Zushonia is a primary exporter of agricultural commodities and a vital relay point for both terrestrial and riverine trade routes.

The kingdom is largely flat, characterised by a complex network of water courses, fertile fields, and low ridges. To the east, the border with the Kingdom of Berenicia is defined by the River Wackle and the wide Fruitbar Plain. To the west, the border with Spuetan follows the wide River Pigri and Lake Solenni. The interior is dominated by the River Zuss, which meanders across the central plain toward the northern coast. The southern coast is noticeably warmer than the north, housing the capital city of Crucivia at the mouth of the River Crook.

The Zushonian people possess an expert understanding of civil engineering, treating their landscape as a component of their national security. Because most of the country is at constant risk of flooding, communities collaborate to maintain an extensive system of canals, dykes, and sluices. A unique feature of Zushonian farming is the common practice of keeping fields lower than farmsteads. This creates a controlled flood zone that enhances soil fertility while protecting homes and livelihoods. This constant battle against the elements has fostered a culture of direct, plain speaking; Zushonians are known for being blunt and honest, a trait they view as a necessity for safety but which outsiders often mistake for rudeness.

Zushonia is divided into 11 provinces that nominally owe allegiance to a central monarch. However, the kingdom operates with significant decentralised authority. In the central plains, towns are often free and manage their own affairs, including the maintenance of their own watches for peace-keeping and crisis management. The King relies on these provinces for financial support and the mobilisation of armed forces during times of conflict. In the southern regions and along the major trade roads, the nobility exerts more direct influence to coordinate the high volume of international traffic.

The economy is a hybrid of intensive agriculture and mercantile service. Zushonia is a major exporter of grains, cured meats, and dried fruits, which are transported along the kingdom's four major roads or via its extensive canal network. The nation supports a large fleet of flat-bottomed barges and coastal cogs, with recorded hull counts exceeding 1,900 vessels. The Skyssian Board of Trade maintains a significant presence in ports like Dry Hook to coordinate the export of Zushonian surplus to the northern realms.

• The King of Zushonia: The sovereign authority who relies on provincial cooperation for national stability.
• Yngvild the Fierce: A Skyssian hero who transited through the kingdom during her southern travels.
• Erik: A Board of Trade operative familiar with Zushonian customs.

• Crucivia: The capital city and junction of the continent's major trade roads.
• Dry Hook: A primary riverine port and terminal for deep-sea exchange.
• River Wackle: The volatile waterway forming the eastern frontier.
• Kingdom of Berenicia: The eastern neighbour and trade partner.
• Spuetan: The western neighbour.
• Bledal: A neighbouring electorate to the east.

• Water Management: The core technical expertise defining Zushonian civilisation.