DURHAN (Republic of) 1018

Location: Continent of Skothar, Swanamutu region, north of Tangor.

Area: Approx. 27,413 sq. mi. (71,000 sq. km.).

Population: 280,000 (99% Tangors), including the capital of Durhan (pop. 36,300).

Languages: Tangor (Durhanian dialect).

Coinage: Plant (gp), animal (sp), mineral (cp).

Taxes: System based on wealth, from 5% to 40% of annual income.

Government Type: Democratic confederacy.

Industries: Agriculture (bananas, coconuts, cocoa, manioca).

Important Figures: Biko M'tala (President).

Climate and Terrain: Durhan's climate, like Tangor's, is sub-tropical. The region sits at the threshold from temperate forest to the first hints of jungle. Winter is short (about a couple of months) and rather rainy, the temperature ranging from 10 to 15°C; autumn and spring are long, warm (20 to 30°C) and vary much from year to year. Summers are hot and generally are made up of a rainy month with a couple of dry months immediately before autumn. During the summer, temperatures may reach 35°C, and the humidity is incredible.

Flora and Fauna: The animals encountered here may be jaguars, baboons, apes, crocodiles and alligators, and many, many species of insects and snakes of different degrees of poison strength. Flora includes the typical jungle trees, but near the mountains and westward toward Tangor pine trees may be easily encountered.

Further Reading: The Southern Skothar Gazetteer by Giulio Caroletti.

Description by Erakliton.

The Republic of Durhan occupies the northern part of Tangor, a rich part of sub-tropical forest where they are able to sustain themselves cultivating tropical fruit plants and selling them to the surrounding nations. Durhan faces danger from the west, where it borders the Goblands, although the relations shift often depending on the whim of the humanoid chiefs. To the southeast, the land gives way to the dangerous jungle area of Cymru.

The Republic of Durhan has been free from the Empire of Tangor since AC 701, when the population voted for independence in a referendum set by Emperor Swahimi. The republic is a confederation of many small provinces (the constitution created a province for each of the Durhanian tribes), each of whom sends a representative to the Council of Elders. The council meets in Durhan, where decisions concerning all the republic (wars, foreign policy, taxation) are made.

The Durhanians are another fierce and proud Tangor population. They call themselves the True Ones, in opposition to all other Tangors, except Tangor Men, which they respect because they have been able to impose their culture on others, and did not sheepishly accept the others' sovereignty. The Durhanian politicians, however, are believed to be plotting the downfall, or at least the weakening, of their too strong and dangerous neighbour.