Pronunciation: (FEE-ahd)
Galactic Region: Perseus Arm
Galactic Branch: Sikhara Branch
Galactic Sector: N4
Star System: Sol
Planet: Terra
Continent: Aimsir
Land Area: 508,000 square miles
Length: 700 miles north to south
Width: 950 miles east to west
Coordinates: 13° S to 42° S, 139° W to 72° W
The geography of Fiadh is as unique as its culture, comprised of mountainous coastlines with wildly varying relief, and islands that jut out of the sea. The people of Fiadh concentrate their settlements on the coastlines and among the islands, often carved directly into the sides of the mountain faces just before they plummet into the sea. Fiadh is unique in that the vast majority of trade and travel is by sea, the children of Fiadh are said to be natural swimmers from birth.
The country does have a few settlements among the mountains, mostly along the winding trade routes passing through the mountains on their way to Yuanen. The denizens of these cities are generally considered by the rest of the population as being culturally quite different, making them excellent ambassadors to the even stranger people of Yuanen
Fiadh's history goes back many millions of years, with the founding of Hito, Fiadh's national ancestor. Fiadh's people consider their nation and Hito to be one and the same, and show great reverence for their long history. After the Council of Ceilidh, the conquered nation of Hito was made a province and granted a measure of autonomy, though it was still firmly in the hands of Yuanen. Over the course of the First Age, a resistance movement grew in influence and capability. In the Second Age, the region seceded from Yuanen and declared themselves to be the independent nation of Fiadh, named after the resistance movement responsible for its liberation
Liberation Day, known as Kaiho in Fiadh, is celebrated every year, with local celebrations held in every major city of Fiadh. After gaining independence, the province initiated a recovery campaign to rebuild the cities damaged by the war, but also to restore the nation to its former glory. Eventually, the bridges of the Silken Path would be reconstructed, paving the way for the restoration of the city of Kamisuri and the revitalization of the silk trade
After the revitalization of the silk trade, Fiadh experienced a golden age of wealth and prosperity which has continued to the present day, over 1,350 years later. Fiadh used this wealth to restore their national landmarks, including the Hitan Bulwark, and to create new landmarks. Fiadh also invested their wealth into their citizens, making the standards of living in Fiadh the highest on terra. This fostered a burgeoning tourism industry which is still growing and which has furthered Fiadh's wealth
During the uprisings of the Lili Mute, Fiadh created the city of Sakuran as a safe haven for the refugees that fled the disasters. Fiadh is proud of their role in the crisis, and continue the tradition to this day, often being the first nation to respond in international tragedies
Timeline
The government of Fiadh is in many ways unique. They have a national council made up of 15 members which has cycling elections every three years. Each election a new representative is elected, with each member serving 45 years on the council. The council proposes and votes on appointments to all of the nation's governmental positions
There are very few positions related to administration of an area. There is one national leader and a mayor for each city, though all of these positions are fairly weak. Responsibilities are instead divided by task and appointees usually serve for their entire lives
Religion
The majority of the population subscribes to a belief that spirits inhabit all objects, even everyday tools. Shrines dedicated to acknowledging the spirits' role in life are everywhere within fiadh. Larger statues are carved into the mountainsides for the spirits of the elements, and the humanoid spirit. Fiadh believes that these efforts are rewarded by good fortune. While many outside Fiadh doubt these claims, any sailor will tell you that the Yutakana seas never see a storm
Values
The people of Fiadh value order and tradition, loyalty and honesty, hard work and artistry. These values are also attributed to the cause of Fiadh's wealth. Elders are very respected within society, often holding a place of influence within their family, though family structure is not particularly rigid. Society is broken up into many roles, with farming and the silk trade occupying the majority of the population. Artists, philosophers, musicians, and monks also comprise a comparatively large portion of the population relative to other countries. Both roles garner respect in Fiadh culture, which is fiercely united
Dress
In daily life, citizens wear practical clothing, often loose fitting robes or pants and shirt. Wide swaths of cloth are usually worn around the waist, either over pants, or under robes. Silk is the preferred fabric, even for everyday clothing if possible, though heavy work clothing is usually made with cotton. Colors are often muted, but in a wide variety. Sandals are common, along with basic cloth wraps. Hair is often worn long in both genders, and the use of hairsticks is ubiquitous. In formal wear, colors are brighter but still relatively muted by international standards. Non human races often still wear some clothing, flowing wraps or robes, though usually not as elaborate
Food
Noodles and rice are staple foods in the Fiadh diet. A common meal also includes a vegetable or chicken soup or stew, accompanied by some form of sea food, and a few wedges of Hitan Orange. Lobster and shrimp are their most well known sea food dishes, though a wide variety can be found, varying from city to city. Eggs, either hard boiled or over easy, are often used as a garnish when available. One of Fiadh's cherished exports is the Hitan Orange, a small fruit that resembles and orange but for its pinkish color. The fruit grows on seaweed in shallow waters, the fruit growing in clusters that float on the surface. Traditionally, the sour-sweet flavor is cut with sea salt. Fiadh is also known for their hardened pepper cheese, a pomegranate wine, small rolls made of sourdough bread, and a toxic red and whit spotted mushroom that must be carefully cooked in order to be edible
Meal rituals are strict in formal settings, and adherence is a sign of deference to the guests or the host. Dinner parties are often thrown in the home, though everyday meals are never eaten in the home, instead meals are held in communal kitchens, making kitchens in a dwelling uncommon and often spartan when they do exist
Music
The music of Fiadh is often slow and pensive, though livelier tunes do exist. Artists focus on stringed instruments of many varieties, and wooden flutes. These are usually accompanied by simple percussive rhythms. Artists usually travel from city to city, setting up for several months in a city before moving on. Fiadh has community buildings which are specifically intended to accommodate these activities, as well as a wide range of cultural activities, including community meals, festivals, and exhibitions
