Huozhi

Continent: Alatrya Capital: Ranshao Government: Dictatorship, Constitutional Monarchy Ruler: Huolong Primary Race(s): Demons Favored Deity: Kashtet

Overview

Huozhi is the nation of the Demons, occupying the southeastern corner of Alatrya. Under the rule of the dictator Huolong, bearer of the Gem of Kashtet, Huozhi has launched a continent-threatening military campaign against Othaala and Frithre during the events of Book II. The capital, Ranshao, sits in the northern Kashteni region and is the location of the Castle Tianshaobieng, Huolong's seat of power. Huozhi is deliberately insulated from continental norms, with a culture and government largely closed off from the wider Alatryan community. The Fire element is strongly attuned among the Demonic people, and Kashtet's Hearth, an active volcano in the Northern Flamelands, is a marker of his presence in the land.

Regions

• Kashteni
• Northern Flamelands
• Vinzhin
• Sonueng
• Jofiena

Cities (Notable)

• Ranshao — capital; location of Castle Tianshaobieng
• Piaofuzhen — holiest place of Kashtet worship; birthplace of Huolong
• Xeingang — notable city; home of Khoren of Xeingang
• Lovieng — medium-sized city on the Baodian Sea in Sonueng
• Lansecheng, Lojing, Tonguen, Penjung, Taningang — cities of Kashteni

Geography (Notable)

The Chomien Mountains run through the Kashteni region. The Northern Flamelands are a harsh volcanic region where Lavastones are mined, including by slave labor under Huolong's rule, as well as being the location of Kashtet's Hearth. The Dhozhein Tundra lies in the north. The Baodian Sea and Bay of Zhouxe mark the western coast. The Geimang Forest lies within Kashteni, and the Zhoulon Hills sit in the Sonueng region.

History

Huozhi previously controlled the territory that is now the Baodia Sector of Othaala until the Second Elven-Demonic War resulted in its annexation by the Elven nation. Under Huolong, Huozhi expanded its military capacity dramatically, eventually launching an invasion of Othaala that forms the backdrop of Book II. Huolong operates under the influence of The Low, who manipulates him as a tool to destabilize the continent's divine order.

Notes

• Lavastones mined in the Northern Flamelands can be refined into injectable catalysts that amplify a person's manatic power at severe cost to their health
• The Polaenian faith does not extend faithfully into Huozhi; religious practice differs significantly from continental norms, and is governed by a religious authority which has implemented praise of Eung Laomei into their required teachings
• Dhathrir Szakuvya is a notable Gemwielder who spent time in Huolong's court