Ngonda

Nation Profile
Description	The hidden land of the void.
Government	Magocracy
Real World Inspiration	Ethiopia
Other Names
Geography
Location	South of Deshermet, West of Lunda
Largest City	Amazu
Relative Distance From the Basin	Moderate
Demography
Demonym	Ngondan
Population	1 million
Languages	Ngondan
Races and Ethnicities	Ngondan Human
Religion	Ngondan-Lundan Pantheon
Currency	Marchuwa

Nation Overview

Society

Culture

Ngonda is an extremely isolationist and xenophobic nation. The only outsiders allowed in are Lundans for their extremely limited trade and diplomacy. This is a result of both arrogance and a need for security. Ngonda's beliefs are extremely unorthodox among any other nation, worshipping a god of destruction as the state religion. Because of this, they view those of other nations as backwards. At the same time, they recognize the immense threat that other nations with more ordinary belief systems pose to them. They do not feel a constant fear of invasion thanks to the dense woodlands and steep hills protecting them, but they still see little value in allowing any outsiders into their nation.

While Ngonda is a highly lawful society, they are not afraid to step on others to get what they want. It is seen as ideal to use any means necessary to get ahead, so long as those means are within the letter of the law.

Government

Ngonda is ruled by a cult of mages called the Ichyapu, which also heads the religion of the country. The Ichyapu worships the Void, and they let their beliefs guide their decisions. Thanks to the intertwining of governance and religion, every member of government is part of the Ichyapu, from the lowest bureaucrat to the members of the council which run the country. Ngondans show a high level of obedience to the state, thanks to the belief that the punishment for defiance extends well beyond their mortal existence.

Ngonda has an extremely organized education system, since the cult values the furtherance of their understanding of the Void above all. Every Ngondan is given an opportunity to receive an education regardless of background, and many lowborn Ngondans ascend to the top of society through talent.

Inhabitants

Ngondans are conceited and knowledgeable. Even those who are untalented still receive a basic education, leading to a high level of development despite the environment. Ngondans have extremely dark skin, with some being as black as obsidian, and their hair is dark and coarse. They tend to wear brightly-colored loose-fitting attire, with members of the Ichyapu wearing robes whose intricate designs denote their ranks within the organization. Ngondans decorate themselves with jewelry carved of wood and bone. Wearing metal is seen as bad luck (essentially inviting oneself to be attacked) unless it is specifically being worn as armor.

Geography

Climate

Ngonda is extremely hot and humid, with frequent rain. During the summer, the temperature can get to dangerous levels.

Ecology

Most of the country is a dense woodland, with some of the inner sections cleared out for limited agriculture and animal husbandry.

Landscape

Ngondan terrain varies greatly in elevation. A large river runs through the country, providing a means of travel between Ngonda and Lunda.

History

Religion

Deities and Philosophies

Amanchye

Head of the Lundan-Ngondan Pantheon, primarily worshipped in Lunda. Lundans pray to Amanchye before going into battle.

Amazu

Head of the Ngdonan-Lundan Pantheon, primarily worshipped in Ngonda. The Ichyapu reveres him and views him as the pinnacle of existence.

Ikenna Emeka

Primarily worshipped in Ngonda. Seen as a protector and provider.

Ndulu Uchee

Primarily worshipped in Lunda. Living embodiment of the sense of community.

Chikere

Primarily worshipped in Ngonda. Core to the national zeitgeist of getting ahead while staying within the letter of the law.

Oku

Primarily worshipped in Lunda. Wedding ceremonies in both Lunda and Ngonda are carried out in Oku's name.

Uchena Okko

Primarily worshipped in Lunda. Often prayed to for luck.