Rao is a wood elf word that means "Land of the Old Faith." After the Rima that split the elves of Soldas, the Wood Elves took to the seas and found the Island nation along with the Challis Raolan, Isla Soupan and Throne. There were some of the old men there, and other races, but the Wood Elves were not interested in conquest. Then, as now, Rao remains tied to feudalism and commune living.
Rao is a diverse land with many different land forms and peoples. There has been an antagonistic relationship between the mainland of Rao and Challis Raolan (home of the Tengu). Casilu the Humble after landing in Rao (Casilu was one of the woodelf elders), managed to create a peaceful founding for the nation of Rao. Though there is no central government, Raotians are known to form an army in defense against foreigners.
Trade: Rao is rich in natural resources, and employs a barter system rather than use of currency to trade. Individual villages do have ledgers that denote work hours to be used as trade. Raotian iron is some of the best in the world, and the blacksmiths are also well trained in techniques not found in the mainland of Aithe. Rao has excellent fleets (though these excellent ships are sometimes used for piracy instead). Raotians have little use for gold or silver, though some of the wealthier chieftans and lords who are familiar with the East use these as symbols of status. Raotian spices are sought after and highly prized, much like the warm weather crops of Soldas. Rao is also renowned for its monasteries built for its dragon god, as well as a series of schools of natural magic.
Military: There are some villages that employ pacifistic tendencies, but even many of those have their own unique martial arts. The military also employs lighter armor and weaponry than most (due to this they sometimes hire mercenaries from the reach to augment their forces). Their longbow men are valued highly (some have even immigrated to the Reach for fame and fortune in a mercenary group) Another unique feature is the use of tamed animals in battle.
Culture: Raotians believe in balance and equality in all things. Though dragon-god worship has fallen in recent years, the Raotians have a deep spirituality at the center of their life and a reverence for all parts of nature. Alcohol is less common than it is on the main land, and the Raotians boast an assortment of teas, including a thick bark tea with slight hallucinogenic properties. Raotians tend to be reserved with foreigners and those not from their immediate circle. It is also Raotian custom to never speak with certainty about a decision until proper thought and time has been made for it. Raotian justice is different than the main land. There are no jails. Punishments are carried out immediately after a trial by village elders, with all parties waiting in their presence until a verdict and sentence are greed upon. There is a higher proportion of Druids and Rangers than the rest of the founded lands, and many adventuring parties will often recruit from these pools when in need (especially given their proficiency with a wide variety of land forms).
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