Messan

Background
The Messanite kingdom is located south of Nepria and Etria. It maintains a tenuous relationship with both nations. The Messanites are led by a ruler that desires to expand their lands. Although not as warlike as the Ristoran, Messanites are aggressive warriors with a long history of conflict and savagery. They feel that they have a right to the fertile lands of the Neprians. Only Nepria's strong alliance with Etria keeps them at bay from invading and taking the area back. To some degree, their desire to conquer the nation is based on pure imperialistic greed, but it is also based on some history as hundreds of years ago the two countries were one and were split during a civil war. Their economy is mostly agricultural with some mining of precious metals, and their trade is also somewhat dependent on entry into Etria’s ports.

Geography
Messan's topography is relatively flat with rolling hills and some small mountains. The terrain becomes more rugged to the south with swamplands and mountains that make travel to Adrus difficult. Although not completely barren, the terrain isn't near as fertile as Nepria or Etria. Still, the nation has enough fertile land for its own needs. Just south of Lenton is a fairly large forest and the Overwatch Peaks run along Messan's non-maritime southern border with Adrus. Also just to the south is the Gulf of Messan that separates it from Adrus. Both countries utilize the gulf and although it belongs to neither country it is still referred to as the Gulf of Messan. A point which eternally frustrates Adrusians.

Government
The Messanite government is set up like most of the governments of the Central Kingdoms. It has a Council of Lords that preside over the various aspects of the government. However, King Kasia Praidos is not known for appointing Lords that question his authority. This creates a lot of tension amongst the Lords.

Economy
Messan's economy is fairly self-sufficient with enough crops and livestock to feed their own with a little more for export and trade. Messan's main exports lie in sorghum, beans, wheat, and other crops that grow well in less fertile regions. With a large supply of sorghum, Messan's largest cash crop, the region is not known for the cuisine. The slightly bland nutty flavored grain has many important uses but isn't considered extremely tasty on its own. This has risen to jokes that Messanite's dispositions are as good as their food.

Defense
The Messanites have a strong and robust army. Although not as famous as the Neprian cavalry, they are extremely competent and ferocious in war. Many former Messanite Cavalrymen are hired on as outriders to escort nobles and trade caravans. The most famous unit is the Black Snake Regiment. They are all elite swordsmen and are recognized by a winding black snake tattoo along the forearm of their sword-wielding arm. They are primarily assigned as shock troops aboard Messanite naval vessels and used for ship-boardings as well as quick deployment into cities on the coast. Their mission is to create immediate chaos and confusion by attacking viciously and quickly. Messan also has a large navy that spends as much time patrolling its coastline as it does keeping the Gulf of Messan free of smugglers bringing goods through Adrus and to the Western Outlands.

Gulf of Messan
The Gulf of Messan is a large body of water that is dotted with many small islands along the coast of both Messan and Adrus. They make a decent hiding place for smugglers and pirates. Most of the time, Adrus turns a blind eye to these outlaws. According to the Messanites it is because half of the pirates are Adrusian and the Adrusian authorities take bribes from the smugglers.

Overwatch Peaks
Although not as impressive as the Moonstone Mountains in the north, the Overwatch Peaks are the second highest mountains in the Central Kingdoms. It serves as a natural terrestrial border between Messan and Adrus. Due to the temperate climate they are more easily traversed than the Moonstone Mountains.