Nelistan is a small country on Fe'ansia, just south of the Malzhi ruins on the east coast.
Originally part of Malazhi, once the center of power of the magocracy disappeared, the local mages grabbed power and land, sometimes from one another. This might have continued until a disastrous level was reached, but fortunately, a group of men and women known as the Emerald Stars intervened and seized power. These men and women, once adventurers and explorers, systematically either drove out or killed many of the mages, who were too disorganized to confront a group of adventurers. The few mages remaining accepted the rulership of the group.
The Emerald Stars saw that control or direct affiliation with a decaying Malazhi infrastructure might encourage more wizards to enter the region and attempt to grab power. They therefore declared independence, and established Nelistan as an Oligarchy. Their rulership was neither despotic nor cruel, but their seizure of power did prevent the region from slipping into a power vacuum or continuous struggle.
The government of Nelistan today is a reflection of what the original Emerald Stars initiated. Seven men and women govern as a council, with power divided along traditional lines. Rulings affecting the entire nation are decided by a majority vote of the council. Admission into the council is by unanimous selection by the council, which take input from various guildmasters and nobles. Appointment to the council is for life, so selection and admission only occurs to replace another council member who has died.
Nelistan has a prosperous agricultural economy, aided in part by the same boon to plant life which boosts the Jassiol's growth. The ocean is also very rich in life, and an abundance of food is also gleaned from that source. Furthermore, Nelistan is sufficiently close to the hills within Jassiol to allow intrepid and lucky individuals to return with gemstones from the mines. Although fraught with danger, this is a way in which adventurers gain status quickly.
Nelistan also serves as a convenient stopover for sea travellers to and from the ruins of Malazhi. Since the neighboring Theocracy of Kaparia is not well favored to mages, Nelistan is a safe haven for practitioners of magic. Nelistan is also home to a large number of adventurers, and has organized adventurers' guilds in all the major cities. Because of its history, adventuring souls are always welcome, as long as they commit no crimes. Adventurers are occasionally asked to provide assistance to the local watches if significant danger (especially another adventurer) has broken laws.
Nelistan actively encourages exploration of the ruins of Malazhi, and also has a number of magical schools of its own. Their relations with the theocracy of Kaparia are strained.
Emera Bay
Nelistan encourages adventurers to explore Malazhi, Jassiol, and elsewhere. Nelistan is sometimes known as "the Nation of Adventurers" because of its attitudes. Recognized adventuring companies are frequently given special treatment, and many towns have their local folk heroes.
Adventurers in Nelistan are generally required to register with the guild. They also usually adopt an adventuring nickname to use thruout their career. This custom comes from the original Emerald Stars - Cyclone the wind mage (real name Cyltarin) and Ironhand the dwarf (real name never revealed) encouraged their use.