A confederacy of clan-led states in a fantasy world where most of its people have lost the ability to perform magic, and are reliant on the dying art of aetherwork in order to maintain its labor-focused society.
Geography
Haenem is situated in a valley within a large mountain range on the western coast of the continent.
Climate
The valley where Haenem is has two major climate zones: the warmer Mediterranean climate of the Lower Valley, and the colder climate of the Mountains.
Calendar
There are only nine months in the year. Each month is 40 days long, making a year 360 days, and a season 90 days long.
There is a leap year every six years. In Haenem, that extra day is called Sunkene, and is seen as a day for rest and honoring the dead and the knowledge they've left behind.
Society and Governance
Haenem is governed by a confederacy made up of the elders of each of the The Nine Regions, which is collectively known as the Masters' Table, or the Table for short.
The Table generally convenes every new moon to discuss trade and defense matters, as well as negotiate internal exchanges, resolve disputes, and preside over major criminal cases. The location of the meeting changes each month, following the region rankings that are tallied at the beginning of every year.
Culture
The people of Haenem descend from tribes that migrated from the east in search of refuge from constant wars and persecution. They've developed an isolated culture, though still hold onto the traditions of their original tribes. They focus on doing the work to maintain their refuge, and value resilience, stability, and contribution. But they also created a trade based on crafted goods and knowledge.
People in Haenem build their lives around what they believe to be their best means of contributing to society. Whether it's through craftsmanship or combat, they focus on fulfilling their role as best as they can.
Daily Life
Haenem functions like a medieval kingdom, but with a bit of magic in the form of Aetherworks. Though not everyone can afford elaborate pieces, most people have at least one or two Aetherwork items that help them in their daily life.
Most people in Haenem are farmers, though not as many as in a typical medieval kingdom. With the help of Aetherworks, fewer people are needed to get the same amount of work done. Those who would have been farmers are now craftsmen, and help maintain Haenem's trade economy. Nearly all Aetherworks mechanics are part of The Aether Guild, though there are a few renegade mechanics here and there -- people that the Guild excommunicated or refused to accept, or who never sought out the Guild's help in the first place.
