the centre of human (and gnomish) culture on the continent of Arkerra. Their recent period of expansion was triggered by events surrounding the Battle of the Solates Mountains. Culture Gastonian culture is primarily human, although the long-standing alliance with the gnomes has led to many technological wonders being accepted into everyday Gastonian life. The less prevalent non-savage races also have an impact, but their contributions, such as the wood-elf groves, are often met with distrust from the overwhelmingly human population. Savage culture is much more tribal in nature, with displays of martial skill being heavily influential, and percussion instruments playing a large part in both the social and military dynamics of the rebellion. The races remain, for the most part, informally segregated, although their equivalent of the peacemakers consists of a member of each race. Politics Gastonia is ruled by the Parliament of Nine Houses, each of which controls an essential commodity (agriculture, mining, technology, etc.); this includes the Church. The House of Houses was constructed to contain the activities of Parliament, as Gastonians believe society should be directed by those who produce. Currently Gastonia is trying to walk the line between not being feared enough (in which case they will be attacked) and being feared too much (in which case they will be attacked by everything their enemies can throw at them); keeping their airship development program secret until it's viable falls into the second category. The Peacemakers are a band of Gastonian races working together as a special operations unit. Savage leadership is similarly a council of a representative from each race, with the notable exception of the Land Sharks, who cannot be trusted to remain focused without their leaders directly present ("My brothers follow only the loudest voice, and that is only me when I am near."). The representatives serve to advise and suggest, but ultimately all decisions fall to Harky. Recently, a band of Savage adventurers, dubbed the champions, has been put together, and serves as both a military unit and a show of unity for the races. Religion The dominant Human religious faith, that of 'the Eternally Bloodshot Eye' is presided over by the masked Priestlord Gigundus; people who follow other faiths are not well received. He claims that his word is the blood that flows through the world and washes out its disobedience. The status of this faith is uncertain, following the dissolution of