Dirsia

 DIRSIA

Population: ~178k | Queen Kirin
✩ Capital | Silrook

World Map | Pinterest

A small nation—resting near the north pole—is home to the constellations. Softbots worship the stars here, revering their Queen as a God. While many would call it a curse, the people praise the touch of Infesio Pleurisma coursing through the Queen's veins. It reflects the very constellations that guide them and brings them wisdom within peace.

Although Dirsia is its own country, they are lorded by Eagragon. It is a peaceful union between the nations, allowing security against other larger nations. The Queen of Dirsia proposed a treaty by way of marriage, to which the King of Eagragon agreed. Dirsia rejoiced as the King too had Infesio Pleurisma. A true blessing!

Climate

Dirsia is cold all year round; the winters are harsh, and the summers are short with little melt. The mountains are always capped in snow. Ice sheets linger even through the summer months, but the ocean freezes around the small country during the harsh winters. Strong winds are common as well. Long blizzards plague the country during the winter, making it one of the coldest places on Poltera. The people of Dirsia are well-equipped to handle these conditions, though. Their houses tend to be sturdy and proficiently heated.

Culture

This little country is well known for its auroral displays, bringing in a sizable tourist population that visits yearly. Small getaway cabins are popular, especially with couples who want to watch the aurora together. Local eateries are also unique and offer hearty meals with warm drinks. Food is closer to Nordic cuisine, consisting of meats and carb-dense vegetables. Stews are typically the go-to dish. 

Common Stereotypes

It's a common belief in other kingdoms that Dirsians have a tendency to be quite aloof, with many assuming they always have their heads among the stars. A particularly pervasive stereotype is an assumption that they're stand-offish and snooty, leading many to be unjustly seen as intimidating or rude even when they're showing genuine politeness.

They're also seen by others as level-headed and smart, making for the world's most talented astronomers and astrologists.

Fashion

Dirsians clothing and jewelry designers are well known for their fondness of adding stars, comets and stardust motifs to their often layered, thick fabric-laden runway ensembles. These fabrics are known for their high-quality, strong stitching, and graceful aging and thus have garnered a bit of a following among those interested in garment creation.

Common colours on clothing designed in the kingdom of stars are of the dark sort with very sparce, bright accenting. Deep purples, navy blues, magentas and whites (in small amounts) are the most common especially in gradients mimicking the aurora or the natural colour-shifting of the night sky.

A very popular jewelry style is dangling stars and comets by chains from a main piece that is inlaid with a dazzling purple or pink gemstone. These styles are quickly becoming a trend even in kingdoms outside of Dirsia, leading to some very busy jewelry makers.

LOCAL FESTIVITIES

HOLIDAYS

|Kiram 26| MOONLIT REVERENCE—On the longest night of the year, citizens are encouraged to stay inside and be together with family. Moon cakes are often a traditional treat on this night to pay homage to the three Polteran moons.

|Amel 5| STARLIT REVERENCE—On the longest day of the year, citizens celebrate with friends and family, often with picnics, to enjoy the short term of no snow. Many small star candies are a traditional treat. Fireworks are often set off at the end of the day in celebration of the stars and constellations. Many institutions even set out telescopes for the public to view their own star with small educational presentations.

FESTIVALS

|Pyriel 44| THE HARVEST'S END MASQUERADE—As Autumn wanes into Winter, the people of Dirsia dress in vibrant masks and costumes to dance under the stars, marking the transition with both joy and sorrow.

|Maniel 36| CELESTIAL CASCADE—A cultural festival that closes in a breathtaking waterfall of light of the seasonal aurora display, symbolizing the flow of knowledge from the universe.

|Amel 24| WISHING LANTERN FESTIVAL—Once a year, the people of Dirsia release paper lanterns into the sky, thought to carry their deepest wishes into the Celestial River for luck. A rich community of artists collaborate to sell themed lanterns to patrons interested. Paints are typically made from local flora.

|Pyriel 14| CELESTIAL WEAVING FESTIVAL—A select few are honored to create a quilt square throughout the year. Once the festival starts, the squares come together to become a giant tapestry, hoping dreams come true. Stellabloom is burned as incense in remembrance and celebration of life.

✩ Capital | ☸ Port | ▮ Skyscrapers | ♜ Military Fort | ☗ Suburb | ✎ Academy

RELATIONS BETWEEN NATIONS

Written by ghostaris and Gakuwalked