Toalla

"'You know what they say. If it can be bought, it can be bought in Toalla.'""-Mezzin Qolat to Oruc Chalishan, Yaerrus 28th, AeP 446."Toalla is a state of wealth and splendor. After the end of the war one group of humans established a kingdom on the Western shore of Var’Tareen. The land was fertile and lush and the capital was built in a great river basin. Spring Dale the city was named. For a century the kingdom went on. But many in the new regime found it oppressive. Now that the war was won the citizens of Toalla wanted to live a free life. A union led by The West Merchants Association revolted. The Queen of Toalla called for help from the gods. But no help came. The gods no longer felt that it was their duty to interfere with the lives of men. The royalty was overthrown and a new system of government was put in place. The WMA became the head of state and the whole country became their business. Ruling the country is a Regent Administrator who serves for ten years and is chosen by the board of the WMA. A house of peoples who are voted in by the lords and the members of the WMA is responsible for some minor government tasks. Though lords still hold power it is nothing compared to what they once had. Their duties are in the countryside. They collect taxes and raise the militia when called for. A basic constitution of rights was provided to the people ensuring basic education, unhindered speech, and public trial. Influenced by the residence of Cainar many in Toalla seek the most enjoyment of life. They seek pursuits of experience.

Spring Dale
The capital of Toalla is in a constant state of change and growth. Three times has there been an attempt to build a wall encompassing the city and three times Spring Dale grew past the walls before completion. The city was built in a grand river basin cut out by the Golden River. With the exception of the central part of the city, there is no uniformity at all. The administrative buildings are made of marble and grand arches. But the homes, factories, and shops come in every color, every material, and every shape. The people of Spring Dale wear bright clothes with many colors and decorate similarly. As the central trading hub of all Var’Tareen, any manner of things can be found in the city. The final claim to fame the capital of Toalla holds is the National Bank. On the front it is a grand place of white marble and gold statues. But deep below are the impenetrable vaults. They stretch down a mile below the ground and none have ever stolen from them. The Pimm family lived in Sping Dale where they would perform many different arts. Tal Silverstep ended up here after fleeing Roadon. The city is the residence of Cainar.

Veleso
The port city of Veleso is much like Spring Dale in color and personality. But in function it is different. It is the largest port in Toalla and it operates around the clock. The harbors are always lit and ships guided by three great metal lighthouses dock every day at every time. They come from all places bringing many goods which are then sent to the rest of Toalla. No other harbors in all of Var’Tareen handles as many ships every day either coming in or going out.

Reskon
The eastern city of Reskon on the other hand has been heavily influenced by Mordehall. The buildings here are more dulled and more grand. Great stone arches and golden pillars adorn the buildings. Though their main function is still trade Reskon is the home of Toalla’s greatest college. Here citizens learn all things but the focus is on trade and art.

Crimson Casbah
The Crimson Casbah was lost to Roadon in the Second Desert War. After that it marked the border between the two nations. Though technically Roadani, the Toallans still used it as a trading post and it retained a strong WMA presence.

Other Locations
Tanner's Vale was a small town in Eastern Toalla. At one point it was a hunting center, but over-hunting caused it to decline.

Culture
The culture of Toalla is one of capital and gain. Every nation prospers from trade with Toalla. So the country tries to be as diplomatic and neutral as possible. But they are careful to keep a large militia. Their past wars with Roadon have kept them wary of conflict. In typical Toallan fashion it is a well established procedure that low ranking officer positions can be bought. However most regents make sure only the best get promoted to the top. The uniforms of the soldiers are yellow and brown. Officers have brightly colored tassels and sashes on their brighter yet less armored gear. Enlisted wear chainmail and most use halberds. Officers carry swords. Magicians are given special praise in the army. All soldiers and officers wear a wide brimmed brown hat folded on the right side.

Death
Toallas honor and remember their dead based on the money accumulated in life. It is a common practice for someone to build themselves a statue or commision a painting of themselves to be hung in a public space. It is also common for people to buy a street name. In all Toallan cities, most streets are named after someone who paid for it. This helps people be remembered in a Toallan way so that they might be rewarded after death.

Cuisine
Toallan food is usually served in four courses. This tradition is left over from their foundations as a kingdom. In years since that tradition has been adapted to be more in line with WMA culture. Meals are a way for Toallans to boast about how many resources they have access to. Like their clothing, the more ingredients in a dish, the better received it is. Spices are left as garnish to be visible and dyes are used to color foods. The displays start in the morning. Toallan breakfast is fruit pastries with sugar glaze, sweet cheese died colorfully, or omelettes with a myriad of ingredients. Imported ingredients are preferred. The pastries are made with Toallan fruit and widely renowned. Breakfast is usually served with imported coffee or fruit juice. Coffee is usually more expensive. Lunch in Toalla is usually bread of various types and pickled meats. This also includes fish caught in the ocean, brined, then shipped to the inner country. A salad made from uncooked vegetables is often served with the bread and meat. The essence of Toallan lunch is that it is either already prepared or easy to prepare. Upper class Toallans often drink Berry Liqueur or citrus beer with lunch. Other people tea or more fruit juice. Dinner for upper-class Toallans is four courses. The first course is savory cheese, small breads dyed in many colors, and olives. This course is served with red wine that is often imported from Mordehall. The second course is a cooked vegetable dish. The more types of vegetables the better. This course is served with white wine. The third course is roast meat served with whiskey. The last course is cookies and cakes, served with more liqueur. Poorer Toallans usually eat black beans instead of meat, eat one course. The beans are usually made into soup or served mixed with vegetables and with a side of bread.

Toalla is a large country which leads to many types of food. Breads in the Southern part of the country are more savory, while bread in the North is sweeter. Black bean soup and other bean foods are more prevalent in the East. Pastries in the East are more elaborate in shape and preparation. Food in the North is hardier and often includes potatoes in the vegetable mixes. They also raise pigs and eat more pork there. In the South they mostly raise cows and chickens. Drinks are also different around Toalla. Berry Liqueur is common around the Free State but is most prominent and famous in the Spring Dale Valley. They have Valley Berry Liqueur which is made from blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries in a base of corn liquor. It is tangy and sweet and renowned through Var’Tareen. Whiskey is also popular in Toalla. The most famous is called Mountain Strength whiskey and comes from the area near Ghuramor’s Spine. It is made from corn and wheat. The area around Resekon is famous for its red wine, and the South is known for its citrus beer.

Natural Resources
Plant and animal life inside the borders of Toalla are two unique resources. The banks of the Golden River which flows through Spring Dale are lined with unique willow trees called Western Willow. These great trees are a natural conduit for magic. Magicians who use them to channel spells are naturally luckier with their spells. The other resource is in the North of Toalla near the small mountain range called Ghuramor’s Spine. Here great wild boars roam. Their thick brown hides are naturally fire resistant and quiet. Armor made from these hides is coveted around the world.

Events in Toalla
In Rallius of AeP 438, a group of people fled into Toalla after escaping the Crimson Casbah. They fled Roadon because of their involement with the theft of a Roadani artifact.

In the summer AeP 445, the Melting Stag was terrorizing the town of Tanner's Vale. In was eventually put down by a hunting party.

People from Toalla

 * Caid
 * The Curator
 * Dirk Masters
 * Ellenora Pimm
 * Elnin Jaral
 * Ford
 * Gilberta Skap
 * Hobbsington
 * Jeerlock Jolmes
 * Miles
 * Staavin

List of Appearances
Campaigns Supplemental
 * 1) The Casbah Caper
 * 2) The Hunters' Codex: The Melting Stag
 * 1) Cults of the North Supplemental Documents: Ellenora's Backstory
 * 2) SMBT Supplemental: Before the Hall