Karum
| 𒅗𒊒𒈪 (State of Karum) | |||
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| Motto: TBD | |||
| Anthem: | |||
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| Map versions | – | ||
| Capital | Nerik | ||
| Largest city | Nerik Ankuwa | ||
| Official language(s) | Karumic | ||
| Official religion(s) | Aliist Umraism | ||
| Demonym | Karumic | ||
| - Adjective | Karumic | ||
| Government | Parliamentary republic | ||
| - Tabarna | Mürşik Taş | ||
| - Tavananna of Karum | Hattice Erkan | ||
| - Legislature | TBD | ||
| Establishment | 1726 AN (unofficial) | ||
| Area | – | ||
| Population | 114,865 | ||
| Active population | – | ||
| Currency | Karumic Shekel | ||
| Calendar | Nortone Calendar | ||
| Time zone(s) | |||
| Mains electricity | |||
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| National website | – | ||
| National forum | |||
| National animal | Bull | ||
| National food | Haperna | ||
| National drink | Beer | ||
| National tree | Karumic sweetgum | ||
| Abbreviation | KRM | ||
The Realm of Karum (ka: 𒅗𒊒𒈪) is a autonomy of the Normandie, Order of the Holy Lakes. Karum is a small, landlocked region located in northern Keltia, lying close to the volatile borders of Hexarchy. With a population of approximately 114,865, Karum was one of the least populated but most culturally distinctive regions in the continent. The realm is known for its rugged steppe landscapes, dispersed rural settlements, and deep-rooted traditions. On 6.I.1745, it was, along with Normandie, admitted as a realm of the Order of the Holy Lakes.
Unlike traditional monarchies or modern republics, Karum is governed by a sacred council known as the Circle of Flame, composed of high priests and hereditary lords. These elites interpret the will of the stars, which are believed to be the eyes of the divine, and guide national policy accordingly. Decisions are made through celestial readings rather than parliamentary debate.
Karum agreed to merge with Normandy by the annexation treaty in X.IV.1748 AN. The annexation was ratified by the Senate of the Lakes on 10.XII.1748, and thus the statehood of Karum was no more.
Geography and climate
Karum is characterized by a continental steppe climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters. The land consists mostly of rolling plains, arid grasslands, and sparsely forested foothills. There are no major bodies of water, but seasonal rivers sustain agriculture in the more fertile valleys.
The capital, Nerik, is a modest administrative center with ancient roots, while the largest city, Ankuwa, serves as the country’s primary commercial and logistical hub. Ankuwa is often referred to as “the grain gate of the steppes” due to its crucial role in storing and exporting Karum’s agricultural surplus.
Political structure
Karum is a unitary republic, with a localized, highly decentralized system of governance. The country is divided into dozens of small townships and agrarian communes, each with significant autonomy over local affairs. The national government in Nerik serves primarily as a coordinating body and representative authority abroad.
Despite its modest political influence, Karum’s strategic location near the Hexarchy and its role as a major grain supplier in northern Keltia give it a degree of geopolitical relevance.
Society and demographics
The majority of Karum’s population belongs to an ethnogenetic group often described as Thraci-Kesk Aliist, a syncretic culture born from the ancient mixing of Thraci pastoralists and Kesk highlanders. This cultural fusion has resulted in a population that maintains rich oral traditions, folk music, and communal land practices.
Aliism is the dominant religious identity, deeply entwined with local customs, seasonal rites, and ancestor veneration. The second-largest religion is Nazarene, particularly in the western communes, where missionary activity took root centuries ago.
Karumites are known for their modest, communal lifestyles. Large extended families often live in traditional steppe dwellings, and seasonal festivals mark the planting and harvesting cycles.
Economy
The Karumite economy is overwhelmingly agrarian, with most of the population engaged in small-scale farming, animal husbandry, and grain storage. Wheat, barley, lentils, and flax are among the most important crops. Karum is considered an essential food reserve for the region, and its grain silos are a strategic resource.
Craftsmanship, especially textile weaving and pottery, plays a supplementary economic role. There is minimal industrial infrastructure, though some local cooperatives have begun producing organic and fair-trade goods for export.
Security and modern challenges
Karum has no standing army but maintains a national militia trained in light arms and border surveillance. The country’s neutral stance is increasingly under strain due to the emergence of the Keltia Restoration Movement, an ultranationalist organization seeking to “unify” all culturally Keltic peoples — often by force.
The KRM poses a significant ideological and territorial threat to Karum’s sovereignty, especially given the nation’s ethnic and religious distinctiveness. Border incidents, propaganda infiltrations, and economic sabotage have all been reported in recent years.¨¨
