Ferus

In the west of Anitum is the forest-nation of Ferus. A people who had been oppressed by one empire after another throughout history, the Ferusi now celebrate their independence and are one of the most staunch supporters of Guild Philosophy.

History
Ferus Forest has always been home to many tribal peoples. They believed in living in harmony with nature and hated to be away from the forest. In the Age of Wizards several different wizard-empires dominated the region. The tribal people were often captured and used as slaves. During the Age of Heroes these slaves were freed to return to their forest homes and several former slaves became heroes themselves; Ferusi rangers commonly pop up in legends about this time.

In the Age of Tantus the region was quickly put under the thumb of the Tantus Empire. While the Empire didn't enslave them as the wizard-empire did, it did try to relocate them in order to cut down large amounts of the forest for development. With help from The Murk to the south the Ferusi tribes were organized into open rebellion against Tantus. When the Tantus Empire began to collapse their efforts were rewarded with the formation of the nation of Ferus.

During the Age of Nations, Ferus and the remains of the Tantus Empire constantly fought for control over the Eastern section of the forest, the Dragon's Breath River, and the Serpents. Eventually a peace treaty was reached which granted them the river in exchange for the Serpents and a part of the eastern forest. Ferus's borders have not since changed.

The tribal, independent nature of the Ferusi made them naturally inclined towards Guild Philosophy. As other nations broke into civil war and revolution between guild and old-nation support, Ferus became the first willing nation to embrace the guilds. Several of the guilds formed back then by the Ferusi rangers remain among the most fierce today.

Culture
Ferus culture is a clash between new-world civilization and old tribal traditions. In the forest many tribes still exist that follow The Spirits and shun life outside the forest. But since the rebellion most Ferusi realized a need to adapt in order to survive. Claiming parts of the northern planes and the Dragon's Breath River the Ferusi were able to build towns, cities, and forts to compete with the rest of the world, mostly inspired by the culture of Tantus. Most have even adapted to worship of The Eternal. The capitol of Wildheart shows a perfect clash of the old and new; a city made of wood on the outskirts of the forest were both the tribal and the civilized can come to trade and mingle.

Politics
The tribal people rule themselves, mostly, using whatever traditions were passed down to them. The nation of Ferus respects the rule of wise elders; most towns are ruled by the most respected elder amongst them. The elders of the most influential towns and cities get together once every four years to pick a ruler to make decisions on behalf of the nation from the capitol of Wildheart. The current ruler in Wildheart is Elder Broxi.

Guild Affiliations:
Ferus has long been a staunch supporter of Guild Philosophy and has been responsible for the formation of many guilds, though Ferusi guilds tend to be wary of allowing outsiders to join. Official standings with the major guilds are:

The Ranger Elite: Official Military Guild

Children of the Wild: Defensive Alliance