Nareth
Overview
Nareth is a large planet under the nominal authority of the Order of the One, but it has never been fully integrated into the imperial structure.
For decades the OTO has attempted to impose order, yet the planet remains divided among nations, traditions and local powers that resist external control.
Its technological level resembles mid–20th century Earth, with industrial production, jet-era militaries and early information networks.
Despite this, political cohesion is extremely low. Nareth is one of the most volatile worlds in the known Galaxy.
Continents
The planet is divided into three major continents:
- Zahmira, the southern desert continent of nomads, slave routes and factional cities.
- Velkora, the northern mountainous land of valleys, fortified villages and strong religious traditions.
- Ardenesh, the central continent of jungles, plains, rivers and a complex mosaic of small states.
Countries
Around forty countries exist on Nareth. Examples include:
Mountain / Cliff regions
- Qashtara Highlands, fractured territory ruled by militias.
- Belnar Cliffs, rock-dwelling tribes hostile to OTO influence.
- Arhadan Rise, traditional cities with frequent uprisings.
- Velmiri Crest, cold highlands with theocratic communities.
Desert regions
- Sahmira Dunes, desert state with powerful slave networks.
- Khadren Wastes, arid land dominated by warlords and paramilitaries.
- Malqesh Barrens, border conflict zone in permanent tension.
Plains / Steppe regions
- Saraval Steppe, pastoral republics and shifting alliances.
- Tirvath Plains, industrial lowlands under military rule.
River / religious regions
- Vayelan Delta, river district where Vayela’s seven-aspect worship is widespread.
Democratic / 1960s-tech nations
- Valmir Republic (Ardenesh), a major democratic industrial power with jet air forces and active parliament.
- Arden Varis Union (Ardenesh), a federation of semi-democratic states with lively media, protests and early internet.
- Kelmoran Assembly (Velkora), a mountainous parliamentary state with Cold-War aesthetics and jet-era technology.
Geography
Nareth exhibits extreme geographic variety:
- Temperate industrial zones
- Dense forests and jungles
- Rugged cliffs, canyons and high mountains
- Wide deserts and dune-seas
- Coastal trade nations
- Harsh interior regions in constant conflict
Society and Development
Societies are technologically advanced but politically unstable:
- Industry and large energy grids
- Gunpowder-based weapons and jet aircraft
- Early information networks
- Strong technical education
Political Landscape
The political environment is chaotic:
- Fragile democracies
- Weak constitutional monarchies
- Military dictatorships
- Regions controlled by militias
- Tribal alliances
- Permanent border wars
Religion
Extensive religious diversity:
- Monotheistic traditions
- Polytheistic pantheons reflecting distorted Heptad forms
- Nature-based cults
- OTO Sancts functioning mainly as embassies
- Widespread worship of Vayela in seven aspects
Nareth’s religious landscape becomes even more complex through the widespread veneration of Vayela, a deity considered singular yet expressed through seven distinct aspects. The name closely resembles Veyla of the Heptad, and early OTO observers mistakenly believed the planet practiced a form of monotheism compatible with the One. The reality is far more fragmented.
Each region has developed its own interpretation of Vayela, with doctrines, rituals and theological traditions that differ dramatically from one another. The seven aspects are treated either as separate faces or as layered manifestations of a deeper core, creating a system that functions as a distorted reflection of the Heptad rather than true monotheism.
These divergences are not coincidental. Nareth’s geography—mountain chains, jungles, swamps, deserts and isolated valleys—kept communities separated for decades, allowing the Vayela cult to evolve independently in dozens of distinct forms. These differences often fuel fanaticism and conflict, though in practice the religious tensions serve as a pretext for political and territorial disputes.
Culture
Nareth has strong cultural identity:
- Many languages and dialects
- Literary and theatrical traditions
- Ritual and musical heritage
- Regional dress codes
- Strong kinship networks
Economy
Highly uneven economy:
- Industry and mining
- Agricultural exports
- Coastal trade
- Black markets, smuggling, slave trade
- Local banking alliances
The Central Stellar Bank:
- loans to warlords
- supplies advanced weapons
- controls governments through debt
- maintains slave pipelines to Sensareth for political blackmail
- deploys mercenaries from Mechory and Markoni when debts collapse
OTO Presence
The OTO maintains a limited presence:
- Six bases, two per continent
- No fortresses
- Missions and influence centers
- Persistent resistance and sabotage
- Coordinated by Torvek Haldren
Notable Features
- Resistance to external rule
- Guerrilla groups
- Religious plurality
- Cultural and linguistic fragmentation
- Slave networks and mercenary companies
- A constant flashpoint between OTO, CSB and local powers
Current Status
High One Aldrek Jornval regards Nareth as a wound that cannot close. With growing CSB influence and heavily armed warlords, the planet stands on the edge of an escalation that may ignite a galaxy-wide conflict.
Summary
Nareth is a world of high technology and weak institutions, rich culture and fractured faith. It is a pivotal arena where the agendas of OTO, CSB and local powers converge, making it one of the most crucial worlds in the Galaxy.