“Obsidsinoir is not unlike a ‘benign behemoth’. An entity that could have spread its power and influence far beyond its shores long ago, yet, for reasons that remain a mystery, chose not to.” – Anonymous Noble
Obsidsinoir possesses the largest of arable land and freshwater. This has allowed them to dominate their neighbours through trade in times of peace, as much has they had dominated them in times of war through their armies.
A blessing and a curse
The rich and fertile lands they inhabit are said to be unmatched by that of any other nation. This has proven to be a somewhat mixed blessing upon their legacy. Detractors and skeptics often cite the abundance of their lands as the reason for their nation’s dominance, rather than the leadership of their Nobles, or the skills of their people in being able to cultivate those resources. Foreign Nobles are often quoted as claiming that any people that inhabited such fertile lands would have achieved the same fortune over time. It is a slight, a lack of respect, that many in Obsianna House have heard time and again, but choose to remain silent on. For confrontations over verbal slights were never a hallmark of their House.
A silent reply to slights
To be sure, the slights would receive a reply. But it was always in ways that were subtle. The form and manner of those replies would be like the wind. It could not be seen, but it would be felt. Seemingly all around them. And the consequences of Obsidsinoir’s actions would be felt in some nations for years. And in nations… for generations.
Adhering to their beliefs
They have long been accustomed to the lack of respect directed towards them. A sentiment felt by neighbouring nations to the south, who envied their strength, and nations to the north, who believed they were inferior both as a nation and as a people. It was a slight that their ancestors would continue to face for generations, but would learn to endure. They understood that for their House to grow in both power and influence, they could not allow themselves to succumb to the base emotions and sentiments that governed others. They had to adhere to their own set of beliefs.
A testament to their rule
Most northern nations continue to regard Obsidsinoir as a ‘resource-dependant’ nation. A nation that owed its success to its resources rather than its people. This belief is held, despite it being known that Obsidsinoir boasts accomplishments that many of those northern nations had never achieved. One such example would be the construction of their massive airship, Serenity. A ship so impressive in its size, that it is often referred to as a city in the sky.
A vision for their future
Despite the desire of others to see it falter, Obsidsinoir’s power has only grown with time. So much so, that it has given way to a new belief held by some within their Royal Circle. A belief that such power should no longer be constrained to only their side of the Halvian Sea.