Highpass

County of Highpass
	[[Image:{{{coat of arms}}}|100px]]
Feudal Status:	County
Capital:	Rhodondra
Largest Cities:	Rhodondra, Spleazure
Local Leadership Title:	Count
Local Government:	Feudal
Current leader:	Vacant
Local language:	Lakhesian. Shirithian English, Passikaans
Local Religion:	Cedrism, Way of the Veldt, Local Religions

The County of Highpass is a County of Shireroth, bordered by Ashkenatza and several other Shirithian Counties.

Geography

Highpass is a county in the Barony of Lakhesis, dominated by the grasslands, or Veldt. The two major cities are Rhodondra, the administrative Capital and the southern town of Spleazure (pronounced Splee-zyuhr). There are many small towns, hamlets and settlements in and around the Veldt, including Tusk, Abermeade and Rantingstone. The County borders Ashkenatza in the west, and the Shirerithian counties of Woodshire, Caverden, Jugenskaja, Amarr and the Lakhesian Tribal Nation.

The Veldt

The Veldt is a vast area of grassland stretching from northern Tusk to southern Perrynge. Populated by such species as Aaak Birds and the Wulde Boar, it is a popular hunting ground and because of this there are many historical hunting towns surrounding the Veldt.

The Wulde Boar is farmed on the Veldt and is an important part of the local diet. It is also kept by farmers because its footsteps help prepare the soil for the planting of Graan, which can be brewed for beer.

Language

According to the census of 3800 ASC, Passikaans is the largest language by far in Highpass. It is spoken by 3'268'383 (77.51%) people. The largest minority language is Lakhesian, with 624'497 (14.81%) native speakers. Shirithian English is only spoken by 253'425 (6.01%) people. The official languages of Highpass are Lakhesian, Shirithian English and Passikaans. Passikaans is a language spoken in the southern Veldt. It has a harsh sound, but it is treasured by the people of Highpass.

Here are some phrases in Passikaans:

Zpa paal kaansen vot? What languages do you speak?
It ezek lól vot? What time is it?
Zaailodt Shireroth
Búxzaai Brookshire
Elúin Elwynn
Míflaal Straylight
Kildaal Kildare
Iaadzaai Yardistan

Stick Fighting

The County of Highpass was once fiercely tribal with constant battles between those in the North and the South. This regional violence continues today in the form of Steikfaat, a martial art based on the ancient battles of the Veldt. Fighters take branches of the Veldt Acacia Tree tied to the bones of the Aaak Bird to form intimidating weapons, sometimes up to nine feet in length.

Fighters from all of the towns of the region gather in on the outskirts of the city of Tusk to take part in the yearly Steikfaat tournament. The winner of the tournament is declared Champion of the Veldt. A quirk of the Charter of Highpass, declared by Count Oze decrees that the means of winning at Steikfaat shall never be recorded. Because of this, all of the fighters have their own idea of how to win.

Steikfaat is usually carried out in the name of the demi-god of Broken Limbs, Spleazure.

Music

While Steikfaat interests the more barbaric north of Highpass, the southern towns Abermeade, Churn and Shampayne enjoy a rich musical culture. Highpassian Folk Music can be heard on the streets of these towns on most days. With its bending notes and intricate ornamentations, Highpassian music could be considered one of the most difficult styles to play. Count Oze himself enjoys to practise the Highpassian Fiddle, and often makes guest appearances in the band Veldt Noise.

Religion

Most of the residents of Highpass are firm Cedrists, worshipping the local deities of Rhodondra and Spleazure with various explosions. Natives of the Veldt may also be followers of the Way of the Veldt, a way of life passed down for centuries.