A very old, established theocracy, existing, according to most records, since the beginning of time. Some would call them devout, some would call them crazy zealot bastards, but heh, it's nice and stable - as long as you believe in the Pope's divine might and wisdom with every fibre of your being.
If however you don't feel that's your thing, you can always be a rebel. Everybody loves the rebellious type. Except of course, the Ministry of Enlightenment. But who has ever been scared by death threats, a suprisingly efficient system of interrogation and extraordinary numbers of big hard blokes. Not me! I hear you cry.
For the more refined, elegant people who like to devote their lives to higher thought and such issues of democracy and education. That's not to say that the coarser elements of society don't have a place here. Everywhere needs it's corruption, and there are many kindly souls who will selflessly rip people off to keep it all balanced. As long as you disagree with the Papacy, you'll be fine.
The land across the sea, and far to the south. Some very strange rumours have floated their way to the main continent. Such outlandish tales as a small girl being the ruler of the land - and there's quite a lot of it. Travellers have brought back tales of the Forces Touched who are elevated to a class of their own, who are considered to be the answer to all of the problems that faced them before and since the cataclysm. And why are the Forces Touched more powerful there? Something in the air, or the water perhaps?
The land that is as far east as the most adventurous explorers have ventured. The people there, according to their reports cover their bodies in the strangest tatoos, apparently related to the Spirits that protect them. They are, on the whole it seems, quite friendly, always happy to beat chests with you when you meet.
A harsh, arid landscape does not breed the delicate type. This is proven time and again when one comes across a member of one of the 11 tribes that fiercely guard their territory. One explorer was reputed to have asked one of them why they were so touchy about who stepped on a bit of barren land that supported nothing but mongrels and dull shrubbery. However, this may not be entirely accurate as the statement was heard by his assistant who was running away screaming at the time.
There were a hell of a lot of ashes, and if there has to be a phoenix, then this city is it. A haven of peace and democracy, completely independent for the greater political powers. Loads of people, loads of hope and a sewer system too!
Another land of the Southern continent, further to the west than Flencaal. A land in which honour is paramount and face is everything. Corruption bubbles beneath the surface, but no-one shouts about it.
The land to the north of the New and Old Taeorn's. A powerful feudal system, lots of land owners, serfs, you know the kind of thing. Dukes and beautiful estates. Nuff said.
Not a place for a holiday. Unless you're into the major survival thing, scrabbling around ion icy tundra trying to protect yourself from the biting wind and ridiculously large animals with abnormal amounts of sharp teeth. The children of this land are about as tough as it gets. Don't say that the Plain's Tribesmen though!