Nations and Nature
Nations represent both the Land and the People. They cannot live without having a population to represent, just as they cannot survive if they have no Land to claim as their own. They are, after all, strange beings that are part nature and part human.
But what else does nature affect a Nation? We know the Land grants the Nation their semi-immortality, knowledge of their history and the innate ability to sense other Nations crossing their Land. But there's also the little things, such as:
Knowing the flora: Since Nations represent nature, they have the ability to recognize local plants and flowers. By focusing on a plant, they get a general idea of what it is: name, time of bloom, benefits, etc. It's one of the reasons they have vast knowledge of natural medicine. Having a green thumb is a given.
Disney princess syndrome: Like plants, Nations have an affinity with the local wildlife. They don't talk to animals by any means, but Nations have a calming presence that puts them at ease up to a certain point. They share the Land, they coexist as long as they don't disturb each other. A wildlife photographer would be a perfect career for a Nation.
Finding water: While nature can be harsh and merciless, the Land is a Nation's home. They can't get lost in their Land, especially since they always know where their Heart, the capital, is at all times. But if they're far from civilization, it's instinct to find the closest water source. It's a bit harder if a Nation is in another Land, but possible if they focus enough, or even if Nature deems you worthy of its help.
Give me shelter: Similar to finding water, Nations have no problem looking for shelter. They're excellent survivalists and quite resourceful thanks to their knowledge of the flora and fauna. For baby/young nations, Nature has a soft spot for them, mostly because it sees them as little saplings, and will guide a Nation toward the safest place (a leaf flying in one direction, a rock falling to catch their attention, an animal blocking their path, etc). In fact, young Nations have an easier time blending in and hiding when surrounded by nature.
Get out: In times of war and conflict, a Nation in another Land will get a feeling of unease when entering a forest or traversing a mountain. Nature does not recognize you as their Nation, and it will let you know. After all, invading a Nation's land is akin to breaking into someone's house. So, if you find yourself more prone to stumble over a rock, or find the wild berries a bit more bitter, or suddenly find your food invaded by ants, well, that's just Nature telling you to get lost.
Touching grass: It's a known fact that Nations love being close to nature, whether it be by going hiking, swimming in a lake, camping, etc. Walking barefoot on natural ground feels amazing; a sense of peace washes over a Nation when connecting directly with their Land. It's why most Nations don't like spending too much time in big cities. Walking on asphalt, roads and man-made parks just feels off to them.
Gentle repose: If a Nation dies while surrounded by nature, it will keep the Nation safe from the elements until they come back to life (branches curving to protect them from the rain, covering the body in vines/roots/leaves, keeping the critters away from them, etc). However, if a Nation dies for good, if it's truly a Fade, then Nature will reclaim the Nation back into the Land, leaving a patch of flowers as a reminder of who laid there.
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