League of Southern Marches
The League of Southern Marches began in 877 AR as a confederation of city-states, united to defend themselves from a common threat.
Structure
As cities and towns join into the league, they become united under special circumstance. For example, if the confederation were to be attacked, the Lord Chancellor of Riven would assume control. In this case, the first act would be to appoint a military officer to serve as High Marshal of the league's forces. If the league were facing a famine, the Lord Chancellor would once again assume control and appoint a High Reeve. The comprehensive list of appointed titles include:
- High Marshal (Military)
- High Reeve (Economic)
- High Priest (Religious)
- High Mage (Arcane)
- High Councilor (Generic)
Culture
As most of its members are self-contained within the region of Tusnya, the league has embraced its heritage as one of freedom and independence. Although the cities and towns are united during times of crises, they still maintain their own individuality as independent city-states. They believe in self-rule, in peaceful and diplomatic resolutions, and in free trade. Because the league does not maintain a standing army, military force and aggression is not a priority.
They welcome cultures of other regions and trade hubs such as Riven have become cosmopolitan in their world view. Because they are from a wealthy region, filled with a prevalence of natural resources and fertile lands, few people struggle to survive and have thus afforded them time to invest in the arts including architecture, statues, paintings, and music. There are few more attuned to the inspiration of Gilmithien than those within the League of Southern Marches. Even those who work the fields and live a more rural life have come to appreciate those from other cultures, and are warm and welcoming to travelers coming to their small villages.
History
The league was founded after the Verdant War between the Tusnyans and the Tirith Sûl in 877 AR. Beystone and Riven came together in an unprecedented alliance, and agreed that if anything or anyone threatened the safety of the Southern Marches again, they would unite under one banner. The capital of the League of Southern Marches was established in Riven, and designated the first Lord Chancellor in 890 AR.
Many years passed, and the league welcomed in several settlements of the marches. While peace existed for the most part, there were relatively small battles waged at their border especially near Aurelia and the Burnt Mountains. Orcs hordes, gnoll tribes, and dragon cults began to recognize the great wealth and prosperity of Tusnya, causing destruction in the northeastern part of the region. The league responded in kind, time after time, with their own show of force. The alliance remained strong throughout the 900's, but even the small battles wore thin on the citizen's morale. By the turn of the millennia, friction emerged among the city-states and a call for self-rule grew louder.
Aurelia bore the brunt of the hostility as it was positioned on the border of the region, and was the first to call for the disbandment of the league. The newly designated Lord Chancellor, a young Rivenese human named Gareth Tallwood, utilized his expert diplomatic skills and convinced the Aurelians to stay for a little longer, and see if the league could make amends. In 1043 AR young Gareth himself traveled to Kazad Bryn, deep within the hostile Burnt Mountains, and convinced the stubborn dwarves of Clan Firebeard to sign a defensive alliance with the league. This ensured dwarven military might would support Aurelia at the border even outside the mountains, something that was unheard of at the time. The Aurelians were appeased, and peace soon returned to Tusnya.
Demography and Population
A confederation of humans, dwarves, elves, and half-elves with small pockets of halflings, half-orcs, and gnomes.
Military
Although the league does not maintain a standing army, each city-state has its own city guard. Some are more capable than others, such as the Stone Guard of Beystone, which are known throughout the region as an elite fighting force. However, there are some towns that are relatively undefended in peace time.
When under attack, the league will unite under the Lord Chancellor. Each city and town will levy an army and serve at command of the High Marshal. Each levied force has their own commanding officer, allowing the High Marshal to immediately have divisible forces based on their city-state of origin. As most attacks are preceded by a declaration of war by another faction, the military typically gathers around Riven before marching towards the field of battle. The league can levy an army of up to 10,000 soldiers, of which ~500 are mounted knights, with the rest a combination of longbowmen, spearmen, swordsmen, men-at-arms, and halberdiers.
As many of the levied troops are untrained, only the soldiers from the wealthy cities are garbed in standard issue armor and weaponry. The rest of the army wears what armor they can gather, and sometimes wield little more than whatever tool they use for their profession such as a woodsman's axe or a farmer's pitchfork.
Standard Issue - Southern Marches Army
- Knights (Mounted) - Warhorse, Plate Armor, Shield, Lance
- Knight (Dismounted) - Plate Armor, Greatsword
- Longbowmen - Studded Leather, Longbow
- Spearmen - Chain Mail, Shield, Spear
- Swordsmen - Chain Mail, Shield, Longsword
- Men-At-Arms - Chain Shirt, Shield, Battleaxe
- Halberdiers - Chain Mail, Halberd
Religion
Unlike many other organizations, the religion within the Southern Marches is primarily based on the city or town. Because the league has no official state religion, citizens are free to worship whomever they choose, although all temples and shrines are still dedicated to a god or goddess within the Aecenic Pantheon.
The majority of Tusnyans worship Irdona, as she blessed the region with fertile lands and bountiful harvests. Most worship takes place in small villages and the home, although the Last Harvest is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.
There is also a significant following of Gilmithien, particularly in the cities. His temple in Riven is one of the largest in the Eastern Ring, as worshipers have congregated to beacons of culture and art to celebrate the god in their own way.
Perhaps the most controversial church within the league is the Church of Ettuna. Worship of the goddess of arcane magic is strictly prohibited within the Corinian Empire, but welcomed within most of the Southern Marches. Arcane magic comes at a price, and although most view its use as beneficial, there are those who work actively to discourage spell casting. There are several small temples dedicated to Ettuna throughout Tusnya, as well as a major shrine built within the magical school belonging to the Wardens of the Wellspring known as the Conflux Arcana.
Foreign Relations
Typically hostile with both the Corinian Empire as well as the Ebon Ascendancy as a result of tensions between the two factions. The league has also had intermittent skirmishes with the Wood Elves of Eryn Sael, but currently hold a non-aggression pact. The Kingdom of Ardor and the Valorion Dominion are frequent trade partners, although trade has decreased with the Ardorians due to the land route being cut off after the Corinians invaded Uruger.
Agriculture & Industry
The League of Southern Marches derives much of its power and wealth through agriculture. Some of the arable land is south of Beystone although most of the region's farms are located east of Riven. The land is ideal for growing barley and wheat, creating an ample surplus of animal fodder that also allows farmers to raise livestock and practice husbandry. The abundance of livestock, in particular cattle and dairy cows, has made Tusnya one of the leading sources of dairy on the continent.
Farmers utilize the open-field system, so called because there are no barriers between fields belonging to different farmers. This means the cultivated land consists of long, narrow strips of land in a distinctive ridge and furrow pattern. Individual farmers own or farm several different strips of land scattered around the farming area. The reason for farmers possessing scattered strips of land is to reduce risk; if the crop in one strip failed, it might thrive in another strip.
Trade & Transport
Trade between the league and other factions operates differently than trade between city-states. Because the league is more of an alliance among cities and towns and subsists as a confederation, there are very few trade deals done with other factions. However, cities like Riven support themselves with trade primarily through seafaring vessels such as galleys that are constructed in the village of Yarrin. These galleys are expertly constructed and have been known to trade with the elves of Tol Annûn. Historically, the primary trade partner of the league were the Ostruans, until the Ebon Asendancy took power and ceased all diplomacy. Regions such as Uruger and Ardor were also trade partners until the Corinian Empire invaded Uruger and halted land-based trade past Ridwan's Pass. One of the few trade partners left with the league in its entirety is Clan Firebeard. Precious metals such as copper and gold are imported, sourced directly from Kazad Bryn in the Burnt Mountains and delivered to Aurelia.
Between city-states, trade has flourished. Transportation over the Chancellor's Road has helped establish efficient trade between cities, and has produced significant wealth for the litany of merchant guilds in the area. Wagons and carriages travel easily over the major roads in the region. The towns operate more as hubs for the agricultural production in Tusnya, where farmers will produce goods in their fields and bring them via the minor roads. Although these roads are not as well maintained, they can still help guide any trade cart to their destination.
Education
Tusnyans are known to be well educated as is evident in cities like Riven and Aurelia. Within the walls of Riven is the academy of magic known as the Conflux Arcana. Established by the Wardens of the Wellspring, it is a school of the arcane arts, constructed to aid prospective wizards in obtaining knowledge regarding their specific school of magic. The library is one of the most comprehensive in Aecenys due to researchers salvaging and transcribing books that were damaged when the Corinians expunged arcane text from their empire. Cultural centers such as art galleries and theaters are also present in Riven, giving the city a worldly education.
Aurelia provides a very different type of education. It is one focused on craftsmanship and trade. Due to the proximity of the dwarves, skills in smithing and weapon forging is but one of many trades being taught within the city walls. Other trades of note include carpentry, jewel-crafting, leather-working, and masonry.
Founding Date
877 AR
Type
Geopolitical, County / March
Capital
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Market economy
Major Exports
Wheat, Barley, Cattle, Books, Paper, Timber
Major Imports
Clothing, Weapons, Armor, Precious Metals
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments