Ustavia

An Old Church Under a Dark Sky by John Short

Knowledge Geography North DC 10 This smallish nation exist to the northeast of the Kingdom of Timbal. Its known as a dark and dreary place. In fact, someone brooding or negative is referred to as an "Ustav" by many folks in Timbal.
Knowledge Geography North DC 15 Ustavia is a quiet place which has known peace for three centuries after a brief civil war. Its a strong ally of Timbal in both trade and military. Its location between the wilds of the Barrier Peaks and Timbal means that Timbal supplies it with troops and support to keep its eastern border safe. A large amount of trade goods also pass between the two nations. Ustavia sends surplus foodstuffs, lumber, and iron and receives many finished goods in return.
Knowledge Geography North DC 15 and Planes DC 15 Ustavia has some unique features due the strange conflux of planar energies underlying the region. It's a wellspring of both positive AND negative energy. This has created a strange dicotomy. On one hand, Ustavia is influenced by negative material energy. Its dead are restless and undead are less uncommon here. Its a place where curses and dark rituals are more potent. Inhabitants feel the pull of dark deeds and darker arts. The weather is frequently gloomy with thick mists and dark clouds.
At the same time there is a powerful pull of positive energy. The rocky soil of Ustavia is surprisingly fertile, its lakes and rivers are full of fish, and its forests are prime hunting grounds. Ustavia grows heroes and is surprisingly potent in many ways.
Climate:  Ustavia is of temperate climate. It has four distinct seasons: a warm summer, a wet and rainy fall and spring, and a moderate winter. Due to the influence of weather patterns, the great mountains to its east, and various elemental nodes, it rains or snows in Ustavia almost everyday. This is usually just for a few hours, but it is enough to make sure that everything is damp (and perhaps a little moldy). This is in part why the area is so successful at growing crops. 

Structure

Ustavia is ruled by a Grand Counsel. The members include Counsel of Agriculture, Counsel of Tradesmen, Counsels of Temple, and Counsel of War. Each Counsel is chosen from a "Hall" which is a group of twenty individuals representing that faction. The Hall is elected based upon the rules set out by the Hall members. Some of the Halls have very democratic rules for elections, such as the Hall of Agriculture. Others are set up to concentrate power, such the Hall of War.
The Grand Counsel sets the laws of the land, often by simply giving the authority to set policies and levy taxes to the various Halls. This system is frequently abused and corruption is common (but usually small).
Local governments are generally small and include a local election for mayors, sheriffs, town clerk, and tax collector. Each small community usually also has a grange. This is an organization of local farmers who organized to get the best prices for their wares and to support each other. A town's Grange Master is often very influential.

Public Agenda

Ustavia has several ongoing concerns. Its Eastern border along the Barrier Peaks is always an area closely watched. Human and Orc tribes will sometimes risk the high mountain passes to raid the farmlands below. There are numerous large predatory monsters that lair in the peaks including dragons.
The Grand Counsel is also wary of internal foes, as the constantly churning energies of Ustavia give rise to vampires, ghosts, dark cults, and criminal organizations. Luckily Ustavia is well equipped to handle most such situations with a small but strong military, a number of strong churches, and a surprising number of home grown talent ready to put down threats. There are also more than one secret organization dedicated to maintaining the laws and ethics of the good people of Ustavia.
Ustavia is always maneuvering to minimize Timbal influence in the nation while also getting the best out of trade arrangements. The Holy Church of the Three Divinities has largely been resisted by Ustavia, who prefer smaller and local organizations of faith. The King of Timbal and many of the nobles would like to see Ustavia become one of its territories. Other than some unofficial interference during Ustavia's rebellion, the two nations have a long history of peace.

Assets

Ustavia has a good mix of natural resources. The land is surprisingly fruitful and produces grains, vegetables, and fruits. Cattle, goats, and pigs are common livestock. There are a scattering of mines, mostly iron and silver. There are some skilled craftsmen in both the small village and in the major cities. The nation makes its fair share of armor and arms, but they tend towards the simple and servisible.
Ustavia does not produce many fine goods. Most jewelry and art found there has been imported.
Ustavia is home to the Lepidstadt University, one of the most famous schools in the North. Its an institution with a wide range of interest and boasts a strong staff of researchers, sages, teachers, and "agents" (which means adventurers). The University is at the forefront of research in ancient history and planar research. Individuals from throughout the north make their way to this University and bring a cosmopolitan air to Lepidstadt (that is missing from the rest of Ustavia). It is said that "the University of Lepidstadt existed at this spot long before their was a Lepidstadt or an Ustavia". What exactly this means is either not known or at least not said aloud.

History

Ustavia had long been a monarchy. Its history goes back twenty generations of kings and queens. They were joined by a complicated network of noble families and hereditary titles. The nobles owned the land and the peasants farmed. In time, a more wealthy and educated middle class formed and turned the common folk against a nobility grown complacent and fat off the backs of others.
In time, the entire Kingdom was in revolt. The rebellion include many farmers and craftsmen and was lead by many intellectuals from the University and from several local Churches, especially the Temples of Yondalla. Ustavia had no standing army, but each noble family had a small group of knights, men-at-arms and would conscript spearmen and archers from its peasants. Those family found many of their soldiers defected and faced those same spearmen and archers across the battle field. The nobility had less numbers but were far better armed and armored and possessed cavalry. They were further aided by "mercenaries" who were in fact soldiers of Timbal who did not wish to see a neighboring monarch fall.
Known as the Plowman's Rebellion, the actual conflict was over after a summer of battles. The King reliquinshed his throne and the titles of all the nobles. More than half were put on trial for various crimes include a handful guilty of horrific massacres in defense of their titles and wealth. An loose organization including clergy of Yondalla and Tyr, oversaw the next year of arguing over a new government. Noble families were given the chance to leave the nation or to stay, but gave up the majority of their wealth either way.

Demonym

Ustavian