The Sundered Marches

The Sundered Marches, often called Sundermark, is a land asunder. Torn by countless kingdoms, tribes, clans and more, the Sundered Marches is a dangerous and wild land. Here the noblest of knights might be torn from their saddle, and run through by common vagabonds, just as only a few miles away a king celebrations is cut short by an invading force. The land is inhabited primarily by goblinoids, orcs, humans, dwarves and dragonborn.

Total population! 4 million people, considering all concoius species's

The People's and cultures of The Sundered Marches

Sundermark is home to roughly two million sentient beings from a multitude of species and cultures. The land is dotted with settlements and domains of varying sizes, inhabited by Humans, Orcs, Goblinoids, Dwarves, and Dragonborn.
These pockets of life in Sundermark have no common banner to unite them. Instead, the land and its inhabitants are fragmented. Conflict is prevalent, as countless petty kings, warlords, chieftains, and self-anointed lords vie to carve out their own piece of Sundermark.
Kingdoms and lordships rise with great rulers, prosper, and then inevitably crumble. Such has been the cycle of Sundermark for well over two centuries.

Humans

In some parts of the world, great realms of man control vast swaths of land, exercising power over countless souls. Often, the stability of these domains is attributed to ideals of unity, belonging, and righteousness—emotions easily stirred when the memory of great rulers, glorious times, and past riches still lingers, allowing the new to build upon the old.
In Sundermark, however, few, if any, of the humans remember the days of peace, unity, and righteousness. These memories have been washed away by bloodshed, chaos, and greed. Human rulers, whether they be kings, lords, or little more than upjumped knights, often try to evoke these forgotten ideals. Many among the nobility strive to uphold a sense of honor, justice, and decency in an attempt to preserve the image of the past.
Noble-born individuals grow up with tales of valiant kings and knights—brave legends who fought for justice and goodness. They are taught that their ultimate duty is to restore Sundermark to its rightful state. Conversely, the common folk have largely forgotten the days of old. With every lord, king, or leader who promises to restore what was lost only to be cast down like those before them, the memory of a better past fades further.
As the struggles of the present wear down the commonfolk of Sundermark, many act out of desperation, striving to preserve what little they have left and to survive another day, winter, or even year. Life for most is uncertain, dangerous, and fraught with horrors. Consequently, many people are suspicious and unwelcoming of others, while some turn to violence, theft, and other unscrupulous acts.
As much of the nobility and knighthood cling to what once was and the ideals valued in bygone days, the rift between the commonfolk and the elite widens. Many knights, lords, and noble-born individuals look down on, or even despise, the common people, deeming them of lesser or no value compared to those of noble birth. On the other side, many commoners view the knights, lords, and noble-born as spoiled tyrants who are detached from the harsh realities of life outside their castle walls.

The Rynkowski

The Rynkowskian people represent the largest and most influential Human culture in Sundermark, known for their storied past as the subjects of legendary kings and heroes, including Rynkowski himself. Once bound by chains as slaves, they rose to unprecedented heights, forming a kingdom that spanned all of Sundermark. Yet, those days of glory have faded into memory, and while the Rynkowskians remain the predominant Human culture, they have fallen far from their former eminence.
In the present day, there is no singular king of the Rynkowskians, no leader recognized by all or even by a significant portion of their scattered population. Instead, the people are divided among countless lords, kings, and nobles. This fragmentation has led to a more diverse cultural landscape, with different regions developing their own unique traditions and values. As a result, the legendary stories of old are often retold with variations or, sadly, forgotten altogether. In Sundermark, the once-unifying tales of the Rynkowskian past are seldom heard, and when they are, their retellings differ greatly.
Despite these changes, certain cultural traits remain intrinsic to the Rynkowskian identity. However, it's essential to acknowledge that many among the common folk have strayed from traditional values, driven by the harsh realities of survival and necessity.

Unifying values and traditions

Distrust of the Morninglord and Influential Clerical Figures

A deep-seated distrust of the Morninglord and powerful clerical organizations has taken root in Rynkowskian settlements ever since the event known as the Passing of Dawn. Few remember the precise reasons for this enmity, but the tales that persist depict the Morninglord in a negative light, casting a shadow over the divine figure. Consequently, the nobility's skepticism of clerical power is ingrained from youth. Despite this pervasive mistrust of influential clerics and those aligned with the Morninglord, the general priesthood remains welcome in most communities and is generally treated with respect. This dichotomy highlights a complex relationship with spirituality—one where ordinary priests are accepted, but their power remains in check.

Xenophobia and Distrust of Other Races

Once celebrated for their tolerance and acceptance, the Rynkowskian people have grown suspicious over the centuries, primarily due to prolonged wars and invasions. This historical backdrop has fostered a wariness towards outsiders, and it is an unfortunate truth that Rynkowskians have adopted negative stereotypes about other races. Most notably, they harbor distrust and hostility towards Orcs, Goblinoids, and Centaurs. Uncommon species also face skepticism, as many Rynkowskians fear them as potential invaders. Nevertheless, it's important to note that not all Rynkowskians share these views. Many communities remain open-minded and inclusive, offering a more nuanced understanding of racial dynamics within their culture.

Wiezeks: The Heart of Rynkowskian Society

The political fragmentation in Sundermark over the centuries has eroded the notion of a unified Rynkowskian identity. While a sense of collective belonging still exists in some areas, it often serves as more of a hopeful ideal than a tangible reality. Consequently, the lack of overarching unity has led to stronger ties within smaller communities, these being known as Wiezeks, small communities linked to nearby defensive structures. In Rynkowskian culture, one's birthplace holds significant importance, and individuals are expected to care for their community members. This emphasis on local bonds has fostered a sense of loyalty and solidarity, often at the expense of allegiance to distant overlords. To many Rynkowskians, their rulers are seen as outsiders, and often as tyrants.

Chivalry, knighthood and honour

The Rynkowskian people traditionally value goodness, martial prowess, and honor. Throughout the people's history, it has always been a people of great warriors The traditional Rynkowskian warrior either seeks out, or claims the title of knight. In the olden days, knights were the pride of the people and their kingdoms, and few honors were greater than being dubbed a knight. Legends of The Time of Kings, such as Slavomir "Gold Eyes," Zelia "The Fearless," and, most famous of all, Mieszko the "Truthslance" depict justice-seeking warriors clad in shining armor, whose might and honor were unmatched.
In the present day, however, the image of knights has been sullied. Centuries of greedy, bloodthirsty, and desperate knights who have strayed from the traditional path of honor have tarnished the once-noble image of the knight. Despite this, few can avoid showing deep respect—though oftentimes it is given out of fear—for knights, lords, and nobles.
Tradition states that a true knight must be dubbed by a king, else he is naught but a pretender, and a strict set of virtues must be followed by said knight. This made the title a rarity in the olden days, and something that was saught after by most. In the present day however, the title is often granted out of practicality, or simply as a means to buy ones loyalty. Consequently, the land is filled with many knights, diluting the title's prestige and reputation.

Life of the Rynkowskians

Due to these dangers, Rynkowskians have adapted by clustering around strong defensive structures. This strategy has shaped the way of life for most of them. Nearly all Rynkowskians reside in urban areas or close to forts and castles scattered throughout the countryside. During the Time of Kings, it was feasible for them to live a more traditional rural lifestyle, with farms dotting the fertile fields. However, in the present day, things have changed significantly.

Today, it is estimated that between one-tenth and one-fifth of the Rynkowskian population lives in urban areas. The rest of the population, tasked with producing food, lives near these defensive structures in a type of settlement known as a wiezek.

Urban living

A significant portion of the Rynkowskian population resides in larger urban areas, where life varies greatly depending on the region and specific settlement. Despite these variations, certain aspects are universally true for Rynkowskians living in urban environments. The most prominent of these is the persistent threat of war and conflict. Although the inhabitants of towns and cities are generally better off and safer than those living in wiezeks, they still live under the looming shadow of the dark cloud of war, conflict, and bloodshed that envelops all of Sundermark.

To generalize these varying settlements, they can usually be categorized into three different categories, and though these are not used by the people of Sundermark, they are good reference points.

March settlements

As the name suggests, these settlements usually hold a focus on warfare. Settlements like these are often placed in the most voletile areas of Sundermark, and if part of a well-sized lordship, or kingdom, they are usually border settlements. These settlements will have a culture which usually puts a lot of weight on warfare, and these are the places where ideals of honour, chivalry, and knighthood has been most forgotten usually. Instead they have often been replaced by a bitter and crude attitude towards life, carried and nurtured by the soldiers of the settlements.

In march settlements you will rarely find much love for the nobility and knights, and they are usually not under control of a traditional lord or it's like. More often they are under rulership of those who had might enough to rise the ranks, or in some cases by outsiders with powers ample to control the settlement. Furthermore the settlements are also generally relatively well defended.

Lordly settlements

Lordly settlements are usually settlements ruled by the nobility. Usually held by a so called king, a lord under a king, or anyone of noble birth with enough power to control the settlement. These settlements generally see the effects of conflict less clearly then March settlements, or at least not directly or as often. In these settlements the ideals of old are usually more present. And ideas of honour and chivalry still hold sway over parts of the populace. These ideals are almost always propegated and pushed by the nobility of the settlement.

The people here abide more by the traditional ways of Rynkowskian culture, and their lives are not as zoned in on warfare and it's different desires. It's also more common to find a complex and multifaceted system of power in these settlements where several people, and sometimes organisations hold power instead of just one individual which is far more common in March settlements.

Safehaven settlements

These are the least common type of Rynkowskian settlements due to their rarity and the unique circumstances that allow them to exist. Safe havens manage to remain largely untouched by the direct impacts of war through a combination of strategic location, diplomatic skill, or fortuitous circumstances. Despite their relative peace, the looming threat of conflict is ever-present.

Interestingly, the inhabitants of Safe Haven settlements often hold the most idealistic views of war, clinging to the romanticized notions of honor and valor. This adherence to outdated ideals has, at times, led these communities into unnecessary conflicts, believing in the preservation of chivalric codes or assuming that others would rally to their cause. As a result, many former safe havens have been drawn into the broader turmoil of Sundermark, leaving only a few remaining, with Port Zelia being the most notable example.

Summarization of categories

These three categories represent foundational frameworks for Rynkowskian settlements, offering a basis for understanding the varying dynamics within their communities. However, it is rare for a settlement to perfectly align with just one category. Instead, most settlements exhibit a blend of characteristics, drawing elements from each category to form a unique identity. These classifications serve as useful guides for those designing Rynkowskian settlements.

The wiezeks

A wiezek is a type of settlement or "living area" commonly found around a fort, keep, or castle in Rynkowskian lands. The wiezek serves as a buffer between the inhabitants and the dangers lurking beyond, allowing people to live with a semblance of security. The form a wiezek takes can be loosely divided into two categories: wiezek-villages and standard wiezeks.

Wiezek-villages resemble standard villages but are typically located close to the defensive structure they depend on. These settlements contain the typical features of a small village, such as homes, workshops, and sometimes larger establishments like taverns, inns, shrines, and trading outposts if situated on or near major roads. Usually, these settlements are directly managed and ruled by the lord or owner of the nearby castle or keep. However, it is not uncommon for a reeve or a similar figure to handle day-to-day affairs. The proximity of wiezek-villages to their defensive structures allows for soldiers to maintain peace and order effectively. The settlements typically range from being within eyesight to a short walk from the fortifications.

In contrast, standard wiezeks refer to areas inhabited by people who do not form a central settlement other than the defensive structure itself. In these regions, the fort or castle serves as the focal point for daily life, providing essential services and a market-like space for artisans and traders. Unlike wiezek-villages, where a clear settlement exists, a standard wiezek consists of scattered residences and lands inhabited by those reliant on the defensive structure for protection and governance.

Naming

Wiezeks generally do not have their own names but are instead referred to by the name of the defensive structure, followed by the term wiezek. For example, a settlement around the Bloodgate fortress would be known as Bloodgates-wiezek. In the case of wiezek-villages, they may either share the name of the fortification, highlighting their inseparable identity, or be given a name of their own if they grow large enough to warrant one.

Loyalty

The loyalty of wiezeks to their rulers or nobles typically lasts as long as the defenses remain strong. Inhabitants are accustomed to changing leadership and therefore harbor little loyalty towards the rulers themselves, viewing such attachments as naive. This pragmatic outlook stems from the understanding that new conquerors, if interested in gaining from the region, will likely maintain the wiezek's functionality to benefit from its resources and population. While invasions may sometimes result in raids, pillaging, or destruction, Rynkowskian conflicts tend to prioritize the preservation of wiezeks for future gain.

It is not uncommon for levies to be called upon from a wiezek. This is done by it's ruler when they require soldiers for different reasons. In most cases these levies are untrained commonfolk, but it can vary depending on the situation and wiezek. When this call is made, it's assumed that at least a fair part of the wiezeks inhabitants will answer it, for the consequences could otherwise be quite severe. However, just because the call is answered, it does not mean that the levies will remain in the field for as long as they are asked too. It's very common for these levies to either desert, or betray their ruler when the tides turn against them.

The Blotnik

The Blotnik people, more commonly known as the Riverfolk in Sundermark, make up the second-largest Human culture in the land. This culture has developed around the river system known as Zycius’s River, which explains their common name, the Riverfolk. The Blotnik are primarily known for their rejection of the Prime Deities, their skill as archers, their river forts, and their legendary lack of charisma. Unlike the Rynkowskian culture, the Blotnik have never built an expansive empire, choosing instead to consolidate and isolate themselves around their god's river.

Though the Blotnik have never established a vast empire, powerful figures have ruled their lands. The title of Riverlord is the most prestigious among the Blotnik. Once, a single Riverlord ruled all of the Riverfolk, but for nearly two centuries, multiple Riverlords have contested dominance over the river. Despite this long-standing conflict, as well as countless foreign invaders, a strong sense of belonging persists among the Blotnik, as the worship of Zycius is the defining feature of their people. To the Blotnik, all followers of the river god are considered part of their culture, regardless of which Riverlord they serve.

Unifying values and traditions

Worship of Zycius and rejection of other gods

There is no figure more important to Blotnik culture than their river god, Zycius. Zycius is a mysterious nature god whose worship is central to the Blotnik way of life. As a deity of nature, Zycius is not venerated in buildings but in the natural world. This has made the relationship between the Blotnik people and their environment sacred. They believe that the river and the lands surrounding it are embodiments of Zycius—that he is not a person but the very essence of the river and the land. Everything that grows there is seen as part of their god, and thus, great importance is placed on resourcefulness and sustainability. The priesthood, primarily composed of shamans and druids, teaches that the land is Zycius's gift to his people, and that these gifts must be treated with respect and humility.

As a result, the Riverfolk lead a relatively simple and spartan lifestyle. Even in the homes of Riverlords, you will rarely find unnecessary luxuries, especially among the pious. The Riverfolk choose to live modestly, doing only what they consider necessary. Self-sufficiency is highly valued, and the ability to manage one's resources effectively is deemed vital. From birth, children are taught to avoid excess and to appreciate everything they have.

Another significant aspect of the worship of Zycius is the rejection of other deities. It is believed that Zycius once covered the whole world, but other gods took and conquered it, leaving him only his river domain. Some stories even claim that Zycius is the progenitor of Melora the Earthmother, who betrayed him and led the gods in a war against him. This belief has fostered near-hostility between devout followers of Zycius and adherents of other gods. This hostility is most pronounced toward Melora, whose followers are actively hunted by the Blotnik. The Riverfolk even have a derogatory name for Melora: Brudgysta, or The Dirt Crone.

Despite the belief that the other gods stole the world from Zycius, the Blotnik do not seek to reclaim it. Instead, they are taught that their sacred mission is to defend their god’s domain from any who would infringe upon it. As a result, the Blotnik are united by their distrust of outsiders and their animosity toward foreign invaders. Throughout history, various coalitions of leaders have formed to combat these external threats. In the present day, there is concern that internal divisions might endanger their homeland, which is already under threat from numerous enemies on their borders.

The Mokriks

Concepts of The Sundered Marches

Magic in The Sundered Marches

The following is Concept!!! I imagine that magic would be viewed very differently by those with, and without power. It would also naturally be viewed differently by different species and cultures. Something I want to capture is the fear that people living outside of the major settlements would have for magic, and just powerful people in general. In their world, anyone with power is a potential new conqueror. And after centuries of seeing magicians, mercenaries, and powerful adventurers come and go, many of which may have extorted, or even conquered, smaller villages, the common folk outside major settlements know to fear individuals of might. I imagine that this fear, will usually either result in the individuals being treated with utter respect, as honoured guests, the locals would hope that they would consider the gestures enough to spare them of any ill will. But more commonly, I imagine a strong suspicous attitude, or perhaps even a hostile attitude, considering them just another in a long line of brutal travelers come to take whatever they please.
As for goblanoids, orcs, and bugbears I think it would be very different. In these settlements I think it would vary greatly depending on the leadership, but in general few outside magicians would come to these tribes, so the only magic they would know would most likely be druids or war-priests, both probably focusing on a primal and brutal way of magic, befitting most of these tribes.
The dwarves reaction I think would vary depending on which dwarves you're interacting with. The Krasn'lud Dwarves have a sceptical view to outsiders, as well as magic, they remember how it has affected the other inhabitants of Sundermark, and they see it as dangerous and uncontrollable in general. There would most likely be clerical figures, and some arcane magicians in their home, but likely a limited and small amount.
As for the younger Kopalnia Dwarves, I imagine they would have a more open view of magicians and magic. I like the idea that because of their relatively small population, they might have a group of arcanists who use magic to enhance their fighting capabilities against the foes of the Zelazo Mountains, of which there is no lack.
As far as the Solzeni dragonbron are concerned I think they would view it indifferently. Their leader, and leading figures are all clerical, and as such divine might and magic would of course be seen as blessings, or curses if from certain dieties. But as far as arcane and other magic goes, they would probably be tolerant, but not necessarily inviting to the practitioners of said arts.
All in all, as far The Sundermark is concerned, magic is fairly rare. And there are not many magicians around the region, this partly being because of natural and divine reasons, but also because there are no forces to drive the expansion and protection of magicians in the region. Furthermore magicians have clearly earned a poor reputation in the region, this being because of a number of magicians throughout recent centuries who have had their role to play in the history of Sundermark.

Type

Region

Location under

Zlotkar

Included Locations

• Brask Lands
• County of Katrach
• Dawn's Seat
• Lake Rynkowski
• Port Zelia

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Biesiada

Related Myths

• The legend of Rynkowski