Concordians

In the aftermath of the War of the Northern Winds, the people of the Arborvale Concord realized their potential for a new trade: war. Though expansion via conquest, or "unification" as the High Council of the Concord dubbed it, was met with opposition by many, many more favored the industry and lands it provided them. Dissenters were methodically silenced or made inconsequential, and the Concord quickly proved adept at its newly favored calling. Through the conquest of many an unassuming smaller territory, and some larger, better armed ones, the coffers of the Concord swelled.

The glory of the Arborvale Concord and its military is an ideal instilled in all young Concordians, and one that most carry through to adulthood. Tales of great soldiers and battlemages exist everywhere, from stories told around tavern hearths to the Concordian opera. Many abled bodied young-people will do a small stint in the army once of age, if only to be able to say they served alongside some general or other. More than one adventurer has found their beginnings as a disillusioned recruit, finding none of the glory and riches promised them amidst the bloodshed.

Though the Concord has long since dominated its native continent, in addition to having colonies on other shores, it has not stopped the militant culture that pervades it. Military parades are still held regularly, and tournaments between famed knights and mages draw audiences even from outside its borders. A good fire still needs stoking, however, and thus the Concord periodically will start a war with a likely target under some pretense or other. Commonly, these are smaller, easily subdued targets, or a country which the Concord knows has no real strength to exact retribution with. These conflicts often seem to ignite during periods of unrest within the Concord, providing a convenient distraction; after all, nothing unites Concordians like a good war.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Courtship within the Arborvale Concord is as varied as the people comprising it. Many Thaedwenians still adhere to old traditions of three gifts, given in a specific order, in keeping with certain legends. Those native to the Stewardends still often use ribbons and colored string when indicating an active courtship. Reachwardan traditions of courtship via combat and hunting have predominantly fallen away, though did find a foothold in the heavily glorified Concordian military. It is not uncommon for a Concordian soldier to return bearing a trophy from a slain monster, or the weapons of a newly "unified" people, in deference to the object of their affections.