The Arborvale Concord

Those true believers and patriots of the Arborvale Concord would tell you that it is a unified body, forged from the ashes of lesser nations into a glorious new being with a gods-given destiny. In truth, with its birth only a few hundred years behind it, the differences and old rivalries of the former societies comprising it can still be vividly seen, if one knows where to look. Nevertheless, whatever divisions exist within its body, they did not stop the Concord from rapidly becoming a global power. Although the various societies involved in its founding could, in actuality, fill a book of immense size, the Concord would be known for only several: the Thaedwen Council, the Frostcrown Clanholds, and the loosely bound people of the Fenweald. All those in the lands between them that did not fall in the conflict that unified them would, inevitably, fall into the annals of history.

Formed in response to what came to be known as the War of the Northern Winds, the societies that answered the Clanholds' call for help were great in number, spanning the breadth of the valley from which the Concord took its name. However, by the end of the war, the Council, Clanholds, and Fenweald retained the most power, and promptly established themselves as the leaders and "true founders" of the Arborvale Concord. Those too small to resist, such as the central Stewardends, were either absorbed or crushed in the name of peace and unity. The three nations' governments were reshaped into one, the disparate religions of united regions done away with and a new one established.

Much of the Concord's early systems remain intact to this day. Picking and choosing various parts of the societies comprising it, it became a true hybrid of its founders. Governmentally, it adopted the high council of the Thaedwenians, with representatives of all major factions within the Imperium comprising it. A new, governmentally approved religion was established, the Church of the Dusken Arbor. A select few, namely those held by some of the ruling class, were permitted worship strictly in private. All others were outlawed as threats of separatism. The military structures instituted by Fenwealdean commanders were made the official organization of the Concordian military. Most importantly, taking the Clanhold tradition of one unifying ruler, a High Gerent was named: Steria I, hero of the War of the Northern Winds, and head of the Duskfeather family of Thaedwen.

With much of its native continent already beneath its boot, and its endless wars and rivalries with neighboring nations going nowhere, the Arborvale Concord has turned its attention to a new target: the largely unexplored continent to the west and its native people. Veterans and conscripts alike sail to the front alongside colonists, convicts, and merchants alike, all for the glory of the Gerent and the Dusken Arbor.

Structure

Any number of trite and near-powerless titles form the bottom rung of Concordian government. Above the countless mayors and governors, overseers and merchantheads, lies the regional Trust. It is the first position of true significance, having direct contact with the Concordian military and the High Gerent's representatives. Above this lie those of noble or particularly rich status, aristocracy and successful businessmen often wielding power alike. Above all reigns the High Council, second only in power to the High Gerent. Many a weak Gerent has seen their influence wane to nothing, with the Council serving as the true driving force behind the Concord.

"For the Slain, the Gerent, and the Evenfall!"

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Concordian

Controlled Territories

• Ghostmire
• Silvergate
• The Oakheart
• The Stewardends