Arl-Bek of Renea

Though a small village, The Forest Without Strife is governed by the same principles as the once-peaceful nation of Renea. Granted a small amount of autonomy by King Rascar, the leader of their host nation, the people of the forest are allowed to live by their own laws and customs. (The only stipulation to this being that these do not conflict with the greater laws of Eralya, though so far there has been no danger of this.)
Arl-Bek assumed leadership of the refugee Reneans as they fled from the forces of Queen Katania. Arl-Ker, the former ruler of Renea, pledged to do whatever was necessary to get his people to safety, ultimately resulting in his sacrifice to ensure survivors could escape. Arl-Bek, though young to take on such a demanding role, was the only remaining successor to the Renean leadership, and the refugees elected him as the rightful leader of their people.
Arl-Bek had completed some education on leading the Renean people, but he was far from being fully prepared for the task. With the help of a single, also inexperienced, advisor, Arl-Bek successfully began his leadership in a difficult time for his people. He successfully secured passage for refugees into Eralya, overseeing their safety. On hearing they would not be able to return home to Renea, he rallied the people to join the fight against Katania’s forces. When the conflict was over, Arl-Bek negotiated with King Rascar so that his people could find a home within the Eralyan border.
Many have praised Arl-Bek for showing strength and conviction in a time of strife and trouble, especially when the role was forced upon him with little preparation. In the following times of peace, he has not let the people stray from the foundation of their home’s success: love and respect for nature, and oneness with the world around.
Reneans previously had little sense of religion, not of the belief that a single deity could be responsible for governing all of existence. Some might exalt the “spirits” of nature, but overall the nation took an agnostic approach to faith. This outlook is still prevalent and championed within the Forest Without Strife. Since taking refuge in Eralya, many have come to embrace faith in the goddess Ionale. Arl-Bek does not forbid this among the people, as many tenets of Ionalism fit with themes of respecting nature and fellow man. He is known among the community for saying the following on the subject.
“It is important that all Reneans continue to hold dear that which provides us life and keeps us together in peace. In our new home, this may look different then it did on our home soil. Whether our people find that peace in the nature around us or in faith to Ionale is of no importance. It does no good to forbid something that does no harm.”