Holmstead

Demographics

It is often said that those of Holmstead are a tougher lot. Perhaps this is due to their position, on the border of both Bryonsworth and Duma, constantly caught in the crossfire of two behemoths glaring at one another. Perhaps their vigor is the byproduct of the perpetual scorn Holmstead has received in the eyes of the Empire, their mere existence perceived as a painful reminder. Or perhaps, this brute strength is a simple result of their breed.

Most Holmstead natives have little difficulty tracing Tontari roots in their veins, roots which leave unmistakable traces when placed side by side their fellow Imperial citizens. Their men stand a half head taller, their skin bears an olive complexion, and their slick hair shares the same brown hue. While those of mixed, and in extraordinarily rare cases pure, Tontari descent can be found scattered throughout the Empire. There are no other lands that possess such an overwhelming majority. A majority that goes back to the very beginning of the province as it's defined today. For during the Dumani invasion of the Empire, Duma decided to bring over a massive amount of Tontari forces to bolster their army. While they had annexed the Tontari territory during the middle stages of their expansion, things had only begun to settle down to a point where Duma could consider drawing from this source of troops. Of course, such a large number of new soldiers required somewhere to garrison them. With the cultural disconnect proving far too great to simply incorporate the Tontari forces with their main army, the region of Holmstead was chosen to act as a residence. While they did not remain in the land for long, it was more than enough for them to settle.

After the war ended, most of the soldiers ended up returning across the sea as Holmstead was given to the Empire. Leaving the next generation half Tontari in blood only, knowing almost nothing about their people or culture. Yet this blood is enough for most to look upon them and see nothing but the savage invaders who raped and pillaged their lands and ancestors. Thus, when forced to bear a prejudice born from the sins of their forefathers, shunned by one half and abandoned by their other, perhaps their endurance was the only natural result. For with no one else to accept them, the only remaining choice is to rely on one's self.

Government

While many houses have claimed ownership over Holmstead over the years, one would be mistaken in saying any of them held any true form of power. For so far from the capital, the power of a united community holds far more sway than a sealed letter from any king. With the Siege of 131 making this truth clear to everyone. When after House Vetri began to enforce bans on civilian-owned weapons, a large group of farmers beat their plowshares into swords and swarmed the Vetri manor. In a matter of hours, they managed to overthrow the Provincial Army and stormed the estate. While the capital eventually received word of the attack and began to send forces, it took nearly three weeks before the first garrison made it into the province. At which point, the Vetri had acquiesced to the farmer's demands, and life in the province returned to normal. While large displays of force like the siege are extremely uncommon, in not in small part due to the extreme prosecution that immediately follows once the capitals reinforcements finally arrive. The simple looming threat of another potential uprising has forced many a leader to reconsider any action that might draw the ire of the public.

However, in the age of the Shoffenway, this truth has been turned on its head. As now the full might of the Empire is now merely a day out from Holmstead at all times. Robbing the province of the protection the delay had given them and shifting the balance of power out of the people's hands. While the current House Oren has yet to take action that might provoke the populous, the age in which the unified Holmstead community holds leverage against their Provincial Lords is coming to an end.

Alternative Name(s)

The Great Frontier

Type

National Territory

Location under

The Outer Provinces

Owner/Ruler

King Evric vus'Byron

Owning Organization

The Empire of Bryonsworth