Sommeris

Shamanic Republic of Sommeris

Proper Name

The Ancient Shamanic Republic of Sommeris, Domain of the Wolf Lords, Sacred Land of the Four Clans

Banner of the Wolf Lords

Upon a crimson field lies an azure crescent from which rises a majestic wolf silhouette. Golden stars surround three edges, symbols of unity, strength, and diversity among the clans. Emerald wreaths embellish the bottom corner, representing peace and prosperity, while intertwined threads signify the cultural harmony of this great land - a revered emblem cherished by all who dwell beneath its protective shadow.

Government

Shamanic Republic

A governance system unlike any other in the northern realms, where spiritual guidance merges with democratic will. The Council of Shaman Elders stands as the governing body, each member chosen through sacred rites that connect the mortal plane to ancestral spirits. Their authority flows not from bloodlines but from the land and spirits who dwell beyond mortal sight.

Factions

• Clan Varghir - Most populous clan of wolf-like Veleosai dominating the main island, revered for exceptional strength and hunting prowess
• Clan Snowstride - Husky-like Veleosai dwelling in arctic reaches and Gitrid Island, masters of cold survival and extraordinary sled-pulling
• Clan Stormhowl - Rottweiler-like Veleosai with profound earth connection and unyielding strength, famed for protective instincts
• Clan Moonshadow - Mastiff-like Veleosai known for unwavering loyalty and mighty builds, guardians and defenders of their brethren
• Council of Shaman Elders - Ruling body guiding the spiritual and political destiny of Sommeris through communion with ancestors
• The Silverguard - Specialized force maintaining law and order throughout the Republic, blending martial skill with shamanic practices
• Human Wolf Wives - Revered human women who ensure the continuation of Veleosai bloodlines through sacred unions
• Gatherers of Ancient Lore - Scholars preserving oral histories and shamanic wisdom across generations

Law

Neutral Good

Justice flows from a harmonious balance of communal welfare and individual expression. Crimes are judged by councils of elders who seek restoration rather than punishment. Shamanic wisdom mediates disputes with an eye toward maintaining spiritual balance and natural harmony, for all beings exist within the greater web of life.

Capital

Veleosanden-Sahd (Wolfheart)

Once known as "Southern Wolf Heart," this grand city evolved into the political and cultural heart of Sommeris. Its thirteen distinct wards showcase diverse architectural styles, from ancient stone structures to modern innovations, all centered around the magnificent Council Hall where the Shaman Elders convene under the watchful eyes of ancestral spirits.

Population

The Shamanic Republic boasts approximately 1.5 million souls distributed across the main island and nine inhabited sister islands. Wolfheart alone houses roughly 100,000 inhabitants, with population densities highest along coastal regions and river valleys. The deeper one travels into the sacred wilderness, the more sparsely populated the land becomes - for the Veleosai understand that some places belong to spirits alone.

Race Demographics

• Veleosai (80%) - The four principal clans of wolf-kin forming the majority population, each with distinct canine traits
• Humans (18%) - Primarily Wolf Wives and their families, merchants, and diplomatic envoys
• Others (2%) - Various races including visitors from Hangard, Vorcia, and other realms

Cultural Archetype

Shamanic Norse-Siberian

Sommeris culture merges Norse warrior traditions with shamanic spiritual practices and communal values. Oral storytelling preserves history and myths, a sacred duty that binds generations across the ages. Their martial prowess draws from primal wolf instincts and deep spiritual discipline, creating warriors who fight not merely with strength but with souls attuned to ancient powers.

Conglomerates

The Sea Barons of Tegsut

This coalition of skilled navigators and merchants controls much of the maritime trade throughout the Torgate Sea. Their ships, recognized by distinctive crimson sails emblazoned with wolfhead motifs, connect Sommeris to distant lands. The howling of wolves carved into their prows is said to guide them safely through the most treacherous waters, for the spirits of the deep respect those under wolf protection.

Ruler

High Shaman Lyara Moonfang

We dance not upon the earth, but with her. We hunt not against the beasts, but alongside them. We exist not despite the spirits, but because of them. This is the way of Sommeris.

— High Shaman Lyara Moonfang

Allies

• Kingdom of Hangard - Particularly Clan Brumal, with whom they share cultural bonds across frigid northern realms
• Vorcian Trading Houses - Commercial partners with lucrative trade agreements spanning centuries
• Scattered Human Settlements - Various coastal communities bound through shipping pacts and intermarriage
• The Talerons of Thronon - Fellow beast-folk with whom they share ancient kinship dating to the Age of Awakening

Enemies

• Kyondor Goblin Hordes - Occasional raiders targeting coastal settlements with growing boldness
• Necrotic Cults of the Eastern Isles - Practitioners of forbidden death magic seeking to corrupt the natural order
• The Shadim of Vorcia - Shadow-wielding guild with territorial ambitions extending northward
• Outcast Warlocks of Hangard - Remnants of the Montenhelm line seeking power beyond mortal bounds

Climate

Northern Maritime

Four distinct seasons dominate Sommeris, with snow-laden winters giving way to vibrant springs. Coastal regions enjoy milder conditions than the interior, while northern islands experience polar conditions where only Clan Snowstride thrives. Storms sweeping in from the Torgate Sea bring dramatic weather shifts, particularly during autumn months when spirits of wind and water dance across the land in terrible splendor.

Terrain

Sommeris encompasses diverse landscapes across its archipelago. The main island features breathtaking coastlines, dense forests, fertile plains, and mountain ranges where sacred sites dot the wilderness. North Sommeris Island boasts Crystal Peaks, Whispering Woods, and dramatic cliffs facing the Torgate Sea.
The nine inhabited islands each bear unique character: lush Gitica with its abundant medicinal plants; frigid Gitrid with eternal ice formations; artistic Kila hosting performers and festivals; and six others—Amnil, Urma, Raus, Krullind, Reveric, and Crikas—each contributing unique resources and culture to the Republic.
The four provinces of the main island—Ngamuk in the north, Disulla in the south, Tegsut in the west, and Veleosanden in the east—divide governance while uniting under the Council of Shaman Elders. Each province maintains distinct traditions while contributing to the greater whole of Veleosai society.

Languages

• Veleosahd - The primary tongue of the Wolf Lords, rich in growls and howls that carry meanings beyond mere words
• Hanlios - Ancient ceremonial language used in shamanic rituals, said to be understood by spirits
• Common (Trade) - Employed for commerce with foreign merchants
• Clan Dialects - Each of the four clans maintains distinct linguistic variations marking their heritage

Event 1: Epic War

The Beast Awakening (8392-8397)

When Shaelria granted consciousness to the wolf tribes, a brutal war erupted as neighboring human realms sought to exterminate the newly awakened Veleosai. Five years of bloodshed ended only when shamanic magic demonstrated its awesome might, forcing recognition of Veleosai sovereignty and establishing their right to exist as a conscious people.

Event 2: Expansion

The Nine Islands Accord (11453)

Through diplomacy rather than conquest, the Shamanic Republic expanded to include nine island territories beyond the main landmass. This peaceful expansion established Sommeris as a maritime power while preserving the unique cultural identities of each island community—a triumph of Veleosai wisdom over the imperial urges that plague so many nations.

Event 3: Invasion

The Burning Ships War (12844-12851)

When the ancient empire of Thul attempted to conquer Sommeris through naval invasion, the Wolf Lords responded with unprecedented fury. Their warriors boarded enemy vessels mid-voyage, turning the Torgate Sea crimson with blood. The howls of victory echoed across the waves for seven days, earning eternal respect from potential invaders who learned that wolf teeth can rend not just flesh but empires.

History

Sommeris traces its origins to the divine act of Shaelria, who granted consciousness to beasts during the First Black Fire War. The wolf-tribes that would become the Veleosai emerged with minds awakened, establishing the foundations of their unique society. Through centuries of development, four distinct clans formed, each reflecting different canine aspects - the wolf-like Varghir, husky-like Snowstride, rottweiler-like Stormhowl, and mastiff-like Moonshadow.
Their discovery that they could only procreate with human partners shaped their social structures, leading to the revered position of human Wolf Wives and polyandrous family units. By 11453, the Nine Islands Accord established the full territorial extent of the Shamanic Republic, creating the nation that stands today—a beacon of spiritual harmony, natural connection, and martial prowess in the northern realms.
Their culture emphasizes balance and harmony with nature, fostering a deep connection to the environment. Oral storytelling preserves their history, myths, and legends, strengthening their sense of identity and continuity across generations. In addition to their spiritual prowess, the Veleosai are skilled warriors known for their agility and ferocity in battle, with martial techniques that capitalize on their innate physical abilities.

Imports

• Metalwork and weapons from Hangardian forges
• Exotic fruits and spices from southern climes
• Fine textiles and dyes from Vorcian markets
• Magical artifacts from distant arcane academies
• Medicinal compounds unavailable in northern realms

Exports

• Furs and hides of exceptional quality
• Masterfully carved wooden crafts and shipbuilding supplies
• Medicinal herbs from Gitica Island
• Shamanic fetishes and spiritual implements
• Ice-magick artifacts from Gitrid Island
• Elite mercenary warriors and bodyguards

Currency

The Shamanic Republic primarily uses a sophisticated barter system rather than minted currency. For trade with foreign nations, they accept standard gold and silver coins while assigning value based on craftsmanship rather than metal content. Some coastal communities use carved bone tokens as symbolic currency, their worth determined by the artistry of their carving rather than arbitrary decree.

Commerce

Commerce flows through traditional market gatherings where goods are exchanged through complex barter arrangements. The value of items derives not merely from utility but from the skill of craftsmanship and spiritual significance. Foreign merchants must work through local intermediaries who understand these nuanced valuations.
The Sea Barons of Tegsut facilitate maritime trade, maintaining routes across the Torgate Sea. Their ships brave treacherous waters to bring Sommeris goods to distant shores, while returning with exotic treasures that enrich the Republic. In port towns like Vathrasil Harbor, one might find merchants from a dozen nations haggling over wares while shamans oversee exchanges to ensure fair dealing for all.

Economy

Communal Barter with Specialized Trade

Economic activity centers around communal wellbeing rather than individual accumulation. Resources are shared according to need, with specialists contributing their unique skills to benefit the whole. The symbiotic relationship with human partners shapes much of the economic structure, with Wolf Wives often managing household resources across extended polyandrous families where multiple Veleosai husbands contribute their specialized skills.

Prominent Figures

• Chief Shaman Wolfheart - Spiritual leader of the capital city, whose visions guide urban development
• Matron Lysandra Varghir - Legendary diplomat and enchantress who has swayed the fate of nations
• Admiral Vathrasil - Commander of the Sea Barons fleet, undefeated in naval combat for three decades
• Huntmaster Growlfang - Foremost warrior of Clan Moonshadow, whose prowess in battle has become legend
• Lady Frostmane - Human Wolf Wife with unprecedented five Veleosai husbands, revered for her wisdom
• Lorekeeper Howlsong - Guardian of oral traditions whose memory contains ten thousand years of history

Political Organization

Shamanic Democracy

The Council of Shaman Elders forms the governing body of Sommeris, with representatives from each clan and territory. Decisions require spiritual consensus rather than mere majority, with shamans communing with ancestral spirits before important votes. Provincial governors oversee the four mainland provinces—Veleosanden, Tegsut, Disulla, and Ngamuk—while island territories maintain semi-autonomous governance aligned with mainland principles.

Communities

• Wolfheart (Veleosanden-Sahd) - The grand capital and cultural center where thirteen distinct wards showcase the Republic's diversity
• Frostport - Major settlement on Gitrid Island, home to Clan Snowstride's arctic civilization
• Port of the Sun King - Vital trading hub in North Sommeris where wolf-lords and human merchants mingle
• Beggar's Island - Diverse enclave celebrating multicultural coexistence through art and ritual
• Kila Island - Artistic center hosting performers and cultural festivals that draw visitors from distant realms
• Tegsut Harbor - Maritime center controlled by the Sea Barons, whose ships dominate northern trade routes

The Four Great Clans

The Veleosai divide into four distinct clans, each with unique characteristics that contribute to Sommeris' strength and diversity.
Clan Varghir, the most populous, dominates the main island with their wolf-like forms. Known for exceptional strength, keen senses, and remarkable hunting skills, they form the backbone of Veleosai society. Their warriors move as silent shadows through dense forests, while their trackers can follow prey across hundreds of miles without rest. The howl of a Varghir war party strikes terror into the hearts of enemies, for few who hear it survive to tell the tale.

Our fangs remember the taste of our enemies' fear. Our claws recall the texture of their flesh. Our hearts hold the rhythm of the hunt eternal. We are Varghir, and we are the true children of Shaelria's blessing.

— Alpha Thornfang of Clan Varghir

In the arctic reaches dwells Clan Snowstride, husky-like Veleosai adapted to extreme cold. Their thick fur and powerful builds allow them to thrive where others perish, while their playful nature belies formidable resilience. Masters of ice magick, they have transformed Gitrid Island into a wonder of crystalline architecture and mystical innovation. Their sled teams race across frozen wastes at speeds that defy mortal understanding, carrying messages and goods to the most remote settlements.
Clan Stormhowl, resembling robust Rottweilers, inhabits both the main island and southern archipelago. Their innate connection to earth magic and unyielding strength makes them feared in close combat. The clan's protective instincts extend beyond their immediate families to encompass entire communities, making them valued guardians in times of trouble. Their smiths create weapons of legendary quality, imbued with earth magic that drinks the blood of enemies.
The mighty Clan Moonshadow, with their Mastiff-like appearance, serves as the Republic's ultimate defenders. Their immense size and unwavering loyalty make them ideal protectors, willing to sacrifice all for those under their care. In darkest nights when evil spirits prowl, it is the Moonshadow warriors who stand vigil, their eyes reflecting moonlight with an inner fire that drives back darkness. Their lineage traces to the first wolves who awakened to consciousness, giving them a spiritual authority that even other clans respect.

Four clans of ancient blood
Four aspects of the wolf
Varghir hunts with deadly grace
Snowstride walks where none survive
Stormhowl guards with earthen might
Moonshadow stands through darkest night
Four clans, one heart, one purpose true
The wolf-lords' howl rings ever new

Wolf Wives and Veleosai Reproduction

The most distinctive aspect of Veleosai society stems from their unique biological limitation - their inability to procreate with their own kind. This fundamental trait has shaped every aspect of their culture, governance, and social dynamics, creating a society unlike any other in the northern realms.
Veleosai must seek human partners for reproduction, leading to the revered position of "Wolf Wives" - human women who form unions with Veleosai males. These relationships transcend mere necessity, often blossoming into deep bonds of love and respect. A typical Veleosai household features a polyandrous structure, with one human wife mothering children from multiple Veleosai husbands.

To love a wolf-lord is to love wildness caged in honor. Their eyes hold forest shadows, their voices carry mountain echoes, and their hearts beat with primal rhythms that call to something ancient in human blood. We do not merely bear their children - we bridge worlds.

— Lady Frostmane, Elder Wolf Wife of Frostport

Children born of these unions are fully Veleosai, inheriting their father's canine features and special abilities. The mystery of this genetic dominance remains unexplained, though shamans suggest it was part of Shaelria's original blessing - ensuring the continuation of her newly awakened children across generations.
Wolf Wives hold positions of enormous respect and authority. They manage household resources, mediate disputes among husbands, and often serve as diplomatic representatives to human realms. Those who cannot bear children frequently rise to positions of even greater authority, becoming heads of household or even ascending to political leadership. Several of Sommeris' most effective High Shamans have been barren Wolf Wives whose inability to mother children allowed them to mother an entire nation.
The need for human partners has forced the Veleosai to maintain positive relations with neighboring human realms, creating a culture far more diplomatically minded than most warrior societies. Young Veleosai males often undertake journeys to human lands, seeking partners who might return with them to Sommeris. These "courtship quests" have become a cultural institution, with elaborate rituals and expectations surrounding the proper way to woo a potential mate.

Shamanic Traditions and Spiritual Beliefs

At the heart of Veleosai culture lies their profound shamanic tradition, centered around communion with nature spirits and veneration of ancestral guides. The spiritual awakening granted by Shaelria included not just consciousness but a unique sensitivity to forces beyond mortal perception, allowing Veleosai shamans to perceive and interact with spirits that human magic-users can rarely detect.
Their religious practices honor Zastor, whose teachings form the foundation of Veleosai magical understanding. However, they view him not as a god to be worshipped but as a wise ancestor whose knowledge lights the path to greater spiritual communion. This distinction creates a faith less hierarchical than many human religions, one where personal spiritual experience takes precedence over dogma.

When shadow veils the waning moon
And spirits walk through mortal realm
The shaman dons the sacred mask
And drinks the brew of sacred bark
Through wolf eyes seeing, wolf heart knowing
The veil parts at ancient howling
Ancestors rise from shadow deep
To guide the pack through dangers steep

Shamanic rituals mark every significant life event, from birth to death and all transitions. During coming-of-age ceremonies, young Veleosai commune with spirit guides that will accompany them throughout life. Marriage rites bind not just mortal partners but their spiritual protectors as well. Funeral practices ensure the deceased joins the ancestral pack that watches over the clan, rather than wandering lost.
The most sacred sites in Sommeris feature natural formations where the barrier dividing spirit and material worlds grows thin. Crystal Peaks contains caves where ancestral voices echo even to non-shamanic ears. The Whispering Woods hold ancient trees whose rustling leaves speak wisdom to those patient enough to listen. These places remain fiercely protected, with access restricted to those properly prepared for communion with powers beyond mortal understanding.

We do not command the spirits as human mages command their spells. We run alongside them as packmates, offering respect and receiving guidance. The power comes not from domination but from harmony - a lesson many magical traditions would benefit from learning.

— High Shaman Lyara Moonfang

Darker aspects of Veleosai spirituality remain hidden from outsiders. Ancient legends speak of malevolent entities lurking beyond the northern lights, entities that would consume consciousness and return the world to mindless chaos. The most secretive shamanic orders maintain eternal vigilance against these cosmic horrors, performing rituals during celestial alignments to strengthen the barriers that keep such nightmare forces at bay. Few outside the highest shamanic circles know how close such terrors truly come during certain moonless nights.

Type

National Territory