Shyrvara

From Halfling, meaning "river lands." Shyrvara is a realm in southeastern Oresta, beyond Moradin’s Spine. Borders the Adarin Ocean and the eastern edge of Tâlgorn. The population is generally a mix of human and halfling. The realm's geography has made it isolated from the rest of the continent, and therefore exotic. Shyrvaran wine, honey, and mead are particularly prized delicacies.
Until recently, the Shyrvaran confederacy was ruled loosely under a Council of Thanes. The thanes generally preferred to stay out of each others’ business, using their combined power mostly to exert trade influence. In the face of threats to north and south, Shyrvara has united under the banner of King Alister Bridgeborn. It wasn’t entirely a peaceful union, and parts of the land are still recovering from bloody civil war.
Decades ago, the pirates who prowled the Adarin Ocean grew strong enough to establish their own “realm” out of the Silver Islands—a loose confederacy called the Hold of the Sea Princes. The rise of the nation signaled a rise in raids on Shyrvaran coasts. Raiding ships pillaged the coast for slaves to support their growing realm. Having consolidated power, the crown raised a navy and dealt a sharp check to the ambitions of the Hold, but many believe it is only a matter of time before the raiding ships return to Shyrvaran waters. King Alister has decreed that the pirates must be put down, the sea lanes secured, and trade cultivated. Only establishing itself as a center of trade can protect Shyrvara from the eventual aggression of the Alabaster Empire.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

"The Little Kingdom" (pejorative)

Demonym

Shyrvaran

Leader

King Alister Bridgeborn