Perrenland

Perrenland, a land of fiercely independent warriors and skilled mercenaries, stands as a testament to the resilience of the Flan tribes of the Yatil Mountains. Ruled by Voormann Yrenda Schwartzen, the cantons of Perrenland maintain a strong martial tradition, thriving through trade and the reputation of their formidable soldiers.

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History

The Flan tribes of the Yatil Mountains were among the most warlike in the Flanaess, absorbing Oeridian, Suel, and even Baklunish invaders over time. Though the Great Kingdom managed to impose rule by 100 CY, rebellions were constant. When the Relentless Horde swept across the north in 320 CY, the Perrenlanders seized the opportunity to reclaim their freedom.

By 400 CY, the strongest leader of the clans, Perren, unified them into a loose confederation. Their independence remained hard-won, as Furyondy, Ket, and nomadic raiders repeatedly attempted to subjugate them but were repelled. However, from 481 CY, the infamous archmage Iggwilv held Perrenland in her grasp, her demonic armies enforcing her will. It was only when her bound demon prince turned on her that Perrenland was able to overthrow her rule and reclaim its sovereignty.

Politics and Society

Perrenland is structured as a confederation of cantons, each governed by its own leader (titled hetmen, voormenn, etc.). Every eight years, these leaders elect one among them to serve as Voormann, a position with limited but respected authority. Yrenda Schwartzen, the current Voormann, presides over this council while ensuring the continued prosperity of the nation.

Perrenland thrives as a trade hub, linking the Baklunish states, Furyondy, and the northern nomads via the Quagflow River. The land is especially renowned for its mercenary companies, highly sought after across the Flanaess. Even nations as diverse as Furyondy, Veluna, Bissel, and Ket have employed Perrenlander mercenaries—sometimes even against each other. Despite its openness to trade, Perrenland fiercely guards its borders, maintaining strong patrols against incursions.

A unique cultural hallmark of Perrenland is its Schwartzenbruin music, a distinctive form of a cappella singing based on the cattle calls of mountain herdsmen. This rare art is a major tourist attraction, seldom performed outside the region.

Religion

Religious diversity is strong among the cantons, though Schwartzenbruin is home to a massive market-shrine dedicated to Zilchus, the god of commerce. Other faiths have their own places of worship, though no single deity dominates the land.

Military

Perrenland maintains small frontier garrisons supported by a highly effective militia, capable of mobilizing within a single day. The nation's strength, however, lies in its mercenary forces, which are regularly hired by foreign powers. This reliance on mercenary contracts means that, at times, Perrenland’s best warriors are scattered across the Flanaess, leaving its own defenses stretched thin.

Perrenland also commands a fleet of warships on Lake Quag, escorting merchant barges and enforcing its claim over the lake.

Typical Perrenlander Mercenary Composition:

• 50% Infantry: 30% pikemen, 20% other polearms
• 40% Ranged Troops: 30% crossbowmen, 10% other infantry
• 10% Cavalry: 5% heavy horse from Schwartzenbruin, 5% horse archers from the Clatspurs
• 10% High Olven Light Infantry: Serving as scouts and archers

Notable Locales

The ruins of Iggwilv’s former empire still litter the Yatil Mountains, holding both danger and ancient secrets. Among the most infamous sites are:

• The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, a labyrinthine stronghold once used for the archmage’s magical experiments.
• The Forgotten Temple of Tharizdun, an ancient, forsaken shrine to the chained god, buried in secrecy and madness.

Though free once more, Perrenland remains ever vigilant, aware that the echoes of its past may one day rise again.

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Proper Name: Concatenated Cantons of Perrenland

Ruler: Voorzitter Yrenda Schwartzen (human)

Government: Independent parliamentary republic in which the collective feudal clan leaders (Cantonal Council, which handles legislative matters) elects an executive leader (Voormann) for an eight-year term to conduct affairs such as diplomacy and command military; cantons have varying methods of internal government; family heads are allowed to elect mayors of local cities and towns, but clan leader positions are hereditary

Major Settlements: Schwartzenbruin; Krestible, Traft

Resources: Copper, foodstuffs (fish, dairy resources scarce, not exported

Population: Orc, Human, Hobgoblin, Halfling, Gnome, Half-elf

Law: LN

Allies: No real allies, only trading partners

Enemies: Knights of the Hart, Chakyik (Tiger Nomads), Empire of Iuz (distrusted)

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