Ratik, Archbarony of
Ratik stands as the northernmost bastion of Aerdian expansion, having successfully resisted the fall of the Bone March due to its strong alliances with the local dwarves and gnomes. Though technically owing fealty to the Great Kingdom, it now functions as an independent fief, forging powerful ties with the Fruztii barbarians to combat threats from the Bone March and beyond.
History
Ratik marks the northernmost reach of Aerdian expansion into the barbarian lands of the northwest Flanaess. Initially formed after the establishment of the Bone March, the region was secured under the command of General Sir Pelgrave Ratik of Winetha, a wise and just leader who quickly allied with the dwur (dwarves) and noniz (gnomes) in the surrounding mountains. The vast pine forests of the Timberway provided a steady flow of shipbuilding timber, while a series of successful campaigns against the Fruztii barbarians earned him favor with the Malachite Throne. After a spectacular naval victory over a barbarian raiding fleet, Ratik was elevated to nobility and made Baron Ratik, a title his descendants have held ever since.
When the Bone March fell to humanoid invaders in 563 CY, Ratik, forewarned by its dwarven allies, mounted a fierce resistance. Its forces held strong, forcing the hordes to bypass the Barony in favor of the Bone March. However, this left Ratik isolated and cut off from the Great Kingdom, effectively turning it into a fief palatine, ruled independently by its archbarons. Archbaron Lexnol Haarkof has since sought to strengthen Ratik’s position through diplomacy, forging alliances with the Fruztii tribes to counter threats from the Bone March, Stonehold, and the remnants of Aerdian power.
Politics and Society
Although Ratik technically owes fealty to the Overking, in practice, it operates as an independent sovereign state. The Barony has undertaken a bold diplomatic strategy, securing an alliance with the Fruztii barbarians. There are even rumors of a grand plan proposed by the Archbaron, aiming to redivide the northern lands, granting Glot and Krakenheim to the Schnai, splitting Stonehold between the Fruztii and Cruski, and reclaiming the Bone March under Ratik’s rule. The Fruztii-Ratik Pact, a formal agreement held within the Baronial vaults, remains a constant target of disruption by the humanoids of the Bone March.
Religion
Ratik is primarily influenced by Suel deities, though Vatun worship is growing among the populace due to increasing ties with the northern barbarians.
Military
The Ratik military is well-trained but not large enough to mount a full-scale offensive against the humanoid-occupied Bone March. Its standing army includes men-at-arms, crossbowmen, and mounted sergeants, supported by levies composed of schiltron formations of spearmen and a small force of light cavalry. The dwur and noniz can be relied upon in times of need, contributing skilled fighters to the Barony’s defense. Additional forces include woodsmen bowmen patrolling the Timberway and sling-armed hillmen guarding the southern frontier.
Despite its isolation, Ratik remains a fortress of civilization, standing as a stalwart bulwark against the monstrous tides that threaten to engulf the north.
Proper Name: Archbarony of Ratik
Ruler: Baron Lexnol Haarkof (human)
Government: Independent feudal barony, having severed all fealty and ties to the former Great Kingdom, its successor states, and noble houses
Major Settlements: Marner; Ratikhill
Resources: Shipbuilding supplies, furs, gold, gems (IV), lumber
Population: Human, Dwarf, Halfling, Elf, Gnome, Half-elf, Orc
Law: N
Allies: Fruztii, dwarves and gnomes of the Rakers, Nyrond, Flinty Hills
Enemies: Bone March, Aerdiaak, evil humanoids in Rakers, the Pale (minor), Schnai (sometimes), Crustii (sometimes)
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