Stonefist, Hold of
Stonehold is a brutal and lawless land where strength rules supreme, and leadership is won through bloodshed. Its warbands, known as Fists, constantly raid neighboring lands, while its people, a mix of outcasts and marauders, survive in one of the harshest regions of the Flanaess.
History
In 430 CY, Vlek Col Vlekzed was exiled from the Rovers of the Barrens for banditry and dishonesty. Taking a small group of warriors and their families, he began a campaign of relentless raiding, attacking the fringes of his former homeland and drawing in outlaws, bandits, and other outcasts from across the north. A daring raid into Tenh, followed by a campaign through the Bandit Kingdoms, solidified his reputation and swelled his ranks.
Vlek eventually turned his gaze to the Coltens Feodality along the eastern shore of White Fang Bay. Establishing a fortified encampment, he tricked the Coltenders into negotiating, then slaughtered the entire envoy and its escort. His forces swiftly overran the remaining Colten defenders, and he declared himself ruler of the land, adopting the name Stonefist to symbolize his brutal and unyielding nature. His realm quickly became a haven for criminals and outcasts, a reputation it retains to this day.
Vlek sired an astonishing 351 male heirs who survived into adulthood, and from them came the lineage that fuels the brutal selection process of leadership in Stonehold—the Rite of Battle Fitness.
Politics and Society
Stonehold is a land ruled by brute strength, cunning, and bloodshed. Leadership is semi-hereditary, with the Master of the Hold chosen through the brutal biannual Rite of Battle Fitness. This contest is open to all who can trace their lineage to Vlek Col Vlekzed, a group that now numbers in the thousands. Victors in the Rite rise to lead warbands known as Fists, while the overall champion may challenge one of the Atamen who govern the Hold’s three towns or claim the title of Master of the Hold itself. Assassination and murder are accepted methods of negotiation within the ruling class.
Roughly one-third of the population lives in permanent settlements, forming the core of the region’s foot soldiers. The remainder are semi-nomadic, migrating between the southern lowlands and the northern tundra with the seasons. These people form the backbone of Stonehold’s feared horsemen and light infantry.
Stonehold is hostile to all its neighbors and thrives on constant raiding. Its warriors frequently attack the Fruztii, Tenh, and the Rovers of the Barrens, seizing wealth, slaves, and supplies.
Religion
Faith in Stonehold is a chaotic mix of Flan tribal beliefs, Suel barbarian worship, and various other influences brought in by its lawless inhabitants. There is no unified religious structure, and many warriors honor only strength and survival.
Military
The warbands of Stonehold, known as Fists, are composed primarily of horsemen and light infantry, with additional footmen drawn from the settled population. These savage raiders strike swiftly and mercilessly, preying on nearby lands with impunity. While some Fists are little more than bands of marauding brigands, others are well-trained and highly effective warriors.
Proper Name: The Hold of Stonefist
Ruler: King Sevvord Redbeard of the Hold (human)
Government: Independent feudal monarchy with hereditary rulership, governing four ataman nobles (ruling from the towns) and four nomadic tribal chieftains, with the standing army commanded by the rhelt (king current rhelt is charismatic and has near-dictatorial powers
Major Settlements: Vlekstaad
Resources: Furs, walrus ivory, silver, gems (I)
Population: Human, Orc, Dwarf
Law: CE
Allies: None
Enemies: Empire of Iuz, Fruztii, Crusti, Schnai, Ratik, Theocracy of the Pale, denizens of the Griffs
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