The Volklanden Kingdoms

The Volklanden Kingdoms cover a large geographic area but for most of its early history it was subdivided into various tribal territories that eventually formed into competing principalities of feudal lords who were all under one ruler. Various dialects of the Volklanden language helped to form the culture and forged ethnic connections with Norse and The Celtic Tribes . Its location in northern Jord and pre Iron Age Celtic influences also played a role in the formation of the modern day Volklanden Kingdoms. The transformation from tribal to monarchical and feudal rule led to an increased emphasis on the importance of property, natural resources, and political alliances but the significance of familial ties and internal allegiances remained important factors in early Volklanden culture and helped to foster the philosophy that defined the territory. Continual territorial and political changes on the regional and imperial levels greatly impacted this philosophy, with endemic conflict and warfare with the The Celtic Tribes and the Norse.

Some areas of the original northern territories, known collectively as Volkland, were officially under tribal rule beginning in the first century AC. The The Celtic Tribes occupied the area just north of the Dragonspine Mountains and teritory between the Okehai, and Keisen seas but their hold over the northern and western frontiers was weak so the Volkland tribes were able to rise in power. The Celtic tribes were eventually pushed out partly due to Volkland tribal growth over the territory in the third century AC.. The Migration Period, 150 AC to 500 AC., was characterized by various Volkland tribes moving south which brought them into conflict with The Celtic Tribes and the Norse . The Volkland movement was stopped but its culture grew into what is now a Waring state with small territorial kingdoms ruled by feudal lords that constantly war amongst themselves. This Waring culture led to the lords forming large castles and forming powerful military units with the emphasis on concur by strength.

The people of The Volklanden Kingdoms are light skinned with blond hair and dark eyes. Volkland parents have been known to cull the weak and sick children to keep the bloodlines strong. This culling and its constant waring has led to the Volkland people to be taller and stronger then the average.

The Volklanden Kingdoms claim to fame is its knights. With heavy armor, large warhorses, and massive weapons a single Knight can take on whole military units single-handed. The Volklanden Kingdoms philosophy of success by might is reflected in it knights. Not only well equipped the Volkland knight is also trained in tactics suited to this philosophy as well, and are known to charge headlong into battle smashing through weaker units causing massive damage. When a Volkland Knight is on the battlefield everyone knows.

The basic government and society in The Volklanden Kingdoms is based around the feudal system. Small communities form around the local lord and the manor. The lord owns the land and everything in it. He keeps the peasants safe in return for their service. The lord, in return provides the next level lord with soldiers or taxes.
The Manor or Castle:
The center of life in the The Volklanden Kingdoms is the manor. The manor is run by the local lord. He lives in a large house or castle where people gather for celebrations or for protection if they are attacked. A small village will form around the castle which will include the local temple. Farms will then spread out from there which are worked by the peasants.
Hierarchy of Rulers:
The local lord - The top leader in the land is the lord. The lord can't control all of the land by himself, so he divides it up among the Barons. In return, the Barons pledge their loyalty and soldiers to the lord. When a lord dies, his firstborn son inherits the throne.
Bishop - The Bishop is the top religious leader in the land and manages an area called a diocese. The Nehwon Church is very powerful in most parts of The Volklanden Kingdoms and this makes the Bishop powerful as well. Not only that, but the church receives a tithe of 10 percent from all the people. This makes some Bishops very rich.
Barons and Nobles- The Barons and high ranking nobles rule large areas of land called fiefs. They report directly to the lord and are very powerful. They divide up their land among Dukes and high ranking knights who run individual manors. Their job is to maintain an army that is at the Lords's service. If they do not have an army, they will pay the lord a tax instead. This tax is called shield money.
Dukes and Knights - These are high ranking Knights that run the local manors. They also are the lords knights and can be called into battle at any moment by their Baron. The lords own everything on their land including the peasants, crops, and village.
Peasants or Serfs - Most of the people living in The Volklanden Kingdoms are peasants. They have a hard rough life. Some peasants are considered free and can own their own businesses like carpenters, bakers, and blacksmiths. Others are more like slaves. They own nothing and are pledged to their local lord. They work long days, 6 days a week, and often barely have enough food to survive.