Natria

Natria is a country on the fringes of civilization and faces a constant threat of annihilation from creatures that live in the lands east of the Earthspine mountains. For centuries the city of Ontur was a frontier town, independent and rugged. It was the home of those seeking a life far from the pressures of civilization. Their explorations brought them to Ontur and a frontier existence, but it was tempered by constant threats. Those that stayed in the region became strong and capable. The lands around Ontur were fertile and yielded good crops. Farms became walled and protected lands, patrolled by large hounds and a citizen militia that was well-trained. The people that came to Ontur could not flee civilization for long. More and more adventurers came to the town. With them came a strength of arms that allow the town to expand and extend its protections. 
They began to explore outward and toward the distant mountains, first encountering a lake which was named Dinu by the explorer that first reported it. Moving around the lake they came to a river and followed it upstream, still seeking to reach the mountains where they thought precious metals could be found. They were shocked to encounter a patrol of well-armed and well-armored dwarves. The encounter was amiable and the dwarves offered the explorers a place of refuge. Travelling to the mountains they discovered a massive fortress carved into the sheer side of a cliff. Battlements extended outward and across the mountain with dwarves visible everywhere. The valley stretching out from the fortress was covered in farmlands. As they neared they found that a small river exited the fortress and swept down the east side of the valley before turning southwest towards the lake. Across the river was a grand stone bridge with battlments on both sides. 
Every dwarf in sight was armed, even those working the farms. Their escorts explained that all dwarves that lived outside were trained in combat from a young age. All dwarves lived inside the battlements of the fortress. As they passed through the farmlands they were passed by a mounted patrol. At first the explorers thought the dwarves rode ponies and were surprised to learn that they were mounted on monstrous goats. They were large, almost as tall at the should as the dwarves that rode them. Each had large sets of curled horns atop their heads adorned with colorful metal that glittered in the sun. 
The explorers were dumbstruck by the size of scope of the fortifications and awed by the friendliness of the dwarves. The group stayed with the dwarves for several days, learning that the dwarves named their clan Foehammer and had lived in the region for millennia. They were constantly at war with the denizens of the deep as well as the forests to the east. When the explorers finally left the dwarves escorted them down the river in shallow-drafted boat.
As the population of Ontur grew a form of organization arose. A council of the influential and powerful met on a regular basis to set laws and settle disagreements. This worked for some time but soon began to collapse as the number of personalities involved began to cause conflict within the council. Into this chaos rode Alexi Taranu, an adventurer and paladin of Sera. He arrived on a warhorse accompanied by twenty men-at-arms and almost fifty retainers. The people of the town were unsure what to do, fearing that this small army was intent on making demands of the populace. The group set up camp on the outskirts of town and Alexi requested a meeting with the council. He explained that he'd heard of the Foehammer dwarves and their war against the evil creatures in the wilderness. He was intent on journeying north and offering his services with the hope of convincing the dwarves to contruct armor for him.
Alexi was a charismatic individual with a powerful personality. He quickly won over many of the council and members of the population. His laughter could be heard around town as it was common to find him in the market, or in a tavern, or even in the farms outside the city. After several weeks he left the city with several guides, intent on meeting the dwarves.
His first encounter with the dwarves was sooner than any anticipated. A contingent of dwarves, including one of the younger sons of the king, had journeyed south along the river and were beset by a large group of giants, ogres, and orcs. Without thought the paladin and his followers charged into the melee. The battle was fierce and many of the men and dwarves were slain or wounded. Alexi made his way to the side of the dwarven prince and stood with his fellows slaying foe after foe. At the end of the battle Alexi, with several of his priestly followers, provided healing to the dwarves. The mixed group travelled back to the home of the dwarves and the humans were received as heroes. Alexi was gifted with a fine suit of platemail, crafted of mithril by the finest of dwarven craftsmen. 
After living with the dwarves for almost two months the humans made their way south. Strong relationships had been formed, through drinking and through fighting. Alexi and his men were often included in patrols and fought many battles, side-by-side with the dwarves. Alexi found kindred spirits in the dwarven people, not only for their vigilance but also their worship of Sera. He told the dwarven king that he'd like to form an alliance between the dwarves and the humans and hoped that the king would agree. The king said that he would only form an alliance with Alexi.
On returning to Alexi he, and his men, were greeted as heroes. They presented gifts of coin, gems, and dwarven-made arms to the council. For several days the people of the city celebrated his return. During that time he met with the council and recounted his words with the dwarven king. The council discussed the advantages of such an alliance and debated how they could establish it. In the end the council asked Alexi if he was intending on staying in the area. When he replied that he would, they recommended that he claim himself king of Ontur. They would support him and swear fealty to him, so long as he kept the alliance with the dwarves in place.
The country of Natria was formed on that day, eventually expanding to include a trade town near the dwarven fortress. Since that time the descendants of Alexi have committed themselves to be paladins of Sera and worked diligently to protect the alliance with the dwarves. 
The alliance has proven useful, especially when the country of Asante attempted to expand and absorb the lands of Natria. A combined army of dwarves and men met them on the field, turning them away with a show of force that left no question as to the outcome of any conflict.
Representatives from Natria, all trained priests of Sera, have created strong and peaceful relationships with the halflings of Jorrey and the Empire of Zamorra. There is a thriving ale and cider trade between the dwarves (seeking cider) and the halflings (seeking ale) that is mediated by the merchants in Ontur.

Government

Monarchy

Ruled By

King Stefan Taranu

Capital

Ontur

Population

Human

Languages

Chuvash, Trade Common, Avaric

Religion

Any, no public evil

Allies

Foehammer Dwarves, Jorrey, Zamorra

Enemies

Asante

Notables

None