Sarolt

Nestled in the verdant expanse of the Rolling Grasslands lies Sarolt, a flourishing Merchant Empire known for its transformation from secluded mountain dwellers to economic powerhouses. This Goblin-led empire, born from the ashes of the cataclysmic Dragon Onslaught, represents a testament to adaptability and resilience. Once cave dwellers in the Irontop Mountains, the Goblins of Sarolt reimagined their destiny, turning the vast, fertile lands they claimed into a hub of agricultural bounty and trade. Governed by the Seven, a council of influential Merchant Princes, Sarolt stands as a beacon of prosperity, its markets bustling with diverse goods ranging from essential agricultural produce to exotic magical artifacts. The empire, with its unique blend of rich farmlands, strategic jade mines, and expansive cattle pastures, has not only reshaped the Goblins’ place in the world but also altered the economic landscape of Eroth.

Background and Transformation:

Prior to the cataclysmic event known as the Dragon Onslaught, Goblins of Eroth were predominantly cave dwellers in the Irontop Mountains. Living in relative seclusion, they were often viewed with suspicion and fear by other races. However, the devastation of the Dragon Onslaught significantly altered not only the physical landscape of Eroth but also its socio-political dynamics. The Goblins, traditionally seen as reclusive cave dwellers, were thrust into a position where they had to reconsider their way of life.

The Decision to Descend:

In the face of the changed world post-Onslaught, the Goblin communities, led by visionary leaders, faced a pivotal decision. The destruction and the ensuing shifts in the world's order forced them to reevaluate their place and role in Eroth. This period of introspection led to a daring and transformative decision – a mass migration from their ancestral mountain homes.

The Migration:

On Summerfell 11th, 2 A.D.O., the Goblins embarked on an unprecedented journey, leaving the Irontop Mountains. The migration was fraught with challenges, as they traversed unfamiliar terrains and faced the uncertainty of a new beginning. Despite the hurdles, they were driven by the hope and promise of forging a new destiny.

Claiming the Rolling Grasslands:

Their journey led them to the vast, fertile expanse of the Rolling Grasslands. Here, they found a land rich in potential, untouched and ready for cultivation. Quickly adapting to this new environment, starkly different from their mountainous terrains, the Goblins laid claim to this region, marking the first step in their remarkable transformation.

Establishing a New Society:

In the Grasslands, the Goblins' innate adaptability and resourcefulness came to the forefront. They turned to agriculture, utilizing the mineral-rich soil to its fullest potential. Their efforts yielded abundant harvests, a stark contrast to their previous life in the mountains.

The Birth of the Merchant Empire:

The surplus produce from their agricultural endeavors created an opportunity for trade. The Goblins, seizing this chance, established trade routes and contacts, reaching out to neighboring regions. This marked the emergence of the Merchant Empire of Sarolt. Their high-quality agricultural products became a cornerstone in rebuilding the economies of war-torn Eroth. Through astute trade and negotiations, they not only sold their produce but also exchanged it for land, gradually expanding their empire. Today, Sarolt stands as one of the largest and wealthiest nations on the continent.

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Structure

In the Merchant Empire of Sarolt, The Seven, a council of Merchant Princes, stand at the pinnacle of the societal hierarchy. Each of these Merchant Princes holds a significant amount of power and influence, both economically and politically. However, within the Seven, there isn't a formal hierarchy or ranking system as each Prince has an equal vote in matters of state. The differentiation among them comes from the sectors they control and their personal wealth and influence.

• Prince of Arms: This Merchant Prince specializes in the trade of weapons, shields, and various travel gear like rain catchers, saddles, wagons, and canoes. They hold significant sway in matters related to defense and transportation.
• Prince of Beasts: This Prince is an authority in the trade of animals and their training. Their influence extends over the livestock markets and the sectors involving animal husbandry and beast training.
• Prince of Botany: Specializing in plants, including medicinal, culinary, and poisonous varieties, this Prince oversees an essential part of the agricultural and alchemical trade.
• Prince of Guides: This title belongs to the Prince overseeing the hiring services of guides and mercenaries. They have a pivotal role in the sectors of exploration, security, and mercenary activities.
• Prince of Luxury: Responsible for the trade in food items like fruits, wines, ales, as well as luxury goods such as oil, perfume, and insect repellent, this Prince holds sway over both essential goods and high-end luxury markets.
• Prince of Magic: This Prince deals in magical items, arcane artifacts, and scholarly materials. Their influence extends into the realms of education, magic, and historical knowledge. It is rumored that this Prince is a member of the Seers' Lyceum.
• Prince of Gems: Overseeing the trade in precious stones, jewelry, fine cloth, and armor, this Prince commands a significant portion of the luxury goods market.

Culture

Sarolt's culture is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit and practical ingenuity of its Goblin inhabitants. Having transitioned from the reclusive life in the Irontop Mountains to the open expanses of the Rolling Grasslands, the Goblins have cultivated a society that values trade, agriculture, and a shrewd understanding of the economic dynamics of Eroth. This shift in lifestyle is reflected in their daily customs and interactions, where bargaining, negotiation, and the art of the deal are integral parts of life. The importance of trade has fostered a culture of openness to new ideas and a keen interest in the wider world, leading to a diverse and cosmopolitan society. Governance by the Seven, the council of Merchant Princes, has instilled a sense of pride in commerce, with each citizen understanding the role they play in the larger economic picture of Sarolt. Traditionally seen as underdogs, the Goblins have embraced a collective identity that revolves around their success as traders and farmers, valuing the fruits of their labor and the land that sustains them. Community celebrations often revolve around harvests and trade achievements, with a distinct appreciation for the diverse goods and wealth they bring into their society. This cultural framework shapes how Saroltians interact with each other and the outside world, with a focus on mutual benefit, practical solutions to challenges, and a deep-seated respect for the hard work that fuels their prosperous society.

Festivals and Trade Conventions:

The Harvest of Plenty Festival
This is Sarolt's most celebrated event, marking the end of the agricultural season. This festival is a grandiose expression of gratitude for the bountiful harvests that fuel the empire’s economy.

• Duration: The festival lasts for a week, usually in the late autumn when the harvest season concludes.
• Activities: The festival features a large fair where farmers and traders display and sell their produce. It’s a time for feasting, with communal meals prepared from the freshly harvested crops. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and local musicians and performers add to the lively atmosphere.
• Significance: It's a time for the community to come together, reflecting on the year's hard work and celebrating the prosperity brought by the fertile lands of the Rolling Grasslands.
• Closing Ceremony: The festival culminates in a grand parade, led by the Seven Merchant Princes, showcasing floats adorned with agricultural motifs and symbols of prosperity.

The Jade Summit
The Jade Summit is both a festival and a major trade convention, celebrating Sarolt’s rich jade mining industry. It attracts traders, artisans, and jewelers from across Eroth.

• Duration: This event spans three days and is typically held in mid-spring.
• Activities: The Summit features an expansive marketplace where traders showcase and sell jade and other precious minerals. Workshops and demonstrations by skilled artisans are a highlight, offering insights into the art of jade carving and jewelry making.
• Significance: The Jade Summit is not just a celebration but also a significant business event, providing opportunities for networking and trade agreements. It reinforces Sarolt's position as a key player in the gemstone market.
• Special Events: An exclusive auction of rare and exquisite jade pieces is a key attraction, drawing in elite buyers and collectors.

The Grand Bazaar of Wonders
The Grand Bazaar of Wonders is a renowned annual trade convention in Embergate, celebrating the diversity and richness of the empire's commercial prowess. It is an event where merchants, craftsmen, and traders from various industries gather to showcase and exchange a myriad of goods, from the ordinary to the exotic. As the economic and political heart of Sarolt, Embergate provides the perfect backdrop for this grand celebration of trade and craftsmanship.

• Duration: This week-long event is strategically scheduled in the early summer, allowing traders and visitors from afar to converge in Embergate when travel conditions are most favorable.
• Activities: The Grand Bazaar transforms the central districts of Embergate into a sprawling marketplace. Stalls and pavilions line the streets, offering everything from daily necessities to rare and exotic items. Each of the Seven Merchant Princes sponsors a section of the Bazaar, highlighting therir specific trade domains. There are live demonstrations of craft-making, cooking exhibitions featuring local and exotic cuisines, and interactive stalls where visitors can try their hand at various trades.
• Significance: The Grand Bazaar is not only a celebration of trade but also an important event for fostering business relationships and exploring new trade opportunities. It attracts visitors from across Eroth, making it a melting pot of cultures and a showcase of Sarolt’s economic influence.
• Special Attractions: The Bazaar also hosts a series of competitions and contests, such as best craftsmanship, cooking challenges, and a merchant's contest where traders pitch their wares to a panel of expert judges, including the Merchant Princes.

Sarolt Regional Map

Sarolt Region

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Founding Date

Summerfell 11th, 2 A.D.O.

Demonym

Saroltians

Ruling Organization

The Seven

Related Species

• Goblins