Stoneheart
The first nation of Orcs, and the only still standing after the Triumverate War. The nation is, as it has always been, a bulwaker against the worst opinions of Orcs as brutish savages capable of only violence and whose culture only lies below the belt. The matriarchal monarchy suffers increasingly from a question of identity. In many ways, there are two StoneHearts; the Orcs that persist in their traditional, tribal ways, and the majority who have become sedentary and more akin to their contemporaries in the rest of T'sara.
Structure
Stoneheart is a Monarchy, one that has been lead by various noble lines of Queens since inception. Although there are technically separate regions with some administrative distinction, everything is ruled and dictated by the Capital, with regional lords merely executors of the Queen's will. Some of the areas are treated as 'tribal areas', where locals are permitted autonomy to live in traditional and nomadic lifestyle. The Lords of these areas are chiefly responsible for ensuring their lives and lands are not being interfeared with by others, and for providing support such as military protection or aid in the case of disaster or invasion.
Culture
Stoneheart's culture is, predictably, heavily influenced by the edicts of their creator, Quargh. Hospitality and courtesies of tradition are heavily valued and enforced here. Many of those traditions have taken on vocal and public elements, and are generally for the common good of the community. Visitors must be treated as family, and guests must not offend or betray their host. If you are asked to provide something and you are capable of doing so, you must do so. By contrast, do not ask for something that you do not genuinely need.
Public Agenda
Queen Dynix and the rest of Stoneheart is publicly concerned with two issues. First, as with all nations, is the protection and preservation of its people. This is an especially important concern in these days, with the Intransican Empire set on trying to wipe out Orcs from T'sara. Stoneheart has made it publicly known that it is a home to any and all Orcish and even Goblin refugees. The second is the preservation of Orcish traditions, especially those as given by Quargh, their creator and Goddess. This is the primary reason for the creation of the designation 'tribal areas', to allow the fullest possible adherence to the traditional code of honor and hospitality possible, for those who seek them.
Assets
Stoneheart's largest export is, as the name suggests, the vast quantities of marble and other stone that can be extracted from it's quarries. The Orc Kingdom does not have much in the way of arable farmland and had no native animals to be domesticated, and so was a food importer for a considerable amount of time.
Demography and Population
Approximately 85% of the population are Orcs. About 10% of the population are Goblins, making it one of the most highly concentrated countries for them. The remaining 5% is interspersed with Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings. Drow, regardless of fealty, are barred from Stoneheart, for fear of stoking new wars.
Territories
Stoneheart lost a considerable portion of it's territory in the Triumverate War. Allying themselves with their aggressive Orcish kin of Krag'gash to the east as on obligation of honor, they were not prepared to fight a war, and certainly not being attacked on all sides by different nations. Shozo, Yokono, and D'arcan made significant gains into Orcish lands, which they maintained hold over in the settled peace that followed. These lands are not contested, so long as the respective nations remain true to their word not to attack or relocate the Orcs already living in those territories. In the last two centuries, these nations have honored this agreement; squabbles among individual locals not withstanding.
Stoneheart, prior to the Triumverate War
Religion
Worship to Quargh, the Goddess of Orcs is expected for all citizens and residents, even the non Orcs. T'saras largest Mosque built to Quargh is in the capital city of Broxhon. Prayer to two of the other Six Sisters is also fairly common; Hjanda, Goddess of Families, and Phoenicia, Goddess of Children.
In more rural areas, especially in farming cultures, there is routine prayer to Khalee, Goddess of Seasons, for favorable weather to grow crops. Although foreignors are permitted to pray to Vrishka, Goddess of humans, structures and monuments dedicated to her are decidedly absent from Stoneheart. There used to be, but were taken down to protect against vandalism through the Triumverate War and the ensuing aftermath. For one reason or another, they never returned in public spaces....
In more rural areas, especially in farming cultures, there is routine prayer to Khalee, Goddess of Seasons, for favorable weather to grow crops. Although foreignors are permitted to pray to Vrishka, Goddess of humans, structures and monuments dedicated to her are decidedly absent from Stoneheart. There used to be, but were taken down to protect against vandalism through the Triumverate War and the ensuing aftermath. For one reason or another, they never returned in public spaces....
Foreign Relations
Two centuries after war, Stoneheart is only cautiously peaceful terms with its neighbors.
D'arcan is obsessed with its own affairs and magic as normal. Drez is maintained in its neutrality as it has ever been. The Wilver Empire to the North is increasingly aggressive, but is not directing their war aims at Stoneheart for the moment.
Type
Geopolitical, Queendom
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Currency
Stoneheart uses the Qinar as their form of currency. Qinar are a complicated system of coins made from different minerals and etched with symbols of the Royal Crown, with their size, type of stone and even the symbol etched into the coin denoting its value. Such nuances being cumbersome for the traveler or amateur trader to understand, currencies from other lands are usually accepted, with complicated exchanges made by the local money changers. The one currency that is not accepted is Intransican Gold, regardless of the nationality and loyalty of the user, as the coins are considered to be bathed in blood of their kin.
The tribal areas of Stoneheart interact with one another using barter. Not being entirely self-sufficient, these tribes will leave their designated areas and still use Qinar to interact when interacting with outsiders.
The tribal areas of Stoneheart interact with one another using barter. Not being entirely self-sufficient, these tribes will leave their designated areas and still use Qinar to interact when interacting with outsiders.
Major Exports
the most lucrative exports from Stoneheart is to its name. There are extensive quarries where marble, azurite, and other valuable stones are extracted.
Major Imports
There are no animals in Stoneheart that were capable of being domesticated, leading all farm animals such as pigs, as well as beasts of burden like Horses to be imported. Having already been brought in, they are less likely to be imported nowadays.
Deities
Related Species
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