Lords of the Stormland
If you ever wonder what it might be like to live under the rule of a bunch of rabid dogs all snapping at each others' throats than look no further than the Stormlands.
To say that the Stormlands is ruled gives a bit too much credit to the warlords and reigning Storm King (or Queen). The most generous of scholars label this region and its government as a confederacy of loosely aligned entities supporting a single, central authority. In practice it is a lawless place where local lords are constantly struggling with each other for power and resources. To the outside observer it might appear as if the Stormlands are in a ceaseless state of civil war.
If not for the Storm King or Queen that might be true. It falls to this overlord to check the extent of conflict between the lords... or to stoke the flames of unrest between them for the sake of a stronger nation. This singular ruler acts as an arbitrator between the lords and the strategist who identifies new targets for the raids. They also act as the voice of the Stormlanders in the rare instances where diplomacy is required.
These Kings and Queens would normally not be tolerated by the rest of the bitter lords if not for the divine mandate they hold. Early in history of the Stormlands the region knew only war. Between themselves and with their neighbors, the Frostmerites. It is around the time of their arrival in the island chain that something stirred within the waters, perhaps awoken by their chaotic battles. Storms the likes of which none had seen before. Cold winds, rain, sleet and icy hurricanes all assailed the region month after month and eventually year after year. What little in the way of cropland was destroyed along with any hope of raising cattle. How exactly the following events occured is something lost to history now but its said the storms spoke to warlords and beckoned them to a perilous cliff along the northern coast. There, as the legend goes, they were told that the storm had chosen them as its favored people and that one among them would become its voice. Whether this was truth or apocrypha the warring people were united and a new form of rule began.
The individual warlords remain in control of their fiefdoms and those loyal to them. They are even allowed to choose the targets of their own raids so long as it is not against holdings of the Storm King/Queen. These royal figures are allowed to call an end to any conflict between the warlords as well though how long they allow the battles to carry on will vary. The warlords are also responsible for tithing portions of their raids to the Storm King/Queen and their representatives, the Storm Sworn. In return, the warlords can expect access to spells, relics, and Manacite provided by the cult-like Storm Sworn. They also are allowed to consult the royalty who often act as oracles, channeling the will of the storms. These bits of knowledge can be in the form of cryptic advice or ripe targets for raiding. The relationship between the lords, the Storm Sworn and the royalty is closer to religious rather than bureaucratic.
While most of Tairos assumes the inner workings of the Stormlanders' government is little more than a barely controlled chaos but the few mystics that have traveled there tell a very different tale. They say something very oppressive and deeply powerful looms in the storms above the island chain, waiting and watching. The epicenter for this grim presence is the isolated cliffside monastery of the Storm Sworn, Shattermast Fall. Much like the rest of Tairos something is dreadful is waking here and eager to lay claim to this broken land.
Public Agenda
Maintain the freedoms of the warlords and uphold the authority of the Storm King/Queen
Demography and Population
Aside from outside visitors all Stormlanders are Human
Religion
While there is some reverence for the New Gods only Arroc The Raven King , Thatur The Ledger Lord , and Nisaba The Lady Midnight have true followings. All of these faiths differ to the Storm Sworn and worship of the storms themselves.
Foreign Relations
Generally poor. The only nation which they hold any kind of diplomatic relations with is Cinderstone
Trade & Transport
The Stormlands does have access to very robust deposits of precious metal, specifically iron and copper. In the rare instances where they choose to trade this is one of the chief resources they have to offer
Education
Education is handled by individual parents and local warlords. The only state-offered education goes to those who join the Storm Sworn.
Cosmological Views
There is a deeply rooted belief among the Stormlanders that the other peoples of Tairos are prey. Everything exists to be taken and they believe no one knows how to take better than them
Priesthood
The Storm Sworn act as the priesthood and keepers of the faith. They also make sure no other faiths take root that hope to supersede their authority
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Capital
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Due to the nature of the raids launched by the Stormlanders just about any currency can be found here and is accepted. Barter is also a favored secondary method of transaction
Major Imports
Food is the most commonly imported item. The region cannot sustain its people without an influx of food. Lumber is another resource in constant need. Most of the Stormlands requirements for food and lumber are handled by raids rather than legitimate trade.
Legislative Body
The Warlords are the closest to a legislative body within the Stormlands. They will voice their desire for certain measures to be undertaken by the Storm King or Queen though the ultimate final decision for any law outside of their own fiefdom is in the hands of the royalty.
Judicial Body
The Storm King/Queen and the Storm Sworn are the closest to a judicial entity within the region. Few laws extend universally into the holdings of all the lords but some do exist. A rather progressive set of universal rights having to deal with property, life, and marriage do exist. Also, the laws requiring tithes to Harrowhold
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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