Breland
Breland is one of the most powerful nations in Noyatu. With a large population and abundant resources, Breland leads the continent in industry.
The Brelish are known for their pragmatism and independence. They lack the discipline of Everglacians and the wisdom of Chultans, but they excel at finding innovative solutions to problems. The Brelish also have a talent for intrigue and subterfuge. The King's Dark Lanterns is one of the finest intelligence agencies in Noyatu, rivaled only by House Phiarlan. The dark side of these aptitudes is a strong streak of cynicism, which allows for crime and corruption to flourish in Brelish cities and temples. The Prime Deities are the main gods of worship in Breland, but in general, the Brelish aren't as devout as citizens of other nations.
Brelish Landscapes
Breland occupies a large portion of Noyatu’s central valley as well as its southern coast. This means the kingdom spans a variety of biomes from the forested region of T’ring to the Tartian Mesas. From the Sorrowlands to the Goblin Belt, Breland has plenty to offer. Defensively, the kingdom is well crafted. Fast travel is achieved by Brelands many rivers and waterways, its strong central lightning rail system, and flat plains. Bridgemen are used in the mesas to cross the many plateaus and special climbing gear for the Haruuc Chasm and the Stone Cage Peaks. The weakest but most well guarded point in Breland is the Gateway to Droaam, which is a large gap in the western region that opens a way between Breland and the monstrous Droaam. Breland’s climate allows for a plethora of citrus fruits, corn, and root vegetables to thrive. These are generally grown in the Haruuc Flatlands, but the growing threat of Everglacier expansion may cause things to drastically change. Precious metals discovered in the Tartian Mesas and Haruuc Chasm have also boosted the nation’s mining and smith industries.Kneel to the Crown
The Kingdom of Breland is led jointly by King Boranel Volger and the Brelish Parliament. King Boranel has absolute power over the kingdom but allows parliament to handle day-to-day issues which he then approves. The Brelish population greatly approves of the King but his children are loose cannons who have lost respect since the revolution. A movement has started that advocates for abandoning the crown after King Boranel passes and allowing Parliament to rule. The Brelish Parliament is made up of influential leaders from major cities and towns, high-ranking military officers from vital forts, and the Dukes and Dutchesses of The Sorrowlands, Goblin Belt, Breland Forest, Tartian Mesas, The T'ringlan Woodland, Haruuc Flatlands, and Medigra. Sharn's representative is voted on by its councilors. Currently, it is Evix Marasha of Skyway. Argonth is a special case with two representatives, Sir Destrian Webb for the civilian population and Brigadier Talena Reyfir for the military population. Wroat is not represented by King Boranel but rather by Major General Jock Visser. The Brelish Parliament has a peculiar roster currently as every Dragonmarked House holds at least one seat. This has led some in Breland to question the amount of power the houses have in Noyatu.Cities and Towns
Argonth
The floating fortress of Breland, Argonth is one of the few marvels that is known throughout Taridad. The product of House Cannith ingenuity and Brelish industrial might, Argonth is the largest engine of war ever built. This moving city is home to thousands of soldiers. Currently, Argonth patrols the Droaam border, but if threats from the Demon Wastes or Everglacier enter Breland, the fortress can be deployed to reinforce a threatened border.Ravnica
From deep catacombs to sky-raking spires, Ravnica is covered in countless layers of construction over thousands of years. Lofty cathedrals, hulking courthouses, towering apartments, sprawling tenements, and cobblestone plazas as far as the eye can see. In this teeming cosmopolis, ten guilds vie power, wealth, and influence, held in an uneasy peace by a magical force called the Guildpact. But the Guildpact doesn't prevent the intrigue, subterfuge, and political machinations that are a hallmark of life in Ravnica.Sharn
All major themes of Noyatu are manifest in the great city of Sharn. It's a place of magic, with skycoaches circling mile-high towers and mystic forges toil intrigue. Law and chaos dance on a knife's edge here, one never truly gaining an advantage over the other. Sharn is the largest city in Noyatu, with a population of half a million people. Beyond the permanent population, ten of thousands of people pass through Sharn every day. Refugees of the ever-expanding Everglacier still find their way to the city, along with tourists, spies, merchants, and folk hoping to find their fortune in one of the grandest cities in Taridad.Vathirond
During the dismantling of the Wynarn Empire, creating the five central countries of Noyatu, this town was beset by armies from Aundair, Droaam, and the Talenta Plains. Vathirond's residents still hold grudges against these close foreign neighbors. However, their attention of late has been focused on Everglacier, with its ever-creeping expansion towards central Noyatu. Strange horrors have also begun to slip into Breland from the east at an alarming rate, and Brelish soldiers and adventurers stationed in Vathirond are usually the first to contend with these threats.Wroat
Built on both sides of the Howling River as a point where the river widens, the ancestral seat of the Rulers of Breland seduces visitors with its tree-lined avenues, elegant drawbridge, cleanliness, and laid-back atmosphere. Perched on a rocky island in the middle of the river, surrounded by military dock and barracks, is Brokenblade Castle, the king's stern fortress. In contrast to its welcoming countenance, Wroat casts dark shadows, and much goes on quietly behind closed doors. The absence of beggars and riffraff in the streets might also raise suspicion that Wroat is putting on appearances. The King's Dark Lanterns are ever vigilant here, and newcomers who aim to misbehave tend to disappear quickly and without so much as a whisper.The Hardy and Harmonous
Brelish culture is family and community driven. Above all else, knowing where one’s life was and where they are now shows inner strength which can be formed into outer strength. This duality of strength, in turn, protects and supports the family. The Brelish express this through their music and food. The House of Harmony in Wroat produces some of the greatest musicians and masterpieces from Noyatu. The contemporary J’onn Len’um created Thieves and Lords in the midst of the War of the Five Nations and recently released Misfortunate Tithes in response to King Boranel’s increase of taxes. Regular performances of Descendant of Wynarn are put on in the House of Harmony as well, used now as a historical rendition of the highs and lows of the empire. Brelish cuisine is known for its hardiness and warmth. Breaded Moss Toad is a staple of most households in the Sorrowlands and the Goblin Belt. It uses a mixture of spices found in Breland and Droaam creating a unique flavor profile not found anywhere else. Mesa Corn & Mushroom Crispies is a southern dish found in the Tartian Mesas and Sharn. The reddish-brown corn and fried mushrooms paint a picture of the mesas on a plate. Medigra and Breland Forest are not left behind, rather they sport a fantastic sweet treat. Erria Fruit Bonbons are quite popular among the elite and lowborns. Though easy to make, they are hard to master and the rare Erria Fruit is only found in the Everglacier so they also cost a gorgeous gold. Along with their musical and culinary pride, the Brelish people are soldiers at heart so not mentioning their military creations would do them a disservice. First it goes without saying that Argonth may be the greatest war machine ever built, even before the Divine Exile. The float-steel city can house an entire brigade of the Brelish army, several squads of magical mounts, a famous library of Noyatu’s military history, and its many civilians that keep the city running. Running parallel to the glory of Argonth are the Warforged. These living metal-men were vital to the Brelish in the revolution and were near perfect soldiers. However, their place in society following the war has been questioned, which has caused some unrest among different factions.Gods of the King
The Brelish are not the most devout followers of the Prime Deities in Noyatu, but they are still believers nonetheless. All the Prime Deities are represented throughout the nation, but the crown publicly funds a select few. Breland is also home to a number of druidic circles. The most prominent are the T’ring Orders in the south and the Forgotten Vale of Argonth. Despite its name, the later of those is actually very well known and is of note because of its inclusion of warforged members. Given its proximity to Droaam, many monstrous cults and religions are present in the Goblin Belt and the Western Mesas.Cogs and Bios
The lowest members of Breland’s social ladder include veterans of the War of the Five Nations, warforged, and the monstrous races present in the west. Given the circumstance of the war and the peace treaty signed by the newly formed Five Nations, those who fought in the war are seen as used resources. Warforged experience a similar treatment but even harsher because the populace believes they are only useful as killing machines. This has created a lack of trust among the Cogs and Bios. The next rung up contains farmers, miners, most merchants and laborers, and students. This is where the vast majority of citizens fall and are generally content with their station. However, just above them are the current soldiers of the Brelish military, historians, smiths and jewelers. The Brelish are a proud people who value knowing one’s history and the strength of the present. They believe knowledge of the past and reflection in the present lead to a healthy future. The second highest members include agents of the Great Houses and the families represented in parliament. These nobles pull the strings of the many people of Breland and hold more power and influence than commoners could possibly imagine. However, above all are the royal family of King Boranel and his children Prince Edwon, Prince Enthony, and Princess Helenifred. Sadly the king’s wife, Queen Dafina, died in childbirth shortly after the revolution.
Capital: Wroat
Government: King Boranel Volger
Hallmarks: Espionage, industry, metalwork, organized crime, subterfuge
Interesting Things About Breland
- Sharn is the largest city in Noyatu. Almost a nation in its own right (similar to Ravnica), the City of Towers is a hub for commerce and intrigue.
- The Boromar Clan is the largest criminal organization in Breland. The Boromar halfling leadership maintains ties to the Orzhov Syndicate, the oldest and most powerful criminal organization in Noyatu. Other notable criminal organizations include the monsters of Daask and House Tarkanan, an alliance of assassins and thieves.
- Breland's major cities are highly cosmopolitan. Due to its proximity to Droaam, Breland's cities include more monsters - ogres, orcs, goblins, and even sahuagin, harpies, and gargoyles - than elsewhere in Noyatu, besides Droaam itself.
Coin of the Bear
Brelish coinage is a widely accepted tender, used all across Noyatu. It sports the Volger family crest on one side and on the other a depiction of the Sun. Merchants and vendors will also accept Aundarian coins in most cases, but this may bring unwanted suspicion upon the buyer. Parliament highly encourages exchanging foreign coins for Brelish coins.Points of Interest
- The Oasis ot Ouketu is the light a tthe end of the tunnel for travelers braving the Blade Desert. It represents a small community of desert dwellers who have fused with Brelish culture.
- Wyvernskull and Lyreton were once one city but when Haruuc Chasm formed, the city was split and the two towns represent the old northern and southern districts.
- Deamonswatch is a stronghold on the eastern edge of Brelish territory that stands guard against any escapees of the Demon Wastes.
- The towers of Sharn are likely the greatest buildings on Noyatu and draw in domestic and international vistors, and for good reason.
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