Icevale Province
The midwestern regions of Suranth are known as the Icevale Province, which despite the name, are known to be a relatively fertile land, for a tundra. Agriculture exists en masse here, east of the Perspire Woods. Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, turnips, scallions, lettuce, and potatoes are all grown here with measurable yield and success. It is an extremely hard farmer's life, but it is one that offers a lot of freedom, if a fair bit of risk, and has attracted many seeking a life far away from cities and large towns, or the hustle and bustle of southern farmlands. Its attracted others that have sought an opportunity to own land and build their own life from places they simply could not afford to, since that was a big step taken by Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste. To promote settling of this relatively fertile land, it was offered to people from other Suranthi provinces, or those settling from other lands, such as Rohara or Raechin. Promise of a parcel of land, aid to build a homestead and with the first three years of working and developing the land properly to farm, provided by the government. Of course this arrangement came with strings. The tax rate on coin applied to their harvests as well, insuring a good food supply for the local military needs. But it has been a successful offering so far, and continues to be so, quickly promoting growth within the Icevale Province.
Structure
Below is a brief introduction to some of the key individuals within in the region, those with wealth, power and prestige. The ones listed here are those in key leadership positions.
Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste: In his late three hundreds, Lamhghlas is responsible for the the entire province, his clan holds sway here, and holds governance. Famous now, he is the dwarf responsible for the irrigation system that taps into the glacial hot springs beneath the Icevale floodplains, which has allowed true agriculture to take hold in the potable soil within the region. It is his crowning achievement, the Ghlas-Flow Irrigation system, a complex working of aqueducts, pumps, machinery and simple irrigation ditches and canals that feed the fields. These complex workings have made him and his clan prestigious even amongst the six High Clans of Suranth. Lamhghlas is seen by most political sorts as the front-runner for position of High King when Cormac Ironcliffe inevitably finally returns to the Ancestors. He is a brilliant technical mind, an engineer in his own right, but specializing in infrastructure, in construction, less in weapons, fortifications or siege equipment as many dwarves do. His background is one of many trades, having spent decades working as a stone mason, a ditch digger, a framer, and a few other trades all whilst getting his engineering education. Now he sits in a position of governmental leadership, but also as a notable high ranking member of the Suranthi Engineers Guild.
Fiolag Boris Richmont: This human noble and his family are sworn banners to the Feirmecliste Clan, trusted allies of many generations. In fact, following the human tradition, as strange as he found it, Lamhghlas was Boris' best man when he got married five years ago. He is a young man, only twenty-seven but already well known for his suave and well versed approach to diplomacy and logistics. He is an officious sort, keeping to etiquette and protocol, well spoken and well connected. His diplomatic connections are numerous both at home and abroad, most inherited from his father of course, but they are relationships he continues to maintain.
Fiolag Guntar Bunvikmac Vergilt: This dwarf is well known, as is his clan, for controlling much of the gold mining in Suranth. They owe their allegiance to the Feirmecliste Clan, they are sworn bannermen. But they are also well known for their connection to coinage and the minting of currency. Indeed, the Vergilt family is known to be the family in charge of the Suranthi Mint, and the Suranthi Central Bank, one of which is in every major town or city. As such, despite their seemingly middling position in the hieharchy of things, the Vergilt clan is massively influential in matters all across Suranth.
Fiolag Thorgar Dumbaraf: This Vrock in his fourth decade of life is a well known former naval captain, and holds this title and land as a reward for his exemplary service record. The newest bannerman of the Feirmecliste Clan, the region they have entrusted unto them is known for having busy naval regions, and for being a key stop on the shipping routes between Suranth and Depenwood. As such, Fiolag Thorgar insures he keeps substantial funding in the hands of the naval outposts under his sway, to combat piracy, raiders and other hazards.
Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste: In his late three hundreds, Lamhghlas is responsible for the the entire province, his clan holds sway here, and holds governance. Famous now, he is the dwarf responsible for the irrigation system that taps into the glacial hot springs beneath the Icevale floodplains, which has allowed true agriculture to take hold in the potable soil within the region. It is his crowning achievement, the Ghlas-Flow Irrigation system, a complex working of aqueducts, pumps, machinery and simple irrigation ditches and canals that feed the fields. These complex workings have made him and his clan prestigious even amongst the six High Clans of Suranth. Lamhghlas is seen by most political sorts as the front-runner for position of High King when Cormac Ironcliffe inevitably finally returns to the Ancestors. He is a brilliant technical mind, an engineer in his own right, but specializing in infrastructure, in construction, less in weapons, fortifications or siege equipment as many dwarves do. His background is one of many trades, having spent decades working as a stone mason, a ditch digger, a framer, and a few other trades all whilst getting his engineering education. Now he sits in a position of governmental leadership, but also as a notable high ranking member of the Suranthi Engineers Guild.
Fiolag Boris Richmont: This human noble and his family are sworn banners to the Feirmecliste Clan, trusted allies of many generations. In fact, following the human tradition, as strange as he found it, Lamhghlas was Boris' best man when he got married five years ago. He is a young man, only twenty-seven but already well known for his suave and well versed approach to diplomacy and logistics. He is an officious sort, keeping to etiquette and protocol, well spoken and well connected. His diplomatic connections are numerous both at home and abroad, most inherited from his father of course, but they are relationships he continues to maintain.
Fiolag Guntar Bunvikmac Vergilt: This dwarf is well known, as is his clan, for controlling much of the gold mining in Suranth. They owe their allegiance to the Feirmecliste Clan, they are sworn bannermen. But they are also well known for their connection to coinage and the minting of currency. Indeed, the Vergilt family is known to be the family in charge of the Suranthi Mint, and the Suranthi Central Bank, one of which is in every major town or city. As such, despite their seemingly middling position in the hieharchy of things, the Vergilt clan is massively influential in matters all across Suranth.
Fiolag Thorgar Dumbaraf: This Vrock in his fourth decade of life is a well known former naval captain, and holds this title and land as a reward for his exemplary service record. The newest bannerman of the Feirmecliste Clan, the region they have entrusted unto them is known for having busy naval regions, and for being a key stop on the shipping routes between Suranth and Depenwood. As such, Fiolag Thorgar insures he keeps substantial funding in the hands of the naval outposts under his sway, to combat piracy, raiders and other hazards.
Culture
The people here are enterprising frontier folk, pioneers of the north. They are farmers, builders, explorers and true frontier-folk. They are Suranthi's breadbasket, and agriculture is a big deal here. The farming community, the agricultural industry, holds a lot of sway and power in the region, which is something worthy of note.
Assets
Besides the only truly fertile swath of land in Suranth, and all that comes with, which will be covered under the appropriate section, this section here will detail military presence. As this is the closest region to an actual agricultural heartland that exists in Suranth, it is only natural that a strong military presence exists here, to aid and insure that the ready access to food and supplies does not attract too much unwanted attention.
2320 Clansmen
1488 Saltbeards
672 Tundra Rovers
480 Iron Riders
320 Storm-Lancers
320 Iron Dragons
240 Warpriest/Priests/Magisters/Physicians
240 Engineers/Artisans
320 Wave-Runners (An assumed number based on percentage of Suranth's population the region has, that report to a handler in the region. No real concrete basis for this number.)
2320 Clansmen
1488 Saltbeards
672 Tundra Rovers
480 Iron Riders
320 Storm-Lancers
320 Iron Dragons
240 Warpriest/Priests/Magisters/Physicians
240 Engineers/Artisans
320 Wave-Runners (An assumed number based on percentage of Suranth's population the region has, that report to a handler in the region. No real concrete basis for this number.)
Demography and Population
The Icevale Province is the most populated province, after the Ironcliffe Province of course. Around 128000 Suranthi citizens (with their kids potentially, which are not included on the census). The demographic breakdown below is for you as a GM but also for you to use should you feel it appropriate, for players to roll on for character generation.
| Race | Rough % of Population | Count |
| Dwarf | 36% | 46080 |
| Elf | 1% | 1280 |
| Halfling | 7% | 8960 |
| Human | 27% | 34560 |
| Gnome | 4% | 5120 |
| Vrock | 23% | 29440 |
| Tiefling | 2% | 2560 |
Territories
The Icevale Province extends very roughly from the southern edges of the Thoir River system all the way north to the frozen vales that dominate the north-western regions of Suranth until the edges of the Stormer Highlands, a distance of about three hundred and ninety kilometers. East to west, counting the islands and coastal waters considered directly under Fiolag Feirmecliste governance and responsibility, is about five hundred kilometers on average. Within all this of course is the farmland that makes up most of the central landmass of the province. The region also covers the northern edges of the Steppes, and all of the Perspire Forest. This region is about 200000 square kilometers of landmass, give or take.
Technological Level
Pre Industrial-Mid Industrial Revolution in more urban environments
Late Renaissance-Early Industrial Revolution in more rural environments.
Religion
Sir Kartheart is the dominant diety, but worship of all the Ascended is legal and acceptable here, whereas, of course, worship of the Void Gods is punishable by death.
Foreign Relations
Basically see Suranth as a nation more or less.
Agriculture & Industry
The Icevale Province is well known and famous for its agricultural heartland, which is home to many. This province is very different from many others in that you have many more small fortified town centers, but very few that approach or touch at being large towns or cities, and many more farmland villages. Militias and well positioned local garrisons, instead of large fortifications, play a huge part in the military security of the region, as does proper communication and decentralized government structure. This is a province where the town councils and village elders and local sheriffs have a lot more flexibility and leeway to handle things themselves, to keep everything moving well. This of course has its positives and negatives that one might expect. But it has been a boon mostly, as here, more than any other province, food is highly affordable. Lettuce, potatoes, turnips, scallions, blackberries, blueberries, and bog cranberries are grown here in abundance.
As to industry, in the few larger towns, and in the capital of Bruachthoir of course, have industry. Tools, boats, food, mining, all are here, and the industrialization is in full swing. It is even said Bruachthoir may be the next place in Suranth to build a Sky-Port, though it seems that many of the upper echelon in the country oppose the idea, if Lamhghlas is elected the next High King, or can petition High King Cormac's permission by working at it enough, there is nothing, legally, that those in opposition to the idea can do to stop it. It is a place very much embracing the next wave of technology. Indeed the fields here are slowly becoming a bit of a testing ground for the mechanical tools and steam powered inventions that some of the new generation of chymechanics try to create to help with farming. So far none have really stuck, but to their credit, those few committed to that field, wishing to be the next great agricultural revolutionary, haven't given up, and at least two or three inventions are tested, or retested with tweaks to try and fix problems from the previous year's tests. So does the march of progress go. It does not often happen in a flash, it is very often a true process, a long and hard slog.
As to industry, in the few larger towns, and in the capital of Bruachthoir of course, have industry. Tools, boats, food, mining, all are here, and the industrialization is in full swing. It is even said Bruachthoir may be the next place in Suranth to build a Sky-Port, though it seems that many of the upper echelon in the country oppose the idea, if Lamhghlas is elected the next High King, or can petition High King Cormac's permission by working at it enough, there is nothing, legally, that those in opposition to the idea can do to stop it. It is a place very much embracing the next wave of technology. Indeed the fields here are slowly becoming a bit of a testing ground for the mechanical tools and steam powered inventions that some of the new generation of chymechanics try to create to help with farming. So far none have really stuck, but to their credit, those few committed to that field, wishing to be the next great agricultural revolutionary, haven't given up, and at least two or three inventions are tested, or retested with tweaks to try and fix problems from the previous year's tests. So does the march of progress go. It does not often happen in a flash, it is very often a true process, a long and hard slog.
Trade & Transport
Naturally the Suranthi Rail system plays a role now, mainly as a hub that much of the produce and product within the region ends up upon in Bruachthoir, as that is the major, the central rail hub within the province. Bruachthoir is also the major oceanic port, so a lot of goods coming into the region come through here as well. The roads in the region are rather well patrolled and well maintained, with a strong and present military presence. It is a well travelled and relatively travel safe...ish? province.
Education
Here again, it truly depends on where you live, what you have access too. Those in more rural regions have limited access to any real education, though in this new age, most can read and write in at least Valarian or Dwarven as appropriate, even if only at a rudimentary level. In the town centers, those options become wider, but even then, in larger towns, they are likely limited, as unlike other provinces, not a lot of Academic facilities are built here, as not many towns are large enough to support true colleges or universities in this province. Other than Bruachthoir, there are not many other places one will find such facilities, so unless there is a professional practicing their craft within the town you live in, and you convince them to mentor you, it is highly unlikely you will have any sort of access to that sort of education.
Sweat, Blood, and Steel!
Maps
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Feirmecliste Duicacht
The most populated estate within the Icevale Province, and the seat of Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste and his clan. These are the lands directly under their sphere of power. -
Icevale Province
The lands under the jurisdiction of Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste and the Feirmecliste Clan, a sacred and ancient trust to one of the oldest, perhaps the oldest clan on Valerick, at least the dwarven clan with the oldest and most storied lineage. -
Dumbaraf Connighclan
The lands entrusted to the Dumbaraf clan, in ancient trust. -
Vergilt Connighclan
These mineral rich lands are under the trust and governance of Clan Vergilt. -
Richmont Baruntacht
The lands entrusted unto the newest Fiolag of the Icevale Region. -
Bruachthoir
The map of Bruachthoir, Provincial Capital of Icevale Province.
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Capital
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Currency
Gold Suns
Silver Moons
Copper Stars
Silver Moons
Copper Stars
Major Exports
Food is their biggest, but also various animal products, alcohols and thick workable leathers and fabrics.
Major Imports
Though softwood (coniferous lumber) is readily available, it should surprise no one that hardwood is imported en masse from Depenwood. Iron and weapons are domestically brought in from other provinces. Grain is imported of course, from Rohara mainly, along with some livestock, and silks. Fabrics, worked goods, and proper stone is imported from other regions of Suranth and Raechin.
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments