House Hardt

The noble family of Hardt rules the most Northern lands of Ostensia. Until being conquered by the Ryndarien Empire, they were a sovereign nation. Upon being conquered, they were allowed to keep most of their culture and political strucutre, but must now provision 70% of their military resources to the empire, maintain a temple of the Novum in their major cities, and abstain from the worship of outlawed Deities.
Rimefang Ridge forms the Northern border of House Hardt. The White Hunt is an order of warriors which resides within the mountains of Rimefang Ridge. They have sworn their lives to protect the southern realms from the creatures which stalk the icy wastes of Cryos. Some are sent to the white hunt as punishment, some serve out of honor and a call to protection, some serve as temporary contractors for the lucrative profits gained in monster hunting.
The northern cities of Hardtland are generally less populated and lack the intricate political structures of the more densely populated cities in the south. Most people living under the rule of House Hardt make a simple living and lead simple lives, trying to remain ignorant of the complex sociopolitical tensions which are more widespread in southern regions. This has become more difficult since the military defeat against the Ryndarien Empire, as the empire now pushes it's political agenda into the northern cities.
Many adventurers begin their career within the realm of House Hardt, as they pay fairly for straightforward (albeit dangerous) work, often involving protecting their cities against incursions from monsters. The Ealderman of most townships will pay a flat rate when presented with proof of a slain monster, and adventurer's can find prices posted on the notice boards of most towns.
To help bring adventurer's together, a number of adventuring guilds and contracting organizations have arisen throughout the realm of House Hardt. They make profit by compiling contracts in consultation with the Ealdermans or Jarls, and recruiting individuals together into parties.
Other factions seeking up and coming mercenary skill also have their recruiters spread throughout the Realm of House Hardt.

Structure

High Jarl - The current ruler of the Realm (Ulrik Hardt) Jarl - Nobility overseeing multiple municipalities. Baron - Overseer of a municipality containing multiple townships Ealderman - Overseer of a township
Some townships are not under a barony and report directly to a Jarl.
This society has some economic disparity, but generally hard work is valued by the nobility, and there is enough gold in circulation of the working class that people never fall too far into poverty as long as they have something to contribute. There are subsidy programs which incentivize artisans and workers to take apprentices in order to teach skilled trades which minimizes poverty. Politically, the leadership is generally forthright, honest, and fair. There is deception and manipulation between those of higher class, but they tend to be more concerned with people of their class, and do not take advantage of the lower working class.

Type

Geopolitical, Great house

Capital

Frostcrest

Leader

Ulrik Hardt

Leader Title

High Jarl

Head of State

Ulrik Hardt

Gazetteer

Rinexus Swamplands

The Rinexus Swamplands are a major trading hub for the agricultural exports of the Grenhil Grasslands, the exports from the Dwarven mines of Flannigan's Fjord, and the exports from the The White Hunt.
While the swamplands are quite uninhabitable in their own right, many small towns have sprung up as lucrative tradestops for traders to restock and rest. The danger of travelling the swamplands provides an opportunity for mercenary work in escorting and protecting traders traversing the region, and the towns of the Rinexus Swamplands provide a hub for mercenary recruiting and hiring. Many alchemist's also find value in the rare flora that grow in the swamplands.

Parent Organization

Ryndarien Empire

Controlled Territories

• Avnican
• Rinexus Swamplands

Related Plots

• Introduction