Factions and Nations
In the centuries since Godfall the Cradle has become home to many people, factions, and nations. Many of them different, some similar, all united in a goal to survive. The land itself is harsh. Scions roam freely causing a constant threat and useful resources such as Ichor, Rust, and Ruins, are scarce. In the coming age the Cradle will be shaped by how these nations interact with each other and navigate this turbulent landscape.
Nations
The end of the Sunless Age was marked by various groups coming together to form nation states. Originally, we saw The Iron Banks, The Kingdom of Greywood, The Vodi Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Geld. These four kingdoms were a benchmark of civil society all those centuries ago. Now there are new additions and changes to old faces. The world is not as it used to be, nations are changing.
The Iron Banks
Far to the north, deep with in the frigid Ironil Mountains, is the Iron Banks. What started out as a few scattered tribes and mining outposts soon grew to become a flourishing kingdom. Its people are pale, tall, rugged, and hard working. They diligently dig deep into the crust of the earth in search of steel and other precious resources, soon to be shipped down the river to The Kingdom of Greywoods. Although it is rather cut off from the other nations, and cares little about matters other than its own, The Iron Banks is vital in the ongoing war. Every Greywoot sword on the front carries the Ironil crest.
Keep reading about The Iron Banks.
The Kingdom of Greywood
For as long as the Kingdom of Greywood has existed it has been at war. It believes that the greatest threat to its existence is the Nation of Konsearna and its fey legions. Subsequently, there is little of note in Greywood beyond its ability to sustain a front. Greywood has the finest mages and the most ruthless soldiers. All across the lands you hear tales of their power. Each soldier capable of felling five fey in a single swing of their blade. Each mage is as rare as it is potent. However the land itself is desolate - cities and towns have been reduced to husks. The King sends everyone he cans to the front.
Keep reading about The Kingdom of Greywood.
The People’s Republic of Geld
This was once the tyrannical Kingdom of Geld. However, in recent years the Queen was overthrown and a Parliamentary Republic was put into place. The people of Geld love their nation. Vast fields of wheat and corn keep the populace happy. In the capital culture and art thrive, in Blumoor the university spearheads research in Hermetics and the sciences. However not all is well in the Republic. Along the borders towns are being ransacked by Scions and the forces of Konsearna. Without the Queen this new nation will be shaped by how the Parliament responds to such threats.
Keep reading about The People's Republic of Geld.
The Council of Oars
The Council of Oars is a newly formed republic consisting of former city-states along the southern coast - The Maw. They hide away in craggy coves and on distant islands, rumored to spend their days peddling wares, sailing, and getting drunk on Silent-Isle wine. They are known to have a fairly strong, yet scattered, military force. Parts of which are being bought off to join the coalition against the Fey. The other Kingdoms do not have particularly high opinions of the Council of Oars. The lack of organization and relative political autonomy of each city has led to thriving, yet chaotic, trade relations.
Keep reading about The Council of Oars.
The Nation of Konsearna
Far to the east, past the Iron Banks and past Greywood is the Thicket. A forest as vast as it is ancient, home to all manner of beasts but most importantly - home to The Nation of Konsearna. This land is led by the Court of Daggers, a mystical organization which is thought to be the creator of the Fey. The Court is convinced that salvation lies in the culling of the human race and they direct their loyal Fey subjects to carry out this will. Hence the ongoing war.
Keep reading about The Nation of Konsearna.
The Silent Isles
The Silent Isles, an archipelago to the south, is inhabited by loosely scattered druidic tribes known as Harvesters, or Beastfolk. Their origins are unknown but like the Fey they have an intense connection to Verve and Ichor. There aren’t a lot of them who travel to the mainland, but they are hesitantly welcomed into most kingdoms. Each of them seems to bear traits of various animals such as fur, long ears, jagged teeth and perhaps a skinny tail. Why this is, nobody knows.
Keep reading about Harvesters.
Factions
Nomadic tribes, scattered rebels, and distant city states. The Cradle is home to many factions - borderless organizations which either span several Nations or non.
Peacekeepers
Far to the west, along the old road, past Geld and much of what comes next are the chalky peaks the Peacekeepers call home. They are crazed preachers seeking to end the war in the east. They spend their days mining for Pale up in the mountains. A mineral which through various technological advancements has led to the creation of firearms - the weapons which the Peacekeepers use to enforce their gospel. They are constantly recruiting more to their cause.
Shepherds of the Moon
The Shepherds of the Moon were once loyal agents of God. Its heralds so to speak. They were experts in the ways of magic with bodies hard as stone. There was no task they could not complete. However after the death of God many of them went mad. In the Cradle whichever Shepherds are left either hide away and devote themselves to hedonism, lead mad cults in vengeful bloodshed, or pick up a near-deific image to be worshipped by whole religious organizations.
Moonchildren
Souls no longer circulate in this world. However, every now and then, a child is born with a soul. This is thought to be the work of the Shepherds. Such a child generally has a strong connection with the realm of dreams, magic, and Shepherds of the Moon. They will go on to do great things.
Vodi
Between The Republic of Geld, The Kingdom of Greywood, and The Iron Banks, there was once a forth kingdom. The Vodi Kingdom was founded at the same time as the other three - they controlled the woods which divide the nations. However the other three nations turned on the Vodi, killed their king, and annexed their land. All that remains of the Vodi are scattered tribes clinging to the ruins of their ancestral home.
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