Offenland
The south eastern region of the Flussland is the poorest and the most dangerous. Most of the people here live a simple life, farming sheep, grains and vegetables. To the west, nearer the river Darine, it is peaceful and stable, but the further east you go and the closer to the Oscurmad, the more dangerous it becomes. Wild beasts and monstrous humanoids regularly raid the landscape, stealing or destroying crops and livestock. The Council of Rosiloff does its best to support the people through a strong system of social support and local representation, but as a largely peaceful folk with no real military training, they have little hope of securing their borders.
Structure
Offenland has a political system somewhere between Feudalism and Communism. Outside of the capital Rosiloff, the land is divided into 57 estates. Each estate is owned by a powerful family, the head of which (always male) is known as the Lord of the estate. Estates are passed down the male line.
Each estate is run with a controlled planned economy. All produce from the estate is owned by the Lord, but necessary food and goods are distributed to the population fairly. Reeves represent the Lords in the community, collecting and distributing goods, and enforcing the law.
Each Lord is a member of the Council of Rosiloff, which meets biannually. An agreed percentage (usually between 25% and 50%) of any surplus goods are shared any estates with a shortfall, with the remainer being open for trade between the Lords or externally.
Public Agenda
The Council of Rosiloff joined the Federation in the hopes of getting military support from Acaria to defend their Western border against incursions from the Oscurmad. So far they do not feel sufficient support is given.
Assets
The Council of Rosiloff do not maintain particularly large reserves of gold, and have no military fortifications to speak of.
History
Most estates of Offenland have existed for many generations. The borders were rarely fixed, and many Lords were cruel and demanding of their populace. Skirmishes and outrights wars between estates were common. After a particularly bloody war, the first Council of Rosiloff was called in the year 52. From then on, borders have been enshrined in treaty, and the responsibilities of the Lords was agreed. Holding a standing military force from the population of an estate was also banned, with only Reeves permitted to bear arms.
Demography and Population
A majority of the population is human, but there is a signficant number of Lightfoot halflings who live in the southern areas. Most Lords are human, but there are 6 almost exclusively halfling estates with halfling Lords along the South coast. Other races are rare, especially outside of Rosiloff. Wood elves from the Oscurmad very occasionally may make visits to Lords or villages, and many (exaggerated!) myths of their magic and immortality are well known.
Territories
The Offenland extends from the rivers Osk and Darine, to the Oscurmad forest and the Batak Bay. A small area around Mustoir is excluded, belonging to Acaria.
Technological Level
Arcane magic is viewed with much suspicion by the church, and therefore by the population. Wizards are almost unheard of, and sorcerors ostracised. The irony is that the elves from the Oscurmad are the subject of many tales glorifying their magical abilities, which are generally arcane in nature.
Scientifically, the technology level is extremely low, with most work being done by hand or by donkey. Water mills are the most complex machines you might find in most areas.
Religion
Every small village has a Church of Teona, and weekly services are attended by the vast majority of the population. Teona is the goddess of light, equality and fairness, and these ideals are upheld in law and practice. Most priests do not have strong connections to Teona and have no magic, but there are a few abbies where Clerics and Paladins train. Strictly speaking, the church is independent of the Lords and estates, but in practice diocese often overlap, and bishops are often loyal to the Lords.
Agriculture & Industry
The primary crops are grains and vegetables, with wheat, oats and potatoes particularly prevalent. Sheep, pigs, donkeys and chickens are also kept in most villages, providing meat, eggs and wool. There are no great natural resources in the area, with the meager wood needed taken from scattered woodland across the landscape. Most metals are imported or recycled.
Trade & Transport
The road network is extremely rudimentary, with only one major road between Rosiloff and Mustoir in the whole state. Most "roads" are little more than grassy paths, and travelling caravans are rare.
Education
Education is extremely limited in the Offenland, with few people able to do more than read or write basic Common. The Lords families are well educated in history and georgraphy, but this knowledge is not considered important for "common folk".
Together We Grow
Founding Date
52
Type
Geopolitical, State
Capital
Demonym
Offenlander
Government System
Timocracy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Palace economy
Major Exports
Grains, vegetables, wool
Major Imports
Metals and metal made goods
Legislative Body
The Council of Rosiloff, and individual Lords
Judicial Body
The Reeves enforce the Lords' will
Parent Organization
Location
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