Steithandahl (sty-then-dal)

The culture of Steithendahl was once rich, a realm of mages and scholars that sought wisdom, advancement and good. It was not to last, however, as power-hungry rulers and mages turned Steithendahl into a land of war and tyranny. 5 generations prior to the present day a man by the name of  Eadric Steithan unhappy with his meager lands and pitiful status was inspired to conquer all of the realm, taking power and rule for himself. It took him 20 years but he successfully united the realm and named his new empire after himself. Steithandahl has functioned as a tyrannical dictatorship since then. The people of the lower classes; the farmers and bakers and simple folk live their lives in apathy. There is no freedom under the Steithan rule. Worship is relegated, festivals are prohibited and their lives are militaristic in routine and career. Steithandahl has an enforced military service of at least 5 years for every citizen but often forces those showing military promise to stay longer, ensuring a fresh and full army.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital: Eadrensten
Ruling System: Dictatorship, the title of Emperor passes down through bloodline
Current Ruler: Erik Steithan
Demography & Population: Has the largest Human population of all 9 realms. There is also a large populace of Gnomes, Halflings and Elves. Yvrae and Goblins are also relatively common
Religion: Worship is relegated solely to Sapredia, Bellian and Irux. The worship of any other Gods is a punishable offence
Technology: Though Steithandahl is the most advanced of all 9 realms, it is not for the betterment of its people, advancements in weaponry and military power has been expedited while other advancements for those of the lower classes are abandoned. So, despite having the best magic and technology at their disposal there is a huge class gap in who can access this technology
Military: Steithandahl has the largest and most advanced military on Xaedia with guns, magic and heavily armoured soldiers. There is a mandatory conscription service at the age of 20 that forces all citizens into the military for 5 years but they are often "encouraged" to remain in the military once their mandatory service is over. As such the number of soldiers and sheer military might of Steithandahl is massive
Climate: One of, if not the coldest realm, the majority of Steithandahl is covered in snow year round, with light snowfall even occurring in summer. The forests here are all conifers and the only areas experiencing ‘real summers’ are the North-Western port towns and the border garrisons