Sterich
Proper Name: March of Sterich
Ruler: Her Magnitude, Resbin Dren Emondav, Marchioness
of Sterich, Stewardess of the Great Western
Gate (LN female human Sor13)
Government: Feudal monarchy owing fealty to
Keoland; ruling family has been weakened, and
noble families are suffering from infighting and confusion
over post-war claims of nobility, precedence,
and land ownership
Capital: Istivin
Major Towns: Istivin (pop. 12,100)
Provinces: Seven counties, each with three to fifteen
low baronies (conflicting baronial claims make final
number per county uncertain in many areas)
Resources: Silver, electrum, gold, gems (II-III)
Coinage: [Keoland standard) griffon (pp), lion (gp),
eagle (ep), hawk (sp), sparrow (cp)
Population: 144.000—Human 79% (OFS), Dwarf 8%
(mountain), Halfling 6%, Gnome 3%, Elf 2%, Half-elf
1%, Half-orc 1%
Languages: Common, Flan, Dwarven, Keolandish,
Halfling
Alignments: LG, NG, LN*
Religions: Heironeous, Pelor, Ehlonna, Berei, Fharlanghn,
Ulaa, Fortubo, Zilchus, Allitur, Beory, Mayaheine,
dwarf pantheon
Allies: Keoland, Gran March, Ulek states, Bissel,
Yeomanry
Enemies: Nonhumans and giants of the Crystalmists,
Iuz, Pomarj
Overview: Sterich is a land rescued from nonhuman occupation only to find itself embroiled in struggles between returning nobles. The boundaries of the reclaimed territory generally extend from the western banks of the Javan River to the east, through the lowlands of the Stark Mounds, down to the Davish River and around, in the south, to the Jotens (where fighting continues). The mountain lake, the source of the Javan River, remains a hive of evil activity, and the villages and mines nearby are completely abandoned.
The distant western Crystalmists were once the home of several competing clans of mountain dwarves. When the nonhumans invaded in 584 CY, many clans withdrew into their strongholds, while others fled the hills to warn their human allies. Since the nation has been reclaimed, five different clan holds have failed to send representatives to the court in Istivin. Most Sterish fear the worst, though hardy exiled dwarven lords (often at odds with each other) are organizing several bands of adventurers for reclamation missions.
Sterich claims no notable woodlands within its borders, and has had to conduct considerable trade with Keoland and Gran March for lumber to rebuild fallen towns and villages. The most heavily defended portions of the reclaimed lands are perhaps the passes of the Stark Mounds, which offer a relatively safe route of passage for logging missions to the Oytwood.
The military of Sterich, though blooded badly in
the reclamation campaigns, has emerged as a well
trained force with a handful of canny generals experienced
in battling (and beating) nonhumans. A strong
contingent of 1,500 halberdiers forms the heart of
this force, which is supplemented by light infantry
and renowned light cavalry. Unfortunately, the military's
division of power declares that most units are
under the control of a lord. Since the lords are now
squabbling among themselves for regained land, soldiers
once united against a common enemy have
turned upon each other.