Stonehold
Proper Name: Stonehold
Ruler; His Most Grim and Terrible Might, Rhelt
Sevvord I, Master of Stonehold (CE male human
Ftr20+)
Government: Independent feudal monarchy with
hereditary rulership, governing four ataman nobles
(ruling from the towns) and four nomadic tribal
chieftains, with the standing army commanded by
the rhelt (king); current rhelt is charismatic and has
near-dictatorial powers
Capital: Vlekstaad
Major Towns: Bastro (pop. 1,700), Kelten (pop.
2,800), Purmill (pop, 1,900), Vlekstaad (pop. 2,200
before being burned, now 700)
Provinces: Territories controlled by four atamans
and four great chieftains
Resources: Furs, walrus ivory, silver, gems (I)
Coinage: Giftring (gp), halefist (sp), grimfist (cp);
much looted coinage from Tenh is currently used here
Population: 55,000—Human 96% (FS), Orc 2%,
Dwarf 1%, Other 1%
Languages: Flan dialects, Common, Cold Tongue
Alignments: CE*, CN, N
Religions: Erythnul*, Syrul, Beltar, Beory, Obad-Hai
Allies: None
Enemies: Iuz, Frost/Ice/Snow Barbarians, the Pale,
orcs in Griffs
Overview: A frigid climate and brutal regime combine to make Stonehold one of the harshest lands in all the Flanaess. Bounded to the west and north by the Icy Sea, Stonehold's southern and eastern borders are formed by the Griffs and Corusks. The majority of Stoneholders live a seminomadic existence, moving to the northern tundra in summer and migrating south in the autumn. The remaining third or so of the population dwell in permanent settlements, mostly west of the Frozen River. Brute strength has long been the main virtue espoused by the people of this land, and treachery the byword of her leaders. All of the bordering nations are Stonehold's enemies. Stonehold has no trade, her only export being war, and in this she excels.
The armies of Stonehold are comprised of "Fists", war bands of about 250 fighters, of either infantry or cavalry. The bulk of heavy infantry is drawn from the settlements, while the tundra and forest dwellers provide most of the light infantry and cavalry. Rhelt Sevvord is the absolute master of these people, and his troops are expected to obey him without question. The punishment for disobedience is slow death, though the rhelt always rewards his loyal troops with plunder and captives. So far, Reword Redbeard has maintained his personal authority and become the most important figure in his nation's history since Stonefist himself. Still, many feel that his time has passed, and wait for a leader who will be strong enough to challenge him.