Princedom of Premyslid

Premyslid is based around a very strong autocracy, with power resting in the hands of the Prince and his appointed nobles. Noble titles in the region are hereditary, and have become entrenched through generations of consolidating power. The nobility rules with impunity, each a veritable god within their own fief. The peasantry has little recourse to correct wrongdoing, and lives at the cruel whim of their masters. Religion holds a lot of sway over the area, with various clergy having many of the same privileges as the nobility. The chosen god or cult depends heavily on the individual noble families, each keeping their own pet deity under their patronage. This old hierarchy is being broken by a new religion, Staryism, which has begun to count influential leaders among its members.

History

The Premyslid Principality was once individual isolated fiefdoms, each ruled by some sort of a warlord or headman who claimed ownership of his valley or town. The Kings of Arran unified the region under their control, though over time their authority gradually diminished. Eventually, the region freed itself from their yoke, remaining under the power of a single ruler. The King of Arran refused to acknowledge his defeat and accept the ruler as a king, and so they styled themselves as Prince. Since then, the region has largely stagnated, left behind while the rest of the world marches forwards.

Society

Nobility

The Prince sits at the head of the region, undisputed ruler of all within its borders. Beneath him sit families of well-entrenched and established nobles; ancient clans that claim ownership of their holdings before they were unified under the Arrans. There are thirty-seven of these great houses, each controlling some portion of the country. Beneath them are minor houses of varying importance, each a distant splinter of their patron great house. Despite all of these established lineages, tracking heritage is esoteric at best. Excessive inbreeding has led to complicated and indistinguishable bloodlines, with cousin and sibling marriage more common than foreign noble houses.

Conflicts

Political

Within the region several conflicts brew, tearing at the social fabric of the region. Chief among these is the rivalry between the Prince and his mother, Princess Vizma. The Princess married Prince Imants, Jonas’ father, when she was quite young. Her production of an heir very early into their marriage, something Imants’ past wives had failed to do, gave her immense influence over the king through the puppet of her son. She doted upon him, yet was highly critical in her judgements, buffeting young Jonas about her every whim. As he grew, he proved more and more difficult for Vizma to control. Upon the death of Prince Imants, the Prince sought to free himself from the yoke of his mother. The pair battled privately and publicly until, their relationship torn to shambles, the Prince decreed his mother under arrest in her estate. Far from the end, this simply pushed their conflict underground, fracturing the Principality into factions and alliances. The rivalry continues to this day, though neither player is ready to commit to the other’s destruction. Instead, tension grips the nation as they go through the petty facade of familial strife.

Religious

Meanwhile, another battle between old and new rages ever onwards. While no true unity has existed among the Premyslid in terms of religion, certain deities have been permanent fixtures throughout the region. Koraldur and the Arran gods were generally worshipped by the nobility and more urban populace, while Moros as the Swidnican spirits hold sway over the rural peasantry. This balance has existed more and less unchallenged, with devout populations clinging to their traditions and customs. Some have tried to challenge this status quo over the centuries, with prophets of one or another god appearing to disrupt its current hierarchy. These factions would grow and cause strife before being stamped out or simply dying on their own, ignored by most of the populace. Some of these sects gain ground however, and pose actual threats to the delicate religious balance in the country. These are repressed once they get large enough, their faithful chased into exile, prison or death.

So it was for the prophet Piotr, who came down from the mountains bearing aloft a new god: Starya. An ascetic, Piotr claimed to have been visited by a god who provided for him a new dogma. Decrying the existing polytheism, he claimed that only Starya could guide humanity to a brighter world, protecting them from the evils of the darkness that Mazlen brought into the world. His focus on humanity’s supremacy and role against a great darkness in the north, linked to the foe of peasant spiritualism, garnered him many supporters early on in his sermons. This attracted the attention of the Okrana, who disrupted any clusters of the faith they found. Pursued and harassed, Piotr was eventually captured and executed by the father of Prince Imrants. His most devout followers fled to the mountains, where they would continue to evade and resist the Okrana for decades.

Some of these followers would venture forth and try to emerge back into society, secretly spreading the gospel of their prophet and god among the peasantry. These preachers would typically being particularly gifted followers, capable orators worthy of representing the new faith. The Okrana would inevitably capture these itinerant worshippers, bringing them before the Prince to face humiliation, judgement and execution. Stasys Mamonta was one of these preachers, having led a successful splinter of the cult in the mountains. His sect had gathered several notable nobles, his charisma especially having an impact on young women. This especially made him dangerous to the Okrana, who captured him near to Dara. Put before Prince Jonas to receive judgement, Stasys had several references vouch for his own testimonies, supporting his claims of prophecy and healing powers. His execution stayed, Stasys was able to use his charisma in talks with the Prince to earn his freedom, beginning the young Prince on a long road to conversion. Considered a vital spiritual advisor to the throne, Stasys has become a key fixture within the Prince’s court. His particular vision of Staryism has been allowed to flourish, converting key nobles who seek to curry favour with the Prince.

Despite his success, however, old prejudices still exist against sectarianism. The peasantry especially is resistant to change. Princess Vizma, notably, rejects the new religion and has become a champion of sorts for those favouring the old ways. Tensions exist among the nobility as religion becomes more of an issue than ever, forcing people into picking faiths and devotions more strategically. This conflict touches every community within the principality, and few can escape it when in the region.

Common

Among the common people, the only battle they care for is survival. Life is hard in the region, and the constant repression makes it even more difficult. Peasants regularly flee their homes for a better life elsewhere, though few get very far. Communities are isolated in the mountains and forests of the region, and the wild is a dangerous place to be alone. Those who survive are the ones who manage to find other survivors, living deep in the woods or high in the hills themselves. These outlaws run the risk of death but get to live free from the Prince’s authority; a fair trade for many. These groups make up the patchwork of bandits that haunt the area, robbing to alternately feed or revenge themselves on their oppressors. The Okrana track down these rebels with ruthless efficiency, and seek to keep the peasantry in line to avoid swelling their numbers.

Daily Life

The culture among the Premyslid is one combining elements of their neighbours. The nobility tends to emulate the Arrans to the south, owing to their former subjugation by the foreign kings. Koraldur and Halennia worship is common among them, and many warriors from the region took part in the crusades against the Orcs. The common folk, meanwhile, align more with the Swidnicans to the east. Dewin and Moros hold sway among them, and wise women still talk to the spirits in the mountains.

A major facet of life within the region is the oppressive presence of the Prince’s authority. Empowered to execute justice in his name and with very little oversight, many nobles often go overboard with their reign. Excessively cruel punishments are the norm, and many are the tales of the repressed peasant. To further impress and protect the Prince his court employs the Okrana to monitor the realm, a group of secret police who employ dramatic and horrible methods to maintain their authority. Many peasants have fled into the furthest folds of the mountains to escape the grasp of their government, becoming outlaws or rebels fighting for justice. While some become folk heroes, few manage to live long, with any notable figures being stomped out before they can fester and attract a following.

Notable Factions

Okrana

The Okrana are a group under the direct authority of the Prince. Acting as his secret police, they enact his authority of support his reign across the region. Typically made up of sadistic peasants or lower nobility, they cling to what power they can exert over their fellows. They travel the roads and valleys of the Principality, hunting out rebels or threats to the status quo. They can be empowered to raise a militia to fight outlaws, or to assist them in executions or judiciary matters. Few ever refuse these summons, as the bad side of the Okrana is a place few want to be. The Okrana uniform is a black overcoat with a red sash used as a belt. Their leader is Valters Caks, a stump of a man with intelligence to match. He makes up for his shortcomings with zeal, a dedication to authority that few can match. This filters down throughout the organization, breeding ever more extremists and radicals. The symbol of Okrana authority is a cudgel, with the head wrapped tightly in barbed copper wire.

Notable Places

Jezstym

Jezstym is the largest settlement in Premyslid, and the centre of practically all happenings within the realm. A large walled town, it straddles either side of the Sizau river, connected by a trio of bridges. The town itself sees an immense amount of investment by the Prince, building elaborate infrastructure found only within its walls. Paved streets, beautiful architecture and extravagant noble estates are common, making the city stand out even more from its surroundings. The largest market in the principality can be found here, surrounded by several guild halls. Decadent and affluent, the populace here feeds off the prosperity of the surrounding region. Jezstym is the sole holding of the Prince, who lives in the nearby castle Zakopa. Despite its high-society, Jezstym is home to an underbelly of peasants and criminals, each eager to soak up some of the opulence that surrounds them.

Tarnaska

Tarnaska is perhaps the closest thing to a working class stronghold within Premyslid. It exists high in the mountains, at the head of a glacier valley. Surrounded by foundries and quarries, it is a nexus for the salt and metal mines that feed the nation’s wealth. The great house Loskis holds sway here, an influential and capable family led by their patriarch Vilis. The town itself is somewhat desolate, covered in a layer of ash and dust from the nearby excavations. Craftsmen and merchants make up the bulk of the population, grading and processing the gems and ores that are torn from the mountains before sending them south to trade. Unrest grows steadily among the miners who live on the fringes of the town, with uprisings a somewhat common occurrence. These are invariably quelled with typical zeal by the Okrana, and things continue on as they always have.

Paroz

Paroz is a town in eastern Premyslid, with little noteworthy about the town itself. It hosts a decent sized Swidnican population, and acts as the gateway for trade with those steppe people. Horses especially move through Paroz in abundance, with one of the busiest horse markets on the continent here. The town and its surroundings are known for their production of fine wines, owing to the unique quality of the foothills they occupy. Grapevines sprawl along the slopes, lining roadways and climbing up to the very foot of the mountains. The great house Poruks controls this area, a reasonably powerful family within the country. Princess Vizma is from the Poruks family, and her relationship with the Prince has put them and their holdings in a difficult situation.

Timis

Timis is important despite its size. Little more than a sprawling noble estate, it houses Princess Vizma, the mother of the current Prince Jonas. The site of gardens and other luxuries, it is officially a castle, and the nominal prison of the Princess. Despite this imprisonment, Vizma has surrounded herself with Okrana loyal to her, and enjoys the freedom to travel and leave whenever she sees fit. The castle itself is located in the eastern portion of the country, near Paroz and her family.

Notable Personalities

Jonas Kazlas, Prince of Premyslid

A young Prince, Jonas took the mantle of leadership after his father’s sudden death. Generally regarded as a weak ruler, he has done little to expand or defend his realm. Instead, he soaks in the prosperity his people provide, eating luxuriously and throwing extravagant banquets. His reign has been marred by repression, expanding the deadly authority of his Okrana to police the nobility as well. Made paranoid by his advisors, he is slow to trust, believing a threat behind every corner. This has put his court on edge, with only the most power hungry nobles in the region daring to gather there. He is great friends with Stasys, the Chosen of Starya, who he considers to be his only true counsellor. Jonas is a thin and rakish young man, with blonde hair and pale skin. He wears the finest clothes, with golden filigree and other elaborate embroidery.

Stasys Mamonta, Chosen of Starya

The leader of the emerging Staryist faith, Stasys is a very influential individual within the court of Prince Jonas. He was a disciple of the faith’s founder, and after his death became its head. It was through his charisma and will that the faith has survived, and even flourished, in the region. A very intense and solemn individual, he has managed to climb from humble origins to a role of authority and respect. This position has earned him the ire of many other noblemen in the court, and there have been several attempts to depose or kill him. Surrounded by devout followers, these have all failed in spectacular circumstances, lending credit to the idea that Stasys is protected by his god. Surrounded by loyal and devout followers, the prophet has entrenched himself into the power structure of the country. His eyes are perhaps his most notable feature, ice blue and sunken into his skull. He is somewhat gaunt, though not pale. A shaggy beard drapes from his chin, with a rough knob of nose completing his visage. He is rumoured to be a lascivious charlatan, though never in the presence of him or any of his supporters. He tends to dress in plain black or blue robes, with a golden symbol of his god hanging from a long chain around his neck.

Valters Caks, Chief of the Okrana

Head of the Okrana, Valters is a middle-aged man from peasant stock. Having a history of thuggery as a young teen, his life shifted before he could graduate to full-blown banditry. Called to serve in a Okrana militia, his zeal caught the eye of the police leading the group. Brought in as one of their own, Valters took to the cause with ardent devotion. Within the ranks of the Okrana, his natural cruelty and authoritarianism were allowed to thrive. With brutal efficiency he carried out his duty, his methods and results earning him ever greater responsibilities. As he rose through the ranks, he came to the attention of Princess Vizma, the Prince’s mother. Through her patronage, he was groomed to fill his current role, taking the position upon the execution of the prior Chief, largely through Vizma’s machinations. He is simple minded, and fails to comprehend his role in the intrigues at court. This has largely kept him alive, as he diligently pours himself into his tasks. He understands his duty, and does it exceptionally well. He is a short and stout man, with virtually no neck. A bald head, bulbous nose and beady eyes adorn his face, with his expression either a scowl or frown. If he does smile, several silver and gold capped teeth shine brightly from within his mouth. He dresses in brigandine and carries the cudgel of his order.

Princess Vizima Kazlas, Prince-Mother

Mother to Prince Jonas, Vizma is a powerful figure within the realm. Hated by her son, she nonetheless manages to influence and interfere tremendously with his court. The two fight a near constant battle of intrigue to control the country; their relationship being the root of Jonas’ paranoia. Vizma lives in her home at Timis, where she is nominally confined to house arrest. She nonetheless has free reign of the country, owing to her substantial network of loyal followers. Flaunting this freedom is something she generally avoids, though does use to her advantage whenever necessary. She is a strikingly beautiful woman who had the Prince when she was a young teen, making them very close in age. She has reddy-blonde hair, with pointed and stern features. She wears finely embroidered clothing as befits her station but always displays a ruby brooch, usually fastening her collar. The brooch is an extravagant piece of jewellery, one of the royal paraphernalia of the region. Her continued ownership of it is a sore spot for the Prince, hence why she wears it continually.

Renars Krogze, Bandit Leader

A bandit leader and folk hero, tales of Renars are told across the region. He is always a hero, defiantly resisting the prince and his thugs. His legend says he turned to banditry after the death of his wife at the hands of a rapacious noble, whom he kills in an ambush at the end of the tale. Along the way, he redistributes taxes to the peasantry and assassinates particularly brutal Okrana police. While the stories are undoubtedly exaggerated, some elements of them are true. Renars did flee his home, though not because of any murdered lover. He was a poacher as a youth, and fled to avoid justice after being caught with a particularly large stag. Since then, he has used his skills at woodcraft to fight officials in the country. His legend and leadership skills have amassed him quite the following, and his band is easily the most well-known and capable within the region. An enormous bounty exists on his head, though none have been able to collect it. Renars himself is surprisingly short; a middle-aged man with a mop of brown hair and a roguish smile. Babyface would describe him well, looking much younger than he would otherwise appear. He is lithe and wiry; a lifetime of living hard in the woods having worn him lean.