Regional Groups

The Routot are hardly a unified nation. Its multitude of Kingdoms are broken down into a series of smaller regional blocs, each fighting for its own self-interests among the other groups. Politics play a major role among the ruling class, furthering not only their own ambitions but those of their kingdoms on the wider global stage. Turning to each other to accomplish this, some bonds between kingdoms stretch back generations, forming the glue that helps to keep them from breaking apart. Each tends to seek out one of their own for the seat of Archduke, hoping for special treatment at the expense of the other factions should this ever come to pass. The most powerful among these groups is the Central Kingdoms, though even they are hardly a single determined force. Most regions are led by the Kings from one or two large cities, acting as figureheads for their own factions wishes and desires. Each of these is supported by a host of smaller petty kings, which make up the bulk of the various provinces and realms within Routot territory. If one could ever exploit the differences between all of these rival groups, the fragile alliances between them would surely collapse.

Marcher Lords

The Marcher Lords are the collection of rulers in western Routot. They border the Kingdom of Arran, and have had countless small and large wars with that restless neighbour. They are mostly aggressive and warlike, preferring outright conflict to intrigue or politics. This attitude has given them a certain reputation, and one they are eager to uphold. The Marches tend to be considered a lawless place by other Routot Kings, though this is far from the truth. The Lords themselves are a tight-knit group, holding each other generally in high esteem and preferring their company to other Routot rulers. They tend to prize martial prowess over other qualities, and are renowned for having some of the finest household knights in the entire confederacy. Chief among the Marcher Lords is Queen Marguerite, the ruler of Borleux. Her lineage stretches back for countless generations in the region, and she stands up well to even the most famous of her bloodline. There is a strong push from among these lords to see her named as Archduke, though their lack of political acumen has made this a difficult prospect. If they are unable to do so through intrigue, then perhaps they may push their agenda with warfare.

Central Kingdoms

Nestled around the Tarbel lake in the middle of the Routot lands lies the most fertile fields in the confederacy. The kingdoms here are immensely populous, having prospered from the agriculture and trade fostered between them. Chief among these is Houlm, considered by its residents to be the beating heart of the Routot. Its kings have long held the seat of Archduke, supported by their neighbours to encourage and continue this growth. They have worked to build tremendous influence over the rest of the country, gathering as many allies as they can to solidify their position as the kings of kings. The Central Kingdoms is usually used in reference to this support base, a vast network of petty kings used to prop up the true rulers of the region in Houlm. Various other large Kingdoms exist, notably Cars and Breige, though few have the necessary power to wrest the title of Archduke from the grip of its masters. The Central Kingdoms are typically at odds with the other factions, seen as the dominant and de facto bloc that each region is fighting against. As such, there is plenty of resentment and jealousy aimed in their direction, which has occasionally led to warfare or other strife.

Northern Kings

The northern Routot are generally seen as somewhat uncivilized, especially by the central kingdoms. They share much with the Swidnicans to their further north, having a certain reliance on herding and horses. Their settlements tend to be less populated than in the south, with more focus on resource production than the urban craftsmen of Houlm or Cars. Mining and timber are the main industries here, while Morsan in the west focuses more on the horse trade. Despite their relative proximity to their southern neighbours, many among the north consider themselves almost entirely distinct. They tend to eschew the politics between those realms and instead focus on furthering their own goals beyond the confederacy. This has meant them steadily creeping north into the Swidnican steppe, swaying local headmen there towards their own leadership to try and expand. King Lean of Vanne is perhaps the most notable among them, making no secrets about his desire to influence the chase for the Swidnican crown. His kingdom is the largest among the north, making him a de facto sort of ruler among these lords.

Beggar Kings

A rift exists between west and east among the Routot. While the central kingdoms occupy some of the finest arable land in Oderen, east of the Bellier river it quickly disappears. The result is mediocre farming and much smaller populations in the shadow of the Malada mountains. The Kingdoms here are generally poor and downtrodden, seeing themselves as being forgotten by the rest of the confederacy. They benefit from some trade with the larger cities of Cars and Breige, but lay too distant to properly claim any benefits of mutual defense. With the Arrans far away, and the Firdach being somewhat pacified and even beginning to trade with the Routot, there remains little threat to force them into cooperation. This has given rise to a rebellious streak, with no voice louder than that of King Gonthier in Barda. Here they stir the pot of isolationism and xenophobia, blaming outsiders and western kings for their problems. While nothing has come of it yet, the Beggar Kings seem to have little to lose if they do try and forge their own path in the future.

Merchant Kings

Trade ports ring the Morsure Bay, each an important stop on trade between the Elves in the east and the Midlands in the west. For the most part, the swamps and lowlands of the eastern part of the Morsure restrict its ports, wreaking havoc on unwary ships that enter the area. The waters in the western part are much clearer, and the land more plentiful and sure. Here the ports have grown in size, each supporting its own kingdom that makes its wealth from trade. Caulois is easily the largest among these, and the most influential. King Jehan and his forebears have practically controlled their surroundings on a whim, with decisions made in the bigger city having great effects on the other ports. This, combined with threats from envious neighbouring kingdoms, has bound them together into a unified group. While small, this faction does wield terrific wealth, which they have used to buy influence from beyond their own meagre borders. The settlements in the merchant kingdoms are clustered along the coasts, with only villages and small towns stretching away from the sea. The forests of the Kochi loom large further inland, and most here are too afraid to venture into its shadow.