Swidnica

Swidnica is a vast grassland, stretching from the Karska mountains and Premyslid in the west, off to the wastes of the Aertherbreach in the east. Many of its people live as nomads, driving their herds of livestock between the more permanent settlements on the steppe. They are a warlike and stern people, living a harsh and unforgiving life on the edge of the world. Their society is based around local rulers who have near autonomous control over their communities. Religion and old traditions hold sway here, with many communities insular and wary of outsiders that are not Swidnican.

History

The Swidnican plain has been occupied for some time, and has rarely amounted to more than it does now. At the height of its relevance, the region composed the southern frontier of the Noreyan Empire, its vast steppe a barrier to incursion from the other southern human kingdoms. To be relegated as a buffer has long been the Swidnican lot, fending off Arran attacks in the name of their northern overlords. With the fall of the Noreyans in the Aetherbreach, the region once again became a buffer, though on behalf of the southern realms instead. The Swidnicans were faced with the monsters unleashed by the catastrophe, and still fight them to this day. Facing such a threat, and with little to offer the other realms, it is no surprise that the Swidnicans have largely been left to their own devices, fighting off the weak attempts to subjugate them throughout history.

Society

Nobility

The rulership of Swidnica is held mostly by local lords, or headmen. These rulers are influential in their communities, acting as small time warlords in their immediate region. These petty nobles vary drastically in quality, and operate mostly autonomously across the steppe. Above them are several other rulers, who claim sole control of the steppe. The distance between settlements makes their authority difficult to enforce, making the political scene incredibly fluid and irregular. The power each ruler wields depends largely on their support among headmen, providing the lower nobles with significant power in the relationship.

Conflicts

Aetherbreach

The Aetherbreach is perhaps the gravest threat to the region, sparking most of the violence on the steppe. Monsters pour from the gash in the far north, roaming the wastes aimlessly. They cross the river Totorv in packs, threatening the drovers and herders beyond. The brave, or foolish, few nomads who roam the banks of the river are protected by throngs of soldiers. These bands come from across Swidnica, raised from the various isolated communities to protect the country as a whole. No permanent fixture, they are instead levied in rotations, towns and hamlets offering up recruits for a short period of time to serve. Swidnicans believe the Aetherbreach and its spawn were created by Mazlen, the evil deity in their faith. As such, to fight the evil is seen as the right and duty of every Swidnican; a task they take to with the utmost sincerity and dedication. There is seldom a shortage of recruits for the bands that patrol the Totorv, with service a chance to earn honour and glory. Many across the region feel that only they sacrifice in the defence against the Aetherbreach, and resent the southern realms for their lack of support in what is often a daily struggle.

Headmen

The grasslands of Swidnica are far from a unified stage. Aside from a shared culture and traditions, the region is fragmented by distance and isolation. Several rulers lay claim to the title of king, each having their own centre of support. These few, whatever their heritage or title, rely on the lower nobility for their mandate to rule. Without the approval of these petty rulers there can be no hope to hold the steppe under the control of a single authority, and so they are allowed immense freedom and autonomy compared to similar stations in other realms. This delicate balance provides for interesting scenarios, and gives nearly unchallenged power to the lesser nobles. These rulers, called Headmen, are the ruling class in the various hamlets and villages that dot the plain. Some rule over a single settlement, while others command entire swathes of the population. They count among their numbers stoic warriors, petty tyrants, and everything in between. Each has some tenuous thread connecting them to their position, though few have earned it through exceptional merit. Despite their differences, they all share a similar level of power and role in the country; providing local justice and administering laws as they see fit. At times, these Headmen clash with figures in their community, or even each other. The most noble among them will appeal to a higher authority for arbitration, though often bloodshed is the answer to the problem. A particularly brutal or repressive Headmen can make things difficult for any under their domain, and local politics are a realm for only the strongest of hearts.

Kingship

The title of King is a strange thing in Swidnica. There has technically never been a King, the title not recognized by other rulers further south. Many feel there is nothing in Swidnica to be the king of, and fail to see the dignity in lording over nomads and livestock. None of this is to say the region has never been unified, for it has fallen under the sway of several would-be rulers at various points in its his history. Several Headmen have ridden their ambitions to try and conquer their fellows, establishing vast swathes of control within the grasslands. What all of these aspiring kings have failed to do is create lasting dynasties, each having their holdings fall apart after their death. None of them affected any lasting sorts of change, and were mostly forgotten quite quickly. Despite this, it has no discouraged others from pursuing the same fate. Currently, there are multiple claimants to the ideal title of King, though only two are serious. Kostantz of Staw and Timot of Dabkowe are the two most established rivals, each having significant support among the Headmen in their respective regions. Conflict between claimants is not explicitly bloody, instead existing more as a battle for support and admiration among the lesser nobility. Intrigue is the most common tactic, though gifts and bribery are common as well. Warfare does happen sporadically, typically between the more aggressive of a claimants supporters.

Daily Life

Swidnicans live mostly in small villages across the grasslands, in clusters of families who have lived in the same spot for generations. They herd livestock and grow meagre crops in the harsh landscape, with subsistence farming being the most common occupation. Their culture has remained largely unchanged since ancient times, though it has inherited some elements of the Noreyan Empire during its subjugation. While many Swidnicans are poor, they are wealthy in horses. Several breeds exist on the steppe, and all of them are prized by foreigners. Swidnican horse traders are known as dishonest and arrogant, but immensely knowledgeable about their wares. They are a common sight further south, leading caravans of the animals from market to market.

Some Swidnicans roam as nomads, following their livestock as they drive them across the plains. These few cling to the old way of life, before the Noreyans conquered them. Generally considered ignorant yokels, they are nonetheless welcome in villages. Hospitality plays a big role in Swidnican lives, as the steppes are unforgiving for anyone to brave alone. Drinking and eating with strangers is common, and virtually none are turned away if requesting aid. Despite this, Swidnicans remain wary of foreigners, sharing their hospitality without truly welcoming any newcomers.

Notable Factions

Rotas

The Rotas are the bands that patrol the Totorv river, defending the lands beyond from the monsters that flee the wastes. They are a fairly ragtag band, as diverse as the different backgrounds they come from. Some are experienced warriors, while others are raw recruits barely able to wield a bow. There is little standardization, or even organization, among the rotas. Bands are supplied by Headmen, who decide it is their community’s turn to supply a rota. Volunteers are levied, quickly given training, and ride to join the front. Often these are under the leadership of experienced soldiers, who are given complete control over their party. Whatever instruction these leaders deem fit to provide their followers is up to them, and varies as wildly as the quality of the leader. Some take the role very seriously, and build up the confidence and ability of their men. Others do not survive the rota. Rotas often fight from horseback, with bow and spear. Warriors from Swidnican rotas can be found all over the world as mercenaries; their skill as light cavalry second to none.

Notable Places

Dabkowe

Dabkowe is the largest city in Swidnica, being near to where the Routot lands begin. Little more than a fortified town, it’s sharp wooden palisade stands out drastically from the flat plain that surrounds it. The town itself is home to most Swidnican merchants, especially in the east of the region. It is built on the shores of a small lake, providing the populace with fish and freshwater. Aside from the caravans that travel to and from the city, it is the gathering point for many rotas leaving and returning from patrol. As such, the city’s occupants swell and shrink quite routinely as these travellers come and go. The town is the seat of Timot, one of the claimants to a Swidnican crown. He has proclaimed the region as his capital, and conducts business here with foreign diplomats. His palace is a walled longhouse, little more than an extension of the city palisade.

Staw

Largest settlement in the western part of Swidnica, Staw is deep in the heart of the grasslands. Little more than a sprawling village, it nonetheless boasts a bustling population. Its central location makes it a gathering point for the nomads that travel the length and breadth of the plain, crossing through the settlement on their travels. A market exists here, where goods the nomads pick up along their travels are exchanged for food or other wares. It pales in comparison to some market towns elsewhere in the human realms, but is quite unique for Swidnicans. The town also offers reasonably fertile lands surrounding it, boasting a few small wheat fields and other grain crops. Its ruler is Kostantz the Great, a just and forgiving ruler popular among the common folk of the country. He lives in a longhouse in the centre of the town, where he passes judgement on disputes brought before him. Some travel from far beyond his reign to seek out his judgement, a reputation he has done well to cultivate.

Notable Personalities

Bartosz, Rota Leader

Bartosz is a folk hero among the people in eastern Swidnica. He began his legend as a young farmer, eager to fight along the Totorv river. When his community sent a rota to the river, he left as barely a teenager. His band suffered a tremendous defeat, where he was left alive. Fiercely dedicated to his cause, he continued the patrol alone, defeating several monsters along the way. Other warriors flocked to his banner, and now he leads one of the few permanent rotas in the region. In truth, Bartosz is simply a charismatic and immensely capable warrior, with a zeal and passion for his work. He did join a rota as a young man, but hardly accomplished half the deeds credited to him. He is deeply religious, and sees his duty on the front to be as great a service to Moros as possible. He stands at average height, his skin harshly weathered from the wind on the plains. A scruffy beard runs down his neck, unkempt but not bushy. His face is unremarkable, dominated by an expression of quiet confidence. He gives an aura of authority, and owns the complete loyalty of his men.

Timot Kadlub, King of Swidnica

One of the claimants for a Swidnican crown, Timot is based out of Dabkowe. Here, he plots his course of action, seeking to undermine the support of his rival Kostantz in the west. He is an egomaniacal ruler, who is more concerned with others perception of him than any actual lasting legacy. His father built Dabkowe into the centre it is today, and Timot seems ignorant to the squalor that the city is falling to. His vanity is played to by the Headmen under his reign, who use flattery and false humility to get away with whatever they desire. His justice is harsh, but also arbitrary, and the common people have a low view of him as a potential king. Despite all of this, Timot is supported by numerous Headmen, who keep him soothed as a vessel for better trade with the south and the vast independence he offers them. The aspiring king holds a certain paranoia about rota leaders, inviting them to his court to feast and dine whenever possible. This way, he can keep an eye on the successful ones and try to gauge their loyalty to him. Timot himself is a fairly portly man, gorged on meats and cheeses imported from the Routot. He has an elaborately curled moustache, with he keeps lacquered stiff. His eyes are somewhat beady, though his nose is remarkably aquiline. A shock of long hair sits on his head, often falling to dangle in front of his eyes. He is middle aged.

Kostantz the Great, King of Swidnica

Another aspiring king of Swidnica, Kostantz is the ruler of Staw. Known as a wise and just ruler, he holds court in a modest longhouse within the town. The court, or what passes for one, is filled with headmen loyal to their king. Here, they plan his conquest of the eastern part of the country, and work to convert other headmen to his cause. His biggest rival is Timot Kadlub, and the pair are opposites in several respects. Kostantz is sought out by many seeking a resolution to their dispute, and his rulings are often the best for both parties. Common folk especially will travel great distances for a meeting with their king. Kostantz has the support of several notable rota leaders, endorsed by them as having the best interests of the country at heart. He is a tall and thin man, with lanky limbs. An injury he sustained in his youth left him with no feeling in a portion of his face, giving his mouth a droop in one corner. Long, thin black hair falls to his shoulders, and no facial hair seems to grow on his face. His face is kind and patient, with surprisingly large eyes. He is older, being near to sixty.

Katarzyna, Daughter of Orzech

Orzech was a powerful warrior, having controlled a wide stretch of the central plains during his lifetime. Upon his death, his holdings fell apart as many successful Swidnican conquerors do. His daughter, however, was unwilling to let her inheritance dissolve. Through immense perseverance, and a lifetime of work, she consolidated most of her father’s central holdings into a respectable region to call her own. Determined to succeed, she has thrown herself with dedication and severity into her role as ruler, earning the respect of those under her and making her a possible option to rule Swidnica as a whole. She is considered a capable ruler, having overcome prejudice about her gender in the process of establishing her hegemony. Katarzyna is tall for a woman, and immensely thin. She is older, and her face has sunken from a lifetime of stress and pressure. Her eyes are a bright blue, and she often has a stern expression on her face.