Protectorate of Tiefebene

The mayors, lords and local leaders of the towns and villages of a Province make up a body known as the Lower Chorus. They are mostly self-governing, and come to power in various ways depending on the individual settlement, ranging from inherited titles to the use of a voting system. Their responsibilities include overseeing the people within their territory, enacting and enforcing any number of laws they wish to with the caveat that they do not conflict with those that govern the Province or the Protectorate, collecting taxes from the citizens, solving minor disputes between their subjects, and providing a local guard for protection. The Lower Chorus answers to its Provincial leader, known as the Speaker.   The Speaker of a Province is chosen by its Lower Chorus, and is usually from among their members, though in very rare instances, another may be seen as worthy of the title. Their job entails collecting the taxes from, and solving disputes between, the individual towns. They are also in charge of relations between the Provinces and determine what issues to bring to The Voice of Tiefebene. Every year after the first harvest the Lower Chorus will meet with the Speaker of their Province over the course of several days to bring their taxes, and discuss any pertinent issues or unresolved conflicts with other settlements that need mediation.   The Voice of Tiefebene is an elected individual charged with managing the whole of the Protectorate. The Speakers will seek input from their Local Chorus, but ultimately, it is their task to choose a representative. The only directives are that this person be Nobility, and they cannot be one of the Speakers. If, for some reason, the Speakers can't reach a consensus on who will fill this role, the King Above will step in and make the final decision. The Voice of Tiefebene spends the spring season visiting the Provinces to make sure their individual Speakers are fulfilling their duties, and can opt to address any major issues that cannot wait until the annual first harvest meeting. After this summit in the late fall, the Voice of Tiefebene will travel to Erhoren-land to assemble with the Chorus of Voices.   The Chorus of Voices consists of five representative (Voices) that encompass the Giant territories and Tiefebene of the Kingdom of Erhoren-land. They meets in early winter with the King Above, presenting the taxes collected from their lands, and bringing forth any issues/concerns/conflicts that need the King's attention. The King Above is the ruler of Erhoren-land and its protectorate, Tiefebene, and as such, has final say in all matters.   Each member of the government of Tiefebene serves until voted out, death, or removed through some other means.

Level	Title	Current Holder	Race	Area/Seat
Local	Lower Chorus	Variable	Variable	Towns
Province	Speaker of Growing	Khoon Skreah	Owlin(f)	Karminroot /
Province	Speaker of Hunting	Reverence Brightwood	Tiefling (m)	Wald Boden /
Province	Speaker of Water	Daardendrian Rhogar	Dragonborn (m)	Sumpf /
Province	Speaker of Trade	Neega Miri Greycastle	Half-Orc (f)	Handeln / Eintritt
Protectorate	Voice of Tiefebene	Kuori Wordpainter Gathakanathi	Goliath (f)	Tiefebene /

Because of the role that Giants played in the reshaping and protection of the Cloudian continent, including the lands of the Protectorate, they, and any of their bloodlines, are revered, regardless of their station. Second-most highly regarded are any from a winged race or who have the natural ability to fly in some way. As these beings can enjoy easy access to areas and things reserved for those of a certain stature or the capacity of flight, many who are not so blessed have sought ways in which to attain these gifts through artificial means. The people who resort to such measures, however, are seen as imposters and treated with a degree of disdain, particularly by those who are considered "pure-blooded."   The most prominent deity in the land is the Giant goddess, Hiatea (hee-AH-tee-uh), as it was she who answered the cry of her people during The Convergence, and provided them with a territory where they would be safe and prosperous. Second in popularity would be Savras (SAV-ras) for his connection to the Oracles. These Seers are raised to a near-divine status by the common folk for their ability to see the threads of fate. Every town features some local fortune-teller, and consulting them before any large decision is made is very important to the people. Very few of the other deities have a following here, and most keep these beliefs private. Any who do worship these "outside" gods publicly are usually met with distrust, if not outright hostility.  

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Leaving behind Handeln, this province eschews the massive dimensions found there for a far more spacious area. Karminroot's expansive plains are dotted throughout by lakes, many of which are interconnected by streams and rivers, making this fertile land considered the breadbasket of Cloudia. With roughly 14,000 sq. miles (about the size of Maryland) of vast grasslands with natural irrigation, the agrarian values of the people have made for much of the land to be converted to successful farms. While the reasons behind it are unknown, these farmsteads produce livestock and crops that are larger than standard breeds found elsewhere. Some ranches and plantations specialize in these oversized products, and cultivate them as tribute to the Giants.   Towns here are few and far between, leaving wide, open spaces among them. These villages have a wide assortment of buildings and stores, providing anything the nearby people may need as well as meeting the expectations of travelers. Because they try to fit as much as they can within as little of the land as possible, properties still tend to be larger, and homes are multi-generational as well as multi-family. Construction primarily uses stone, but wood detailing is quite common. Roads between settlements exist, however, they seem to follow the natural geography, rather than take more direct routes at the expense of the surroundings. As one moves closer towards the mountains, it is noticeable that cities here are at the base of the crags, with certain areas built into the cliffside itself, and only accessible by those who can fly.   Due to those locations, as well as the winding roads and distance between towns, the citizens of Karminroot place a high value on mobility and flight. Many people that possess wings, or have the ability to fly, can easily find jobs, particularly as messengers between settlements. Additionally, rangers and warriors are very much sought after to help against roaming creatures that try to attack farms and towns alike. The worst of these are manticores that do not look to take livestock, but people, as their prey. While many have tried to investigate where they come from and why they attack, no one has found this out as of yet. Intelligent enough to sometimes attack in groups, towns employ seasoned hunters of any kind that can handle the threat, and while winged or flighted fighters are preferable, many places are less selective and will take any who can handle the problem. That said, the hide of a manticore is incredibly valued for its toughness, and can even be used in the making of certain furnishings, such as chairs.   While inhabitants of Karminroot have the typical adoration towards the Giants as the protectors of the land, there are some that feel a bit of displeasure at what they feel has been an ignored problem. These people believe that as the province that provides food for most of the land, and which also sends additional tributes to the Giants, that the manticore attacks should be given more attention. So far, those who are protesting are not large or vocal enough to pose a threat, but whether or not that stays true remains to be seen. Karminroot is also a rarity among the other territories in that several "outside" deities are more revered here than Hiatea, specifically Chauntea, Selune, and Savras, though a handful of others can also be found. Worship of these gods/goddesses is kept to small, personal shrines, with the exception of Savras, as he is tied to the Oracles and fate.   Although many of the people are farmers or crafters, this does not mean that fashion doesn't have a place here. Many trends from Handeln can be seen here, though often is a simpler or reserved way. The people seem to prefer using accenting pieces of a certain color, or favor a trinket or jewelry piece, rather than an entire complex outfit. Overall, the clothes are more practical, and made of stronger materials to be able to withstand the work, as well as the travel, and only has small traces of an individual's allied tribe. Styles associated with Cloud Giants are the least common throughout Karminroot, usually only worn by the leaders of a town, and more often than not, specifically during special occasions. Because of how valued flying is, it's also one of the only places you'll see a feather or two worked into a person's clothing. These feathers frequently reflect the type of avian race that has helped guard the person's settlement, and is seen as a way to pay homage for their proverbial "eye in the sky."  

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On the other side of the Rock Shadow from Karminroot is the province of Wald Boden. Roughly 16,000 sq. miles (about the size of Maryland & Delaware), the geography, topography, and ecology of this area is quite diverse and very unique. The surrounding mountains are a majestic sight, especially in certain areas where one can sometimes tiny metallic veins of ore or catch sight of a very rare type of tree only found here. These specimens, like all things that grow throughout the continent, are much larger than the more typical types found elsewhere, and because of their proximity to the rich minerals found in the rocks from which they grow, they have become infused with different metals and have leaves that seem to reflect that, mimicking the ground below. These trees serve as a good indicator of rich ore veins nearby, and their leaves are quite valuable. That said, their rareness also means that they are somewhat protected and to leave one of these trees bare of all its leaves is seen as almost sacrilegious, and to chop one down is not just offensive, but criminal, with the perpetrator likely being hunted down.   The land itself is predominately forested, though again, this area's uniqueness is seen here in the mix of biomes usually found in much larger spaces than that of Wald Boden. Running around the north, east, and south is a temperate broadleaf forest that experiences warm and cool seasons. The soil is considered rich, and an array of herbs, plants, flowers, and mushrooms grow in abundance. One can also find animals that are what one would expect in a forest, ranging from foxes to rabbits. Rain is moderate throughout, however in the cooler seasons and in certain areas, one can experience light snow. In the center and along the west, however, the trees begin to change to those that are cone-bearing and needle-leaved. There's also a more limited amount of plants as the weather and soil alter to more of a subarctic type, with blueberry and lingonberry being the most easily found. The temperature in this boreal forest is far colder with a winter season that is long and harsh. Animals in this part have adapted to this climate, either by hibernating, burrowing, having thicker coats, or larger feet/hooves, such as elk, lynxes, or wolves. There is one area, however, situated nearly in the center where there are parts of both types of forests that seems inaccessible. Any who try to enter seem unable to, and those who continue to try are never heard from again.   Because of the distinct topography of this province, size and flight are not as important as they are in other areas of Cloudia. While still considered useful and somewhat revered, the people of Wald Boden prefer strength and hardiness as this is what they view as necessary to thrive here. Although there are plenty of different races that call this place home, there's quite an abundance of Dwarves, Elves, and Firbolgs, more so than in any other province. The Dwarves tend to remain close to the mountain regions, building mining towns, and searching for ore, as well as crafting ever new inventions. The Elves and Firbolgs prefer to call the forests home, and seek to build their villages in natural clearing rather than chop down any of the massive trees. Wood construction of buildings and homes is common, though they have a rule of planting and nurturing a tree for every one used to build their settlement. They also believe in as little waste as possible and often use smaller pieces of wood that might otherwise be thrown away to decorate or accent. Stone is also used, though to a lesser extent, and mostly to provide a safe way of building fireplaces in homes to keep the spaces warm. Bone is also used as accent pieces, and the combination of this with other materials is often prized as a sign of excellent workmanship.   The differences of this province extends to the faiths of its inhabitants. Along with followers of Hiatea, one can also find those who worship Mielikki and Gond. Whereas in other parts of the continent these beliefs are kept personal, here there are shrines to Mielikki located in secluded forest groves, while Gond has some deep within the mountain. This, however, has also led to a bit of conflict between the people, particularly Dwarves and Elves. The Dwarves, especially those who put their faith in Gond, wish to work the ore they mine, smithing and creating everything from jewelry to weapons. To that end, they seek out materials and resources to use alongside the metals. This leads them to the forests, often cutting down trees. The Elves who follow Mielikki feel that this is an affront to their forested lands and that they must protect it. So far, this has only resulted in high tensions so far, but many believe it is only a matter of time before it all comes to a head.   The clothing styles of Wald Boden are those of woodland and mountain people. While the leathers and fur are simple, they are quite sturdy, and can easily handle the different terrain and climate, keeping the wearer cool during warmer times, but protected from the colder seasons. In the mountain areas, metals are put to use in more classic adornments, such as buckles and clasps. Forest dwellers are more apt to integrate wood or bone in their décor. Regardless of where a person lives, any who are aligned with a Giant tribe will often have a decorative cloak pin or similar simple ornament with the motif or color that matches the clan they are allied with.  

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Province	Area	Population	Cities	Towns
Handeln	19,000 sq. miles	760,000	2	16
Karminroot	14,000 sq. miles	560,000	2	22
Wald Boden	16,000 sq. miles	320,000	0	2
Sumpf	26,000 sq. miles	260,000	2	10

General racial demographics of Tiefebene are: Arakocra, Owlin, Kenku, Aasimar, Goliath, Genasi  Firbogs and Humans. With a small smattering of the other races present    

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Handeln Province: 18,000 sq. miles   Population: 760,000 760000* Settlements: The largest city has a population of 11,000 people, the second largest 7,127. There are no other cities of note in the kingdom, and 16 towns. The remaining population lives in numerous small villages, isolated dwellings, etc.   Capital: Eintritt   Demographics: Handeln has the most integrated mixture of residents. With the most diverse areas being to the south. Those attracted to bustling hubs of civilization tend to settle here. Aaimar, Half-orcs, Goliaths, Genasi, Kenku and Owlin make up the most common races fallowed by Humans,Elves, half-elves, Dragonborn, Tieflings, and Tabaxi. Least common are the "small races" Dwarves, gnomes, halflings, shifters and the like. Of all the "small folk" Dwarves are the most common   Associated Giant Families:

Family name	Giant type	Symbol	Leader
Hallowedlight	Cloud	A many colored sunbeam breaking through a layer of silvery clouds	Hindroza Hallowedlight (f)
Steelforge	Fire	An Anvil with a sword stabbed in to it	Runezert Steelforge (m)
Frostshield	Frost	A shield with a snowflake	Izherad Frostshiled (f)
Dreamdancer	Stone	A dancing figure	Zannea DreamDancer (f)

 

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Karminroot Province: 14,000 sq. miles   Population: 280,000   Settlements: The largest city has a population of 8,995 people, the second largest 5,397. There are no other cities of note in the kingdom, and 16 towns. The remaining population lives in numerous small villages, isolated dwellings, etc.   Capital:   Demographics: Karminroot has wide open plains and lakes bordered by mountains and the looming rock shadow. Those who prefer an agrarian or nomadic lifestyle find this province suited to them. Here one is most likely to encounter the Goliaths, Half-orcs, Orcs, Aarakocra and humans.   Associated Giant Families:

Family name	Giant type	Symbol	Leader
Truthsinger	Cloud	An ornate white mask decorated in music notes	Allerorn Truthsinger (m)
Glorytalon	Fire	A dragons foot surrounded by flames	Sesturt Glorytalon (m)
Wolfhorn	Frost	A wolf head with two large horns	Ogra Wolfhorn (f)
Dreamflow	Stone	A swirling river in the night sky	Signen Dreamflow (f)

 

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Wald Boden Province: 16,000 sq. miles   Population: 320,000   Settlements: The largest city has a population of 8,485 people, the second largest 4,242. There are no other cities of note in the kingdom, and 16 towns. The remaining population lives in numerous small villages, isolated dwellings, etc.   Capital:   Demographics: Wald Boden holds the massive great forests of the Cloudian continent. Those who prefer to live in the wilderness and seek seclusion or small communities will find them selves at home here. The presence of rare materials to work with have attracted some of the more crafts inclined races as well. Here one is most likely to encounter: Firbogs, Elves, half-elves, Dwarves, Tieflings   Associated Giant Families:

Family name	Giant type	Symbol	Leader
Sagesworn	Cloud	A serene mask interwoven with vines and leaves	Melmurn Sagesworn (m)
Ironspirit	Fire	An armored figure outlined in flames	Ilkurt Ironspirit (m)
Fallenpeak	Frost	A mountain with no peak	Fulvragg Fallenpeak (m)
Graywillow	Stone	A willow tree with runes carved on its trunk	Hundar Graywillow (m)

 

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Sumpf Province: 26,000 sq. miles   Population: 260,000   Settlements: The largest city has a population of 8,668 people, the second largest 5,200. There are no other cities of note in the kingdom, and 10 towns. The remaining population lives in numerous small villages, isolated dwellings, etc.   Capital:   Demographics: Sumpf is the isolated outlier of Tiefebene, surrounded by the ocean as opposed to the mountains and largely avoided by the giants. Here one is more likely to encounter Dragonborn, Orcs, Kenku, Half-orcs, Sea -Elves, Triton, and Tortles   Associated Giant Families:

Family name	Giant type	Symbol	Leader
Truegaze	Cloud	A figure on a cloud	Trastarlom Truegaze (m)
Warbend	Fire	A broken sword	Marra Warbend (f)
Icegazer	Frost	An ice blue eye	Skane Icegazer (m)
Hallowmourn	Stone	A figure draped in black veils	Vorold Hallowmourn (m)

 

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Every year, each town sends a number of able-bodied people, mostly men, to receive basic martial training. This is considered part of the towns' taxes, and those people act as the local protectors and enforcers. The amount of people sent varies depending on the population of the town.   These people serve the base of the military, and can be called up by the Speakers or the Voice as needed.   While serving in the local areas, they are paid by the leader whose town they are protecting. When called up by the Speakers or the Voice, they are paid from the provincial or country treasury respectively.   In the smaller towns and villages, it is not uncommon for the soldiers to also be farmers or laborers.

The worship of Hiatea is seen throughout the land, and is the official religion of both Tiefebene and Erhoben-land. The formal stance is that other deities are not welcome, but the natural concentration of divination magic has made the Church of Savras impossible to remove. Additionally, as more people move and settle here, they bring their preferred deities with them. That said, worship of these other gods is kept quiet and is unsanctioned in any major capacity.

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The worship of Savras and his chosen, the Oracles, has spread everywhere in Cloudia. Minor Oracles, or those claiming to be, can be found in every settlement. Many people consult the Church of Savras before making important decisions, or embarking on a journey.   There are three Major Oracles in Tiefebene, but they reside in the most remote, secretive places, and generally only speak to those willing to brave the dangers to seek their wisdom. Once a year, during the Winter Solstice, the three Oracles gather at the high temple in (TBD), and stay for 8 days. Many devotees will flock to the temple hoping for a blessing, and to hear the predictions for the new year.

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The outside deities most worshiped are: Chauntea, Gond, Mielikki, Umberlee, Talos, and the three moon goddesses. There is a growing presence of the Cult of the Veiled lady as well.