Votadini (Vo-ta-di-ni)

The Votadini are held to be the paramount power in all Caledonia, their ancient dwelling place fixed upon the high ground overlooking the wide estuary of Bodotria. By the wise counsel of their long-dead Kings, they set forth a design of expansion, executing their will through martial subjugation, subtle mischief, and the calculated usurpation of dominion.

Their rule was thus extended over a realm deemed vast in its extent, a territory assembled from the ruins of diverse and erstwhile autonomous clans. Many a lineage perished by the edge of the blade; others were rendered subject and assimilated through the solemnity of dynastic marriage. The swiftest portion of their gains was taken through acts of strategic guile: the chieftain assassinated, and the Votadini straightway riding into the desolate court to assume the rightful command.

This pervasive authority ensured the Votadini secured the largest dominion in the Northern lands. The ensuing hoard of riches permitted the continual levying of many warbands and captains, who were furnished with chariots for maneuver. These forces do labour to impress their King by frequent acts of daring exploits and necessary raids, ensuring the perpetual maintenance of the Votadini prosperity.

Relations
"Yet was the spread of Votadini power checked by the Damnonii to the east. These proud warriors stood against all stratagems to amalgamate their holdings into the Votadini dominion, choosing instead to put up stout resistance to sundry incursions into their own territory. They refused utterly all attempts at joining their bloodlines by the solemnity of marriage. Thus have the Votadini and Damnonii become sworn enemies, frequently in conflict, with the attendant custom of raiding the fringes of each respective realm. The attested boundary between these dominions is the river that doth flow into the Bodotria, and the extensive marshes which surround that region. Both parties vie fiercely for control of the ford that doth cross this river, with neither willing to yield ground. Each time one side gaineth the upper hand in the conflict, the other resolveth to take the initiative and press their claims the following campaign season. This ongoing martial strength hath forged a potent warrior class in both the Damnonii and Votadini.

To the south, the Votadini dominion doth border the Brigantes tribal confederation. In time of yore, they were engaged in open war, the Votadini succeeding in conquering minor border clans who were party to the Brigantes' control. Although raiding and small incursions continued for many years, eventually the borders and respective spheres of influence were settled upon the southern upland hills, which form a recognised natural boundary between the two groups. Both parties became embroiled in conflicts elsewhere, recognising that their limited resources were better spent in other theatres of engagement. For the last few decades, these groups have been upon terms of greater amity, with trade wagons permitted to cross the borders and even gifts exchanged between the ruling houses. Though in recent years, relations have become fraught due to the Brigantes' assimilation of an increasing stream of tribal refugees fleeing the Roman persecution of their homeland, who seek to reoccupy ancient farmland in the borderlands. Whilst both dominions have faced difficulties in this matter, they remain committed to preserving the peace, neither wishing to initiate a major conflict upon two separate fronts.

To the north, across the great estuary of the Bodotria, lies the land of the Caledonii—the formidable Northern Tribes, whose sheer number and lack of centralized authority hath long presented a different, yet significant, impediment to the Votadini's aspirations of further conquest.

Territory

Votadini lands are a mixture of fertile plains extending north to the shores of the Bodotria, pastures in the foot hills in the hinterland and a vast expanse of rugged lands with forests suitable for the hunting of game. These hills have been used as a source of timber and hunting for generations, leading to the depletion of their timber and game for hunting. Nae wolves have been hunted to extinction here and bear an elk have no been seen since many generations. such is the burden that man places on nature. The The Druid Order expressed their concern for this depletion of natural resource in the wilds but the nobility persist to come here with hunting parties to chase deer for sport.

The Votadini nobility reside in a number of hillforts spread across their territory, from these lofts heights they command the fields and pastures below. their principal settlement is that of Traparian law, here they hold their court in a huge hilltop settlement with the homes of their vast retinue all contained within the walled settlement. There are a number of other notable Hillfort spread across their realm where the residences of the lesser nobles and found. These are the dwellings of slave masters who have grown rich on the exploitation of enslaved tribes who they put to work in mines and salt flats. From these industries the Votadini nobility have become wealthy, and this wealth underpins the order of their society.

Rule

The Structure of Votadini society is the most stratified of all the Caledonian tribes. The king wields ultimate power, his word is law, his family his heir. Below him are the nobles, most of which are cousins or distant family to the ruling bloodline, each vying to be closer to the kind. From this nobility the kings many offices and titles are appointed so that all matters of the realm fall under the sway of his picked men of the bloodline. Beneath these are the warlords, picked men who are paid for by the royal treasury to enforce the royal power across the realm, many of these men are the many second sons of the nobiity unable to inherit their fathers title, so they distinguish themselves through bravery and honour each trying to outdo the other in service to the royal house, some lead warbands on raids, others hunting parties, slave gang masters, the most notable among them form the bodyguard of the king himself a band of picked men thought to be the best warriors of the realm, each noble house retains a warband under his banner one and all pay homage to the royal house. Beneath these are the artisans and journeymen, they reside within the citadels of the nobility, ranging from blacksmiths and gold smiths, truthsayers and money lenders all the great minds and crafts that distinguish the nobility from the peasant are kept close for their protection. Beneath them are the peasants, all farmers and herdsmen most of them willingly subordinate and servile, like simpering serveants they are happy to give away their yields just in order to live in Votadini lands. Below them yet are the slaves and thrawls, wretches as they are, serving as a reminder to all how they might fall in society if the king deems their contribution unworthy. These slaves work the mines in chains and under the lash they do all manner of tasks befitting of their station. These slaves are made up of captured tribesmen, prisoners, the deranged and vagabonds that fell upon hard times. Many die due to the wretched conditions which they must endure, all of them like the walking dead, terribly thin and black with grime. such is the way of the Votadini that they are despised by the other tribes for their treatment of their fellow men, even the druids deplore such acts but they too are corrupted by the wealth and many gifts of the royal house so that they turn a blind eye to the obvious injustice.