The Pride Kingdoms
The Doomed Dominion
On the grounds beneath the ancient country of Lafernia, a new empire has risen, that has chosen to unite the countries of Sorashana to stand together pridefull and strong. "In unity there is strength" was one of the many pitched ideas for the axiom of The Pride Kingdoms of Sorashana, but the Pride Kingdoms Coalition chose another axiom to live by. They choose war, they choose strength and so their axiom became one of unity through conquest.
- "United We Stand, United We Conquor" -
Axiom of the Pride Kingdoms, as chosen by king Zamodon Privian
Across the varied terrains of Sorashana in the world of Eastrix, one can still see the echoes of a bygone union known as the Pride Kingdoms. This coalition, consisting of powerful realms, now stands as a reminder of historical hubris and the fleeting nature of alliances. In Sorashana's heart, among lush plains and resilient mountains, lies Accordia, an enduring emblem of empire's might and fragility. To the South and East, harboring age-old secrets of life, stands Tuetoenia, the realm of the enigmatic Druids of the Witched. Within Frystdrassil's icy embrace, the dwarven realm of Khazadthur, hewn from eternal frost and rock, persists as a symbol of unyielding perseverance. And to the eastern fringes of Sorashana, adjacent to Tuetoenia and Accordia, thrives Tenarius, a nation deeply devoted to Waukeen, Our Lady Gold, and the principles of trade.
Nearly two decades ago, these kingdoms stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the coalition known as the Pride Kingdoms, an alliance perceived as a ravenous predator in Eastrix's intricate geopolitics. However, this coalition's unity crumbled in 389, following the shocking revelation that their leader, Zamodon, had long been deceased and replaced by a demon. The aftermath of this disclosure was marked by a seismic shift in alliances during the Sorashanan War, wherein Tenarius, betraying the coalition, sided with the technologically advanced Libertalia. Viewed as treachery by many, this move, nonetheless, positioned Tenarius as a burgeoning power in the new geopolitics of Sorashana. Today, the Pride Kingdoms are seen as a regrettable chapter in the annals of Eastrix's history, a potent lesson in the impermanence of alliances and the perilous nature of power.
Structure
The Pride Kingdoms, during its operational years, maintained a complex and intricate hierarchy that included the following major roles:
High Regent of the Pride Kingdoms: The ultimate leader of the Pride Kingdoms Coalition. The High Regent was the primary authority figure, a decision-maker, and the symbol of unity among the different nations. This person was entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing of the coalition, making strategic decisions, and overseeing inter-kingdom relations.
Kingdom Representatives (Regents): Each member state of the Pride Kingdoms appointed a Regent, who acted as the voice of their respective nation in the coalition's council. These representatives were usually individuals of high political status within their respective nations, such as a monarch, high councilor, or another figure of similar authority. Their responsibilities included representing their nation's interests, contributing to the coalition's decision-making process, and communicating decisions and policies back to their respective nations.
Grand Diplomat: This individual was responsible for the coalition's diplomacy, managing foreign relations, and dealing with other international entities. The Grand Diplomat's tasks included negotiating treaties, resolving disputes, and fostering positive relationships with nations outside the coalition.
Pride Marshal: The military leader of the coalition. The Pride Marshal was responsible for coordinating the combined military forces of the coalition, planning and executing military strategies, and maintaining the security of the member nations.
High Treasurer: The person in charge of the economic and financial matters within the coalition. They managed the collective wealth of the kingdoms, oversaw trade agreements, and coordinated economic policies to ensure prosperity within the coalition.
Clergy Representative: Given the importance of religion within these kingdoms, a high-ranking religious official, often an Archbishop or equivalent, represented the spiritual interests of the coalition. They provided spiritual guidance and ensured that religious customs and practices were respected within the coalition's operations.
Advisory Council: This was a body of wise and experienced individuals from different fields such as law, trade, agriculture, and magic. They provided insights, counsel, and advice to the High Regent and other high-ranking officials on various matters.
The structure was designed to ensure representation and balance of power, promoting cooperation among the member states while respecting their individual sovereignties. It was an intricate balancing act that, despite its challenges, kept the Pride Kingdoms unified for a significant period of time.
Culture
The culture of the Pride Kingdoms, during its operational period, was a unique fusion of the diverse traditions and customs of its member states - Accordia, Tuetoenia, Khazadthur, and Tenarius. Despite their differences, a common thread of power, ambition, and expansionist ideology bound these states together.
Promoting a sense of unity while embracing their diverse cultures was a challenging balancing act. Parades and festivals were held, showcasing the cultural heritage of each member state. These events were intended to foster a sense of common identity while preserving the unique traditions of each state.
High importance was given to the display of wealth and power, reflecting the coalition's ambitions. Lavish ceremonies, grand architecture, and magnificent art were common expressions of the Pride Kingdoms' prosperity and influence. This was also mirrored in the penchant for complex diplomatic games, political intrigues, and power plays that characterized the Kingdoms' politics.
Public Agenda
On the international stage, the Pride Kingdoms was perceived as a force to be reckoned with. The coalition's public agenda centered on increasing its influence, power, and territory. The combined resources and military might of its member states made it a formidable entity.
Under the guise of maintaining peace and order in the region, the Pride Kingdoms often intervened in the affairs of other nations, asserting its influence and interests. These interventions ranged from diplomatic and economic pressure to military incursions when deemed necessary. Such aggressive tactics earned the coalition a reputation for being predatory in its international dealings.
Their aggressive expansionist policy, coupled with a well-oiled diplomatic machine, often saw the Pride Kingdoms involved in negotiations, treaties, and alliances. However, these were usually skewed to favor the coalition, further bolstering its power at the expense of weaker nations.
This unabashed pursuit of power and dominance was the coalition's defining feature and ultimately led to its downfall. Its legacy, viewed in a negative light by many, continues to influence international relations in Sorashana, even years after its disbandment.
Disbandment
The news of Zamodon Privian's death arrived like an unseen storm, unpredictable and devastating. It was delivered by Gligamesh J. Legba and Adamiel Bartholemæus Tamariel von Hinan Tenarius II, igniting shockwaves through the foundations of the Pride Kingdoms. It was the final knell in the tolling bell, and with its echo, the Pride Kingdoms began to crumble.
The political dissolution was akin to witnessing a sandcastle wash away by the tide. Once grand and impenetrable, it slowly but surely succumbed to the forces it could no longer withstand. The Khazadthuri dwarves, the Frystians, felt a chill sweep through them. They chose solitude, an exodus of their own, retreating into the icy arms of Sorashana and fortifying their borders against the world that had changed too rapidly.
In the heartland of Tenarius, a shroud of trepidation hung low. The economic uncertainty of a post-Zamodon world made the market jittery and the trade winds unpredictable. Citizens glanced at each other with wary eyes, feeling the tectonic shift beneath their feet. The reality of an unstable future weighed heavy on their hearts, turning dreams into fears overnight.
At the epicenter of it all was Ludwig Strahd von Zarovich, his fist colliding with the face of Kaiser Gustaf of Tuetoenia. Gustaf staggered back, clutching a bloodied mouth and nursing the absence of a tooth. Ludwig's mother, Zuroya, dashed after her son, her heart pounding as she wrestled with the overwhelming chaos. Ludwig's rage was not just directed at Gustaf but at the dilution of their principles. Gustaf's choice to remain connected to the disintegrating alliance was, in Ludwig's eyes, a betrayal of their shared heritage and values.
This was not how the Pride Kingdoms were supposed to end. The people looked upon their leaders, the pillars of power they had once believed unshakeable, and saw only confusion and disorder. The great stalwarts who had ruled over Sorashana were now like driftwood in a tempest, directionless and uncertain. The King was dead, and with him, the Pride Kingdoms seemed to have lost their guiding light.
In every corner of the realm, a sense of loss was palpable. The once steady compass of their collective destiny was spinning, aimless. They were on a ship adrift, the stars obscured, the map discarded, and their captain gone. The disbandment was more than political upheaval; it was a fracture in their identity, a rift in their shared history, and a question mark on their path forward. It was a feeling of being lost in a world that was familiar yet starkly different. The echoes of Zamodon's demise rang in their ears, a haunting reminder of the frailty of unity and the stark reality of their new era.
DISBANDED/DISSOLVED

United we stand, united we conquor
366 I.E. 16 Solar Solstice - 385 I.E. 12 Solar Solstice
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
The Pride Kingdoms, the Coalition
Successor Organizations
Founders
Power Structure
Confederation
Location
Official Languages
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