The Forgelands
“Land of Myth and Legend.” The Forgelands is an incredible and fiery landscape dominated by Eight Clans based on the Heroes that killed the monster that terrorized their lands 600 years ago. These 8 clans are made of the best armor and weapons crafters in the entire world. These are also the most gifted and powerful Essence wielders in the entire continent. They live up to their reputation and would pose a terrifying threat if they ever banded together. However, they are too preoccupied with fighting each other. Mostly honorable, tradition-bound, and honest to a fault.
Structure
The Forgelands is ruled by Eight equally powerful taifars which operate under their own rules and jurisdiction. However, the main cultural capitol of the Forgelands resides in V'Rok Risten in Taifar Lapis. This is where the rulers of the former nation of the Firelands resided and ruled from. Thus it continues to act as a cultural touchstone.
Culture
Built on camaraderie and unified pride in their history and magical prowess and raw power. Forgelanders have their culture literally tattooed on their arm. The dots represent their clan.
If they are filled, they are Forgelander by birth.
If the dots are hollow, they immigrated but are now a Forgelander and resident of that taifar.
If the dots are half hollow and half filled, the person is a forgelander by marriage.
All of these are considered high honors and once earned cannot be taken. Taifar Fondren disagrees but that is another story.
History
The Forgelands descended into infighting post revolution and killing of the king.
Alessandrak Exford advocated for unification from the beginning, but due to unrest and infighting opted to establish her clan and clan 4. However she decided after establishing 2 and 4’s independence to try to extend her reach and upon meeting outside influences.
After the Amarans seemed to have conquered their ancestral enemy (Itam's Pride ) with nothing but words and rumor, Alexandrak realized that the Forgelands were more capable of ruling Thesslia through sheer will.
It occurred to her how to unify the Forgelands. Use the Eight Heroes and hold them up as symbols and advocate for the United construction of the Forges of the Fallen and the additions added to V’Rok Risten. She helped the various leaders see how unification was essential. That group then agreed that their reach was tempered by the weak king and decided to expand.
Ultimately either Exford led the call for solidarity and expansion through propaganda to their people about the 8 heroes.
However the Forgelands started to be unstoppable. Countries attempted to sow dissent amongst the ranks, but it didn’t take. The March on Amara being the most poignant example.
However a strange thing occurred almost at the height of their power, the first Mactos Massacre occurred (no one knows a wayfarer or a Stovencrainian showed them how and made them soulless). This began to make the empire crumble from within.
The night of the 8 heroes story was different than what is told today. Some claimed there were more heroes than there was but if the story could be controlled then it could be used to unite and shift the Forgelands culture.
Technological Level
Incredibly advanced in uses of Physical and Metaphysical Essence. They're craftsmanship is second to none. Their more complex weapons are incredibly well done, but not as mass producible as their Stovencrainian counterparts.
Their weapons are innately magical and capable of channeling Essence for metaphysical attacks. This gives Foreglanders a frightening advantage on the battlefield. The act like vikings of lightning.
Education
Educated in history, craft, and culture. However the emphasis is on craftsman skills.
Huge divides occur between Wielders and Artisans.
Depending on the Taifar, Wielders are seen as the raw power and the workers. They are criticized for a perhaps lack of precision.
Artisans are the craftspeople. They are the intricate wielders focused on the details and molding of the materials that the wielders mine.
"Remembered by those who remain, embraced by what awaits..."
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
V'Rok Risten
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Forgelander
Ruling Organization
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Barter system
Major Exports
Armor, materials, metals, weapons, tools, protection
Major Imports
Food and transport for trade.
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Related Traditions
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Comments