South Velland

Government

Aristocratic Council.  Grand Duchy.  As per the terms of their induction into the Empire, South Velland may send a representative to sit upon the Emperor’s council.

South Velland is ruled by a group of aristocrats of noble birth or of significant wealth who meet in the Capital to organize the state.  They elect a leader (Grand Duke) from amongst themselves every 10 years.  If the direct lord of Piles Sarka is not elected as Grand Duke, they are instead made representative to the Emperor.  If the lord of Piles Sarka is elected as Grand Duke, they may send a representative of their choice.

Capital

The mighty city of Piles Sarka stands at the mouth of the Petlya river.  It’s center is three great arrowhead shaped wards which form a triangle around the central harbor and Great Lighthouse.  Its middle wards are on either side of the river behind a semicircle wall and the outer wards beyond.  Every defense and luxury imaginable can be found in the great city.  It is the second oldest human city on the Marches, founded by the ancient Serdic humans long before the Imperials ever left their heartland.

Demographics

South Veland is home mostly to humans of the Velish, Serdic, and Imperial ethnicities.  The Velish are in control of most government positions and generally dominate the others, especially the Serdic humans, with an iron grip.  The region also has minor populations of half orcs and gnolls.

Culture

South Veland was invaded by the Velish in 4870.  The ferocious mountaineers raided southward burning a swath through the regions that would later become Fervir and Ermark.  While they have since settled down considerably, the Velish continue in some of their old ways.  Velish culture values individualism and exceptionalism above all else.  Friendship is considered to be a firmer tie than family, as family are a pack of backstabbers you are stuck with while friends are picked from the best people you know.  The Velish will invite you for a party, but not to stay the week.

Velish society is stratified into five layers.  The nobles, the wealthy, the retainers, the commoners, and the slaves (who are chattel).  Non-slaves typically vie for the favor and friendship of those directly above them in an effort to move up a rank.

Religion

South Veland does not have especially large temples or extensive religious ceremonies.  The Velish majority are very utilitarian with their worship, praying to the gods that they need things from and praising those who give them what they want.  Generally they favor the Common pantheon, focusing on Bane, Chauntea, Gond, Kord, Kossuth, and Talos.  With Bane and Talos being their favored deities.

Locations of Interest

Kalins Sarka is the largest city in the eastern part of the state.  Its lord is often elected Grand Duke.  After crushing the orcish threat in the region, Kalins Sarka began a 100 year conquest of the other Velish Strongholds with Imperial aid.  It is now a center of trade and industry.