Norrdland

From Snowblossom

A land of rebels and outcasts, Norrdland is a source of resistance against the increasing imperial nature of the Middle Kingdoms. Considered by outsiders to be a land of lawless rebels, the Norrdlanders are bound by their resistance to the Red Guard of the Middle Kingdoms.

History

The Norrdland was originally land owned by Kosska and Caladonia before the nations agreed to join the High Kingdom. Many inhabitants across the Middle Kingdoms were very strongly against the Alliance of the Middle Kingdoms. One territory in the very north of Caladonia - called Norrd - declared independence. After attacks by the newly-formed Red Guard and diplomatic efforts, Norrd backed down from its claim and rejoined Caladonia.

However, the anti-Alliance sentiment remained in the lands, and slowly but surely, other dissidents moved to Norrd. Each Lord Protector took more and more action to remove the dissidents and rebels, but it only strengthened their resolve.

Finally, two-hundred years after the initial rebellion, the Red Guard were sent into to take over a winery which had refused to pay a certain tax to the central government. The winery, however, was a gathering place for many people in the growing movement to secede again. Soon, another rebellion broke out, beginning at the Soresaw Winery and spreading throughout Norrd.

Norrd once again declared independence. This time, it had two hundred years of preparation and the help of a group of neighboring Kosskan dwarves who wished to secede from their kingdom as well.

War broke out. Although Caladonia was not anxious to attack its own people, the Caladonian government allowed the Red Guard's forces to attack the Norrdland through Caladonia. However, Kosska refused to allow the Red Guard to attack through its land, the first political victory for the rebellion.

The Alliance was further bogged down by politics. The member nations were debating whether this was an appropriate use of the Red Guard, or whether Caladonia should not have to deal with the problem on its own. Caladonia, however, had no interest in reclaiming the troublesome "Norrdland" (as the new nation was calling itself). This, in turn, troubled the Council of Five, who worried this might spark further rebellions.

In the end, the mire of politics slowed the advance of the Red Guard, who never got a foothold in the Norrdland. Although the Kosskan dwarves gained back a small portion of their territory, they eventually found it far too expensive to reclaim what they saw as marginally valuable forests.

Thus, the Norrdland was born. The Kosskan and the Caladonian rebels joined forces and created a new nation.

The Norrdland's first century has been extremely rocky. The government is loose and somewhat weak, many outlaws and refugees have fled to the nation, seeking sanctuary, and the complete silence between the Norrdland and its neighbors leaves it without overland trade routes.

In addition, the Red Guard continue to patrol the Caladonian border. With the rise of Vahrun Ruenhart, the Red Guard has amassed and begun a campaign to retake the Norrdland, which may not be in a position to defend itself this time.

Government

Originally, the rebel leader of Norrd and the leader of the rebel Kosskan dwarves commanded Norrdland in tandem. They then appointed seven councilors to oversee certain parts of governing the new nations. Although the ideas of democracy was ripe in the fledgling state, it never made it into formal law. The councilors now appoint successors, and the seven debate endlessly about each member's power. Ironically, the Norrdland is now mired by the same kind of bureaucracy that allowed it to breathe life in the first place.

People

(50% human, 25% dwarf, 15% elf, 3% gnome, 3% halfling, 2% half-elf, 2% other)