Motherlands

"Between the rivers, there sits a chaotic realm of shifting alliances and territories. There are vague rules, but ultimately the law of iron reigns supreme here."

Fourth Age

The Riverlands, formerly called the River Kingdoms, is a region in southern Yekare. It is a land of great fertility, defined by the multitude of winding rivers which weave through its lands. It is also fairly rural. There are major cities, such as Deadhill and Cloudband, but they pale in comparison to the great metropolises of the north. Most of the populace lives in small, isolated agricultural communities. The people of the Riverlands are called the Riverfolk. Beyond farmland, the majority of the Riverlands is covered in forests which reach all the way to the river shores. Politically, the Riverlands are divided between Pelegon and Kolram. The Riverlands were the second region conquered by Pelegon I after his sunjigation of the Free Cities. Due to the lack of coordination and the poor state of the people and petty kingdoms, he found it relatively easy to occupy and annex the region. However, the newly refounded Kolramite Empire did not fall or submit, and remains today as the only independent state left in the Riverlands, lending it the nickname "Last of the River Kingdoms."

Third Age

The River Kingdoms are a chaotic region located in southern Yekare. The Kingdoms are situated in between several rivers and inlets. The region is politically disunified, comprised of several squabbling petty kingdoms and realms ruled by bandit lords. Most of the kingdoms are city-states, constantly at war with one another. Occasionally, a king may conquer multiple cities, but they rarely hold them for long. Due to the inherent chaos of the realm and the nature of its rulers, it is a haven for outlaws, with many bandits and thieves emigrating there to find their fortune. Mercenaries frequently get their starts in the River Kingdoms, either taking advantage of the chaos to make some coin or protecting the downtrodden who can’t count on local militias to do so, depending on who you ask. Chaos can also act as a shield, the kingdoms are home to a great many exiles and outcasts. If you have a past to hide, or are running away from something (or someone), the River Kingdoms are a common place to run. 

Though called the River Kingdoms, the region is host to various regimes and governments. Republics, mercantile oligarchies, military dictatorships, direct democracies, and more can be found scattered across the River Kingdoms. 

Political map of the River Kingdoms showing them just before the Conquest. Black denotes stateless areas, usually consisting of independent villages or incredibly small alliances of multiple villages.

Major River Kingdoms

By the Pelegonic conquest, there were thirteen major powers in the River Kingdoms.

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