Karnum is the "Land of the Six Kingdoms". Each has its own rivalries, prejudices, and political stances toward one another, briefly touched on below.
The Reign of Eld are seen as (at worst) overly religious and too obsessed with conquest. They however are admired for their great and storied lineage and healthy trade relations. It also helps that the naval ambitions of Orchalannon don't extend as far north as the Swabbie Sea, so any negative perceptions of their imperialist tendencies are tempered by an amount of indifference.
The State of Cerentuin is disliked, but largely disregarded due to their vassalage under The Reign of Eld. There has been war between the two island nations more than once, and the famous Orisaar hatred of pirates is steeped in their shared history. There have been many battles over Isle of Nierenn, which the Cult of Aygir have wished to defile since its inception.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia is perceived as a kingdom in decline, whose failings are attributed to a lack of true royalty. A brisk trade is keeping past tensions at bay, for the moment. However, some at court worry that close ties with such a disreputable country will reflect on their diplomatic status abroad. There is also the difficult issue of the Pirates that find shelter in the duchy that excites great disgust in all of Orisaar.
The Mashayan Dominion has a hold of the Orit imagination, but the Zerzuran Badlands are viewed with more respect than comprehension. Their trade with the south depends heavily on access to Fum Alnahr and the Tamar River, so they are always keen on keeping good relations with the Mashaya. Negative perceptions exist around the ruler of Mashaya, due to a perceived lack of royal legitimacy. This is to most a very minor concern, outside of historians and scholars.
The Kingdom of Viltmank is regarded as a threat, but a respectable one. They are mostly an economic threat, themselves also a seafaring people with a vested interest in the widdershins trade route through the Vespasian Sea. There is no cause for hostilities with Viltfolk, but Orit are not always glad in one anothers' company due to the stark differences in style and cultural norms.
The Military Republic of Altonbrun is recognized. Not as a kingdom, but as the remnant of one, and a country with valuable trade relations. The degree to which the republic and their church cooperate in governance is viewed as unseemly as well. Orisaar had better relations with Armorcia in its heyday, so what they call those bird-riding canyon dancers are viewed as a bad replacement for an old friend, and hoping for a return of the old days. That said, individual Altonians are usually well-liked, despite any impetuous solar fanaticism.
The Orisaar monarchy does not recognize The Regency of Canidium, either as a government or even as people. They share no diplomatic or trade relations. There is a cultural perception of Canidaurs as monsters, or perhaps even worse. They are not permitted within the lands or in the waters of Sunsteda Bay.
Orisaarland trades with Kurzmarch Ford as a freehold, but private opinion tends to hold that The Tamar Towpath Cartel are little better than pirates that have made it impossible to dispense with in the preferred manner.
The Reign of Eld in Orchalannon
The State of Cerentuin is viewed as mostly as a strategic asset in terms of its religious cachet and its naval usefulness. Since the land is so damaged and the population is in such a poor state, it is regarded as a sad curiosity or a usefully weakened rival.
The Kingdom of Orisaar is counted among the true royal lineages of the continent; though their culinary and religious customs are regarded with ill ease. They earn favorable mentions for their anti-piracy work, but privately mocked for their strange gods, odd beasts of burden, and unfashionable ships.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia is counted as a kingdom by dint of history, though one in dire straits and likely irreparable decline. It is felt in Orchalannon that nobility is all but spent in Boreal Bimaria & the Brecland. Their heretical beliefs are a source of contention, and missionaries bringing god's light have too often come back failures, or not at all.
The Mashayan Dominion are counted as a holy land in the myths and legends of Old Basom, and though many wars of conquest has estranged them from the dynasty, there is great esteem for the heads of nomadic Mashaya clans. The Askari clan holding dominion in the badlands is seen as good for trade in some ways, but bad for international relations due to their unwillingness to adopt The Pandect.
The Kingdom of Viltmank is counted as a kingdom, though one of lesser stature owing to fact that it exists as an offshoot of their own kingdom. The reparations still being paid by Vilan for its soverieignty remain a point of contention.
The Regency of Canidium is viewed as a nascent line of royalty, as the Montaigne family has a lineage originally out of Old Basom (though more recently from Viltmank), and they have many family connections in the royal house. The only current impediment is that the military views them as a strategic threat owing to their prodigious industry and burgeoning military. Tensions cannot decrease until it becomes clear whose enemy the Regency of Canidium will be.
The Military Republic of Altonbrun is not recognized due to the the Alsuriean Solar Schism. Aside from theological differences, Altonians are still seen as little better than nomads hiding in the ruins of fallen Armorcia (still often referred to in Athos as Forspédian).
The State of Cerentuin
Cerentians were once the continent's proudest, mightiest, and fairest folk; the chosen people of Karna himself. They were brought low by a calamity known as "the void dragon", but nobody really knows what that means. Their beautiful green land was turned into poison and dust. Their wondrous king was taken from them and mutated by a cursed land. They regard The Reign of Eld in Orchalannon as little better than pirates for having subjugated them in a moment of crisis. They are also heretics for appropriating the faith for political aims. They view Orisaarland as a pack of wilfully insane heretics. They regard Breccia similarly. Altonians are heretics who are disrespecting the historical ruins of Armorcia, while the Canidaur race are merely monsters, chimerae, and their queen Serzy Montaigne is plainly a heretical madwoman. The The Tamar Towpath Cartel of Kurzmarch Ford are decadent "river pirates" and heretics to boot. The Mashaya think that god is a river. They are heretics, and their papercraft is insane.
The Cerentian worldview has been strongly shaped by recent history, to put it simply. They see all the continental kingdoms as (at best) bystanders in a cosmic crime committed against them, and more often as unsympathetic and delusional subhumans. They remember their past, and they have history's biggest chip on their shoulder. They keep their faith more fiercely than ever, and they are determined to shine again with a cleansing light of ancient fire. The Cerentian people are determined to find out what destroyed their land and demand satisfaction.
Kingdom of Viltmank
The Reign of Eld are viewed as an ancient line, laggards in culture and finance but still too powerful to ignore completely. The folk of that land are viewed as rustic, and the debts owed to the crown are treated as a scornful triviality.
Owing to the earnest solar faith of Viltfolk, they view the State of Cerentuin and the Isle of Nierenn as rightfully sovereign. They think it is disgusting to keep old king Goreleth a prisoner at Terebinth. They love old tales of The Order of the Sunlight Knights and whisper still that they will rise again.
The Kingdom of Orisaar and the people of Sunsteda Bay are seen as wonderfully peculiar, if a little severe. Their huge flat-bottomed Wavetreaders have captured the imaginations of Viltfolk, as have their odd religious beliefs. Most of their folktales have at least one comedy relief Orisaar.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia are close trading partners. By reputation, they are seen as gutsy and devilish. The Tempest's Elect is often talked about as an enticingly rebellious but harmless affectation within the solar faith, rather than a serious belief system.
The Mashayan Dominion are viewed as disreputably potamic in their faith, as well as much too concerned with magic and Elves. Their spices equally disliked, however their books, scrolls, and (non-magical) paper products are sought above all other imports.
Due to the Alsuriean Solar Schism, the Military Republic of Altonbrun is viewed as the bulwark of western solar faith. It is regrettable therefore that they are adherents of Speed rather than Karna. Making matters worse, they are not even monarchists and they openly defy The Pandect. Viltfolk want to like Altonians, but there are too many difficulties for more than cordial enmity from afar.
The main thing one must do in order to impress Viltfolk is to be audacious and new. The Regency of Canidium, though problematic for most, are well liked in Vilan. Their Canidaur dignitaries are fêted, and any trade that can be done across the north of Midvale is welcomed. However, the highly fashionable Viltfolk often see canid neoclassical Armorcian revival attempts as bumbling and oafish. Canidaur are regarded as a daring and exciting curiosity for the most part.
Due to their distance and remoteness of trade impact, Kurzmarch Ford is little regarded. When they are thought of at all, they are characterized as scrappy underdogs who have fought to carve out a cultural hub in the west. The Tamar Towpath Cartel is not well known of.
The Mashayan Dominion
Orisaarland is their closest neighbor and the most influential trading partner in the region, as goods flow from Sunset Sound through the Fum Alnahr, downstream to the Spinning Sea. Although the majority of the economic policies set forth by the Majistir are aimed at exports, the terms are set by The Tamar Towpath Cartel who also demand suitable imports be able to flow. The Dominion is thereby forced to come to the table - at least, until it can declare war to take the holy river Alsur... Orit are therefore regarded as economic allies in the near-term, and yet also adversaries on another timescale.
The Reign of Eld is a bitter enemy, despite their distance. The Athosian war of conquest and occupation of Qutrub has left lasting scars, and is indeed the reason the Askari clan was able to form the Dominion in the first place. Anyone from that land is not offered hospitality as a matter of course.
The State of Cerentuin is viewed as proof-positive that the Alsuriean Solar Schism has ended over a hundred years ago, with potamic theology the victor. The fall of "Karna's chosen people" was, to the Mashaya, evidence that Alsur has spoken. Therefore they are regarded with pity, yet also some delight.
The Kingdom of Viltmank is the subject of jokes. Sun-heretical fashion victims who hate the kingdom who created them. They fall from the sky on the backs of untameable monsters. Just about the only good quality Mashaya see in them is their evident love of books.
The Military Republic of Altonbrun, as the focus of the the Alsuriean Solar Schism and their closest neighbor, are viewed with open hostility. The old diplomatic ties with Armorcia are forgotten, and there are few who hope for peace.
The existence of Mukhlis has made it so the beasts who inhabit the Regency of Canidium not objectionable at all. Their revival of Armorcian culture is well-regarded. Instead, it is the fact of their queen's heritage from Vilan that causes tension. Good relations are not strategically important at the moment, as there is little trade between them.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia is so distant as to obscure any definite impressions. Those Mashaya who venture far east enough to learn more of The Tempest's Elect and the shocking behavior of the Pirates who dwell there are enough to turn the stomach of all who hear them.
The Tamar Towpath Cartel is an enemy, and one who has been nearly ripe for destruction for quite a while. The Mashayan Dominion does not recognize The Pandect, and since the fall of Armorcia the freehold of Kurzmarch Ford has dubious legal standing. Only its strategic value for international trade protects it.
The Military Republic of Altonbrun
There is open enmity with The Mashayan Dominion. They profess to believe in the same god, but differ on the particulars ever since the Alsuriean Solar Schism; the razing of Narova is only the most recent insult. Potamists are not made to feel welcome within the steppe.
The Regency of Canidium are viewed as strange upstarts, in the best possible way. Until lately, Altonians were viewed as such and it is a relief to be able to seem normal compared to the hulking chimerae of The Montaignes. Canidaur are generally Cult of Karna adherents like their queen, which Altonians all agree is old fashioned but respectable. There is a good deal of trade between these nations along the further reaches of the Tounbank Rill. The Military Republic of Altonbrun also derive their basic culture from old Armorcia; Altonians have modulated the dialect, fashion, and architecture of the fallen empire with the heritage of steppe nomads, as well as their more modern solar zeal. Compared to historic Armorcian, Altonians are rougher yet more modern. In comparison, Canidaur culture, such as it is, stems from a mandated neoclassical revivalism of Armorcian language, religion, architecture, and fashion. However, due to the playful nature and monstrous appearance of canids, much of the intended gravitas and dignity of old imperial style appears comical.
Orisaarland is a major source of imports and a key trading partner with Brimladum, and so their strange titanic faith is tolerated with some effort. Orit are as unlike Altonians as any two Human cultures ever were. The southern Altonians are idealistic, modern, tall and bright-eyed while the northern Orit are famously stocky, swarthy, grim of countenance, and grounded in tradition. They generally enjoy each other, until religion or history are brought up.
The Reign of Eld is resented, as it does not officially recognize the republic. This does not prevent them from sending trade ships to Heston however. Individuals Athosian travelers who were sent west are gladly received however, as they tend to be wealthy knights in exile (or at least commoners critical of the church). Traveling west across Midvale is much harder than the return journey - most often an eastbound boat out of Camacula Bay. By stereotype, Athosians are seen as posturing, easily offended, and two-faced.
The State of Cerentuin is regarded much as Armorcia, just a bit of history that hasn't quite gone away yet. Cerentians are seen as respectable enough in their faith, but a little desperate and old fashioned. On an individual basis Cerentians are seen as intense and sullen, but dangerous.
Viltfolk are seen as daring, fashionable, wealthy, well-fed, and refined. Rather than admire these perceived traits, Altonians find it easier to dislike them. Being a relatively new culture of deeply religious folk, the strange couplings of the Royark among the noblility is seen as deeply unsettling by most Altonians. There is enough to dislike about Viltfolk without ever mentioning The Pandect.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia is distant, and mostly known for the Pirates that king Roland IX of Orisaar is so keen on sinking throughout the Sunset Sound. It is generally held that Breclanders are dirty, easily duped, base, and immoral owing to the fact that Altonians talk to Orit captains far more often.
The Tamar Towpath Cartel is a key partner in the region, whose protection the Military Republic of Altonbrun guarantees. Kurzmarch Ford is important for trade, but viewed as seedy and morally lax. It is not common to travel that way, since the river flows from there to here, so most people only have an impression of the bridge people based on the barge captains of the cartel.
The Regency of Canidium
Relations with the Kingdom of Orisaar are bad, due to Orit prejudice against the Canidaur, who are not permitted in the lands or navigable waters of that kingdom. Both adhere to The Pandect, though Prima Canidia is not an official signatory. As such, those legal provisions exist for people of Orisaarland within their lands, but not vice-versa. Also, Canidaur culture is nascent and highly inclusive. They are modern individualists, whereas the Sunsteda Bay Islands are home to a very clannish and culturally traditional people. On nearly every level, they clash.
The Military Republic of Altonbrun is a useful trading partner and a spiritual ally. Canidaur are welcomed in the Krokesteppe. Altonians are at worst distrustful or boring, which is most of the time. They tend to laugh at canid culture, which is no trouble.
The Order of the Crystal Sword is always sizing up which kingdom might be the first to attempt a war of extermination. The Mashayan Dominion is regarded as an unlikely candidate. Although Mashaya have insurmountable religious differences and a historical claim on The Montaignes (once known by the name Al Safas), it is believed by the Order that the Zerzuran Wordbearers aren't a threat outside the badlands. Since Mashaya are generally accepting and not viewed as a credible threat, they are generally liked.
The Kingdom of Orisaar is strictly opposed to "the Canidaur menace". As neighbors with a powerful navy and strong economic relations with the Military Republic of Altonbrun, Orit are regarded as a primary concern. The forest and plains at the northern foot of The Montaignes are a no-mans' land as a result of this tension. Their foothold at Rantaan allows Orisaarland to project its power inland, and it remains a grave concern. Beyond the insurmountable diplomatic, economic, religious, and racial concerns, Orit and canid characters could not be less compatible. While Canidaur are open-countenanced, enthusiastic, and trusting, the folk of Sunset Sound can come off as scowling traditionalists.
The Reign of Eld in Orchalannon is hesitantly friendly. They share certain cultural touchstones, but lack a genuine connection. However, Athosian wanderers sent west have often arrived in Buckstadt, leading to more familiarity. The Athos Highlands are regarded as a kingdom that would be wonderful to visit, but not for too long. There is much distrust of the court sorceress Maerlyn D'Ambrosio and her tightened grip of domestic affairs.
The State of Cerentuin, were they in the fullness of their sovereign power, would surely have moved to destroy Prima Canidia long ago. It is seen as lucky that they have been reduced to their present state of vassalage and ruin. It is not known if any Cerentians have ever met a Canidaur, but there is not much need to ask what they would think.
Serzy Montaigne maintains her house's shares in certain companies operating within the Kingdom of Viltmank, and remains an account holder in good standing at the royal bank. Relations with Viltfolk are as good as could be expected, but there is a rivalry between her and Ingrid that has colored some canid perceptions of Viltmank. Further, the highly fashionable Viltfolk often see canid neoclassical Armorcian revival attempts as bumbling and oafish, leading Prima Canidia to be constantly looking for new ideas in order to please them.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia are generally seen as a kingdom of Bad Humans; Canidaur emissaries have nearly caused diplomatic incidents after choking back the urge to bark. Perhaps they smell wrong. Nobody is quite sure, but Breclanders are rarely made to feel welcome in The Montaignes.
The Tamar Towpath Cartel is difficult. Canidaur travelers and traders love to visit Kurzmarch Ford and gain nearly effortless access to the downstream markets. However, the cartel are too inconsistent, inscrutable, and unscrupulous for canid tastes. Criminality and exploitation run counter to their values.
The Grand Duchy of Breccia
The Kingdom of Orisaar has an uneasy peace with Breclanders. Past naval wars and current dependency on Orit patrols to curb piracy go hand-in-hand with Orisaar's dependency on their imports, creating a tense peace. Their Cult of Aygir and insular culture mean that Orit and Breclanders will trade freely, but never with a smile.
The Reign of Eld in Orchalannon are scorned for their Human (Mutant) population, their repressive magic laws, and their overbearing self-regard. Further, Breclanders are fond of accusing Crags from Chalantion of being the real pirate menace in the Vespasian Sea.
The State of Cerentuin is so fervently solar and so utterly desolated (see Неизвестно) that it is popular to point to Cerentians as an example of Karna's weakness. No vessels flying the colors of Breccia are allowed at port there, or at the Isle of Nierenn.
In the Kingdom of Viltmank, Breclanders feel as if they've walked through the looking glass; the food is rich and elaborate, the people are healthy, the sun shines, and the leaders seem kind. Usually this engenders a great deal of surprise, distrust, disbelief. Usually it is seen as some kind of trick. Food harvested by Viltfolk is eaten throughout the pine barrens of Boreal Bimaria & the Brecland in exchange for their manufactured goods and natural resources, so there is a good deal of familiarity (and concomitant contempt).
Relations with The Mashayan Dominion are mostly limited to tales from afar and the occasional seaman who has made the widdershins route to Sunsteda Bay and back west. They hear stories of vicious nomad clans, deadly magicians who consort with elves, and armies of demented monster men.
Altonians are nearly as disliked as Cerentians for their faith. One sun god is as bad as the other. As for the Military Republic of Altonbrun itself, it is viewed in its proper light as a theocracy. It is hoped by many that The Tempest can be brought to them in due course. Неизвестно has operatives in New Cambo already, it is said.
The Regency of Canidium is viewed by some dukes as ripe for plucking. If their queen can be done away with, they will need a new master. Lord Almroth von Breccia has sent emissaries to Prima Canidia to establish diplomatic ties, which the queen has cordially reciprocated. Allies cannot be easily discarded, after all. Breclanders are used to monsters, so the affable Canidaur seem rather mild.
Kurzmarch Ford is viewed as a useful avenue for disseminating handbills printed by The Tempest's Elect; export goods are packed with religious propaganda and sent down the Tounbank Rill. The Tamar Towpath Cartel is tolerant of these oddities, as any destabilizing effect of a religious uprising could be turned to their benefit.