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  1. Organisations

Military Republic of Altonbrun

The country of (known as Forspédian during the reign of ) is a military republic, in which a council of generals execute the testament of (or at least their version of it). The fact that it's a closed theocratic state is not unnoticed by its rivals. Altonians famously ride Krokes, giant flightless birds of prey. 

268 years ago, led to the formation of a theocratic state after a warband of solar crusaders from purged the of potamists. Since that time, they have had multiple boundary wars with along the banks of the , which Altonians now call the Tamar River. Their support for as a freehold influenced the naming of .

Observations Abroad

There is open enmity with . They profess to believe in the same god, but differ on the particulars ever since ; the razing of is only the most recent insult. Potamists are not made to feel welcome within the steppe.

The are viewed as strange upstarts, in the best possible way. Until lately, were viewed as such and it is a relief to be able to seem normal compared to the hulking chimerae of . are generally adherents like their queen, which all agree is old fashioned but respectable. There is a good deal of trade between these nations along the further reaches of the . The also derive their basic culture from old ; 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 are rougher yet more modern. In comparison, culture, such as it is, stems from a mandated neoclassical revivalism of language, religion, architecture, and fashion. However, due to the playful nature and monstrous appearance of s, much of the intended gravitas and dignity of old imperial style appears comical. 

is a major source of imports and a key trading partner with , and so their strange titanic faith is tolerated with some effort. are as unlike as any two cultures ever were. The southern Altonians are idealistic, modern, tall and bright-eyed while the northern  are famously stocky, swarthy, grim of countenance, and grounded in tradition. They generally enjoy each other, until religion or history are brought up. 

is resented, as it does not officially recognize the republic. This does not prevent them from sending trade ships to however. Individuals 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 is much harder than the return journey - most often an eastbound boat out of . By stereotype, s are seen as posturing, easily offended, and two-faced.

The is regarded much as , just a bit of history that hasn't quite gone away yet. are seen as respectable enough in their faith, but a little desperate and old fashioned. On an individual basis are seen as intense and sullen, but dangerous.

are seen as daring, fashionable, wealthy, well-fed, and refined. Rather than admire these perceived traits, find it easier to dislike them. Being a relatively new culture of deeply religious folk, the strange couplings of the among the noblility is seen as deeply unsettling by most . There is enough to dislike about without ever mentioning .

The is distant, and mostly known for the that king Roland IX of is so keen on sinking throughout the . It is generally held that are dirty, easily duped, base, and immoral owing to the fact that talk to captains far more often.

is a key partner in the region, whose protection the guarantees. 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.

All characters that are members of this organisation.