Thallaroth
The Kingdom of Thallaroth has been shaped over the centuries by conflict, extra-planar interaction and magical discoveries. Thallaroth is bordered by the raging storms of the Stormwolf Sea to the North, the mysteries of the Sea of Ancient Spirits to the West, the jagged peaks of the Oakheart Mountains to the East and the hostile wilderness of the Smapen Jungle and the Frostwall Mountains to the South. Thallaroth's mostprominent settlements are the 9 major cities, of Amon Helm, Amundsen , Aptenodytes, Eterna, Fortiseks, Kavachi, Stormhold , Toreim and Väinämöinen. Many smaller settlements are scattered across the kingdom, predominantly along the roads connecting the aforementioned cities. Out of the 9 cities, only 7 are currently inhabited by Thallaroth's native population, Amon Helm lying abandoned,and Fortiseks having recently come under the rule of an invading hobgoblin army.
Structure
Thallaroth’s rule has long been a reason for many a heated debate. As the 9 city states operate largely independently there is rarely a reason for the country to have an overall leadership. However, as the circumstances that would require this are not always foreseeable in advance, the leaders of each of the cities rotate this responsibility on a 5 yearly cycle. Each of the cities also sends a select number of advisors on different matters to make a total body of 45 members.
Culture
Thallaroth’s culture comes across as somewhat old fashioned, with traditions held in high regard and magic often regarded with a careful caution. It has been largely shaped by conflict, most recently the invasions from both The Purple Spear, and the legions of Jar'eman. This combined with the largely wild and unforgiving environment, has built a culture with core values around self-defence, self-provision, and community togetherness.
Being on the recieving end of several violent conflicts, most Thallarians are sympathetic to refugees of war and this has contributed to the wide variety of races found throughout Thallaroth. Strength and self-reliance is expected and trained into all Thallarians, regardless of gender, and starting from a young age. Proving these values often shapes large parts of Thallarian traditions. Communities are often tight-knit with people looking out for each other, and if a village comes under attack it is not uncommon for large portions of the village to defend itself in a mutually understood but unspoken militia.
History
Thallaroth began as a collection of independent states, each focused around one city. Being in close proximity, the states often found themselves at odds with another and wars between them have shaped many attitudes that last until the present day. Eventually, the 9 states brokered a peace deal and came together in a confederacy, later known as Thallaroth.
Demography and Population
There are 7 inhabited major cities across Thallaroth, Amundsen, Aptenodytes, Eterna, Kavachi, Stormhold, Toreim, and Väinämöinen. Previously 9 cities, but the capture of Fortiseks by the nation of Bortalus and the fall of the city of Amon Helm has led to the current situation.
81 major towns are scattered across the country, with the rest of the population living in smaller villages, hamlets, or similar.
Thallaroth's total population is around 5.8 million (5,798,464), with the 7 major cities containing approximately 196,000, or 3% of the population.
Territories
Thallaroth's territory stretches from the coast of the Stormwolf Sea to the Oakheart Mountains. It covers regions such as the Nauful Plain, Otal Forest as well as the mighty Callista River. To the south, it crosses the foothills of the Frostwall Mountains and meets the Smapen Jungle. Historically the territory was individually controlled by city states but when they amalgamated to form Thallaroth each of their territories was brought under the collective umbrella. In recent years, the city of Fortiseks and some of it's ancestral territory in the Oakheart Mountains has been invaded and claimed by the nation of Bortalus.
Military
Thallaroth has no centralised army, with each city having its own permanent military, and being able to call up more militia or conscripts from the surrounding lands. In times of war, these militaries come together to form something that resembles a Thallarian army, centrally led by a general from whichever city is currently hosting the shared council leadership of Thallaroth.
Each city's military has a base level of infantry, cavalry, and archers, supported by battlemages, clerics, and other magic users, whilst many regions also boast unique divisions or higher quantities of a certain section. Stormhold for example often produces larger numbers of battlemages and sorcerers, whilst Aptenodytes location in the center of the Nauful Plain provides ideal training grounds for large cavalry regiments. Eterna is famed for it's magically enhanced siege weaponry, and Väinämöinen is home to the majority of Thallaroth's naval forces.
Laws
The Law of Three - Fúǐzsøvénth
Due to the value in Thallarian culture placed on community and looking out for each other, the Law of Three was created for hunters, soldiers, and other similar groups likely to face danger or threat away from the safety of a settlement. In basic terms, this law states that any group intending to leave the confines of a settlement for an extended period where they may face danger should always contain at least three people. The thought behind this law is that should one of the group become injured and unable to return, someone can travel to the closest settlement to get help without leaving the injured party on their own. Whilst this law is not strictly followed in the more civilised areas of Thallaroth, villages high in the mountains or deep in the Otal Forest follow this law at all times.The Land Security Law - Shyarshkekra
Only about 16% of Thallaroth's total area is considered 'civilised' with much of the rest of the country's territory being forested wilderness or inhospitable peaks. As such, the security of Thallaroth's population can be a major challenge if people stray too far from settlements. To help this, the law of Shyarshkekra (literally land-security) was brought in. Any person wishing to set up a farmstead or similar outside of currently recognised settlement boundaries must seek the approval of the local authority. In this way the security forces, be that town guards or local militia, are aware of the limits of their patrol area, keeping themselves at minimum risk whilst not leaving any dwelling outside the shield of the law.Trial by Combat - Sěṣwyœngk
Criminal trials in Thallaroth are generally civilised affairs, especially in the larger towns and cities. However, on occasion, the accused may decide that instead of proceeding through the normal trial, they wish to request a Sěṣwyœngk, or combat-trial. This tradition has been part of Thallarian tradition for centuries and is a fundamental right of choice for Thallarian citizens. Zhœsěṣwyœngk are not common occurences, as the substitution of champions is not allowed except for some specific circumstances, and most courts have dedicated fighters to represent the interests of the state should the crime not be a person v person case. However, when it does happen the participants are given their choice of a selection of one-handed weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, and axes, each engraved with runes of Tyr, the god of justice, and blessed by his priests. The combat does not have to be to the death, and either participant may surrender should they feel as if they will not win. Almost all drugs are legal.Agriculture & Industry
Agriculture
Thallaroth's agriculture largely only provides for it's own people, with large areas of the country being taken up by forest and other less suitable farming land. However, there are some notable exceptions. Thallaroth produces reasonably large amounts of sorghum, rye, and quinoa as staple grains, as well as chickpeas to a slightly lesser extent. Pig farming also forms a large part of Thallaroth's agriculture industry. Rabbit farms are also a fairly common sight. Cranberries and grapes are grown in large quantities in the warmer regions of Thallaroth, south of the Callista River, as well as artichokes and courgettes.Mining and Quarrying
Thallroth's proximity to both the Oakheart Mountains and the Frostwall Mountains, many settlements started around mines and quarries. Resources that are excavated in notable quantities include mica, slate, and silver.Fishing
Thallaroth's coastal location provides prime fishing grounds in both the Sea of Ancient Spirits and the Stormwolf Sea. The largest catch quantities are typically those of herring and shrimp.Together we prosper - Divided we perish
Maps
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Thallaroth Map
Founding Date
16th of Flameclaw, Year 4252 AS
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Kingdom of Thallaroth; Confederacy of Thallaroth;
Demonym
Thallarian
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Market economy
Gazetteer
Notable Geographic Locations
Otal Forest
Oakheart Mountains
Frostwall Mountains
Nauful Plain
Medzdeep Lake
Kaltwind Gap
Currency
Thallaroth uses the Spirit Pieces as its official coinage and uses all the common denominations. Barter is often used within smaller villages for everyday goods.
Official State Religion
Location
Official Languages
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments