Strykara
Situated within a sprawling valley, with the Echoing Crests to the west and the Elyscron Mountains to the east, Strykara is a place of harsh rules that languishes beneath the iron grip of its tyrannical Sovereign. Once part of noble Valoria, Strykara has fallen far from its roots, forging its own path under an autocratic regime where anyone may be an informant, and loyalty to the state is paramount. In the centuries since Valoria’s fall, Strykara has fought many wars with its neighbors. Surprisingly, it set aside these hatreds and joined the coalition which battled the luminals during the War of Light’s Fall.
The Right and the Due
In Styrkara, the Sovereign has the Right to one of every 100 children. They are taken as infants to the Plateau of Wyrk, where they become the future Harrowguard. In addition to this right, is it the Due of any citizen, capable of working magic, to surrender to the Shadowbinders, where they will be bound to Stykara and taught and trained to serve as the Sovereign pleases.
Settlements
- Alder: An out-of-the-way-city on a wide river.
- Cyrinth: Once a small village, now the center of a voidscar.
- Valryn: Capital of the nation of Strykara.
- Wyrkspire: Situated on a high plateau, Wyrkspire is home to the Shadowbinders.
History
Strykara arose from the ruins of fabled Valoria. Following the empire’s collapse, the region descended into chaos and bloodshed. Local warlords seized territories, holding them only as long as they could. Marauding groups of soldiers and bandits clashed with commoners caught between them, slaughtered indiscriminately.
The rise of the First Sovereign of Strykara brought a semblance of stability to those lands under his control. His soldiers put down resistance with prejudice, and they brought that same brutality to law enforcement. For the first time in generations, a type of peace came to Strykara. Despite the suffering he caused, many looked upon the First as a stabilizing force, and welcomed his methods. He gave them peace, and the cost which they paid willingly was their autonomy.
By the time of his death, the foundations of Strykara’s modern governance were firmly established: the Harrowguard, the Shadowbinders, the Legion, and the Grythnir had all been established and the principles of the Right and the Due were enacted. It would not be until future generations that the people of Strykara would begin to ask if the price they paid for peace was worth the cost of their freedom.
People
Despite the harsh rule of their Sovereign, most Strykarans are fiercely nationalistic and defiantly proud. Strykara is an old nation in the post-Valoria era, a fact few Strykarans let others forget. They resent the view outsiders take toward their government, often seeing themselves as superior to the people of other nations.
Physically, Strykarans tend toward shorter statures with ruddy complexions and sturdy builds. Their noses are generally broad with large nostrils. They dress in clothing distinctive to Strykara, favoring loose-fitting trousers, wide leather belts, and long-sleeved shirts with high, asymmetrical collars.
Government
Strykara’s government operates under the iron fist of its Sovereign, an autocratic ruler whose authority is absolute. The will of the Sovereign is enforced by the four pillars of his power: the Legion of Strykara, the Harrowguard, the Grythnir, and the Shadowbinders.
The Legion of Strykara serves as both a police force and the national army. It is a formidable group numbering over 200,000 and grouped into five divisions. One has responsibility for internal policing and the others guard the national security.
Working hand-in-hand with the Legion are the Grythnir, secret police who move among the people. Anyone might be a Grythnir, or an agent of theirs. Mothers, fathers, sons, uncles. Anyone. The Grythnir root out insurrection in all its forms, including disloyal thinking.
Finally the Harrowguard and Shadowbinders. These groups both serve the Sovereign directly and are considered his property. They move through the country at their leisure, expecting obedience and assent from those with whom they interact.
Industry
Strykara has grown fat on the wealth of its mines in both the Echoing Peaks and the Elyscron Mountains. In countless grim, perilous mines, the nation’s convicts labor in forced servitude. The work is punishing, the days long, and life short in these mines where men and women alike are shackled to the endless dig. A dark foundation for the realm’s wealth and a topic most Strykaran fear to discuss lest they find themselves vanishing in the night, never to be seen again. Above ground, farmers tend their lands under Strykara’s strict rule, and shepherds mind great flocks of crestwool sheep. These sheep, unique to Strykara, are a second source of wealth for the nation, providing both wool and cheese. Strykaran crestwool is prized for its quality and versatility. Known for its softness, warmth, and resilience, crestwool is highly sought after by textile artisans. In addition, the sheep’s milk is churned into a natural-rind cheese, aged in the cool, damp mountain caves, and known for a flavor profile characterized by notes of alpine herbs, wildflowers, and hints of nuttiness.
Religion
Despite the Sovereign’s wish otherwise, Stykarans follow the holy teachings of the Veil of Veritas believing that in Anara is found beginning and in Dhaara ending. Clergy enjoy freedom and privilege far beyond the common folk, and church grounds serve as sanctuaries. These properties are ostensibly immune to governmental intrusion, offering a rare sphere of autonomy in a realm otherwise tightly controlled by the Sovereign’s edicts.