The Alliance

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The Alliance is a broad group of nations and states who have gradually come together under a series of alliances and trade agreements.  Initially there were small agreements between adjacent states but, over time, more and more treaties and alliances have woven the various states together into one web of allied states.

The Alliance itself really just consists of one ‘formal’ body, called ‘The Chamber’, which has a broad remit to oversee the behaviour of the member states.  It does not have any power or authority but all agreements between states must come before it for scrutiny.  Making sure that all formal treaties between Alliance states are scrutinised in an open forum builds confidence among the states that no-one is trying to put them down, and leads to a more stable Alliance.  Each state sends delegates to The Chamber according to its size; Kingdoms get to send three delegates, Principalities two delegates and Duchies one delegate each. 

Every few years the rulers of each state attend a High Council to renew their allegiances and ties.  It is generally a cause for much partying and celebration as well as the formal business of keeping The Alliance together.  

The only other organisation that has influence across The Alliance is the Order of the Shrines.  The Order of the Shrines’ aim is to promote harmony between religions, by recognising the existence and portfolios of the major gods worshiped across t the region.  'The Order' builds collegiate temples which house shrines to more than one god.  Priests of different gods live together under the same roof, along with a number of lay brothers in harmony and encourage faithfulness, generally, in the population at large.  While each priest has their own god, they encourage worship of any of the recognised deities.  Many states have strong state approved religions; however The Order is tolerated across the whole of The Alliance.

Just about all the major races are represented one way or another -  click on the links to see racial distribution.

Humans    Halflings    Dwarves    Elves    Gnomes    Half-Elf    Half-Orc

The Alliance is made up of the following states:

Gonma 

By far the largest of the states Gonma has about 1000 square miles of mainly hills, plains, gentle woodlands and a pleasant coastline.  It is by far the most civilised part of the region and has a population made up primarily of humans with a fairly high proportion of Halflings. It has a mixed economy and is the main export route for goods sent abroad.

Laroy

This agricultural state is the ‘bread basket’ of the alliance, is about half the size of Gonma and is set inland.  Grain grow well here, while cattle can graze the lowland scrub. Laroy exports grains, cheese and ale,  its population is  mainly human. 

Versair

This state is heavily wooded, with a primarily human population although   pockets of Halflings and a few elves can be found scattered around .  They keep herds of pigs in the woods and export  pork, timber and paper.  It is renowned for making the best bacon in The Alliance.

Rediton

The smallest duchy, Rediton is situated on a rocky coastline with an economy based on Fish, Marble and copper products..  For some reason Rediton seems to attract 'outsiders'  and while the majority of the population are human,  Rediton has drawn whole communities of Dwarves and Gnomes to the area, while a there are the usual Halflings and a  higher than usual; proportion of  half-elves and half-Orcs that some other areas.  Rediton is seen as a rough and ready frontier town with little more than basic facilities, although it is The alliances only proper democracy..

Dersolbek

The main settlement of the Dwarves, this duchy is high in the craggy mountains.  Although a few Halflings and gnomes  have settled on the surface, most of the population are Dwarves who live in an underground city that is connected to their mines.  They supply most of the metal that the other states need.

Rebul

Hilly and on the edge of the mountains this state boast a fair number of  Halflings among its mainly human population. The sheltered hills are ideal for sheep grazing,  allows grapes to ripen sweetly and provide ideal growing conditions for a range of vegetables  (for some reason Rebul can grow bigger juicer veg than any of the other states) They Export wine, wool and vegetables

Falmar

The most remote of the states, covers approx 200 square miles and has a mixed population.  Falmar has been expanding quite fast and has been  subject to high levels of immigration from the other states over the last few years.  That means it has a very mixed race population although Humans still make up the majority, there are sizable groups of Halflings and Dwarves, while all the other races are represented as well.  Hapsburg has been growing faster than any other part of the state and has the most mixed race population of anywhere in The Alliance..  Primary exports are copper, wool and wine.

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There are other 'local states' that are not formally part of The Alliance  but have some trade links.

Faitree - the home of the elves is located deep in the forests beyond Versair, and a few hardy merchants travel up the river to  trade with the elves.  Sometimes the elves will send cargoes down river on rafts.