Emberhold Confederacy

Steeled for Peace (or Else)

(language convention: British)

A Nation Forged in Fire and Duty

The Emberhold Confederacy, a sprawling nation nestled against the southern slopes of the Mountains of Glass, is a land of ironclad resolve and unwavering self-belief. Inspired by the rich history and traditions of Britain, they see themselves as the guardians of the north, ever vigilant against the encroaching darkness.

People and Culture

Descendants of Warriors: Descended from a proud and hardy people, the Emberholdians are steeped in a culture of martial prowess and unwavering duty. Their society revolves around a strong sense of honor and a belief in maintaining order, both within their borders and across the wider world. Strict social hierarchies, akin to a knightly system, place a high value on bravery, discipline, and unwavering loyalty.

The Forge-Fathers: Metalworking is not just a trade in the Confederacy, it's an art form and a symbol of their national identity. Their legendary "Emberhold steel" is renowned for its strength and craftsmanship, and blacksmiths are revered figures within society. The capital city itself, Cinderkeep, is a sprawling metropolis built around a central, ever-burning forge.

The Legacy of Aerith: The Confederacy views itself as the rightful heir to the peacekeeping mantle once held by the fallen empire of Aerith. They see their interventions, however heavy-handed, as a continuation of Aerith's legacy of maintaining order.

A Controversial Role

Self-Proclaimed Peacekeepers: The Emberhold Confederacy has a habit of inserting itself into conflicts and peacekeeping efforts around the world, often without invitation. While their stated goal is to maintain peace, their methods can be heavy-handed and their presence unwelcome. This "pax Emberholdica" (Emberholdian peace) is often enforced with a very large sword, leading to accusations of hypocrisy and warmongering.

Strained Alliances: Mordeth, the eastern nation bordering the Confederacy, is their uneasy ally against the Maeg Anri threat. Relations are strained, however, as Mordeth accuses the Confederacy of neglecting their watch in favor of their self-appointed global peacekeeping missions.

Patronizing Superiority: The Confederacy views the fledgling nation of New Aerith with a sense of condescension. They see themselves as the true guardians of peace, scoffing at New Aerith's idealistic attempts to fill the shoes of the fallen empire. Their interventions in conflicts near New Aerith are often seen as a way to show off their supposed superior military might.

Points of Interest

The Cinderkeep Forge: The heart of the Confederacy, this colossal, ever-burning forge produces the famed Emberhold steel. It is a sacred place, where master blacksmiths work alongside apprentices, passing down generations of knowledge and tradition.

Legend speaks of a hidden library deep within the Emberhold, a place overflowing with ancient tomes and forgotten knowledge. Lost spells, secrets of long-dead civilizations - the stuff of dreams for any scholar or magic user. Of course, nobody knows where this library is, or if it even exists. But that doesn't stop some folks from spending their lives searching.

The Grand Arena: This massive coliseum in Cinderkeep is not just for entertainment. It is a training ground for Emberhold warriors, where they hone their skills in tournaments and staged battles. Victories here are a path to glory and a stepping stone to positions of leadership within the military.

Formation: 468 PS
Government Type: Federation (though originally formed as a confederacy, the nation now operates with a more centralized government, though regional governments still retain some power)
Imports: manufactured goods, services
Exports: sulfur and obsidian, timber
Regional Dialect: People generally pronounce their "r"s everywhere. Vowels sound different, with "a" being more drawn out and "o" sometimes like "u." They soften consonants or add puffs of air at the ends of words. The way they pitch their voice can also be distinct, sometimes sounding like questions when they're not.

They whisper about a secret society within the Emberhold, a cabal of powerful magic users known as the Weavers of Fate. They pull the strings from the shadows, it's said, nudging events in their favor. Truth or fancy? Who knows, but it sure gives you pause to wonder who's really in control.