Sgand: The Flame Empire
As Giants awoke to recall their lost land, so too did the fires of war. And nowhere else does it burn brighter than in the flame empire of Sgand. Led by the flame giants of Muspel, they fight across northern Avestra to regain the people they "lost" and the land they claim is theirs by right. But to the tribes of the north and the rest of Edrinia, they are simply an empire of tyrants that wish to enslave them. And Edrinia will run red with the blood of millions before they ever allow themselves to be enslaved by Sgand.
History
In the wake of the Elder-Eternal War, many Giants were left enraged at the fact that the
Mortal races of Avestra laid claim to land that was once theirs. And that they almost lost it all like naïve children, pretending to be rulers. Different Giant groups discussed and debated what they should do about this. On the island of Sgand, a fanatical group of Muspel Giants took power and declared that they would show these childish races who their true master was and usher in the return of the Sun God, Ignaris. In the 8th century of the Eternal Age, they launched their first invasion of the Howling Coast and by the 10th century, they gained a firm foothold on the mainland. Now, they see to continue that progress, regaining the people they once lost and begin the conquest of the rest of the continent.
However, it all came crashing down despite a good start in the spring of 1242. Azdon the Wolfbreaker had destroyed the western tribes and attacked the east with dominated tribesman who feld the chaos. The tribes of Gabar, united under the Greycoat and Blackfang tribe and a group of adventurers, allied with the Red Eyed Man. Together, they broke the runic domination on the enslaved tribesman and killed Azdon. By the end of 1242, they retook territory from Sgand and put the empire on the backfoot. Now, the flame empire must find another way to regain their lost glory.
Demography and Population
In their homeland proper, Sgand is home to Giants. While the different types are all welcome there, the Flame Giants of the Muspel culture remain the dominant majority. In the conquered lands, Wolf Fera, Goliath, and Lunari make up the majority but they do not recognize the rule of Sgand. As such, their population has been dropping from exoduses, revolts, and outright enslavement and relocation. As of recent estimates, Sgand hosts an empire of nearly 2 million.
Territories
Sgand has one recognized territory, Sgand Island, where the capital resides. It is the beating heart of the empire, especially with the Volcano at its center that hosts both their religion's cathedral and supposedly the greatest forge in the known world. It is fiercely defended with ships constantly patrolling its waters and Giants are the main occupants of the territory.
On Edrinia, the Sgandian Howling Coast is occupied territory, gained through years of bloodshed. With the Lunari still an active threat in the region, it is hard work trying to hold onto it but colonization waves have begun and fortresses have been built to "tame" the "wild frontier" as the Giants call it. They also lay claim to an island north of Nubia and even territory on the continent of Alus when a fleet of ships veered heavily off course. Due to it being near the Jovun lands, Sgand has yet to press their claim as that will come once Edrinia is dealt with.
Military
The mililtary of Sgand is a terrifying entity to be faced with. The Giants, with their industry and their knowledge that spans all the way back to the Ancient Age, have become a force to be reckoned with. Their ships are the majority of their fighting force, bombarding the shoreline of tribes that refuse to bend the knee and cutting off sea-based trade to starve them out. Many tribes spread tales of the fireballs that rained from their ships in the past, with no mage in sight to cast said spells.
Their land forces are also powerful but their advances have been slowed by the fierce fighting spirit of the Risir tribes and the arrival of the Red-Eyed Man, the latter of which has slaughtered thousands of Giants in his search for opponents. As of 1242, however, they stand ready to conquer the last tribes of the western portion of the Howling Coast, cut off from their bretheren. When that happens, it will only be a matter of time before they bring their full might down on the east, especially the United Tribes of Kharak.
Religion
The Muspel Ignaris is the dominant religion in the empire as they worship their sun god to a fanatical degree. Any other faiths are immediately stamped out by forced conversion and the slaughtering of anyone who preaches other gods. This is to push the ultimate goal of the Flame Priests who believe that when all of Avestra is under the banner of Sgand and worships Ignaris, he will descend and raise them up to godhood to join him. If Ignaris is truly the sun, that means that Avestra will burn to ash if Sgand succeeds. Which some other faiths have used as a call to action against them.
Foreign Relations
To all non-giant countries, Sgand is a threat and it has declared war on all who reside in the lands that once belonged to the Giants. Their current targets are the tribes of the Howling Coast, especially since people they see as their property and kin reside in that land. As such, the Risir fight back harshly agianst them and call upon allies such as the Vazi holds to aid them whether through direct action or supplies. If Sgand can break through the north than the rest of Edrinia is next. There have been rumors of Sgandian scouts in the lands of the Aerin Valley, reporting on them and the conflict that embroils them.
The Rising Flame
Founding Date
6th Century Eternal Age
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Muspedrun
Demonym
Muspel
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Copper, Silver, Gold Coins
Location
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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