Kingdom of Arboraang
Current Month: Julwar 2nd: 209, The Fifth Age
The south eastern islands and lands of the continent of Tremalking is the homeland of the Kingdom of Arboraang, as wild and untameable as the people who live there. Nestled on the Cattyget Peninsula, it is a realm of taiga and marshland that spends much of the year frozen beneath layers of snow, a place utterly inhospitable to all but the hardiest people. The more civilized lands in the north and west mockling call Arborians, "Civilized Soutlanders."
History
Arboraang has no Fourth Age kingdom or empire from which it stems. Instead this land post Second Fall was settled by a variety of ethnic survivor groups, but mostly Claudian and Vaskerry.
The first King of far Arboraang was King Bjorn Irontooth, who slew an Adult White Dragon at the mouth of the Rimefang River in 68 Fifth Age. He used the fame he garnered from this deed to declare himself king, and proclaimed that all future Kings must follow his example, and also slay a dragon in single combat. Eventually, other individuals would copy the first king's accomplishment, and the killing of dragons, whether they be chromatic or metallic, would grow into a tradition that has lasted to the present day. As his fame began to grow, Bjorn Irontooth established the settlement of Købenthorp, which had been little more than a mead hall for Bjorn and his warriors before that. As his legend spread, people flocked to the new king out of curiosity and a need for protection, and soon the settlement had grown into a town.
By 81 Fifth Age , Bjorn's kingdom had grown to include all lands between the Reimfang River in the south, the Espar Sea in the west, and South Sea to the north and east, the largest territory ever to be held by a single ruler in that part of the world. Bjorn's son slew his own dragon, and took over as ruler of Købenthorp, as his father began lusting for further conquest to the west. Arboraang attacked the kingdom of Valmark in 83 Fifth Age, but after failing to best them through pure force, decided on a different tactic: he would slay the mythic dragon Jormentir and thereby cow Valmark into surrendering. The king stalked into the Mountains of Fruminheim to hunt the mighty dragon and was never seen again, and his kingdom quickly disintegrated into two dozen squabbling fiefdoms, before once again in 121 Fifth Age reunified into modern Arboraang by Bjorns descendant Ragnar Irontooth. Its modern capital is still Købenthorp, though it is no longer a small town but a city.
Government
Arboraang is a monarchy where the old line of Irontooth reigns. Under the king is the various thanes and jarls who pledge fealty, though any of them can challenge the king for rulership, should his claim be strong. Whenever the need arises, the king may call a Theng, a meeting of the clans, to discuss issues or war opportunities.
Economy
Agriculture does not play a large part of the Arborian economy, as the growing season so far south is very short, and the ground is hard and filled with stones. During the warmer months, many Arborians trade with the north and west, acquiring food and various luxuries they cannot manufacture themselves. These trading missions are a vital necessity, as the winters are long and starvation is an ever-present danger. Most traders take along their weapons and shields on these trading trips, in case the chance to plunder presents itself.
Though Arboraang is a recognized kingdom, many of the thanes and jarls still participate in the raiding of other kingdoms for treasure and slaves, which also acts as a booster for the Arborian economy. it is due to this that Arborians are distrusted in foreign markets.
Military
Arboraang, like Mettenheim, does not have a strong cavalry, nor are their archers world renown. What they do have is some of the finest warriors in the world. Men and women who excel at single combat, and the forming of shield walls. It is said that one Arborian axeman is worth six anywhere else in the world.
Arboraang is also known for their seafarers, world famous ships and quick sea attacks. They prefer to attack their opponents at sea quickly before withdrawing, but should they be caught in a prolonged engagement, they are no less deadly.
Arboraang does not have an official magic college, but they still do field powerful spellcasters; often clan shamans or druids of the wilds who are sworn to answer the kings call.
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