Kingdom of Valonbray

Valonbray is a nation in far south Tremalking on the verge of tearing itself apart. The political entity known as Valonbray was once two vastly different nations locked in a constant state of war before one finally conquered the other. After under a century of rule under the victors heel, the royal family died out without any heirs, and Valonbray must now decide its own destiny.
History
Valonbray is a relatively young nation, having only existed since 112 Fifth Age. The history of Valonbray before this time is the history of two often-warring nations: Valmark and Braydon. The coming of Ivar the Conqueror, king of Valmark, ended this constant warfare with the defeat of Braydon and its submission. Ivar christened his family House Iverson. Ivar only ruled his new land for a decade before disappearing, leaving his descendants to rule, and using the threat of the conqueror's return to maintain their power. The Iversons' rule ended with the death of the bachelor Sigard Iverson, leaving no heir to the throne nor any living relatives, leaving Valonbrays noble families to pick up the pieces and fall back into their centuries-old disagreements. Eventually House Evotur gained the upper hand and Lyda Evotur rules fragile Valonbray today.
Geography

Valonbray is bordered to the west by Vladia, to the south by the barbaric Soutlands, the north by the Dead Lands, and to the east by the Espar Sea and the nation of Arboraang. Its landscape differs markedly from north to south, and this change marks the old boundary between the kingdoms of old Valmark and Braydon. The south is mostly rugged hills that are unsuitable for agriculture. north of the massive Skogen Forest, the Dynish Plains are rolling fertile grassland and are the breadbasket of the entire nation. It can take days to travel between small settlements and longer between larger population clusters. Most of the towns and cities are located at the bases of mountains, along the lakes, or beside the riverways. Other important geographic features are the Lake of Views near its western border, and the Mountains of Fruminheim on its southern border.
Government
House Iverson ruled Valonbray for nearly a century, until the death of the last heir to Iver the Conqueror. The country is currently ruled by Queen Lyda Evotur of House Evotur, who issued a public declaration of her ascent to the throne due to her being of the line of Ubert Evotur and Striga Iverson. The monarch lives in the Iron Fortress and sits on the Long Throne. House Evotur has only maintained its rule by allying with former enemies and using fear to unite Valonbray and its seven noble families. Most of old Valmark supported the ascension, but old Braydon has done so reluctantly. Still, some Houses, such as House Estermark, only acknowledge Lyda as reigning Lord Regent and diplomatic relations are growing tense. Increasingly, it appears that Valonbray is on the verge of collapsing back into two separate nations. To try and prevent this, Lyda created the Loyalists, a group of hand picked agents whose duty is to flush out traitors and conspirators amongst the noble courts of Valonbray.
Noble families Males lead each house, with the eldest son inheriting his father's titles and estates. Other sons may receive something, but there is no law that requires this to be significant. Women can be regents for male heirs until they turn 15 and regents often work behind the scenes to influence the lord. Noble families are relatively large, with most preferring to ensure at least two sons. Since Valonbrays founding, there have been a lot of marriages of alliance among the major houses. Today, the seven major houses are: House Garross House Lynrassil House Treden House Medlynn House Estermark House Iverson House Evotur A recent alliance between House Evotur and House Treden, which would have symbolically united Braydon (Treden) and Valmark (Evotur), fell apart when Natala Evotur accused Lord Rolf Treden of treason.
Military
Valonbrays military is organised into several regiments, called Grand Armies, most of whom are located in Valmark. The Crown Knights are the nation's finest cavalry and the Iron Shield serves the capital as its home guard. The mercenary hill folk known as the Company of the Southron Teeth are also loyal to the throne. Queen Lyda may call on other noble houses to provide trained soldiers and peasant conscripts as well as the naval power of privateers from ports along the Espar Sea.
Foreign relations
Relations between governments (such as they are) in this part of southern Tremalking are limited. Valonbray and Vladia maintain diplomatic ties with one another, but Valonbray only has basic, nominal ties with Vercinia, Marjolais, or Galvinor. The Valonic government has ranged from being unwelcoming to openly hostile to Arboraangs attempts to settle near their borders.

Economy
Being so far south, winters are long and harsh. The short spring and summer seasons require the populace to farm and fish just enough to keep food on the table. Valonbray's only extensive arable land lies in Braydon and is one of the major exporter of foodstuffs in the region. Valmark sailors control most trade and keep most of the profits for themselves. This has generated considerable resentment among the Braydoners, who seek to have the wealth distributed more equally. The Valish counter that their ships and trade agreements generate most of the nation's wealth, and argue that those profits need to be "reinvested" in their fleets, lest they are overtaken by foreign competitors. Cloth, books, finished goods, and spices are Valonbrays main imports, while common exports include copper, fur, fish and shellfish, grain, iron, salt, and timber. Stone for building is uncommon, so most buildings are constructed from wood; one of the few notable exceptions include the Iron Fortress.
Inhabitants
The peasants of Valonbray are the largest part of the population and owe taxes and fealty to one of the house lords. Their life consists of working from dawn to dusk, farming if they live in Braydon, and either fishing or mining if they live in Valonway. The man of the house may visit the local tavern in the evening. During the winter when fishing or farming cannot be done, household chores fill the days. The peasants try to live simply, support their families, and avoid the notice of nobles and priests. Vaskerry humans, many descended from the early northern explorers, make up most of Valonbrays population, but the nation's broad cultural tolerance results in many ethnicities calling Valonbray home. Valonbray also hosts notable populations of dwarves (particularly in Ungorton), half-elves, half-orcs, and halflings.

Strength in Unity

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Location

Tremalking