Lastwall

Lastwall was founded in the 39th century AR with a single purpose in mind: to keep watch over the prison of the Whispering Tyrant in Gallowspire just to the north. This ancient purpose drove much of life in the nation into recent history, as its inhabitants worked to ensure that the lich and the other nearby evils would never menace the people of Avistan again.

Public Agenda

of late there has been a growing divide between the military government in Vigil and the fort commanders on its border with the Hold of Belkzen. Out in the field, many of the soldiers believe that the central government is more interested in maintaining the status quo, rather than taking the fight to the orcs. Fort commanders, such as Captain Thaum Gauntwood of Castle Everstand, have been tempted to take matters into their own hands if they do not receive more support from Vigil.
Patrols Since the moment the nation was founded, the soldiers of Lastwall have been on constant guard against the orcs of Belkzen and the various undead menaces of Virlych. The most intense action takes place on the plains of the Belkzen frontier, but every month there are patrols that scout the Hungry Mountains, looking for any sign of undead activity. These missions are largely dismissed as inconsequential by the younger soldiers, while the veterans see them as the very foundation of Lastwall's reason to exist, holding them in much higher regard. Crusader doctrine considers the orc menace simply a byproduct of the Whispering Tyrant's rise, and that maintaining the seals that keep the lich imprisoned is every soldier's uppermost duty.
Cavalry The Lastwall cavalry is legendary for its ability to turn the tide of battle. Its expertly-trained horsemen and magnificent mounts can maneuver in tight formation and, when charging, present an unstoppable wall of hooves and steel. Sometimes the Lastwall cavalry only need appear in order to trigger an enemy rout. The last such decisive battle took place in 4695 AR, when a force of 173 mounted knights rode down a force of over 2,000 infantry under the command of the orc Warlord Graukrad.

Demography and Population

The inhabitants of Lastwall are mainly human, but are willing to accept people of any race who are dedicated to their cause. They are hardy and friendly, especially towards any heroic crusaders who have come to help defend their land, or assist Lastwall's government in maintaining its vigil over Gallowspire. Lately, fewer of these brave individuals have been emigrating, instead heading north to Mendev to hold back the ever-encroaching horrors of the Worldwound. This lack of new recruits to Lastwall's cause is a matter of much concern amongst its government and residents. Some fear that if there is no influx of new blood, Lastwall will eventually fall to the orc hordes that lie across its northwestern border.

Foreign Relations

Lastwall is on generally good terms with Nirmathas, its neighbor to the south, even though Nirmathi troops have proven somewhat unreliable and undisciplined during joint missions. Some in Lastwall would prefer to ally with the more disciplined soldiers of Molthune farther south, but are unwilling to provoke Nirmathas by doing so, given that their southern border is one they don't have to constantly guard. The government is on congenial terms with the other nations bordering Lake Encarthan, although it keeps a close eye on the tyrant of Razmiran, and the prophets of the so-called "Living God". Relations with Kyonin are cool, as the elves refuse to aid Lastwall in what it believes is the defense of the entire region.

Founding Date

3828

Capital

Vigal

Head of State

Watcher-Lord Ulthun II

Government System

Dictatorship

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Market economy

Judicial Body

Lastwall is governed by a single elected leader: the Watcher-Lord. The current Watcher-Lord is Ulthun II, a very young ruler only 26 years of age. Despite his youth, Ulthun II has already proven himself in battle. He is an ambitious leader who wants to secure and expand Lastwall's borders into the territory of its enemies in the Hold of Belkzen.[1] Not only is Ulthun II a capable, talented young leader, but he is also an eligible bachelor with suitors swarming his castle in Vigil. Although his position gives Ulthun II absolute power, in practice he rarely exercises this, delegating authority and seeking good advice to help him rule as well as possible.[citation needed] The power inherent in the position of Watcher-Lord creates the potential for tyranny, but this has never been a big problem in Lastwall. The Watcher-Lord is elected by the Precentors Martial of the Crusader War College, who look for purity of heart, clarity of mind, and someone who embodies the crusader ideal. As a result, there has never been a Watcher-Lord arrogant enough to try and assume tyrannical control over the country, as they understand that delegation of duty and working together are important for promoting the greater good.

Official State Religion

church of Iomedae