Suranth (sɜ:ʳænð)
This lifeless howling tundra, a harsh land of mountains, boreal conifer forests, glacial highlands and marshes. It is cold and desolate here, where the ground is frozen for many more days than it is thawed. This would be one land that you would assume would be uninhabitable. Yet...along the coastlines of the oceans, within caverns, cliffs, mountains, and along the coasts of her inland sea and the riverlands surrounding it, one would be in awe of the civilization and brilliance they would find. This is Suranth, the youngest nation on the continent, the last to be resettled, to be liberated from the darkness of the Sundering during the Age of Reclaimation. How they survive is a balance of strong industry, a wealth of natural resources, brilliant technological innovations, excellent diplomacy and indispensible leadership.
Culture
Public Agenda
The Suranthi government's national interests and agenda seem very clearly focused on industrializing the country, consolidating her current control of the lands of Suranth, and then over time push into the wild and dangerous areas of the country, especially further into the various mineral rich mountain ranges. That is within her own borders. Outside her own borders, Suranth seems to be focused on strengthing her position within the NPA by growing her various mining industries, exporting more minerals and ores, as well as masterfully crafted goods. The advent of locomotion, and the explosive growth of the rail industry has been of a massive boon to Suranth in that regard, as most steam engines are made within the country. Besides this, there is also the policies of economic opposition to the other technological power on the continent, that is Waston far to the south. These economic rivals constantly are working to indirectly inconviencence and oppose each other's interests in the realm of economics and trade.
Assets
Suranth is a nation rich in natural resources, though severely lacking in timber, particularly hardwoods like maple or oak. The wealth of the nation lies in the stone and the sea, hence her flags colors and the harnessing of her geography, the placement of her great cities and large towns. One of the biggest exports is Ghel, a collective term for all the different things whale oil is used for. Greases, lubricants, lantern oils, medical salves and creams, candle wax, cooking oils and lards, and more. Besides this, a variety of fish, shellfish, kelps and seaweed are harvested from the waters about Suranth, and are used for much beyond the obvious. However the sea does provide one other highly valuable resource along the coastal cliffs.
Salt. Suranth is the single largest producer of salt, a delicious and simple spice loved far and wide across Valerick. The cliffs along the coast are coated and filled deep with the stuff. Besides being loved for its flavoring capabilities, it is a vital and heavily valued perservative. Admittedly the sea salt being harvested here is quite different from some salts pulled from the earth in and around Susma. However Suranth holds the dominant market in the northern lands for salt.
Suranth's biggest asset however, is her earth bound minerals. Quality stone of various sorts; marble, granite, limestone, slate, all these are quarried at a fantastic volume. Mined from the earth, copper, gold, iron, silver, tacturnium and more are found and mined here in large quantities. Beyond that, many of these mines have in the past, stumbled upon small, highly valuable depoits of raw manna gems,
Salt. Suranth is the single largest producer of salt, a delicious and simple spice loved far and wide across Valerick. The cliffs along the coast are coated and filled deep with the stuff. Besides being loved for its flavoring capabilities, it is a vital and heavily valued perservative. Admittedly the sea salt being harvested here is quite different from some salts pulled from the earth in and around Susma. However Suranth holds the dominant market in the northern lands for salt.
Suranth's biggest asset however, is her earth bound minerals. Quality stone of various sorts; marble, granite, limestone, slate, all these are quarried at a fantastic volume. Mined from the earth, copper, gold, iron, silver, tacturnium and more are found and mined here in large quantities. Beyond that, many of these mines have in the past, stumbled upon small, highly valuable depoits of raw manna gems,
History
Demography and Population
Suranth is home to, very roughly, 793000 people, though this census accounts for only employed and tax paying citizens and the nobility and their families. Children are acknowledged to exist on the census, but not counted until they are of age beside being acknowledged that they exist. That age varies based on race however a good rule of thumb is for humans this age is 14. Beggars and other such individuals are not counted, a simple non-factor on the math. The numbers are counted every ten years and were last counted four years ago. The rough demographics are noted below;
| Race | Rough % of Population | Count |
| Dwarf | 32% | 253760 |
| Elf | 2% | 15860 |
| Halfling | 11% | 87230 |
| Human | 28% | 222040 |
| Gnome | 7% | 55510 |
| Vrock | 15% | 118950 |
| Tiefling | 5% | 39650 |
Territories
Suranth itself is divided up into 6 provinces, and each province is divided up into Estates held by noble houses, or honored clans. Each province is entrusted for governance to a Lord Protectorate. Each province sends 1 representative to Geata-Iarainn, appointed until told otherwise, or for life, and elects another every ten years. The appointed one is generally not the Lord or Lady Protectorate themselves, but a close ally, though there are rare times where such is not the case. The family/clan of the Protectorate of the province normally holds the largest estate, but always holds the largest influence and army. Family/clan private forces have a strict (but generally only successfully enforced 80% of the time) limit of troops equal 1/2 of what the Suranthi military has deployed in the region. Such numbers are not perfect but kept generally as level as possible to the numbers from the army's yearly counts. Below is a brief summary of each province, the region, who is in charge, and a little bit about the place. For further information, see the linked resources for each province.
Ironcliffe Province: This province is home to the nation's capital, Geata-Iarainn, or translated directly to common Valarian, 'Giant Iron Gate' it is named for the massive fortification that protects the cliff-runner lifts. The region is named, of course, directly after the ruling clan. The region is also heavy with resources, especially metal ores, minerals, raw stone, and aquatic resources of all kinds. This province has a Lord Protectorate, Lord Protectorate Killian Torgamac Kithrune-Ironcliffe, though High King Cormac also sits in council here, as it is the province housing the nation's capital.
Durin Province: This province, though smaller than any in Suranth geographically, is the home of the most masterful craftsmen in the nation, and those North of Nightvale would make an argument, the best on the continent. An Pointe Thoir is the principal city within this province, a hub of factories refining ore, smiths of all sorts, metal craftsmen of all kinds, the hammers ringing out like chiming bells throughout the city's streets. The city is also a major trade hub, given its strategic location along the eastern coast. The Lord Protectorate Azulron Rikkazmac Vithang and his clan are the ruling family here. This province also, as a manufacturing hub, is unsurprisingly the place where most locomotives, carriages, and most every part therein, are manufactured in quantity. Indeed this is Suranth's origin point for their technical revolution, the brilliant mind of one Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand is the dwarf who cracked the case and managed to finally get the concept to work. Standing on the shoulders of the previous dwarven generation of science, he cracked the theories of locomotion, putting the mathematical principles in the studies of coal and its potential as a fuel of some kind, and made it work in the practical application, demonstrating so on the inaugural journey from An Pointe Thoir to Geata-Iarainn in 1476 SuD. In the century or so since, the rail network has expanded to connect most every major town and city in Suranth to each other, and extends far beyond her borders. Indeed one can travel to any of the nine nations on Valerick solely by rail, though the further south one goes from Nightvale, the less frequent stops become.
Foljeim Province: Named again for the biggest landmark in the province, this is one of two provinces run not by a Dwarven clan but a human Noble lineage. Moss Bay is the principal city in this province, and the seat of Lady Protectorate Kassandra Romain. Her family are masterful inland navigators and have a brilliant mind for logistics and trade. As such, and with the key position on the banks of the inland Glacial Sea, where the Tiber flows into it from the south, this province is the center for all inland trade, both foreign and domestic. All such trade passes through the hands of the Romain family or their subordinates.
Broken Fang Province: This province is often referred to as the Bulwark of Suranth, and rightfully so. It is a highly militarized province, all designed around the defense of Suranth. They are the most skilled masons and fortification engineers in Suranth, and the principal city of Suaitheantas is considered the most well entrenched city in the nation, outside of perhaps Geata-Iarainn. The province falls under the purview of Lord Protectorate Gnolundi Gormniade Barazbarak, and his clan. They also provide the best and brightest structural engineers in the nation.
Icevale Province: Named for the low banks and icy floodplains it borders along on the western banks of the inland Glacial Sea, this province is oft known as the Pantry of Suranth for good reason. The glacial floodplains here allow coniferous forests to grow in a measurable quantity, so wild game is more plentiful, if not wildly abundant. Indeed, besides this, the wily dwarven clan in charge, the Feirmecliste clan, under the guidance of Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste, have managed a marvel of modern agriculture. The glacial floodplains contain a number of hot springs. By tapping into those to use them for carefully measured out distances, irrigation/softening of the soils out to a certain radius is possible, allowing the short spring/summer/fall cycle to be used to grow hardy fast growing crops in quantity. Radishes, Scallions, Lettuce, Turnips, Bog Cranberries, and Blueberries. This of course does not begin to lessen Suranth's need for importing food, it does help avoid a locked out market, providing limited cheap produce options for those with....less financial options. The principal city in this province is Bruachthoir, and sits on the west coast of the nation, a key shipping port, always busy, and as such the waters here never lack a strong naval presence.
Stormlands Province: This province takes its name from the human noble family whom sits second only to the Ironcliffe clan in Suranth. Oft known for producing the most...fervently loyal and bold of soldiers, this province has earned the nickname "Spear of Suranth" a name well deserved. Lady Protectorate Giselle Storm-born and her family hold the distinction of having been granted the honorary title of 'Comhoinann Viit" or Dwarf equal, or held to same standard of opinions. They've been gifted honorary clan status unanimously by the other ruling clans of Suranth. The principal city in reflection of this honor and bond, bears a name not in the common language, but in Dwarven, purposely done as a nod of acceptance of this generous title. Drondok Calafoirt is the city's name, known by common folk as the Thunder-watch Ports. This is also where most boats and ships for the nation are produced, as the Storm-born family descend from and still count amongst their banner-men, families of highly skilled shipwrights.
Ironcliffe Province: This province is home to the nation's capital, Geata-Iarainn, or translated directly to common Valarian, 'Giant Iron Gate' it is named for the massive fortification that protects the cliff-runner lifts. The region is named, of course, directly after the ruling clan. The region is also heavy with resources, especially metal ores, minerals, raw stone, and aquatic resources of all kinds. This province has a Lord Protectorate, Lord Protectorate Killian Torgamac Kithrune-Ironcliffe, though High King Cormac also sits in council here, as it is the province housing the nation's capital.
Durin Province: This province, though smaller than any in Suranth geographically, is the home of the most masterful craftsmen in the nation, and those North of Nightvale would make an argument, the best on the continent. An Pointe Thoir is the principal city within this province, a hub of factories refining ore, smiths of all sorts, metal craftsmen of all kinds, the hammers ringing out like chiming bells throughout the city's streets. The city is also a major trade hub, given its strategic location along the eastern coast. The Lord Protectorate Azulron Rikkazmac Vithang and his clan are the ruling family here. This province also, as a manufacturing hub, is unsurprisingly the place where most locomotives, carriages, and most every part therein, are manufactured in quantity. Indeed this is Suranth's origin point for their technical revolution, the brilliant mind of one Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand is the dwarf who cracked the case and managed to finally get the concept to work. Standing on the shoulders of the previous dwarven generation of science, he cracked the theories of locomotion, putting the mathematical principles in the studies of coal and its potential as a fuel of some kind, and made it work in the practical application, demonstrating so on the inaugural journey from An Pointe Thoir to Geata-Iarainn in 1476 SuD. In the century or so since, the rail network has expanded to connect most every major town and city in Suranth to each other, and extends far beyond her borders. Indeed one can travel to any of the nine nations on Valerick solely by rail, though the further south one goes from Nightvale, the less frequent stops become.
Foljeim Province: Named again for the biggest landmark in the province, this is one of two provinces run not by a Dwarven clan but a human Noble lineage. Moss Bay is the principal city in this province, and the seat of Lady Protectorate Kassandra Romain. Her family are masterful inland navigators and have a brilliant mind for logistics and trade. As such, and with the key position on the banks of the inland Glacial Sea, where the Tiber flows into it from the south, this province is the center for all inland trade, both foreign and domestic. All such trade passes through the hands of the Romain family or their subordinates.
Broken Fang Province: This province is often referred to as the Bulwark of Suranth, and rightfully so. It is a highly militarized province, all designed around the defense of Suranth. They are the most skilled masons and fortification engineers in Suranth, and the principal city of Suaitheantas is considered the most well entrenched city in the nation, outside of perhaps Geata-Iarainn. The province falls under the purview of Lord Protectorate Gnolundi Gormniade Barazbarak, and his clan. They also provide the best and brightest structural engineers in the nation.
Icevale Province: Named for the low banks and icy floodplains it borders along on the western banks of the inland Glacial Sea, this province is oft known as the Pantry of Suranth for good reason. The glacial floodplains here allow coniferous forests to grow in a measurable quantity, so wild game is more plentiful, if not wildly abundant. Indeed, besides this, the wily dwarven clan in charge, the Feirmecliste clan, under the guidance of Lord Protectorate Lamhghlas Marthanoirmac Feirmecliste, have managed a marvel of modern agriculture. The glacial floodplains contain a number of hot springs. By tapping into those to use them for carefully measured out distances, irrigation/softening of the soils out to a certain radius is possible, allowing the short spring/summer/fall cycle to be used to grow hardy fast growing crops in quantity. Radishes, Scallions, Lettuce, Turnips, Bog Cranberries, and Blueberries. This of course does not begin to lessen Suranth's need for importing food, it does help avoid a locked out market, providing limited cheap produce options for those with....less financial options. The principal city in this province is Bruachthoir, and sits on the west coast of the nation, a key shipping port, always busy, and as such the waters here never lack a strong naval presence.
Stormlands Province: This province takes its name from the human noble family whom sits second only to the Ironcliffe clan in Suranth. Oft known for producing the most...fervently loyal and bold of soldiers, this province has earned the nickname "Spear of Suranth" a name well deserved. Lady Protectorate Giselle Storm-born and her family hold the distinction of having been granted the honorary title of 'Comhoinann Viit" or Dwarf equal, or held to same standard of opinions. They've been gifted honorary clan status unanimously by the other ruling clans of Suranth. The principal city in reflection of this honor and bond, bears a name not in the common language, but in Dwarven, purposely done as a nod of acceptance of this generous title. Drondok Calafoirt is the city's name, known by common folk as the Thunder-watch Ports. This is also where most boats and ships for the nation are produced, as the Storm-born family descend from and still count amongst their banner-men, families of highly skilled shipwrights.
Military
As with all the nations on Valerick, Suranth's national military only accounts for about one half of their potential armed forces if required. Half that again comes from each Protectorate's own personal armies, the noble families under their command, their private forces. The rest of it of course is the idea of pressing roughly ten percent of civilians into levy service if required. But mostly this would only ever be done in case of defending the nation. All told between national and provincial private forces Suranth can field roughly sixty thousand troops. Of that roughly forty thousand are the full time professional troops of the Suranthi Armed Forces, the nation's professional military. They are broken down as listed below.
14500 Clansmen: (regulars), the infantry core of the land forces, which includes equal numbers of archers/crossbowmen and regulars (arming sword, hand-ax, hammer, or mace, and a shield, spears or other polearms, or claymore/great axe). Slayers when they end up in military service generally end up here. Counted among this number as well, since it has yet to become a large enough piece of the puzzle, are the first generation of troops whom will likely become part of the air force, such as Paratroopers and their ilk.
9300 Saltbeards, (basic marines) the bulk of all naval forces and crews, both seaman and river-wardens. (Axe/arming sword and shield, pistols)
4200 Tundra Rovers: These troops are skilled at deploying swiftly, preferring longbows, or carbines, and a variety of side arms, from cutlasses to hatchets. Road Wardens, Rail Wardens and Air Wardens are all in this group as well Rangers of all sorts, but a key troop, making up a notable majority, are mushers and their dogsled teams. Capable of crossing great distances quickly, with cargo, intelligence, a person, or even two to three, of importance. Their military uses are diverse, as is their training. Pilots and flight crew for either of Suranth's two Sky-Ships currently in service are grouped under here, as no official Aero Force or designation yet exists.
3000 Iron Riders, Heavily Armored Demigryph and Griffon mounted knights, mixed with heavy shock cavalry riding large Frost-Tip Boars, wielding boar spears, cav hammer/axe and shield
2000 Storm Lancers, The elite troops, the shock and awe of Suranth's army at close range, the Storm-Lancers all ride massive white-grey furred boars known as Thunder-tusks. They are strong, tough and vicious as they come, and with not an inch of give in them, their loyalty to the throne of Suranth only equaled by their conviction to their faith. Vicious mounted, but what most never expect is the carnage after the charge, as they dismount, and engage in melee with a skill and ferocity only matched by their Thunder-Tusk mounts. In fact there is a saying in regards to cavalry tactics being 'shock and awe' in the ranks;
2000 Iron Dragons: These troops are a mixed brigade, specializing in...unique tactics. They combine the standard dwarven formation fighting, shield walls, and unbreakable defense with skirmisher tactics and groups to back it up, allowing a flexibility of tactics that one would not normally see. Dwarven units and companies normally don't mix, as such differing heights would not allow effective formation fighting. But these elite troops balance that issue by making the battle groups a combination. A bastion to strike from, the dwarves make up the wall, the anchor for the other more mobile and less formation based soldiers to strike from and operate within. They employ a variety of devastating tactics combining that classical dwarven fortress of steel with shot, explosives, and swift brutal violence. They are the new age elite, using similar training to the ancient Exemplaris orders, but are strictly tied to the military and their country, owing no allegiance to the church. Though they have not the strange chemistry and alchemical substances at their disposal the Exemplaris orders treasure and guard so secretively, this does not really matter. The Iron Dragons accomplish similar feats of skill and ferocity through a bristling wall of steel, with withering rains of rifle and pistol fire, and copious amounts of high explosives applied generously. They are a highly flexible unit, with impressive tactical awareness and adaptability, along with of course, an impressive ability to rapidly and fully deploy with a complete and overwhelming violence of action.
1500 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians, These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all sections and brigades. With available numbers being limited by comparative need, they are made available how and where they can be.
1500 Engineers/Artisans, These are of course the officers and craftsmen whom handle large arms, like cannon, trebuchet, ballista, and other such large scale equipment. Sappers. These officers and troops are favored for seige warfare, though every oceanic vessel in Suranth's navy has at least one engineer and a specialized cannon operator on board, whom guides and trains the handpicked sailors on the basics of cannon operation.
2000 Wave-Runners, (Intelligence) Naturally this number is pretty much a best guess by anyone's count. The Wave-Runners are Suranth's, and specifically the Ironcliffe Clan's intelligence gathering and....problem solving apparatus. They are the nation's eyes and ears abroad, though it is an unspoken assumption that they are also providing eyes and ears for the Ironcliffe Clan in courts, towns, ports and halls of their sworn Protectorates as well. Tundra Rovers whom are perhaps the tops of their craft, particularly mushers, may find themselves offered a large promotion to join the ranks of this secretive intelligence unit, whilst still maintaining their status as a Tundra-Rover, or so the rumors suggest. None will confirm, however, which is not unexpected.
14500 Clansmen: (regulars), the infantry core of the land forces, which includes equal numbers of archers/crossbowmen and regulars (arming sword, hand-ax, hammer, or mace, and a shield, spears or other polearms, or claymore/great axe). Slayers when they end up in military service generally end up here. Counted among this number as well, since it has yet to become a large enough piece of the puzzle, are the first generation of troops whom will likely become part of the air force, such as Paratroopers and their ilk.
9300 Saltbeards, (basic marines) the bulk of all naval forces and crews, both seaman and river-wardens. (Axe/arming sword and shield, pistols)
4200 Tundra Rovers: These troops are skilled at deploying swiftly, preferring longbows, or carbines, and a variety of side arms, from cutlasses to hatchets. Road Wardens, Rail Wardens and Air Wardens are all in this group as well Rangers of all sorts, but a key troop, making up a notable majority, are mushers and their dogsled teams. Capable of crossing great distances quickly, with cargo, intelligence, a person, or even two to three, of importance. Their military uses are diverse, as is their training. Pilots and flight crew for either of Suranth's two Sky-Ships currently in service are grouped under here, as no official Aero Force or designation yet exists.
3000 Iron Riders, Heavily Armored Demigryph and Griffon mounted knights, mixed with heavy shock cavalry riding large Frost-Tip Boars, wielding boar spears, cav hammer/axe and shield
2000 Storm Lancers, The elite troops, the shock and awe of Suranth's army at close range, the Storm-Lancers all ride massive white-grey furred boars known as Thunder-tusks. They are strong, tough and vicious as they come, and with not an inch of give in them, their loyalty to the throne of Suranth only equaled by their conviction to their faith. Vicious mounted, but what most never expect is the carnage after the charge, as they dismount, and engage in melee with a skill and ferocity only matched by their Thunder-Tusk mounts. In fact there is a saying in regards to cavalry tactics being 'shock and awe' in the ranks;
'The charge they expect, an' generally take rather well, ta give credit w'ere tis due. That nae be the shock. It be after impact, when two thousand become four thousand, that the wee Green-skins nae ever see comin'!!!"
2000 Iron Dragons: These troops are a mixed brigade, specializing in...unique tactics. They combine the standard dwarven formation fighting, shield walls, and unbreakable defense with skirmisher tactics and groups to back it up, allowing a flexibility of tactics that one would not normally see. Dwarven units and companies normally don't mix, as such differing heights would not allow effective formation fighting. But these elite troops balance that issue by making the battle groups a combination. A bastion to strike from, the dwarves make up the wall, the anchor for the other more mobile and less formation based soldiers to strike from and operate within. They employ a variety of devastating tactics combining that classical dwarven fortress of steel with shot, explosives, and swift brutal violence. They are the new age elite, using similar training to the ancient Exemplaris orders, but are strictly tied to the military and their country, owing no allegiance to the church. Though they have not the strange chemistry and alchemical substances at their disposal the Exemplaris orders treasure and guard so secretively, this does not really matter. The Iron Dragons accomplish similar feats of skill and ferocity through a bristling wall of steel, with withering rains of rifle and pistol fire, and copious amounts of high explosives applied generously. They are a highly flexible unit, with impressive tactical awareness and adaptability, along with of course, an impressive ability to rapidly and fully deploy with a complete and overwhelming violence of action.
1500 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians, These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all sections and brigades. With available numbers being limited by comparative need, they are made available how and where they can be.
1500 Engineers/Artisans, These are of course the officers and craftsmen whom handle large arms, like cannon, trebuchet, ballista, and other such large scale equipment. Sappers. These officers and troops are favored for seige warfare, though every oceanic vessel in Suranth's navy has at least one engineer and a specialized cannon operator on board, whom guides and trains the handpicked sailors on the basics of cannon operation.
2000 Wave-Runners, (Intelligence) Naturally this number is pretty much a best guess by anyone's count. The Wave-Runners are Suranth's, and specifically the Ironcliffe Clan's intelligence gathering and....problem solving apparatus. They are the nation's eyes and ears abroad, though it is an unspoken assumption that they are also providing eyes and ears for the Ironcliffe Clan in courts, towns, ports and halls of their sworn Protectorates as well. Tundra Rovers whom are perhaps the tops of their craft, particularly mushers, may find themselves offered a large promotion to join the ranks of this secretive intelligence unit, whilst still maintaining their status as a Tundra-Rover, or so the rumors suggest. None will confirm, however, which is not unexpected.
Technological Level
Mid Renaissance-Early Industrialist Revolution.
Religion
Any and all of the nine heroes are welcomed here for worship, but the favored is Suranth's first heroic son, Sir Karthheart. The cathedral to him in Geata-Iarainn is an architectural marvel centered in a city of architectural marvels. This influence is easy to see, for citizens of Suranth preach loyalty, valor, bravery, and community. That is their strength, the strength of unity and community.
Foreign Relations
NPA (Northern Prosperity Agreement) Partners: Suranth, Raechin, Depenwood, Rohara
Allowance for the free and unrestricted trade of goods between these four nations, allowing for equal value exchange, based on market value, of goods. Suranth contributes the majority of all these nations mineral and metal needs and desires. In return they receive; lumber, produce of all kinds, along with spices and other herbs and herbal ingredients, and many other goods and materials of value. They are the newest member of this Agreement and Alliance, and as such also offered an initial service in return for membership. Dwarven craftsmen spent a great deal of years and labor building aqueducts in service of connecting many of the more strategically (and now larger for that reason) placed settlements aqueducts, connecting them, sometimes over many miles, to the nearest naturally occurring and refilling source of ground water. Be it an underground river, a massive aquifer, or a lake.
Standing Member of the Valarian Council of Crowns.
Allowance for the free and unrestricted trade of goods between these four nations, allowing for equal value exchange, based on market value, of goods. Suranth contributes the majority of all these nations mineral and metal needs and desires. In return they receive; lumber, produce of all kinds, along with spices and other herbs and herbal ingredients, and many other goods and materials of value. They are the newest member of this Agreement and Alliance, and as such also offered an initial service in return for membership. Dwarven craftsmen spent a great deal of years and labor building aqueducts in service of connecting many of the more strategically (and now larger for that reason) placed settlements aqueducts, connecting them, sometimes over many miles, to the nearest naturally occurring and refilling source of ground water. Be it an underground river, a massive aquifer, or a lake.
Standing Member of the Valarian Council of Crowns.
Agriculture & Industry
Agriculture is barely an option here, though admittedly there is some limited, but impressive, agricultural production in the Icevale Province. But for the most part, Suranth trades Ghel production and raw resources; salt, ore and minerals mostly. They trade these things to get lumber; mostly hardwood, proper timber, and to also supplement and improve their available range of diet with fruits, veggies, different raw grains, meats, along with of course a whole range of other materials and resources that their Suranth itself does not naturally provide. They also have a strong oceanic industry and make due off a fine diet of all manner of seafood, and varieties of kelp and seaweeds that are used for fibers and fabrics, and for food as well. It is here there is some agricultural ability shown, and many coastal settlements have kelp or seaweed 'fields' along the most shallow of coastal waters.
Seal, Sea lion, whales, swordfish and all manner of other sea-life provides for their diet and the marine mammals also provide a strong oil industry. Lantern oil, cooking oil, machining oil, grease for firearms, for maintaining siege equipment, wagon axles, etc. It can be used for all manner of purposes, depending on how thick or thinned the final product is. Coal is another big industry, one that does go under reported some. This is mostly because coal mines are everywhere in Suranth, all about the plateaus and mountains, the boom and bust towns hard to keep track of. But the government does track them all, they have too. Coal is a very important resource, plentiful yes, but extremely important. Salt is mined off the coast in some cliff formations, another valuable resource.
Seal, Sea lion, whales, swordfish and all manner of other sea-life provides for their diet and the marine mammals also provide a strong oil industry. Lantern oil, cooking oil, machining oil, grease for firearms, for maintaining siege equipment, wagon axles, etc. It can be used for all manner of purposes, depending on how thick or thinned the final product is. Coal is another big industry, one that does go under reported some. This is mostly because coal mines are everywhere in Suranth, all about the plateaus and mountains, the boom and bust towns hard to keep track of. But the government does track them all, they have too. Coal is a very important resource, plentiful yes, but extremely important. Salt is mined off the coast in some cliff formations, another valuable resource.
Trade & Transport
For the most part overland trade is very limited, and not many engage, at least not from other countries. It is more common county to county. However with the relatively recent uptick in technological development, the last seventy-five years or so has seen a great race between Waston and Suranth, one that has resulted primarily in two new methods of transportation. Sky-Ships and Locomotives. The dwarves are responsible for the locomotives, as such Suranth has a limited, though interconnected, train network, linking all six principal cities in the country. Currently only Geata-Iarainn has a active Sky-Port, though plans exist in the other regional capitals to build the infrastructure and open Sky-Ports in all five of them within the next decade.
The most travelled route is known as the Northern Grain Run, the long shipping route from Rohara to Deepwood, stopping at every port in-between. This is the artery, the pulse, the lifeline of the north lands and as such every nation contributes to protecting it. But Suranth takes its maintenance and defense as a personal responsibility, as they have more coastline along it than any two of the other nations combined. Which explains her frankly massive navy. Piracy is a crime seen equal to murder and rape in this northern nation, and you will be treated as such.
The most travelled route is known as the Northern Grain Run, the long shipping route from Rohara to Deepwood, stopping at every port in-between. This is the artery, the pulse, the lifeline of the north lands and as such every nation contributes to protecting it. But Suranth takes its maintenance and defense as a personal responsibility, as they have more coastline along it than any two of the other nations combined. Which explains her frankly massive navy. Piracy is a crime seen equal to murder and rape in this northern nation, and you will be treated as such.
Education
Handled mostly by family, public services available through church. In the larger towns or cities though you will find many opportunities for learning, colleges and universities, and trade guilds, which will arrange to help you join as an apprentice, seeking to help connect you with a tradesperson in need of one.
Infrastructure
Mostly stone, dwarven construction, well armed, fortified and hardy. Aqueducts built carefully to run along thermal vents to insure the water does not freeze. Winter lasts 7-8 months here, and it is only remotely close to what most would call warm for 1-2 months of the year. Its rail system, built impressively quickly by any standard, is a marvel, especially given the harsh tundra and arctic climate.
"Lluib at Vaunna!! Is at Ngem!!!" TRANSLATION: Iron and Bone, Blood and Stone!!!
Maps
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Geata-Iarainn
The maps of Geata-Iarainn's various districts. -
Nation-State of Suranth
The first of the Nine Nation States, the frigid tundra of Suranth to the north.
Founding Date
1145
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Alternative Names
The Tundra Realms
Demonym
Suranthi
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Crowned Republic
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Copper Stars
Silver Moons
Gold Suns
Silver Moons
Gold Suns
Major Exports
Coal
Metal
Metal works
Ore
Minerals
Gems
Salt
Metal
Metal works
Ore
Minerals
Gems
Salt
Major Imports
Grain, Produce, all manner of fabrics and silks, Lumber, and all manner of luxury crafted items
Legislative Body
Judicial Body
Executive Body
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Manufactured Items
Organization Vehicles
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Members of the Northern Prosperity Agreement
The Northern Prosperity Agreement
Raechin and Suranth are two of the staunchest allies in the NPA, and a lot of this comes from a mutual point of struggle and wealth they are trying to tap into together, The Steppes. This mountain range is massive and chock full, if the few mines that have managed to be established are any indication, of valuable ores, gems, and quality stone, mostly granite and marble. These mountains are old, and deep within them are massive coal deposits as well, again if anything can be estimated by the few mines at the edges of the range thus far. Indeed there is the desire to tap much further into the range, especially in search of enough of the strange black tar like substance that is found in some coal mines, with enough volume to utilize it. The working theory is that it could hopefully, given its highly flammable nature, and sheer energy release upon combustion, be utilized in some way as an alternative and maybe in time, more plentiful, easily accessed, harvested and processed. The substance hasn't been offically named yet, as only small samples have been found and tested in small efforts in both Raechin and Suranth, the project shared between the alchemist and engineer guilds in both nations. As such, their alliance grows ever stronger, and more friendly in trade and information sharing.
Raechin and Suranth are two of the staunchest allies in the NPA, and a lot of this comes from a mutual point of struggle and wealth they are trying to tap into together, The Steppes. This mountain range is massive and chock full, if the few mines that have managed to be established are any indication, of valuable ores, gems, and quality stone, mostly granite and marble. These mountains are old, and deep within them are massive coal deposits as well, again if anything can be estimated by the few mines at the edges of the range thus far. Indeed there is the desire to tap much further into the range, especially in search of enough of the strange black tar like substance that is found in some coal mines, with enough volume to utilize it. The working theory is that it could hopefully, given its highly flammable nature, and sheer energy release upon combustion, be utilized in some way as an alternative and maybe in time, more plentiful, easily accessed, harvested and processed. The substance hasn't been offically named yet, as only small samples have been found and tested in small efforts in both Raechin and Suranth, the project shared between the alchemist and engineer guilds in both nations. As such, their alliance grows ever stronger, and more friendly in trade and information sharing.
Members of the Northern Prosperity Agreement
The Northern Prosperity Agreement
Rohara is the bread basket of the NPA and as such, the other three nations legitmately go out of their way to keep strong relations with the country. Suranth and Rohara's relationship is very strong, though there are some in Suranth that have expressed concern politically that very alliance could drag Suranth uselessly into conflicts not of their concern, especially with growning tensions around the borderlands between Rohara and Kang-Chorath. This is a valid concern, and as such, does seem to hamper, or at least slow down the growing strength of this alliance. There is a stronger relationship here, than with Depenwood, but notably weaker than with Raechin.
Rohara is the bread basket of the NPA and as such, the other three nations legitmately go out of their way to keep strong relations with the country. Suranth and Rohara's relationship is very strong, though there are some in Suranth that have expressed concern politically that very alliance could drag Suranth uselessly into conflicts not of their concern, especially with growning tensions around the borderlands between Rohara and Kang-Chorath. This is a valid concern, and as such, does seem to hamper, or at least slow down the growing strength of this alliance. There is a stronger relationship here, than with Depenwood, but notably weaker than with Raechin.
Members of the Northern Prosperity Agreement
Acomprehensive four nation trade agreement. For the basics see here The Northern Prosperity Agreement
The details of this agreement make a....boring and difficult read given its comprehensive nearly three hundred pages of legal jargon. But in basic detail, the concept is open ports, open trade, with open negotiations, that is no tariffs or import duties. In regards to Depenwood and Suranth, the biggest part of this that effects them is the various agreed upon codification of how to grade lumber and timber besides tree/wood type. As an example, timber and lumber used for ship making is a different grade than those meant for construction of houses or other buildings. These have different agreed upon exchange values. As to Suranth, this is also true of many of the minerals and ores the nation moves, and of course the various Ghel products. These two nations very much exchange those sorts of raw materials, along with finished goods of that nature. Suranth also imports a fairly significant amount of produce, from Depenwood, by both rail and ship. The flow of trade is near constant and allowing these northern nations to grow with strength and staying power economically and influentially. Geata Iarainn houses an embassy for every nation on Valerick. Beyond that however, Depenwood and Suranth house diplomatic facilities in many of each other's larger cities, as is also true within Rohara and Raechin. Their diplomatic influence with each other is quite strong, willingly so. The only real strains on this relationship is some rather stark differences in culture.
The details of this agreement make a....boring and difficult read given its comprehensive nearly three hundred pages of legal jargon. But in basic detail, the concept is open ports, open trade, with open negotiations, that is no tariffs or import duties. In regards to Depenwood and Suranth, the biggest part of this that effects them is the various agreed upon codification of how to grade lumber and timber besides tree/wood type. As an example, timber and lumber used for ship making is a different grade than those meant for construction of houses or other buildings. These have different agreed upon exchange values. As to Suranth, this is also true of many of the minerals and ores the nation moves, and of course the various Ghel products. These two nations very much exchange those sorts of raw materials, along with finished goods of that nature. Suranth also imports a fairly significant amount of produce, from Depenwood, by both rail and ship. The flow of trade is near constant and allowing these northern nations to grow with strength and staying power economically and influentially. Geata Iarainn houses an embassy for every nation on Valerick. Beyond that however, Depenwood and Suranth house diplomatic facilities in many of each other's larger cities, as is also true within Rohara and Raechin. Their diplomatic influence with each other is quite strong, willingly so. The only real strains on this relationship is some rather stark differences in culture.
Economic Rivals
As Suranth is to the north, so too is Waston to the south, and as such, the dwarven nation and gnomish nation are oft in direct economic competition for the business of the nations of the Heartlands and indeed of Nightvale herself. Their is begrudging respect between the two peoples, the begrudging respect of competing master craftsmen, but this means their diplomatic relationship is not the friendliest by any stretch.
Neutral
Susma is the holdout, of course, as one would expect, considering the nation's strong position, neighboring Nightvale's strong walls and the massive armies of the metropolis on three sides. The city may as well be IN the desert nation, which gives the Susmains a large, and not unfounded, confidence to simply sit and do business with whomever benefits them economically. They are the founding member of the Heartland Defense Pact, backed of course by the weight of Nightvale's monarch at the time, Empress Cyndra Fiorabrynd, and the weight of her words, and the Imperial army, whom despite their multi-nationality, are ferociously loyal to her and the city and continent. This deal was therefore one with an almost divine mandate. Susma sits as the bubble nation, and as such, plays the economic game with skillful efficiency and tact, maintaining a beneficial trading arrangement with both trading nations, but keeping a careful balance so as to not give one or the other belief its gained enough economic edge go to open economic hostility, which could lead to a brutal and ugly complete continental war. They stand with Empress Cyndra Fiorabrynd the II, who upholds her great grandmother's stance as the voice of reason and balance, as both Emperors before her did. As such, Suranth's diplomatic relationship with them is..passably neutral. They have no open disagreements or debates, but they are also not staunch allies, or economic partners either. The relationship can be best described as respectfully courteous and professional.
Distrusting
Kang-Chorath, like Rohara is a heartland nation that has picked a side in the ongoing economic conflict between Suranth and Waston. Rohara, the nation that led the push to bring Suranth into the Northern Prosperity Agreement. Kang-Chorath did the same for Waston with the Southern Trade and Commerce Accords, a much younger agreement. As such, there is...tension at the border shared by Rohara and Kang-Chorath, tension shared to some extent by their respective allies.
Distrusting
Bordering Depenwood, Suranth and Valewyr's diplomatic relationship, for all the same reasons as Kang-Chorath, is..rocky at best.
Undeclared enemies
Suranth and Mora are like opposites in every sense. Mora gains a significant portion of its industry by granting its citizens privateering licenses, a practice every other nation frowns upon. In theory, those with such papers are only to ply their craft in Morain sovereign waters, and any ship flying the colors of Mora, or any of the 3 other member nations of the Southern Trade and Commerce Accords is not to be targeted. Most listen to that second condition, the first however....well 'incidents' of Morain privateers sailing north for midsummer and early autumn, the time when traffic and cargo laden targets are...abundant...are not unheard of. Any time these scoundrels are caught of course, Mora's government denies any knowledge of the happenings, claiming the privateers in question clearly went rogue. Any captured privateers stick to that story too, even as led up to the gallows to be hung for piracy. Needless to say, diplomatic relations are...strained.
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