Vesten (VES-tin)

Government

Vesten is ruled by the Six Great Clans - the names of their major families (think scottish clans rather than primitive tribal clans)- that call the country home. To act as the overseer and tie breaker, the clans appoint an Arbiter, who is chosen by merit on paper. In reality, the clan who has the most wealth and resources will usually be the ruling Arbiter, with the other five clans plotting to undermine the Arbiter’s clan.    

The Six Clans

Clan Ulfhider - The current Arbiter's Clan - Hailing from the Great Falun Forest- This clan has fought tooth and nail to keep hold of the leadership as arbiter of the clans for the last one hundred years. The clans grow uneasy under their leadership and yet none can honestly say that they have not been honorable in their arbitration. Still there are many who wish to unseat them from their leadership.   Clan Ormrgreip - Hailing primarily from the Stryn Woodlands and the Southern Moores, probably the second most powerful Clan in Vesten. They have a great desire to become the arbiters but they will not undertake any underhanded way of doing so. They are close to their merfolk.   Clan Bjornserker - These hardy warriors hail from the Northern spires, while there is a faction who would do anything to become the arbiters this is only because they believe that their country has become weak and too reliant on agriculture and they need to return to their raiding ways. The rest are busy enough surviving and making honorable names for themselves   Clans Fafnir and Nidhogg - Nearly inseparable these clans hail from the Slumbering Dragon Mountains, there are deep elements within these clans who wish to take over Vesten, there are others who wish to serve dragons, and others who wish to fight them   Clan Kobenhaven - Few know much about this particular Clan, they are secretive and some say that they’re a bit mad…but they do maintain their ties with the others

Culture

Heritage: Dragonborn   While the Six Great Clans make up the governing body of Vesten, hundreds of houses have emerged from the clans. These houses make up the true foundation of the nation. Because the houses will accept any who seek them and prove their worth, Vesten has become a place that one goes to get away from the machinations and politics of the outside world. They value hard work and ingenuity above all else and pride themselves on the advances they have made on the front of arcanotech.   Vesten also place a high value on family, both blood and found, which leads to an isolationist style of community. While helping your neighbor is not uncommon, all things do have a price, and this exchange of favors and money is what keeps the houses from outright trying to take one another over. All debts are recorded and maintained by the local clergy of Fodla to ensure that the balance of power is maintained.  

Cultural Norms

Vesten, as has been said, prides family, house, and clan above all else. And while these will usually color the way a Vesten approaches the world, they also value a deep connection to nature and the elemental spirits that run through their land. Honor, respect, and debt also play a role in how a Vesten deals with others as they tend to look at those three things as more important that paltry coin.  

Military

Each house is tasked with maintaining their own personal armed guards, called Kin Keepers. For most things, the Kin Keepers are just guards. When the clan of that house calls for soldiers, it is expected that at the bare minimum, the house will send the majority of their Kin Keepers to service for the clan. Each clan can call up their own small army to assist allies or nations, but the full might of Vesten’s forces cannot be convened without the decree of the Arbiter. Once this call is sent out, the Kin Keeper forces are expected to dissolve their ties to anything but the newly formed army. This army is called the Stone’s March and is only used in times of extreme threat to the country.  

Economy

Vesten has progressed in the world markets with their costly but highly effect and well-made elemental machines. Through processes that never leave their elemental forges, Vestens have made a name for themselves as craftsmen bar none and are sought after for their beautiful designs and amazingly strong elemental bonds. As such, Vesten’s economy from an outside standpoint is mighty and prosperous. On the inside, the houses and the clans view such things as necessary means to an end. In truth, internal Vesten economy runs off of favors and debts between people, houses, and even the great clans themselves. This back and forth is call the Accounting and it is considered one of the highest breeches of honor to forsake a debt or not honor a favor.  

Religion

Rhemnys, God of Crafting The most worshipped deity as Vesten values their previews the most.   Fodla, Goddess of Home and Hearth The worship of Fodla is more about the community followed closely by home and hearth.   Rhodena, Goddess of Nature Mostly worshipped by the druids who maintain the natural wildlands outside of the few massive cities in Vesten  

Holidays

Stone Callers Festival A weeklong festival where anyone can present their newest innovations and ideas. This is primarily used to find new investors or sponsors. It is also a time when who is in what house or clan has little meaning and each major city is treated as a giant market place.   Work Start and Work End. Each one celebrating the changing of the seasons from winter to spring (Work Start) and from fall to winter (Work End). Each day is seen as a massive celebration to Rhemnys and Fodla and a holdover from the days when the seasons truly determined their work times.   The Day of One is one that is treated with great reverence and import. Overseen by the clergy of Fodla, the Day of One celebrates when the original peoples of Vesten came together and formed the Six Great Clans that have spread out to into the multitude of houses that call Vesten home. It is the one holiday where no work is permitted, and all are called to a massive meal to break bread with their neighbors.   The Proving Done when any young house member either becomes of age (20) or when an outsider swears into a house. It is a day when all those who qualify are put through tests and trials to show their worth. There is no prize for being the Best, just the honor it brings your House for doing so. It is also considered illegal and dishonorable to bet on the Proving, but that does not stop some from trying.