Berok

At the start of the southern range of the northern mountains lies the lands of **Principality of Berok**. Here the feared Berokians life, the riders of bears. Its capital is the city of Bralutko.

The lands of Berok are generally hilly and forested. In the west and north of the region great mountains form a natural barrier. These mountains are covered with great pine trees, through them valleys roam with small creeks. In the mountainside many great metals can be found, from copper and iron to even small patches of silver. On the east the coastline is to be considered rough and therefore not easily accessible. Only few places can accommodate a harbour town, therefore the Berokians are not a seafaring nation. In the south the Váh River forms another natural barrier, protecting the Berokians from any outside invasion. Notably the Berok Bear hails from these lands. The Berokians were the first to tame the bear and are the primary breeders, selling them through the rest of Bataf.

*For locations see*: Locations of Berok

## History

### Founding myth (840-890)

The founding myth of Berok can be traced back to the tales of Sveta od Soyka (827-866), who is seen as the legendary founder of Berok. Together with her twin-bears Ursun and Ursa she would liberate the lands, of what once would become Berok, from the long forgotten nation of Stáva. The nation of Stáva ruled over fast amounts of territory in what is now Berok, Cainaan and parts of Zakraj. During this period Stáva still adhered to the old human sacrifices of the Soulstice. Sveta od Soyka herself grew up as a farmhand and at age 16 would free the twin-bears as mere cubs, who were caged by a travelling merchant. She showed a natural affinity with the bears and would quickly come to tame them, some however say that the bears tamed her. Sveta together with her bears turned from farmhand into a protector of her village for the next 12 years to come. After this period she would turn into the protector of Berok as soldiers from Stáva came to her town searching for potential sacrifices for the upcoming Soulstice. Bearing arms she fought against the soldiers, gaining a devout following and would soon travel to other nearby villages to protect them against the soldiers of Stáva. A peasant army had formed around her and her bears and would grow with each settlement liberated. A five year long campaign was fought against the oppressors and in 860 rulers of Sváta fled. To celebrate the victory Sveta would found the city of Bralutko in the same year on the north bank of the river Dunaj. However, pockets of resistance remained and an army of Stáva was spotted marching on Bralukto in 866. Sveta set out to get rid of them, but was ambushed and would lose the fight. As her bears were wounded she turned to the skies and prayed for her life to be taking instead of her bears. Her request was granted as a bright beam of light came down from the sky, killing every last soldier of Stáva. A less powerful beam appeared on Sveta once the slaughter was over. Her body slowly disappeared as her life essence was transferred to her bears, who would start to slowly levitate up into the sky and disappear. With witnesses claiming that the bears had ascended onto godhood.

This tale tells not only the story of how Berok would be freed but is also an important foundation for the Berok Orthodox Church. However, Berok was not an united entity. Not before or after the death of Sveta od Soyka. Instead the land was divided between different local rulers. Some who still supported the old ways, however most followed the legacy of Sveta od Soyka. The lands around the new town of Bralutko was handed to Sveta's most trusted advisor, and overseer of Bralutko at the time, Radovan I Vojtik. Ravodan Vojtik was one of the few people who was thought more about taming bears. He would use this knowledge to expand the city of Bralutko using bears as a labour force, paying them fairly in fish and berries for their services. With the passing of Radovan at age 63 in 893 the lands would be divided equally between his children, who each would focus on developing their piece of soil. His eldest child continued to spread the influence of the Vojtik dynasty in the surrounding areas. Having heard the tales of Sveta, his youngest child Druza turned to zealotry and would be of significant importance in founding the Berok Orthodox Church.

*Add more history involving the rulers ruling over divided Berok to properly setup the next chapter about unification*

### Uniting Berok (890-1100)

The centuries between 900 and 1100 would see a series of important foundational events in the history of Berok. Such as the writings of the early doctrine of the Berok Orthodox Church, the development of bears to be used as burden animal and beast of war.

The lands of Berok where divided between differing rulers. In what is now the duchy of Zapnoviya, the strategist and loyal follower of Sveta Pavel 'Tall-Bear' Hajek ruled over moderate parts of the duchy. From Bralutko the Vojtik dynasty ruled over the surrounding areas. In the eastern mountains loyalist to the rule of the realm of Stáva had made their refuge. The largest holdout would be however what is now the region of Teník. Barely settled for a hundred years the region was considered insignificant due to its under development, however its rugged terrain made it an excellent holdout. Due to these factors the region was an important strategic point and with the arrival of Stáva loyalist it also was considered an important point to conquer to prevent the loyalist from gathering support. However, everything south from Teník and east from the Zapno Mountains was mostly in firm hands of followers of Sveta od Soyka. The fight for control over these regions would be fought along three different fronts, with pure warfare being the first, the second being diplomacy, and the third being religion. To start with warfare, the first goal of the freed Berokains was to see that Stáva would not return. This goal was especially supported by Pavel Hajek, who sought revenge for the death of Sveta od Soyka and sought to destroy the remaining Stáva forces. This would be done so after he inherited his father's domain in 870, afterwards heading to war. With the forces of Stáva being completely destroyed in 896 in the Siege of Rasov. The conquests made him a powerful man and soon he was approached by the son of Radovan I to marry his child to a grandchild of Pavel, in turn forging a powerful alliance in the southern region of Berok. When Pavel passed away his heir would swear fealty to the rulers in Bralutko.

In the meantime the Berok Orthodox Church would see the election of the first Svetikňaz, the first among the priests of Berok. Under the church the gospel of Sveta, Ursun and Ursa would spread and stories would be written to signify their importance. However, the first rulers of the church also once had believed in some of the gods of the old Stáva religion. Some of which god integrated in the new Berokian pantheon, such as Drovos god of waterly minerals and healing. Iros the god associated with the human sacrifices during the soulstice would also be slowly transformed to a god of death. With many Berokians nowadays having forgotten the original worship of the deity. During these two centuries the church had very close tied to the rulers of Bralutko. Hence that when people converted to the new religion it was also asked of them to swear fealty to the rulers in Bralutko. Some did, some had to be convinced with the sword or the bite of a bear. For the rulers of Bralutko were one of the few who knew the secrets to taming a bear, they would use these rudimentary war bears to great effect in conquering the northern regions. In addition the use of burden bears allowed the economy of southern Berok to grow exponentially.

And as such the lands of Berok would slowly but surely be united under the rulers of Bralutko, the Vojtik dynasty. They declared established the Kingdom of Berok in 1037, naming themselves the monarch. However, the new prosperity found under an united ruler would last long. A series of bad harvests during the 1090s due to unfavourable weather caused an economic downturn and significantly weakened Berok. At the same time the nation of Zakraj was gathering strength in the south, seeking to conquer the wealthy lands of Berok for their own.

### Zakraj Subject (1100-1300)

In 1104 the forces of Zakraj would invade the southern frontier of Berok, crossing over the Váh river. Zakraj as a nation is known for their excellent light cavalry and horse archers and managed to gain significant moment in the southern plain regions of Berok. With ease pushing deep into the land, that is until they reached the southern reaches of Tesny forest. The forest significantly slowed down the agile horses of Zakraj. In turn the Berokians managed to counter attack using bears to their strength. However, the strength of bears and knowledge of the land was not enough as the nation of Zakraj managed to win more decisive battles and capture a few family members of house Votjik, including the heir. After a total of four years of fighting both parties met to negotiate a peace treaty. Zakraj would conquer the lands among the river Váh and Berok would become a tributary state still under the rule of the Votjik dynasty. It was decided that a king could not rule over another king, so the kings of Berok would be no more and would be instead now known as the princess of Berok. Essentially forming the foundation of the Principality of Berok. For the next two centuries to come Berok would be a yearly tribute to Zakraj and feel the influence of Zakraj.

Being a subject nation was quite beneficial to the development of Berok, for they enjoyed the protection of Zakraj. Therefor the roughly 200 year long period allowed the prosperity of Berok to grow to never seen before heights. Advancements in mining techniques were made with the help of migrating dwarves from Ralmulash. In addition more wealth was spend into refining bear warfare, the development of special stirrups and custom fitted saddles allowed greater control and balance to any rider. Furthermore, with the advancements of blacksmithing techniques special fitted cuirass pieces, made for the bear, would provide additional protection. Not only would Berok see significant growth to its economy or military might, it would also see a heightened advancements of its culture. With new traditions making its way to Berok from Zakraj, but also seeing the further development of the Berok Orthodox Church. By some this era is considered the golden age of Berok history, however many more claim this period would not come until the 1300s when Berok became independent once more.

Be that as it may be, Berok would become a free nation once again when the Rosazski Sword of the ruling house of Zakraj, house Rosazski was lost in a fire in 1288. For without the sword the Rosazskis did not hold the power to keep control of Zakraj and its subjects. This would eventually lead to the collapse of Zakraj with many of its subject nations, including Berok, eventually declaring independence.

### First Berokian-Cainaan War (1445-1460)

*Main Article: First Berokian-Cainaan War*

### Centralization, Unrest and Religion (1600-now)

#### Second Berokian-Cainaan War (1655-now)

**Quick pointers to integrate:**

* Founding myth, Sveta od Soyka 9th century 2nd epoch
* Berok united, 11th century
	+ House Kolev, rulers of Bralutko in the name of Sveta.
* Vassal state of southern conqueror, 12th century
* Independent once again, 13/14th century
	+ Conqueror collapses due to internal strive
	+ Refined of bears as war animals
* First Berok-Cainaan war 15th century
	+ Rise of house Maliar
* Second Berok-Cainaan war 17th century
	+ Unrest in Berok following new war with Cainaan
	+ Increased power for the church
	+ Minor civil war in 1630ish

## Geography

Berok can be divided in roughly three different geographic zones, each with its one distinct features that have guided Berok to become the nation it is today. The south-east of Berok is generally known as the Dunaj Flats and is part of the much larger Stáva Plains which dominates much of the lands south of Berok such as Zakraj. The Dunaj Flats are some of the flattest parts of Berok and seem completly foreign to someone who only knows Berok as the lands of mountains and bears. The flats and its large rivers make it an excellent agricultural zone and is home to some of the largest city in Berok, such as its capital Bralutko. Travelling to the northern and western regions of Berok brings a steady but noticeable change to the landscape. The second distinct region are the Berokian Low Hills, with rolling hills forming large parts of the landscape, with the occasional higher hill, sometimes mountain stretching out from the Zapno Mountains, which are also known as the Lower Zapno Mountains. Then in the far north and west of the country is Zapno Mountains, ever looming over Berok. This rugged region forms a natural boundary with Berok's neighbour and an excellent defensive position. Aside from that the mountains form an excellent place to mine for precious minerals, which has become a large boom to Berok's economy since the use of blackpowder in the mines.

## Politics

The lands of Berok are headed by the prince of the Bralutkovyi region, the most important region. To understand the politics of Berok one has to understand its military strategy first. The Berokions know the hills, streams and mountains of the land very well, therefore local militias are raised to harass and ambush the enemies. This in turn gives the locals significant amount of power over themselves, with local assemblies representing the many villages. Thus each noble lord often has a local advisory council, differing in size depending on the place. Over the centuries these councils grew and changed in scope, eventually changing from mostly an advisory council to a binding council. With the advice given being fairly rarely overruled by the royal rulers.

### Regions

Berok is divided between four administrative divisions who enjoy a semi-autonomous status, owing it to the rough nature of the land.

#### Bralutkovyi

Bralutkovyi is the most important region of Berok and also contains its capital Bralutko. The land around here is generally flatter when compared to the rest of Berok, allowing for easier buildable ground. The general region is also covered with multiple forests, the most important being Tesny Forest. For the first burden bears were created here, allowing the people to spread outward easier and conquer the surrounding neighbours who did not have access to fierce beast of war.

The region of Bralutkovyi is subdivided into smaller divisions but over the course of Berokian history these have been slowly centralized away and placed under (semi-)direct rule of the Bear Princes. These division were at first ruled by hereditary rulers who have been replaced by appointed administrators who serve for a definite amount of time.

#### Váhran

The march of Váhran is located in the south on the Váh river. The region used to be more influential when its silver mines were discovered, however most of them have dried up by now. Now the march is mostly known for its large military fortifications and providing a decent amount of food to the rest of the lands. The border runs south of the river, which also contains plenty of farmland but in case of war is quickly giving up to retreat to the Váh river.

#### Zapnoviya

To the west is the dukedom of Zapnoviya with its regional capital of Zamestko, forming the border region with the dwarves of Ralmulash.

#### Kobily

The dukedom of Kobily lies in the northern part of central Berok. This region is the edge of most of Berokian civilization. The region is primarily known for its large mining operations. Here most of the rich minerals of the country are mined to be shipped out towards Bralutkovyi were they are turned into weapons and jewellery.

#### **Teník**

Teník is the northern most region of Berok. Squished in between the mountains in the west and the ocean in the east. This region was never the most the most prosperous but enjoys a well developed wood industry. The region used to be wealthier until the collapse of all northern trade with Tara Tranda which now turned into Cainaan, land of vampires. Nowadays the most travellers the region sees are soldiers heading to the forts guarding the northern passes from any raids coming from Cainaan.

## Culture

Berok has not always had a singular culture which could be found in the area. The south for example, was always more open and multicultured due the lands simply being easier to traverse by different cultures. The northern regions, especially, always had a more conservative culture and economy dependent on grazing. However, as Bralutko expanded so did its cultural influences and even isolated communities would slowly fall under its influence. Nonetheless Berok is proud of its mountains and has in turn adopted many cultural elements of its northern counterparts.

### Superstition

The Berokians are a superstitious people. They weren't always as such, decades of hostilities with the vampires in Cainaan made them fear the power of the moon. Returning to their religious roots the Berokians have brought back old rites to fight the evil that comes with the moon.

Burials are only permitted from sunrise until sundown, anyone who is buried during the dark is believed to be cursed. However from some Berokians this isn't enough as they believe that anyone who dies during the night will have their soul turned into darkness, just like the old rites wrote. It has been said that vigilantes roam the streets armed with pitch forkes and torches ready to harass anyone of whom their poor granny has passed away in the night.

### Bears

The bear is more than a mere tool of war for the people of Berok, a bear is a companion a friend. The richer farmers often employs bears on their fields to help with hard labour. The richest of Berokians, such as the noble and very wealth merchants will often have pet bears. Bred to be tamer than a war bear or a labour bear they're ferocious nonetheless and should not be messed with. On occasions pet bears have mauled thieves trying to break into rich merchants homes.

**Marriage**

*See also: Wedding Rituals of Berok*