Vodsten Kingdom

VODSTEN

"From the ashes we start a new"

Background:

Before the great collapse, Stovekstun was respected under one definition and one definition only fit it so well. Lawful. The old country was predominantly militaristic, led by its meticulously constructed army structure and heavily influenced government structure. The system was designed so that no man was left alone responsible for the kingdom yet the majority that ran it spoke louder than those who did not align with the governmental militaristic complex. A country that was honored and held to have a removal of chaotic nature, was still so very gilded. The government upheld its distinct iron will for years, keeping the western entrance of the Avandia River controlled as well as a large portion of the land that bordered the Hitchwel lake. Stovekstun guarded their land like birds of prey, keeping their land guarded as much as they could with the ever coming fear that their land would be taken when they were least expecting. The large quantities of timber and fabled mines was enough to attract the attention of the most ambitious kings and queens to attack the old land. Rebels and cultists even tried to take the riches of the land, only to be met by the ruthless nature of the Stovekstun army and their infamous "book chapter verse" methods. The country was proud of their lack of chaos and their strength in militaristic might. But with such an iron fist, it rusted through in the great collapse.

Stovekstun fell due to the old gods fading away, the government turned on itself, books commanding their forces against each other, killing those they deemed "lawless" and "uncertain" in the eyes of their great country. Their hypocrisy would be their downfall. It is said that in their deaths, all the books, chapters and verses died in the battles amongst the forests of Stovekstun and their capital and the ruins that laid in the remains of it. But, it is rumored that one Book survived. The book of judges, that was the first to see the downfall of the country. Law is as pure as those who uphold it.

In time, Vodsten was created after the start of the dark age. The smaller towns and their militias watched their elites fall and took upon themselves to create a system of government that had a sense of center but one that was run by those who took part in the new nation. Vodsten is unlike its ironed stoic precursor, being open for once in years, the forests are open to the outside world. With the collapse, trade was essential to help rebuild the country and even those around it. The Vodsten people were big on brewery, timber, jewels and riches somewhat, but their tourism also brought in a substantial economy. Port cities, markets full of products for the rich and the poor, a spring, and their traditional drinks. Another source of income was their use of plants and other ailments, the creation of medicines…and more dangerous concoctions.

The government of Vodsten is run by a party named Dredgen, the central state that helps run commerce outside the country and serves as the umbrella that overlooks the country. Ran by newer and older politicians, parliament sees its tensions between the old ways and the new. The views are heavily mixed, but are divided on the old long view of law. Is there ever a time Lawfulness is too much and if so, what can it cause?

Vodsten may be a shadow of its previous Stovekstun glory, but it provides a better outcome for those around and inside its great domain. Tourism, business, and trade all give the new country a sense of life, but even then, the old grit of the people still prevails. The tinge of the iron grip lingers in its hardened people that lived through the great collapse.

Military:

Vodsten moved away from the Book chapter verse method that Stovekstun had, and created a system of militarism that was to the respected city or part of the government that controlled it. Larger the city, the more serious the militia was. Some cities, especially on the port, could be visited or monitored by more skilled fighters sent by the Dredgen government. People are not required to work in the military but a title of honor is promised to those that uphold the responsibility of guarding their country.

Bodarks are a prestige rank of soldier than is achieved by empirical look. Soldiers that are seen to be extremely adroit in combat become a bodark and serve under the direct command of the Queen and the current General (Primus). Bodarks are fabled soldiers, using a combat style that fits them and fortifying their skills to the best they can be. It is rare for one to be outside the city, seeing they are more of a peacekeeping force than an army.

Government:

Parliament is separated by the enumerated house, run by the representatives of the government and the reserved house, run by representatives of different areas. They are technically barons but such a title is reserved to one man alone.

Even though there is no royal family, a central king is chosen to serve as the face of Vodsten. He or she however is restricted to not reduce or sway Parliament.

The judges of Vodsten, run by three unknown entities that only represent part of the court. Truth, Proof, and Morality. All judges are schooled by these motives, but the central three behind writing laws are one of the most mystical, almost as close to the long forgotten books of Stovekstun.

TRADE:

Vodsten trades openly with anyone willing to return the price. The government itself is hard to negotiate with on more serious ordeals but the locals are more than happy to do business. Need some iron and wood? There's plenty to buy, for a proper price of course.

PRODUCE:

Ale

Timber

Herbs and alchemy products

Fruits

Minerals

Iron

Hunt, Vodsten is a heavy source of food as well as the means to preserve it.

Manufactured goods (note: Vodsten traditionally does not like to deal over the table for goods like weapons and could potentially charge extra to keep it under the table)

Races/Cultures:

All, Stovekstun was a mixture to begin with and with the opening of trade and tourism it allows for a more spread of people and cultures

Religion:

There is no central religion in the country, although the devotion to more lawful gods is more likely than those that bring chaotic enterprise.

Number of starting cities: 16

Current Ruler: Accalia

Head of the underground trade that Vodsten offers to those that live in restricted conditions or need contraband and need it safely from the seller. Maxium was the youngest to a aristocratic family that served as scholars in Stovekstun and the beginning of Vodsten. At nineteen he fled the planned life of politics and became a skilled assassin under the teachings of Aufseher and a long gone master of a forgotten teaching called "Executioner" from the styles that Stovekstun rogues would be taught. Maxium was then turned into chief of the underground trade, ensuring Vodsten could do business safely and efficiently. His cold and stoic demeanor shows just how witty this mysterious smuggler can be. The Elf sports a burn mark across his right side of his face.

Aufseher:

General of the main army of Vodsten. A man who was born into a family of previous skilled leaders, Aufseher became a young fighter and Commander, proving himself through battle and discipline to become one of the greatest generals that Vodsten and Stovekstun even saw. Aufseher holds the rank Chief of legions. His bolstering leadership and collective social behavior lets him use his words and his fits for any confrontation. But his rage is worn on his sleeve, and can come off as aggressive. A Kalashtar that's spirit for combat is seen, and his stratefical mind always at work. A wise leader for the army but also a good friend to have. Works closely with Accalia and the Bodarks to ensure no lack of communication.

Volk:

The leader of the Bodarks, a small group of royal soldiers, that partakes in the aid of external affairs with other countries. Young, thoughtful, and devilishly handsome. Volk is an expert with long swords and shields, earning his skill through talent and practice with his father at a young age. Volk is a celebrity almost, fabled to be a great young fighter and maybe one day the king. His close friend Warden tends to have to keep him on track during external affairs. Whether it's his curiosity with the common folk or the unawareness of the people around him, Warden tends to keep him in line.

Warden:

Warden is the last face a country wants to flaunt or banter with. Usually sent to declare shocking or more serious information to other countries, Warden works as the enforcer of the Vodsten people. Rumored to be a lifeless killer, the man was known for ruthlessly hunting his mother's killers down during a cults attack and brutally ripping them to shreds with a pole axe. His cunning nature and apathetic mind is the perfect tool to let other countries know that Vodsten may be open, but they are not vulnerable. Deep under his tragic past, there is much more to the eye for those that get closer to the Warden. It is unknown what species he is, since he wears an armor composed of his own design. Similar to a chaotic shadow that lurks the history of Stovekstun.

Barron:

Barron is a brilliant alchemist in charge of the queen and her kingdom's use of poisons. First being the underground seller to a plethora of killers, Barron was admitted to being Queen Accalia's professional, able to hold a fight himself but also able to poison a whole room of people and go unnoticed. To the regular eye he looks like an old wise man, but there is much more to the eye. The Grey eyed man was appointed for a reason of course, and it was to ensure the sustainability of the Vodsten country.

Queen Accalia:

Eliza Accalia Stravok, the current ruler of the Vodsten empire and current headbutter of the up-tight Parliament. Her rise to the throne started as a hunter in the forest, a she wolf. Her beauty and size, paired with her natural rage made her quite the character, and attracted the attention of a prince. Their marriage may have been on little to no actual substance, but he himself had no substance for the crown. Soon, he was overthrown and in the popular vote, Accalia was in and she was taking it head on. Her ruling and stance as queen allowed for Vodsten to still be open to the public but not as vulnerable as those may believe. The bluish white Tiefling sees the world as the old country did. Shifty, unpredictable, and required to be watched closely. She still wears her old wolf pelt even as queen.

Jericho:

"A shadow of history forgotten"

Fortress:

The last book, and the first legend.

about 7' armored Paladin of the Stovektun name and Vodsten. Being the first Book to see the errors of their society, Fortress was out into a war against his own brethren for a collapsing country and world. Surviving the collapse, he became nomadic and traveled the world, learning the the countries around and the people. He was considered to be a folk hero, still providing his services to those around and to those he met along the way. Now Fortress is a walking legend, making his way across the world to help countries in their rebuild of civilization or to snuff out those that he once called friends that proved that pure chaos and law would lead to the same downfall.

Kingpin:

A skilled brewer that used to serve the port city of Ravenswood as a militia guard. After his time, he became the city's infamous brewmaster, his drinks live on in infamy. A Dragonborn Brewer with an eye for business and a mind for combat. Being apart of the skirmishes that Vodsten first days of existence, Kingpin knows a thing or two about combat. And better yet, politics, his ear is open to all he hears and his lips are open to those who ask. Need some information, Kingpin can give it.

STOLTENHOFF:

Admiral of the Vodsten navy. Small yet young, the Navy is to still be under the leadership of the young ex-pirate. His natural love for the sea and intelligent mind allows him to not only see the waters with a passion but also commandeer a ship with a stride. If you're to cross the water, keep him close. He may be the reason you get back to dry land in one piece.

Grizzly:

Half Orc of Bodarks. Grizzly was a local worker until he joined the Oxen militia and proved to be a strong fighter. His raw talent for hand to hand combat made him a recruited Bodark at a young age and soon a lieutenant that works in the Ravenstone castle itself. A soft spoken, large fisted man that knows his way around people like his way around a battlefield.

Iana:

Half Elf of the Bodarks, working closely with Aufseher with diplomatic relations and external affairs. If its shaky and Warden isnt available, Iana will be there. Your gal for all your investigating needs. Quick to solve and slow to anger, the elfish human will be a gran aid to you and your country. Whether you need a quick witted Rogue or a kind soul to guide, Iana is your best bet in this lawless world.