Verkant

An ancient land of snow and ice, once inhabited en masse by the Kingdom of Thromgar, Verkant is now a member of the Empire. Settled by adventurers, settlers, and backed with the might of two Imperial Legions at the beginning, the colony of Verkant has grown to encompass much of the harsh lands north of Taldara. Interbreeding with the Thromgar tribes still inhabiting the land, the Verkant people grew strong and prideful of their status as a forged kingdom. However, their pride was tarnished by the founding of the distant land of Vintermor, and the taming of that rich land. Now, the Verkant are in a quandary. On the one hand, they are still members of the Empire, and proud of their heritage. On the other, to see the Vintermor folk steal their prestige, as well as much of their trade, wounds the pride and economy of Verkant. The Thromgar Enclaves, distant from both Verkant and Vintermor, has repeatedly offered treaties and wealth in exchange for the opportunity to ransack Vintermor. So far, the King, Isaac Bornheld, has refused their bribes and tribute. But, the Thromgar might make an offer that is too rich to refuse, to allow the Verkant people to take back what they feel is theirs by right...

People
The Verkant people are a hardy lot. Disdaining many civilized comforts, they are a proud and fierce people. With their lands far north enough to receive less sun, they tend to be light of complexion, with blond or red hair common among them. Blue or green eyes are most commonly seen, though gray is occasionally found. They tend to be tall, but lean, lacking some of the more obvious muscle of the Thromgar people. The people, having been founded by nobles and others who went to escape the orderly life of the Empire, are known for their stubborn natures. Strong minds and will have been hardened by the climate, giving them pride in abundance. However, unlike their Thromgar brethren, the political ways of the Empire have also seeped into the Verkant psyche, making them quite able to be manipulative and cunning, when they choose to display it. Emotionally, they are a somber people, not wishing to display emotions for that would show a possible weakness. Though they are capable of great joy, it is something they tend to suppress, unless around close and trusted friends. The traditional weapons and armor of the Verkant are a bit different from the Empire. Preferring light and medium armors, Verkant warriors arm themselves with heavy weapons, such as bastard swords, greatswords, and large axes. Often spears and polearms are selected as well. Shields are quite common, with shield-bashing an art all its own among the Verkant, and many elite warriors will learn to use a bastard sword or waraxe one-handed, having a shield in the other.

Culture
Verkant culture is a mixture of the civilization of the southern areas, particularly Meloria and Taldara, and the northern savages of Thromgar. Many Verkant are surprisingly good artists, specializing in ice sculpture and weapons crafting. Indeed, it is a rare Verkant that has not taken up some form of self-expression, a channel for the emotions they suppress. With their acceptance into the Empire as a full Kingdom, the Verkant had to restrain some of their lawless ways. Instead of physical conflicts, an elaborate system of vendettas and manipulations sprouted in its place. Though still capable of violence, many Verkant channel their rage into their cunning and plots, and are capable of intrigues that would surprise the self-styled manipulators of Meloria and Taldara. Which is exactly how the Verkant want it. In matters of religion, Verkant follows the Imperial Pantheist Church rather loosely, and it is far more common to see people and nobles following individual gods. Forstorelse is particularly popular with Verkant, though the extent of her popularity has never been tested. As a war goddess, she has adherents, and as a goddess of rulership and domination, she has even more. The other gods are represented in fair number, and only the Dark Primordials are banned from worship. Though there are rumors that many followers of Talvi have established cults in this frozen kingdom.

Government
Verkant is a true monarchy, ruled by a noble family that has distant relations to the Emperor's lineage. The Verkant people are disdainful of many of the structured regulations of the Empire, and often break minor laws. The Empire rarely steps in, since the Verkant people pay their taxes as often as any other kingdom. After the central city of Verkant was established, baronies were formed, establishing an outward growing sphere of control for the Kingdom of Verkant. Beneath each baron are his thanes, fighting men who maintain close ties to the common folk. Serfdom is the norm within the kingdom of Verkant, the most a commoner can hope for is either the rank of thane, or possibly learning mystic arts and gaining value in that sense. The King often rules Verkant with an iron fist, and many intrigues revolve around the various barons and the court. Often barons scheme to replace the king, forming alliances that dissolve rather swiftly as new alliances can be made. The king will play the barons against each other, never letting one faction gain too much power. While it doesn't allow a lot of efficiency, it keeps the King and his family in power.

Race Relations
Verkant people tend to regard themselves as better than others, though the superiority rarely gets to the point of actual racism towards others. Dwarves in particular are respected for their industrious natures. Elves are regarded as flighty and not particularly reliable, except for the Morthidar (frost elves). Gnomes and halflings are looked upon as nuisances, particularly gnomes, who delight in pranking the serious and stern Verkant people. Halforcs are actually respected for their physical strength, and rumors abound of orcish blood flowing through a few of the noble families. Class Preferences: Most classes are utilized in Verkant, though barbarians and druids are rare with the civilization of the native Thromgar tribes. Rangers and fighters are the preferred fighter classes, with monks and paladins a bit rare throughout the kingdom. Bards are rare, with the dour nature of Verkant people not leading to the musical inclinations of bardic life. Clerics are prominent, as are wizards and sorcerers. Indeed, many noble families will often court those with sorcerous talents, wanting the mystical heritage to concentrate and pool in their own lineage. Rogues are quite common, and many don't advertise, often multi-classing with other classes as a 'cover' of sorts.