The Accord Nations

[◊ Puppy ◊]

The King is Dead 

Before the grim touch of the Coterie had stretched across the lands Astilon had been a shining beacon of wealth and prosperity. Well known for a duplicitous culture revolving around art and the refinement of its nobles clashing with the harsh, brutal punishments for crimes and a focus on the building of an advanced, military might. It was their king, Osric DeAlkirk who called for the signing of the Argent Accord which united the four remaining nations against the Coterie and it was Osric who was the first ruler to meet their end at the height of the war. He was found, slain by his most trusted general, Kamen Mabius, and left upon his throne as a foreboding symbol to all that would oppose the Coterie. Instead of faltering, the Knights of the Crown rallied behind Osric's eldest son who had chosen the life of a soldier, rather than that of a noble. Behind the Warrior Prince the armies of Astilon stood strong against the Coterie onslaught. 

Long Live the King 

In the wake of the war Astilon found itself teetering on the brink of collapse. Even with the crown prince taking the throne, turmoil and unrest spread across the kingdom. The armies, as mighty as they had once been, suffered great losses leaving fewer able bodied men and women to rebuild the destroyed cities, tend to what crops were left or maintain order. While the new king struggles to aid his people, detractors site his youth and political inexperience as reasons enough to force abdication in favor of a more seasoned ruler. Nonetheless, Astilon has regained some measure of economic footing and remains a major hub of trade and commerce.

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Cry Havoc! 

Renowned the world over for their breeding of war hounds that share their name, the people of Ederhund were a resilient folk who carried their history and culture with pride. Though their kennels boasted the most intelligent and cunning of war animals Ederhund's smiths and craftsmen were second to none. Along with their sister nation of Ederbrecht, and governed by an elected council, Ederhund had grown to become a military and economic power in its own right. 

And Let Slip the Dogs of War 

The night the kennels of Ederhund went silent marked the fall of this once great empire. The armies of the Coterie, aided by the betrayal of Ederbrecht's council, turned upon Ederhund with their full might. Though the soldiers and their hounds fought bravely the onslaught was too much and the last remnants of Ederhund were forced to flee. Now living as refugees, the survivors of Ederhund's fall scour the land looking for some glimmer of hope. Three members of the democratic council survived the war and continue the struggle to retain their history and culture while hoping one day they can see their empire returned to its former glory.

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War Does Not Determine Who is Right 

The eldest of the Accord Nations is led by a powerful stratocracy. Military might and discipline are the linchpins of Therin's society with honor and glory a close second. Military service from the age of 14 to 20 is mandatory for all able bodied citizens, male or female with those incapable of handling the physical rigors of life as a soldier placed in support roles. With the highest stating in government filled by generals its of no surprise tales of the Therinian's might in battle are the things of legend. Honor bound service and merit are the most important aspects of a soldier's rise through the ranks with equal rights given to men and women alike. 

Only Who is Left 

Even the mighty armies of Therin could not escape the Coterie's wrath unharmed. Spread dangerously thin from the hubris of Therinian generals who believed their soldiers to be untouchable, perhaps no single army suffered greater losses during the war. Although decimated and scattered across the land, it was Therin's army who rallied and staved off the enemy advance long enough for the ritual that would see the Coterie succeed foiled. A great monument to the sacrifices of all the warriors that gave their lives in battle is currently being erected on the coast North of the Shattered Isles where the final conflict took place.

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The Wise Do As Much As They Should

Boasting among the most capable scholars and philosophers, Abrean culture centers around wisdom and knowledge. With the most prestigious of universities and learning centers to be found in the world, Abrean culture is among the few to fully embrace magic. Even before the rise of the Coterie this alienated them from the rest of the world. Nonetheless, Abrea laid claim to possessing the most ardent and clever of thinkers, writers and poets. Their bards are known the world over for their tales of historic battles, mythical creatures and dangerous quests undertaken by the noblest of heroes.

Not As Much As They Can

Abrea's unorthodox, tribal system of government served it well during the war as it prevented the Coterie from targeting a single capital or head of state. This fluid form of governing, along with the nation being spread across a number of islands rather than one landmass, aided in defending against the Coterie's attacks. Abrea, while being signing members of the Accord, refused to march their armies to defend any lands save their own. This was a divisive decision that brought about a number of defections in support of the Accord as well as increasing the already volatile perception of the 6 allied tribes. In spite of this, admirals in the powerful Abrean navy went against direct orders and pushed toward the North to repel the Coterie during the final conflict.