Valderia Ho! - Getting to Know Moran

In the last post regarding my possible Valderian campaig, I showed off the map (above) and provided a few general notes on the continent. I'd like to now start a small mini-series within the main series filling in the specifics of the Valderian Empire as well as a bit of info on the continent of Moran.

Overview

The Empire of Valderia is an imperialistic nation that occupies the vast majority of the continent Moran on which it is found. Born from the wealthy merchant state of the same name, The Kingdom of Valderia now controls either directly, or through treaty, all of the neighboring human states. These states comprise the Seven Baronies, the three Markes of the Lyndemarke, as well as the settlement frontier of Westholde. Though not an official state, there is also a region of military holdings, mercenary camps and warlords known as The Marchlands.

All the people of the baronies, with the exception of those from Karmarke, share a common ethnic heritage though there are four distinct sub-groups: Valdar, Spesian, Laventine and Cantolli. These four “tribal” groups are distinguished by linguistic character and minor cultural differences determined by their region. Nearly all folk of the baronies speak their own regional dialect as well as that of neighboring regions. The Laventine people of the Barony of Isletres are the most distinct of the peoples, having a refined culture of grace and gentility that exceeds the pomp and courtly corpulence of Valderia. All nobles of the baronies speak Valdar as a requirement of courtly manner.

Westholde and The Marchlands are a hodgepodge of languages, dialects and jargon. The islands of Carascossa are technically part of the Barony of Carvossa and therefore Spesian even though their population is a rough mix of all peoples.

Lyndermanne or “Markers”, as they are often referred to with some disdain, are a distinct group of hearty men hailing from the north. They speak a different family of languages than those from the Baronies. Even the men of Karmarke still speak Lynderthal even though most of the nobility of that barony now speaks Cantolli and Valdar. It should be noted that Lynderthal varies little from group to group due to strict social and religious strictures on language and its use.

To the west of these lands is a region populated by various humanoid tribes, clans and even kingdoms. Orcs, bugbears, hobgoblins and goblins all have their regional territories though there are few formal borders or recognized boundaries other than traditional territorial considerations.

Hope you enjoyed this first peak at the makeup of the Valderian Empire and its neighbors.

Take care,

-Eli