Brevoy

Basic Information

• Name: The Kingdom of Brevoy
• Type: Feudal Kingdom (Technically United, but Divided by Civil Strife)
• Region: Northern Avistan, bordering Restov, Numeria, and the Stolen Lands
• Scale & Population: Large (approx. 800,000 people), but deeply divided between noble houses.
• Primary Inhabitants:
  • Humans (Issians & Rostlanders) – The dominant ethnic groups, at odds with each other.
  • Dwarves & Elves – Found mostly in House Medvyed’s lands.
  • Halflings, Gnomes, Ratfolk, and Other Minorities – Mostly merchants, wanderers, and political exiles.
• Climate & Terrain: Cold winters, rolling plains, forests, and tundra, with rivers and lakes forming key trade routes.

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Geography & Layout

• Key Features & Landmarks:

  • New Stetven (Capital): The political heart of Brevoy, ruled by House Surtova from the Ruby Fortress.
  • The Lake of Mists and Veils: The largest body of water, vital for trade and naval power.
  • The Icerime Peaks: A treacherous mountain range, home to dwarven enclaves and frost-wreathed ruins.
  • The Numerian Borderlands: A dangerous frontier filled with strange alien metals and remnants of lost technology.

• Notable Regions & Holdings:

  • Issia (Northern Brevoy) – Cold, rugged lands dominated by House Surtova and their river fleet.
  • Rostland (Southern Brevoy) – Fertile plains and trade cities, home of the Aldori Swordlords.
  • House Medvyed’s Domain: A heavily forested, druid-influenced land, filled with superstitious commoners.
  • House Orlovsky’s Lands: A mountain stronghold, fiercely independent and opposed to House Surtova.

• Connections & Accessibility:

  • New Stetven acts as a trade hub, connecting Brevoy to Restov, Numeria, and the River Kingdoms.
  • Teleportation and ancient waypoints exist, but their use is controlled by powerful houses.

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Culture & Society

• Local Governance:

  • Ruled by King-Regent Noleski Surtova, but his rule is tenuous at best.
  • The kingdom is split into feuding noble houses, each controlling a portion of land.
  • The Aldori Swordlords of Restov operate semi-independently, resisting Surtova’s rule.

• Economy & Trade:

  • Issia thrives on naval trade, piracy, and merchant guilds loyal to House Surtova.
  • Rostland relies on agriculture, mercenaries, and Aldori-trained swordsmen-for-hire.
  • House Medvyed controls lumber, mining, and rare magical herbs.
  • House Lebeda is a powerful mercantile family, controlling trade routes along the rivers.

• Religion & Beliefs:

  • Abadar (Wealth & Civilization) is dominant among merchants and nobility.
  • Gorum (War & Strength) is revered by warriors, mercenaries, and soldiers.
  • Pharasma (Fate & Death) is followed in the north, particularly in House Orlovsky’s lands.
  • Erastil (Community & Tradition) is worshipped by farmers and rural settlers.

• Laws & Customs:

  • Feudal Nobility: Brevoy operates under a strict feudal hierarchy, though tensions run high.
  • Dueling is Common: Particularly in Restov and among House Orlovsky, but House Surtova discourages it.
  • Political Marriages Shape Power: Houses forge alliances through arranged marriages, but betrayals are common.
  • Mercenary Culture: Many young nobles seek fame as duelists or mercenary captains.

• Languages Spoken:

  • Common, Taldane (Brevic Dialect), Draconic (used in treaties), Aldori Battle Cant (used by duelists).

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History & Lore

• Origins & Founding:

  • Brevoy was originally two separate kingdoms: Rostland (the Aldori swordlords' domain) and Issia (Surtova’s northern rule).
  • Choral the Conqueror, a mysterious warlord, united Brevoy by force centuries ago, using dragons to subjugate Rostland.
  • His dynasty ruled for generations, but vanished mysteriously a century ago, leaving Brevoy fractured.

• Major Historical Events:

  • The Vanishing of House Rogarvia: The royal bloodline disappeared overnight, allowing House Surtova to seize power.
  • The Aldori Rebellion: The Swordlords resisted Surtova’s rule, but were ultimately forced into submission.
  • The Stolen Lands Charter: Restov granted charters to Rivermarch and other settlements to expand its influence.

• Current Conflicts or Issues:

  • House Surtova's Rule is Weak: Many noble houses refuse to acknowledge King Noleski as the true ruler.
  • Restov's Growing Defiance: The Swordlords are waiting for an opportunity to rebel.
  • Rivermarch’s Fate: Some nobles see Rivermarch as a pawn, while others view it as a potential ally or threat.
  • House Medvyed and House Orlovsky resist Surtova’s control, looking for an opportunity to strike.

• Rumors & Mysteries:

  • What Really Happened to House Rogarvia? Some believe they were wiped out by a supernatural force.
  • The Dragon's Bargain: Choral the Conqueror was said to have struck a deal with dragons—but at what cost?
  • House Surtova’s True Allegiances: Some claim Surtova secretly works with foreign powers to maintain control.

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Notable NPCs & Factions

• Key Figures:

  • King-Regent Noleski Surtova: A shrewd, manipulative ruler holding onto power through force and diplomacy.
  • Lady Natala Surtova: His sister, and the true power behind the throne, known for her ruthless cunning.
  • Lord Poul Orlovsky: Head of House Orlovsky, openly resisting Surtova’s rule.
  • Dame Sarrona Lebeda: A powerful merchant-lady, seeking to strengthen her family’s trade dominance.

• Factions or Power Groups:

  • House Surtova (Ruling House): Controls New Stetven, seeking total dominance over Brevoy.
  • House Orlovsky: Opposes Surtova, holding Brevoy’s eastern mountains as an independent stronghold.
  • House Medvyed: A nature-revering, druidic noble house, known for resisting outside control.
  • House Lebeda: A merchant-noble house, playing all sides to maximize profit.
  • The Aldori Swordlords: The exiled rulers of Rostland, still wielding influence through Restov.

• Major Monsters or Threats:

  • Draconic Relics: Some say Choral’s dragons left behind ancient ruins and magical artifacts.
  • Numerian Warbands: Strange mutant raiders from Numeria occasionally attack Brevic outposts.
  • Foreign Influence: Cheliax, Mendev, and the River Kingdoms all have spies in Brevoy.

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Additional Notes