Of the nations in the Denlor Plains, this is the strongest and most influential. There is much wealth here, with many of the
richest families rivaling great kings elsewhere in terms of clout and land-holdings, but also bloody feuds between families and
private armies in every city as these families protect their gains. Wealth has generated a rich artistic and cultural life, and
enviable living standards for most citizens, but this is offset by a "wealth is everything" mentality and an indifference
to the larger world around them (so long as it does not affect trade).
While the Senators in the Federation Chamber in Drinen support
the fielding of six smallish contingents of regular forces totaling only 8,000 soldiers, levies from the personal family troops can
provide another 25,000 well armed and experienced troops in a number of days. The standing army consists of light horse archers [15%],
medium horse lancers [25%], heavy Calvary [10%], light foot with crossbow and sword [25%], medium foot with spear and shield [15%] and
medium foot with short bow and polearms [10%]. Levied troops are not only skilled; the majority will also be mounted, as the Federation
is rich in horseflesh. However, to call a levy the need must be strong, for if it is not these family-loyal and paid forces will quickly
reopen bitter family feuds and fall to squabbling amongst themselves.
The Drinen Federation was founded in 3862 and is a plutocracy. As such the most wealthy and powerful families in each of the country’s
main cities rule the Federation. Each family strives to be foremost not only in wealth or power, but also in pride and respect. Thus,
families take inordinate pride in family emblems, badges and unique "fashion" which they claim as their own. A list of common
family regalia or "fashion" is provided. The state is divided into three Regions, each
having its own Council made up of the richest landowners in that Region.
Each of the three Regional Councils sends one family to the Federation Chambers in Drinen to represent them. Members sitting in the
Federation Council Chamber are known as Senators for the duration of their role. Senators are accorded much respect and have many opportunities
to line their pockets, but they had better spread the wealth around. They retain their Senate seat only so long as the majority of their home
Regional Council supports them during the Annual Review (ties go to the incumbent). The northwest Region is based in Drinen, the northeast
Region is based in Cipolage, and the southern Region is based in Jivton. The current representatives (Senators) and the
Regional Council members (families) which selected them are listed elsewhere.
The "Shield" of the Drinen Federation is not used in much the same way as the insignia of other States. It is not commonly seen,
and given the relatively small size of their standing army, seen even less. However, the golden sickle is a popular as a charm and sign
of rank and power. Golden sickle pendants are often found around the necks of Senators, aspirants to the Senate, and Regional Council members.
BACKGROUND
Home to Sapoy tribes since well before the Migration Wars, that upheaval saw the arrival of large numbers of Mantaten immigrants. Seeing
an opportunity to gain converts, treat the injured and needy from the Migration Wars and to help consolidate the Mantaten hold on the region,
Syphide’s Myrebarre moved her seat to the town of Sogambrium at this time. Shortly thereafter, the largely Sapoy city of Amrad (now a ruins)
reached its height in the region, but overall both races had roughly equal numbers.
After the devastation of Firefall, the area again came to prominence in the 1700s as Warcinet, part of Bearclaws "Union". With the
collapse of the Talossian state west of Lake Asino in 3030, nascent political structures around the Lake were given space to create the Arsoshi
Union. This was overthrown in 3862, and Sogambrium obtained its Free City state at the same time as the Drinen Federation was founded. The
most wealthy and powerful families in each of the country’s main cities rule it.
STATISTICS
CAPITAL: Drinen (8,500)
TOTAL POP.: 510,000
POLITICAL STRUCTURE: Plutocracy
LANGUAGE(S): Common, limited Tahlian (see: [human languages])
HUMANS: Over 60% of mixed descent, with Mantaten cognate, then Sapoy cognate the next largest groups
DEMI-HUMANS: Comprise just over 15% of total population (largely Dwarves, with Elves and Gnomes too)
HUMANOIDS: Few
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