Federation of Hansa

Kaldenstein Keep, Mittelmark, Ulstadt

Species: Human (dominant), Nemedian (Human, Faerie Heritage), Pech, Troll, Frost Giant, Dwarf, Goblin, Rootwalker, Drake

Era: Feudal

Paths: Nornish Sea, Eomer (Northwall), The Mornlands (Plains), Stryzgia (Forest)

Contacts: Eomer (Trade, Military Support), Byth, Lataine, The Mornlands, Dvalinn (Trade)

Enemies: Norngard (Raiders), Stryzgia (Cold War), The Mornlands (Border disputes)

Government: Petty Kingdoms, Supervised by the Hansaic Trade Federation, Grosdrachen Albrecht II

Capital: None. The current Federation Seat is Kaldenstein Keep, home of Grosdrachen Albrecht.

Origin Languages: Low Nornish

Typical Encounters: Banker, Barkeep, Craftsman, Damsel, Entertainer, Guild Boss, Hunter, Knight, Laborer, Mercenary, Merchant, Necromancer, Outrider, Peasant, Strumpet, Town Drunk, Warlord, Watchman; Black Bear, Anarchy Demon, War Dog, Forest Dragon, Giant Eagle, Sidhe, Sprite, Ghoul, Gnoll, Flesh Golem, Griffon, Hag, Hell Hound, Hobgoblin, Homunculus, Horse (War, Draft), Imp, Lich, Goat/Sheep, Cattle/Oxen, Merfolk, Nightmare, Shadow Beast, Wight, Vargr

Keyword Qualities: Land of gold and steel, petty kingdoms and even pettier kings, Order of St. Gildenstern, merchant princes rule this realm

PC/NPC's: -

----------------------------------

During the age of the Sallustrian Imperium the lands of the Hansaic Federation were known as Ultimecia, home of the northern Nemedians.

But this was before the age of Fire and Ice, which brought in waves of invading Nornishmen across the now frozen Nornish sea via the ice-bridge known as the Bifröst . Over time, these Nornishmen made these lands their own, dividing Ultimecia (called Ulstadt and her inhabitants Ulmen in Low Nornish) among the many heirs of the Gondlyrian kings, who claimed divine ancestry through Gondlir the Wayfarer.

Since it was tradition among the Ulmen to divide their estates among their sons, over time their conquest became ever-more divided into smaller petty kingdoms and holdings. Conflicts between these smaller and large holding became frequent over time, seemingly unmitigated by blood relation and wasting the resources of the land.

Into this maelstrom of intrigue and war came the dwarf trader Gildenstern, seeking his fortune outside his native land of Dvalinn, where his ingenuity and creativity was not exactly appreciated as they oft found him outside the bounds of strict dwarven law.

But here in a land where law was dictated by blood and sword he thrived. Through flattery, bribery, and haggling with the local lords, gentry and smallfolk he made himself very rich and influential. To further this end he forged a universal trade guild (or hanse), an association that knew no borders and crossed all ethnic and cultural lines. Late in life he also built many shrines and temples, bribing the gods themselves into granting him a seat at their table in the afterlife.

By the time of the War of the Nine Kings the association that he had created had become the greatest power in the land, forcing the nobility into a lasting peace and unifying Ulstadt into a federation built upon the principles of mutual aid and instituting a regime built upon free trade and rule of law. The current leader of the Federation is Great Dragon Albrecht, second of his name, who rules from his ancestral home of Kaldenstein in Mittelmark.

---------------------------------------------

The Federation looks over a vast land of forests, towns and castles ruled by lords great and small. Although still influential, the old landed nobility of Ulstadt cannot compare to the power and wealth of the Hanse, who now rule with a confidence and authority unmatched by the kings of ancient times. With their massive caches of gold the Hanse are able to raise armies of mercenaries at will, which defend the realm from threats both from within and without.

Symbolic of this power are the many shrines and temples dedicated to St. Gildenstern, founder of the Hanse and patron saint of merchants, tradesmen and bankers. The Order of St. Gildenstern features many warrior priests, all of whom are ready to give service for ample pay. For these warriors going to battle for coin is not a dishonor, but a religious duty that honors the spirit and legend of their patron saint.