Eisen

Situated in central Théah, Eisen has long played a vital role in the continent's wars and politics. Once a nation of strength and unity, Eisen today is haunted by the scars of the War of the Cross, a shadow of its former self, struggling to rebuild amid the devastation.

History and Culture[]

Eisen's people have always been marked by their pride - pride in their history, their valorous deeds, and their reputation as a land of strength and resilience. Their ancestors once carved an empire for the Vaticine Church, and for centuries, Eisen was known for its martial prowess. They once boasted of their lack of magic, relying instead on their own sweat and blood. However, the end of the War of the Cross brought something far worse than any enemy: the Horrors.

These dark creatures began appearing in the wake of the war, casting an eerie pall over the land. From ghostly howls in moonlit forests to pale, brooding figures in crumbling castles, Eisen now faces a battle not just for political unity but for survival itself.

Despite its current state, Eisen's history of resilience gives hope. While its fields are muddy and its people scattered, they have always managed to rebuild. Eisen remains a land of stories where the words "hero" and "courage" are not taken lightly. After years of fighting both external and internal foes, the Eisen people now seek national pride, and unity over religious divides.

Geography[]

Eisen's mountainous terrain lies in the center of Théah, bordered by nearly every major continental nation. Its climate is harsh, with long winters and even summer days carrying a chill. Rain and snow are frequent, leaving roads muddy year-round.

The southern half of Eisen features the ominous Schwarzen Wälder (Black Forests), filled with tales of the Schattenmann, a sinister figure who stalks the woods at night. To the northwest of these woods is the Südsee, once teeming with fish but now largely depleted. The northwester region is home to the Unsterbliche Sumpf (Undying Swamp), which is said to be cursed.

Northern Eisen is even more forested, with floodplains surrounding the Rotstrom River, known for its clay-tinted red waters. The Angenehme Wald and Liebliche Wald are the only forests in the region considered safe, though that may not last given the country's desperate refugee situation. Iron mines scattered throughout the mountains were once the source of Eisen's legendary Dracheneisen - a metal stronger than steel and half its weight. Unfortunately, those mines have since been exhausted, their precious resources now used to fight Eisen's Horrors.

People and Society[]

Eisen's population has been decimated by war and strife, with only 10 million remaining from the 24 million that lived there just thirty years ago. Those that survive are hardened, carrying with them the grim legacy of war. The Eisen are known for their military skill and stubborn nature, traits that have enabled them to endure despite the horrors they face.

Physically, Eisen are typically tall and muscular, often displaying a distinctive combination of brown or black hair with red beards. Their light complexions, sharp noses, and piercing eyes add to their imposing presence. Men commonly keep their hair and beards short, while women grow their hair to shoulder length, sometimes tying it into braids.

Social Strata[]

Eisen Society is divided into four classes:

Adel (AH-del). The remnants of the old noble families who still live in grand castles. They cling to what remains of their once great holdings and often squabble over territory.
Söldner (ZOELD-ner). As the wealthiest class next to the nobility, Söldner often establish military academies to train new soldiers. They have become Eisen's most valuable export, offering their martial expertise across Théah.
Bauern (BOW-ern). Clinging to a meager existence on infertile land, the Bauern are the backbone of Eisen's agricultural efforts. They harbor a growing resentment, their strength borne from enduring hardship and loss.
Waisen (VY-zen). Created by the War of the Cross, these wandering souls lost everything to the conflict. Forced to scavenge for survival, they are often treated with suspicion and fear; though the Bauern consider it bad luck to harm a Waisen, believing their misfortune to be contagious.

Etiquette and Customs[]

Eisen are known for their straightforward demeanor. They respect the truth and consider keeping secrets or lies a burden. Friendships in Eisen are deep and meaningful; the term "Rüken" (ROO-ken) or "back" signifies a bond of trust, one who will guard another's back in battle. In social gatherings, Eisen show rough affection, greeting friends with boisterous hugs and speaking loudly.

With food scarce, children always eat first in Eisen households, and guests often bring food as a gift to ensure their hosts are not going hungry while they entertain.

Politics and Economy[]

After the War of the Cross, Eisen fractured into seven Königreiche (city-state kingdoms), each ruled by an Eisenfürst (Iron Prince). The titles originated from the noble families that controlled the Dracheneisen mines. These Iron Princes rule their territories differently, some with strict control, others with a more laissez-faire approach. The current political landscape is volatile, with overlapping claims and differing governing practices.

Eisen's economy relies heavily on the export of iron, lumber, and coal, although it still imports 40% of its food due to the destruction of its farmlands. The Eisenfürsten control trade within their realms, except in Freiburg, which operates as a free city under the rule of Niklas Träge. Once based on the Mark, Eisen's economy now increasingly uses the Guilder in regions like Freiburg, Pösen, Fischler, and Hainzl, while others retain the traditional currency for different reasons.

Königreiche[]

The boundaries between the Königreiche are rough and often imprecise. It is not uncommon for two Eisenfürsten to claim the same territory.

Freiburg. The "Free City" is the most unconventional of the Königreiche. Ruled by Niklas Träge, a former general turned atheist, it operates on a basis of free trade and minimal governance. Träge claims only the land he can see from the Wachtturm, the city's central tower, and imposes no taxes, allowing commerce - even of questionable goods - to flourish. Despite his cynicism toward religion, Träge strives to manage the city's welfare, believing that people's weaknesses can be leveraged for the greater good. However, he doubts Freiburg's longevity, threatened by nearby land-hungry Eisenfürsten and religious opposition.
Wirsche. Roswitha von Wirsche, who lost her husband and sons in the War of the Cross, rules the second königreich. Initially, she let her lands fall into ruin, but they have since become some of the most productive in Eisen. Despite the devastation of the war, the land now flourishes. However, the people have become guarded, working diligently while keeping to themselves, wary that the Countess may always be listening.
Pösen. Elsa Pösen, a formidable and skilled warrior known for her immense strength and stubborn arrogance, rules the third königreich. Located in the northeastern corner of Eisen, her domain is one of the most prosperous, rivaled only by Freiburg. Pösen emerged from the War of the Cross virtually unscathed, and her lands boast fertile fields and seemingly endless iron mines.
Heilgrund. The fourth königreich is ruled over by Stefan Heilgrund, driven by an ambition to reunite all Eisen under his rule. However, the other Eisenfürsten view him as a brash and naive youth, refusing to acknowledge his claims. Only Niklas Träge of Freiburg maintains any communication with him, seeing Stefan as a potentially useful asset. Rumors circulate that Heilgrund is amassing a collection of occult books and artifacts for a mysterious purpose.
Fischler. The sixth königreich is ruled by Erich Sieger. Technically, this land was granted to a Castillian noble at the end of the War of the Cross. However, when the soldiers came to claim it, they found Sieger, a madman holed up in his fortress, ready to defend his burnt, salted land to the death. Deciding the land wasn’t worth the cost of lives, they left. Since then, Sieger has struggled to feed his people, losing many to neighboring königreiche. Yet, his fierce determination and stubbornness suggest he might just hold onto his territory against all odds.
Hainzl. The seventh königreich is ruled by Georg Hainzl, a cheerful and lighthearted man who seems to have been largely unaffected by the brutal War of the Cross—or by reality itself. He has transformed his land into a haven of beauty and art, becoming a generous patron to musicians. His castle is lavishly adorned with rooms themed after famous operas, giving it the appearance of something from a fairy tale. The wealth of Hainzl comes from its iron mines, considered the best in all of Eisen.

Religion[]

Eisen is split between Vaticines and Objectionists. Their churches reflect a simple, austere style, in keeping with Eisen's cultural values. Soldiers, especially the Söldner, wear iron necklaces known as Heiligen, inscribed with the insignia of honored Eisen figures, believed to offer divine protection in battle.

Military and Mercenary Culture[]

Eisen is known for its military academies, the best in Théah, producing skilled soldiers, tacticians, and leaders. With little else to offer, Eisen exports war, training mercenaries who serve as soldiers, bodyguards, and advisors throughout Théah. The most renowned mercenary companies are identifiable by their banners and war cries, embodying the martial spirit of Eisen.

Eisen remains in a state of struggle, haunted by war and the Horrors alike. Its people are battered, yet unbroken, holding onto their pride and their hope that, despite the current turmoil, Eisen will one day be restored to its former strength.