The Empire of Stone and Sky

Also known as the Northern Empire, this loose coalition of elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, fey, and other races claims the northlands, from our Iceland to deep into what we call Siberia. All signatory factions to the Treaty of Stone and Sky (originally established in 7300 --- 2800 years ago, with modifications and additions later) agree to peace between them. The Treaty establishes laws for the relations between the various races, mutual defense clauses, division of old and new territory, use of resources, inter-racial adjudication, etc. Ormaz acknowledged as their highest authority.

They are currently at peace with the Skandrian Empire and the Caliphate. They are constantly fending off or absorbing imcursions from the steppe tribes. They are expanding to the west, across the ocean to the other continent, and battling the (generally evil aligned) powers there.

• Emperor of Stone and Sky: Elected by the Treaty Circle as their supreme authority (under Ormaz). Has absolute power, unless a third of the Circle calls for a vote of confidence. The Emperor can then be deposed with a 2/3 majority.
• Treaty Circle: Physically, a giant stone circle on a hilltop somewhere in what we call Scandinavia. Each stone is inscribed with the names of groups bound by the Treaty. One representative is allocated for each stone (they represent all the groups listed on that stone). Names are crossed off if they leave the Treaty for whatever reason. There are currently 120 Stones in two concentric rings, plus the King Stone in the middle, in a bowl, auditorium-style. In cases of a disputed representative, a high priest of Ormaz (appointed by the rest of the circle) calls for a judgement by the god.
• Stone: one "nation" under the Treaty, as symbolized by names on a single stone in the Treaty Circle.
• Voice of the Stone: the representative for a Stone. Penalties for harming or kidnapping or otherwise interfering with a Voice are severe. (Same for falsely posing as a Voice). The Voice is granted safe passage everywhere, and mat speak freely to anyone, in order to better represent their Stone.
• Meetings: the Voices and the Emperor meet for a few months in the summer every three years, to take care of governmental business. Petitioners also attend. Emergency meetings may be held during crises.
• Humans: humans do live in the Northern Empire, but have no organization beyond the village level. They elect representatives to the Treaty Circle and contribute soldiers, resources, and support as required by the Treaty Circle.

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