The Wildlands
Disparate Nation-States
Disorganized reaches of land east of Tresta where small nations cooperate and grow
Imports: Firearms, machines, luxury goods, salt
Exports: Lumber, food, ore, gemstones, metal goods
Prominent City-States
- Ferrix, a former colony of Tresta that became independent after the republic neglected it for decades. Its anarchistic government makes it a haven for outlaws and idealists alike.
- Olnistead, a river town formed centuries ago and watched over by a forest dragon protector.
Governance and Society
Wildlands government varies based on the nation one is in. Most city-states in the area have a leader of some kind that governs the entire city-state: Ferrix has a governor who rules for ten years before appointing a successor, and Olnistead elects a new Eye every five years. In smaller Wildlands nations, there might be little need for an elaborate system of government. Many use a system of yeomanry or some other type of informal leadership instead.
Generally, the Wildlands value individual freedom and change. While nations are interconnected, it isn’t uncommon for smaller holdings to change hands quickly or become completely different when their leader or leaders die. More stable lands, like those of Ferrix, can dictate how diplomacy works in the Wildlands through their city-sponsored mail carriers. A nation that doesn’t get mail is typically doomed to fail, as they are effectively cut off from the outside world.
Common Backgrounds
The small nations and wild fringes of the Wildlands are a common point of origin for adventurers. The Courier, Outrider, and Nomad backgrounds might fit a character that frequently travels between the nation-states. Nature-oriented backgrounds like Hunter and Herbalist are also common.
Fringe elements also thrive in the wildlands. The Cultist, Astrologer, and Scholar backgrounds might work well for a reclusive sort. The Charlatan and Magical Misfit backgrounds work for a character who travels between the nation-states to ply their craft.
Unique Background
Wildlands Mail-Runner [Uncommon]
You were one of the many trained to follow the paths and trails of the Wildlands as a mail carrier. You know the forests like the back of your hand, and your more frequent customers recognize you by sight. Perhaps the forests felt small after you traveled them for so many years, or perhaps something forced you to abandon the relative safety of the Wildlands trails. Either way, you eventually left the Mail-Runners behind for a life of adventure.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Strength or to Wisdom, and the other is a free ability boost. You gain the Athletics skill and the Wildlands Lore skill. You gain the Hefty Hauler skill feat.