The Iron Union of Arkon

A land of quotas, stone, and unyielding resolve, the Iron Union of Arkon survives through discipline, shared burden, and the belief that freedom is earned only through labor.

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Overview

• Capital: Arkonspire

• Government: Collectivist Military Republic

• Ruling Body: The Iron Council

• Primary Culture: Arkonian

• Religion: The Pantheon (Ancestor Veneration Emphasized)

• Allies: Kingdom of Heterland, Kingdom of Valin, Free Republic of Arkon

• Rivals: The Infernal Empire, historical tension with Kingdom of Valin

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Geography

The Iron Union occupies vast open plains shaped not by nature, but by policy—every field measured, every road planned.

• Terrain: Windswept plains, cleared farmland, regimented settlements

• Climate: Cold winters, dry summers, relentless wind

• Seas: None

• Borders:

  • West: Brackenspire River (border with Kingdom of Heterland)

  • South: Borderlands near Astral Bay

  • East: Marches facing the Fallen Kingdom of Utarn

Notable Regions & Landmarks

• Plains of Hammerfall – Open grasslands under constant patrol

• The Iron Plains – Administrative heartland of the Union

• Fields Under Tithe – Farmlands worked under strict quotas

• The Cut Fields – Cleared forest turned into arable land

• The Stump Sea – Bleak remnant of deforestation

• Old Root Hall – Avoided ruins of a pre-Union settlement

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History

Arkon emerged from the chaos after The Uprising with a simple conclusion: survival requires structure.

• Formed from warbands and agrarian communes

• Rejected monarchy and inherited nobility

• Built a state around labor obligation and mutual defense

• Expanded aggressively to secure resources and borders

Today, the Iron Union stands as one of the few powers willing to openly oppose the Infernal Empire.

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Major Settlements

• Arkonspire – Massive stone capital and command center

• Hammerfall Outpost – Training ground and forward military base

• Cinderfield Mills – Grain and storage hub feeding the Union

• Blackward Keep – Border fortress controlling crossings into Heterland

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Factions & Organizations

• The Iron Council – Elected body of generals, labor marshals, and veteran delegates

• The Banner Host – Standing army of the Union

• The Labor Collectives – Agricultural and industrial work units

• The Border Wardens – Enforcers stationed along rivers and marches

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Culture & Customs

Arkonian culture is built on duty before self and the belief that comfort weakens resolve.

• Values: Discipline, equality of burden, endurance

• Food: Black bread, root stews, smoked meats, weak beer

• Social Structure:

  • No formal nobility

  • Status earned through years of service

• Traditions:

  • Public accounting of harvests and losses

  • Names of the fallen carved into stone annually

• Taboos:

  • Hoarding

  • Idleness

  • Refusal of assigned labor

Personal freedom exists—but never at the expense of the collective.

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Law & Order

• Justice:

  • Administered by labor courts

  • Punishments focus on restitution through work

• Military Service:

  • Mandatory for all citizens

  • Veterans hold voting privileges

• Dissent:

  • Permitted in councils

  • Not tolerated during emergencies

The Union does not fear hardship—it expects it.

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Relations with the World

• Valin: Distrusted but necessary trade partner

• Heterland: Respected naval ally

• Infernal Empire: Declared existential threat

• Free Republic of Arkon: Symbol of resistance and pride

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Notes for Players

The Iron Union is harsh, fair, and exhausting.

Adventurers are valued as specialists—but expected to contribute.

No one is above the law.

Freedom here means never kneeling to tyrants, even if it means breaking your back instead.