The Ocean Tribes (called Yrymaugautym or "land of freedom & hope" by the Ylthic rulers) have always held more strongly to their individualistic Ylthic roots than their neighbors
to the south (see: Schew), and only their noble classes have really embraced the structures and regulations of a truly "civilized" state. Since the war of independence the gap between rich and
poor has only grown, but the commoners and nobles have never had much in common.
The nobles in the palaces of Parishym have a proclivity for the arts and symbols of status, while the commoners
know that deeds speak louder than words and find happiness upon the open seas where their freedom is at its height. Thus the rich offshore fishing grounds are crowded with Ocean Tribe sloops,
and Calandesian Long Boats give these shores a wide berth unless they know they can make land-fall safely. Even the Seaholder fleet gives Ocean Tribe sailors healthy respect.
Thus, the rich and barely tolerated nobles are now less than welcome. So another revolution is undoubtedly brewing. Unrest is strong, if for no other reason that the fact that the leaders
believe strongly in the letter of the law. But most the citizens are simple goodfolk as noted above. The Queen's Court has resorted to a heavy handed secret police to maintain order. These
troops are called the Stadylrycht (literally "internal unrest supression unit"), but more commonly known as "The Vultures" by the public. Justice, such as it is for
citizens is usually severe and sudden, whether meted out by the Vultures or the local constabulary.
Moreover, the intermittant warfare with Schew serves mutiple purposes. Patriotism is glorified and rewarded to dull anger. Bloody battles provide a great spot to send troublemakers in
the hopes they'll get killed. Also, atrocities commited by Schew (often in retaliation for like Ocean Tribe actions) serve to stir rightous anger and difuse revolutionary fervor. Finally,
there is the fact that the commoners have been ruled by Schew before (and know how little they liked that), and the warfare reminds them of that on a regular basis.
All this is not to suggest that this ruler "swap" from Schew to the Queen has gone unnoticed. Any significant mis-step or setback to the Queen could result in a sudden turn of events
in the Ocean Tribes.
Note that the common name, Ocean Tribes, is misleading (it's not a translation of the Ylthic name) because the state is nothing like a "tribe" at all. It actually stems from way most foreigners
meet citizens of this country: from their ships, where life is very much like one big tribe under the rule of a "chief" or captain.
The standing army is a curious mix, from elite mounted Knights to conscripted slingers and spearmen. Fighting alongside them might be beserk Ylthic barbarians or mercenary Mages from the Magedom of Dalmask.
Morale is very unpredictable, with some of the least likely troops believing fanatically in the purity of their state and the evil of the Schewian warmongers. Military service of some sort is manditory for
all (male and female) over the age of 15, but since that includes naval service, most prefer that option. Moreover, since their are loopholes in the service laws that allow others to stand-in for those serving,
most wealthy youth never serve.
BACKGROUND
After the war of independence from Schew, the Dukes, Earls and Lords moved swiftly to consolidate their power in a matriarchal Kingdom, and what had been a war of "the common people" soon
simply amounted to a swap of powerful governments.
This state was, until 75 years ago, two northern Schewian provinces. The more powerful eastern one was, at the time, ruled (most uncommonly for an Ylthic state) by a woman -- but her husband had killed and it
was hoped in Loridym that she would re-marry quickly. Her name was Krystyl "Ravensbrow" Fyrgyr, and she was an honourable and intelligent woman. Put off by the attempts to wrest power from her by
arranged marriages, and dispairing over the status of the common folk in her lands, she formented revolt. Her deft diplomacy and a show of arms quickly secured the support of the north-west province. Many
bloody battles later, she won a state for her people, but never lived to see its first full day: she died on the battlefield during the last full battle of the civil war (called the Independence War by most).
This final battle happened near the town of Tithel Riverdown on the 28th of Onos, and her death had major implications. Most importantly, her desire to see the revolution help the common folk rapidly
dwindled as noted above. However, one lasting legacy was the matriarchal nature of the government: the Ocean Tribes is ruled by a Queen, and her husband (the "Consort") does not have any formal
power. This situation has been seen as too politically charged to change by the councils and nobles that have ruled behind the scenes since then. Rule by a Queen is not seen by ALL in a positive light: many
of the more traditional Ocean Tribe Ylthic males are very touchy and defensive around this topic, despite their pride in their home. Finally, because of Krystyl's nickname, Ravens have become a sort of
symbol for the revolution, and those who still seek better days for the common folk use this image as their calling card and banner.
STATISTICS
CAPITAL: Parishym (12,000)
TOTAL POP.: 700,000
POLITICAL STRUCTURE: Matriarchal Feudality
LANGUAGE(S): Ylid, Common (see: [human languages])
HUMANS: 50% Ylthic cognate, the remainder of mixed descent
DEMI-HUMANS: Few (tiny population of Dwarves)
HUMANOIDS: Few
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