On The Current Realms of Calradia:
The Swadian Empire: Time has changed little in regards to the composition of Swadian forces. Just like their Dok ancestors, over one thousand years ago, the Swadians continue to use the cavalry charge to break the enemy. All of the kingdoms who claim Dok heritage, at one point seceded from the Swadian Empire. Indeed Empire may be a little pretentious, as of the year 1226, when the Halrond Confederation announced its departure from Swadia’s protection, leaving the Swadian Empire with no more protectorates.
During the 8th Century constant war with the Nordic Kingdom and the Khergit Khanate, left its mark upon the people and architecture of both the north and south. Fiefs continually changing hands led to the adoption of foreign clothing, architecture, mannerisms and in some cases even nationality. In fact the large, Khergit, city of Halmar only changed hands in the year 792 and has remained Khergit ever since.
The Vaegir Rus: The first independent kingdom to secede from the Swadian Empire, the Vaegir Rus controls the lands to the East. Border disputes often occur between the two kingdoms and the Vaegir Tzar and the Swadian Emperor traditionally have no love for each other.
Aside from these border disputes, the Tzar’s realm is mostly peaceful, the bitter cold precluding most fighting. Or at least it would if not for the reign of Tzar Isevanitk (916-972. Isevanitk was a cruel ruler, given to unnecessary fits of rage, often impaling unfortunates alive and watching as they slowly choked to death on the wooden stake. His rampages eventually caused almost half of his kingdom to rebel. Taking the ancient towns of Dornoch and Inverrie, the rebels holed themselves up for a siege.
Isevanitk, while the Vaegir Tzar, was also intrigued in new technology. When he heard of the rebellion, he decided to test one of his newest inventions, a mangonel that fired hollow ammunition, filled shards of glass that would crack open on impact and hopefully lacerate those nearby. So intent was he on witnessing first-hand the destruction his invention would cause, he even assigned himself to the artillery crew. By a sheer stroke of luck, a rope snagged around the spurs on the Tzar’s riding boots and flung him over the rebel’s walls, killing him instantly. Almost as soon as the mad Tzar collided with the pavement, the Vaegir army melted away.
A treaty was sent from Isevanitk’s successor, his cousin Isenovitk, a thankfully much more level-headed ruler, offering an apology and pardon for any rebel soldiers. However the rebels at this point were adamant about going back to the old ways, forgoing proper civilisation and technology of any kind. (Having witnessed firsthand what comes of dabbling too much in the occult of mechanics) Thus were the Vorroks born.