@Golem@Natsucooldude I was thinking mostly in the area of trade and namely that of Mythst, something unique to Mrystrost (my place yo)
Mystrost's main exports are that of a magical nature, of note is Mythst. Mythst is a strange, mysterious element, only appearing in the Forgotten Kingdom as a result of the Thousand Year Mist which it had isolated the nation. It takes on a state between liquid and gas in an almost plasma-like nature although it can be hardened into a solid form. Colored like a moonlit silver, Mythst's magical properties are great, able to enhance the effects of any other type of magic as well as reinforce physical materials. When "retuned", Mythst's properties change so slightly to create Salus, a pale blue liquid not unlike the blood which flows through the veins of Hallows.
Salus is a form of healing and the Art of Retuning which refines Salus from Mythst is considered the highest form of Alchemy normally used to create healing solves and such. However, the process making pure Salus is long and difficult, leading people to create slightly cheaper Salus Flasks; flasks with some bit of Salus mixed into the glass of the flask which provides a diluted healing effect of that of Salus. These flasks themselves are incredibly durable as the Salus which they are bolstered by still retains the reinforcing properties of Mythst. Such Salus Flasks are common amongst adventures and explorers to venture deep into Myrstrost's unknown past.
As for the defensive alliance, I'm more than happy to entertain that while respecting traditions which may prohibit outsiders from directly stepping foot on your lands if you so wish ^^
So, anyone want to discuss relations with my nation? I'm open for suggestions, and not just from neighbours.
My sheet's on the first page, but here's a tl;dr - The nation is called Ur and is located in the freezing north - Ur is an ancient nation and is polulated with undead people - The uri are not a warlike people and tries to have good relations with everyone - The uri offer many services to its allies (or people with money), the foremost of which is the gift of eternal life through undeath - So basically ancient undead bankers living in the snow
Saw your post after I had posted, typical :P Anyway, I'm sure that the necromancers of Ur would like to import a bit of that mythst for their rituals. I'm also sure your nations regents could be interested in the many services Ur has to offer ;)
So, anyone want to discuss relations with my nation? I'm open for suggestions, and not just from neighbours.
My sheet's on the first page, but here's a tl;dr - The nation is called Ur and is located in the freezing north - Ur is an ancient nation and is polulated with undead people - The uri are not a warlike people and tries to have good relations with everyone - The uri offer many services to its allies (or people with money), the foremost of which is the gift of eternal life through undeath - So basically ancient undead bankers living in the snow
Saw your post after I had posted, typical :P Anyway, I'm sure that the necromancers of Ur would like to import a bit of that mythst for their rituals. I'm also sure your nations regents could be interested in the many services Ur has to offer ;)
So basically zombie Switzerland
I'd be more than willing to trade with you since most the others say that I'm too far away :<
Although I should say that Mrystrost has a very different outlook on immortality given the Hallows and such :p
A rugged and harsh land the empire calls home the more central areas of the empire is mountainous are similar to the Balkans on earth. Tall mountains dominate the skyline of the empire. Towards the out lying area it's falter and much more fertile land. To the north of the empire are the ancient forest Herk woods were a group of druids live. The fauna and flora are adapted to live into the hilly area. One of the most known animal is the Nik Goat a large ill temper beast which is used by the irodien farmer for meat and milk.
General Introduction
To people on the outside of the Irodien empire it seems to be a harsh brutal place. Were the smallest crimes are punishable by harsh penalties.
History
The Irodiens started out as a small city state in the turbulent and mountainous Vosta region. They existed as a small force in-till the first Emperor arrived according to their legends he conquered the region and several of the outlining area. A series of emperor’s expanded Irodein power and territory bring the empire to a great power. But an Imperial governor named Barcus desired more and wage a long civil war which eventual lead to an imperial victory. The empire bloody and ragged the Irodeins have begun the long process of rebuilding.
Government & Society
The empire is ruled by an imperial government lead by a powerful emperor advised by an imperial council the most powerful of them is usable the military advertisers called Governor-Militant. Territory is dived into provinces witch are ruled by Governors. Expansionist and have a Machiavellian mindset using their military to intimidate or outright conquer there weaker neighbors. But are willing to form alliances with other nation if it can be beneficial for them. Their culture is an honor centric, self-sacrifices, war glorifying, and hardworking species. They have been known for the very harsh in warfare using harsh tactic to force there enemy to surrender. Going along with their self-sacrificial attitude they believe that casualty is secondary to the overall goal. The empire is monotheistic worshiping there god Verimar of the forge and war. Sanfures Appearance -
Most sanfures they stand about 6'8 for males and 6'1 for females. Their bones are tougher have a more angular structure to them and their muscles system stronger due to the harsh condition on their homeland. They developed a strong cardiovascular system (which means they have two hearts), as well as a higher metabolism, evolving larger lung compactly due to the mountainous terrain, there blade like front teeth and more rounder back teeth is believe to come from a past omnivorous habits, dark colored hair, and there one color eyes coal black. The sanfures cannot use magic.[/hide]
Economy & Industry
The economy of the empire is a regulated market.The nation are main exports is materials such as as ores, coals, refined metals, salts, weapons, stone, and imperial onyx a rare black colored stone that is prized for its building quality. The empire trades often with there neighbors in order to gain materials that are not found natural in the empire. The craftsmen of the empire are organized into guilds that provide and services to the economy. On the technological front the empire is lacking. With long civil war technology that did not directly help the war effort was ignored. Now the empire is offering cash prizes for inventions.
Military Overview
Molded by the imperial civil war the imperial legion into an effect fighting force. Imperial legionary The backbone of the imperial military the heavy infantry are armed with halberds and shields. Other legionarys use crossbows as the imperial range weapon. The imperial legion prides it self on being a professional army. Each legionary is a well trained and discipline. The imperial officer core are very experience after the civil war with the imperial military victory. The legionaries are organized into legions of about 5,000 men. Imperial Dragoons Due to the lack of horse in the empire the imperials use heavy cavalry to make up for the numbers. Verna Kaf Legion Consider to be the the empires most dangerous and veteran legion. Formed after the bloodiest battle in Irodien history the legion is larger than the normal legion. Verna Kaf legion numbers about 7,500 soldiers. Penal auxiliary Murders, thieves, and the scum of empire gathered to fight. Sentence to sever in the penal for a minimum of 25 years. Poorly armed and equipped they are used as cannon fodder by imperial commanders.
OH, I see the conflict between us now. Your claim and the one I've been favoring, @eemmtt, actually overlap. I only saw one of the lines before, but now I see both.
Do you want to discuss the claim issue via the Chatzy or PM, perhaps?
It exists of s a singular island named Fenea. The lower, western half of the land is mostly plains dotted with small villages. While the warm, sandy coast offers excellent opportunity for ships. In the eastern half of the island is Ramoari Forest. The borders are often chopped and replanted. Especially in recent years. But the core of the forest is rarely visited by sentient beings. Higher up north you have the Agroa Mountains. The mountains are exceptionally high and make for a very isolated area. Just like the forest, the mountains house a myriad of mythical monsters. While in the forest those are mostly ground-bound creatures, up in the mountains one could find the winged monsters.
General Introduction
History
Government & Society
Government
The king rules supreme. His word, by the gods, are law. Defying him, be it at the banquet table or on the marketplace is punishable by death if the king chooses so. This power is not limited to him alone. If his children come of age they too wield such power. He is advised by the Scholar, the Warmaster, the Shipmaster, the Coinmaster, the Head-Inquisitor and the Grand Meister.
The Scholar is the head wizard. He is involved in all magical research, education and development. Often very old, but also incredibly powerful. The Scholar is also the head of the Order Arcanicus. He is not often seen outside the walls of his tower.
The current Scholar is Lord Adreminus. Or so he calls himself. The man is old and very fragile. He does nothing. If this is for the better or worse of his order is yet to be seen.
The Warmaster rules the small standing army. It is considered the lowest (yes still a very grand) position among those who rule. Warmasters often lead the main body of troops, raise levies when needed and make sure to suppress all unrest within the realm. The Warmaster is also in charge of the Guardians. An order compromised of the 10 greatest knights in the realm. Destined to protect the royal family. The Head-Inquisitor and the Grand Meister both often vey to destroy the order and place their own people around the king.
The current Warmaster is young prince Chardon. It’s not traditional that the second in line becomes Warmaster. Though it has happened before. Prince Chardon seems adamant to support his older brother Suran.
The Shipmaster does what you may expect of him. He governs the ports and rules the Royal Fleet. In times of peace he often fights pirates near the kingdom. Though exceptionally ambitious Shipmasters have send expedition forces around the world before. A lesser known fact is that the Shipmaster is also the head priest of the order of the Depths, which worships the Unknown One. He does not worship the death aspect of this god, but rather the sea aspect. The full capabilities of the order are still unknown. But they know what can lurk in the deep and speak of it not with a healthy dose of fear but pure and utter curiosity.
The current shipmaster is Jachason of House Urtlem. His grandfather was also shipmaster thus the young boy has a great desire to level if not become greater than him.
The coinmaster is either the weakest, or the strongest person in Fenea, depending on his colleagues. He governs trade and coin and often sends out ambassadors to neighboring countries. Weak coinmasters do just about that. Strong ones go further. They can create new economical laws, engage in foreign affairs that would boost (or dampen) trade and may even support certain rebels in foreign countries. Exceptionally good ones maintain a tight web of spies reporting all matter of events.
The current coinmaster is Salvator of House Pugan. House Pugan had never before placed a member so high. A lost rests of Salvator. So far he is not doing bad, but he lacks ambition and acts far too cautious.
The Head-Inquisitor is feared by both peasants, slaves and nobility. His power is near absolute. The Inquisition descends when the Warmaster feels that inhibition is becoming a bigger problem than it should. Though often the Head-Inquisitor acts without warning. While the Warmaster may just kill e few people, the Inquisition’s punishements start at killing and burning half a village (and all the slaves). Even if that half is not guilty at rebellion. However, what sets them apart is that they can also investigate nobility. Though those of noble blood often get a trial before they are hung. The Inquisitions more primal tasks were to root out mages who did not adhere to the Scholar. While the common people see themselves more killed, mages still fear the Inquisitors. They are often stationed at mages’ towers, academies and to the most powerful they act as bodyguards. Which is rather to make sure that the mage does nothing against the wishes of the king.
The current Head-Inquisitor is Alexandros. Like all Inquisitors he cast off his last name and house. He is an aging man, and starts to lash out erratic. Some outside the order start to think it is time he has to be replaced.
The Grand Meister is the one that deals in foreign magical affairs. In other words, during a war the Order Achenus which he commands will step in. They are witch-blades, Templars, paladins and Arcane Swords who use both cold steel and strong spells. The Grand Meister often works in close relationship with the Scholar. A breach between the two (and their orders) often mean that they are both severally weakened. There are many other suborders within the Order Achenus. But I’ll discuss those under Military.
Current Grand Meister is the middle-aged Higan of House Nimor. The fact is that Nimor often delivered strong Shipmasters, so Higan becoming Grand Meister was not only unexpected, is was unpraised. Higan vowed he would make sure to change that.
Society
There is a wide, very wide, wealth gap between the poor and the rich. Middle-class does not exist. At all. The Fenea kingdom is one ruled by magic. The King or Queen must be from Fenir line. The blood is incredibly rich in magic. Both the comprehensible and the mythical forms. Many other noble houses share the same aptitude for magic. To keep the powers strong within the families’ nobles are prohibited to ever have a child from someone who is not from a noble house. To make matters even stricter: it’s common that ungifted children, who do not possess a talent for magic, go unwed entirely. They cast an incredible shame upon their family.
Those below the nobility are virtually all peasants or workshop keepers under the command of a noble. They are by far the most numerous of the population. But have no real voice in any matter. When taxes go up, fighting such decision leads to a swift and public death. A constant itch for rebellion is common among the base people. Sometimes a village may rebel. But the nobility makes sure that they are quickly made an example of. However, the poorest do not live in such horrible conditions yet. They have a house (or what can pass for one) and most have 2 meals a day.
The lowest of the pyramid are the slaves. Fenea is not only known for its strong magic, but also for its near uncountable slaves. Slaves have nothing. They aren’t even allowed to marry by Fenea’s religion. Though most don’t care as they marry in their own culture. Slaves are the most restless of Fenea’s people. But they rebel less often than the peasants, as slave rebellion does not only hit them, but all nearby slaves. Laws are ridiculously strict against slaves too. For example, should a single slave hit his master, ever, then the master can kill the slave without trial. Fact is that some peasant masters often just kill a slave for disobedience or less. Should a slave ever dare to kill his master, then the penalty is death for every slave in the household.
The peasants share these 5 gods. Though in silent prayers they’d often add the 6th god: the god of freedom. Which will one day unshackle them from the nobility. Stories about the 6th god often vary from town to town but there is a single constant: a prophecy claimed that a foreigner would come to the lands. He will lead a single village against their rulers and die. But in his death, he will unite the people.
Slaves, as many kind there are, have many religions. Some have lived so long that they mixed their original religion with that of their brethren. Making pseudo-religions. Officially practice is forbidden. Thus the slaves keep their worship small and often in the dark.
Demographics, minorities & population
Fenea exists primary out of humans. Though due to the slavery a myriad of other species can often be found everywhere.
((Exact percentages to be added later))
Economy & Industry
Cities & ports
The cities of Fenea are rather well developed. Even though that inside them most people are still relatively poor. All the wealth inevitably flows towards the nobility. Never the less the average population has little shortcoming within the city. Maybe some high food prices but that’s about it. As cities often lack harsh manual labor, the usual brutish slaves are far less present here. Never the less a great amount of slaves are still employed for other tasks like housekeeping and others. Pleasure houses are always to be found and always filled with the right kind of slave you desire. Most of the harder kind of work within the workshops and stores are also done by slaves. Even literate slaves can be employed here to use their gifts. The more detailed and trained ways of craftsmanship are done by free men here. All in all the economy of the cities is in good health. Though left and right some cities may have trouble with lords raising taxes a little too high.
Ports cities are far more thriving than their few inland cousins. With access to the massive sea a lot of trade is done within the harbor. And while some merchants may condemn the use of slaves, they cannot deny that their ships get unloaded exceptionally fast. However, due to some xenophobia, most sailors not native from Fenea may be advised to remain within the harbor districts. There is certainly enough to do there. All in all a lot of trade is done within the ports and harbors of Fenea. But not exceptionally much.
Cities & ports
Out in the fields Fenea paint a very different picture compared to the cities. The villages are poor, wall-less and ill maintained. A few stone roads work their way through the plains. But all by all you will mostly just see dirt ways. The fields are rather large and filled with animals and wheat. But the children of the villages look malnourished and sickly. This is due to the massive food taxes raised in a village.
Closer to the forest, the villages change from agricultural to lumber. The villages against Ramoari forest make their money by supplying the wood for the cities. They do slightly better than their agricultural cousins, but still poverity is everywhere. With the slight higher wealth most are able to have bought at least 1 strong slave. So again, here slavery is more common. Sadly, so far away from the slave markets of the cities, sometimes people in the fields have to sell themselves as slaves to come by. So even still, you see very few foreigners in these villages.
Others
So far, the only thing that has set aside Fenea from many others was probably slavery. However, Fenea has some more. A proud obsession with hunting mythical monsters. The Ramoari forest and the Agroa Mountains are brooding spots for dragons, gryphons, pegasusses, unicorns, manticores, basilisks, chimaeras and dire wolves. Obviously these monsters have some very interesting loots. If you search mythical monster objects, then Fenea is the place to be.
Furthermore, for a rather steep price, nobility can offer you their magical services. Be it for education or simply to learn a new spell. The arts of magic are well understood by the nobles. A true Fenean mage knows his craft very well. Mythical artists, like Seers, are also a little less rare than anywhere else in the world. They are still aren’t that many walking in Fenea, but more than average do live there.
Imports & Exports
Imports - Most standard metals - Slaves - Exotic fruits - Exotic vegetables - Gems - Expert craftsmanship
Unlike the army, the naval force is far more organized. Under the singular Shipmaster. The most common naval units are galleys, though larger ‘Kingsize Galley’ can be used as a flagship for the various fleets. No fleet is under command of a single noble house. Though some houses do own several private owned ships which they may ‘loan’ to the King during times of intense naval combat. Some mages might be stationed on Kingsize Galleys. They mostly aid the navigators, though it’s been whispered among the sailors that they can summon monsters from the depths in times of great need.
As said, some ships might be in the personal possession of noble houses. These ships are never large nor in high numbers. Mostly they are used when a nobleman wants to go out and capture slaves.
Army
Order Achanus The Order Achanus is the single largest order of Fenea. There are several kinds of suborders within the Achanus order.
The Paladins are knights who first did their initation within the Inquisition. They are often heavily armored with thick plate armor and large kite shields. Their massive hammers often appear to be glowing or even burning with pure faith. Paladins are highly immume to any kind of shamanic or dark magic. However, they are the fewest in number as they come from the Inquisition.
Witch-blades are often dressed in leather and wield a single bastard sword, aside from several elemental spells. Their skill in both swordmanship and spellcasting is average, but the combination makes for lethally fast warriors. Often used against heavy sorcerers who require a long time to cast their spells. But their expertise lay in the ability to track magical users. They are more numerous than the Paladins, but far less skilled too.
Arcane swords are Witch-blades who forsaken their duties to track down magic users in favor of fighting in the front line. Much like the Paladins they are heavily armored. But they wield a myriad of weaponry and defenses. From large square shields to two-handed swords. Arcane swords are the most common magical knight units. Though they use magic mostly to increase their already formidable melee combat skills.
Templars are the most elusive of orders. The Templars are the smallest group, whom recruit their acolytes seemingly at random from the ranks of nobility. Not much is known about them except that they pour vast amounts of money into specialized armor, and most notibily that they often ride savage winged creatures like the gryphon or the manticor. Great Templars, the only other title known from the order, ride dragons into the battlefield.
Warmaster's army The Warmaster maintains not too small army of mostly knights and professional soldiers. They are more often tasked at maintaining the peace within the realm. By no means do these knights stand well against any of the Order Achanus. In times of great need the Warmaster may raise levies from all villages and cities. Forcing free men and their male slaves into service. The ragged band that comes from this is never a sight that will make one awe. They are untrained with low morale. Most of them are used as fodder until the Order Achanus steps in.
Noblemen warbands Every now and then a nobleman can bring around his friends and subordinates to go on a raid. It’s common courtesy not to stop one from doing so. As they often return with foreign loot and slaves. Warbands are small and never stay in one place for too long. Often they remain near the coast. It’s also common courtesy that no nobleman shall raid lands of an ally. These warbands are sometimes used for harassment.
So that's that. Anyone want to help built that history with me?
This is getting too big and clustered for me, I don't think I'll be able to keep track of what's going on. I wish you all an awesome game, but I'm dropping out.
The territory owned by the Kashar is mainly savannahs, the occasional small forest, then desert. It is one of the only fertile lands in their peninsula. There is a portion along the coast where there are mangroves, this is located where the the river meets the ocean. Year round there is typically much arid heat that is brought to them with only winter and fall being their rainy seasons. The northern shores are primarily cliffs that lead eventually dip to beaches at the north eastern and western shores.
Where the river forks there is a large rock that is perfect balanced on top of the smaller rock, this is one of the Kashar's major symbols for if the rock falls then their nation is doomed to fail. There is also the Jagged Teeth along the northern cliffs which is sharpened rocks coming out of the ocean, a symbol to how they should defend their lands.
General Introduction
The Clans of Kashar are just that, clans divided among one another, yet they are all identified as one large nations. They live in huts primarily made of mud and thatch put together. Food is often hunted for with only small river villages that have some irrigation. The Kashar people have been tribal for hundreds of years because their gods will so and they refuse to move from the ways they have followed. Plus, they see as everyone being equal to one another.
History
The Kashar have always operated in a tribal fashion, warring amongst one another for as long as history could tell for them. One war, however, set the Kashar on a path that would forever change the way that see one another and unify them under one banner. Clan Aonghus has set on a war path to conquer all the clans in order to horde resources for their own personal gain, a quality shunned upon by the Kashar people. It would be considered the ultimate sin against them and their gods, it would become everyone's duty to stop Clan Aonghus no matter what.
Kuo the Blood Conqueror set about the lands to pillage and plunder, leaving no resistance in his path as his clan was the largest and the most militaristic. He had far more advanced weapons, bows as big as a man and able to fire large arrows at his enemies. It was not long for the other clans to fix out that Kuo had been finging help from outsiders to support the campaign and form a nation completely outside Kashar values. Before they could go to war, however, they needed to preform a ritual to the gods for exactly one day.
So each clan did, they appeased their gods and went to fight their common enemy in order to bring peace once more. They marched one-hundred thousand strong and set for the enemy's heart. They sieged Clan Aonghus' walls for fifteen days before they could destroy the gates and flood the town. They followed the Kashar values and slew only those who resisted, they let those who who surrender go. Kuo would meet a different fate, however, he would be hanged for what he has done. The hanging was not a quick one, instead it took half an hour for Kuo to die by the noose.
With the common foe gone and peace once more restored to the land, the clans went back to what they were doing beforehand. However, each clan thought about what should happen should the threat of foreign invasion happen. They conferred with the gods for answers and everyone had gotten the same answer. They were to meet at the forked river by the Balanced Rock, there they shall elect a high king, or queen, who will keep the clans united and safe. The member of Clan Hrothgar was selected and became known as High Queen Jestari, she would be the first of many. Later, the role of the high king would include him/her to form a council by choosing one member from each clan so that everyone may be represented.
Over one-hundred years later, the clans would face the smallest challenge that they would every face in their history. The very thing they were hoping to avoid occurred once more with the third High King turning on his people and following the path that Kuo the Blood Conqueror had. Luckily the council had proven to be loyal to the people and rallied the clans to dispose of the Bad King. He was killed in his sleep by the council who then would look to the gods once more, to see who the true High King should be. It led to a small child at the age of two, they would take the child with full consent from the parents. However, there would need to be a replacement for the one they had killed.
The council elected one of its own members, High King Chariot, to lead while the current queen would be trained. The Queen took power after she came of age at fifteen years old and went on to keep the clans united together. She, however, wanted to keep peace with outsiders and possibly do trade with them so that peace may be maintained. Queen Thatcher does not know how this will turn out, but she, along with her council, are optimistic on what will happen.
Government & Society
-Clan Aonghus -Clan Hrothgar -Clan Xan -Clan Stami -Clan Cultive
-The organization of the government goes as such the High King/Queen leads the nation as settles disputes that the states have over one another, holding final decisions in most matters. The current High Queen is Thatcher at the age of fifteen.
-The council was put into place in order to keep the High King or Queen in check. They consist of members from every clan who deal with the more mundane matters that do not pose any importance to the nation as a whole. -West, Clan Aonghus -Silvio, Clan Hrothgar -Estem, Clan Xan -Sel, Clan Stami -Ashor, Clan Cultive
-The shamans who can commune with the gods that they worship to solve problems or find someone destined to lead their clans.
The Kashar revere five gods in total, they keep the balance of nature and the cosmos as a whole. There is Hishar the mother god who created the Cosmos and the moral code that the Kashar follow to this day. There then follows Xebil, god of nature, who created all life. Detri, goddess of War, she males sure that all warriors get a proper resting place and is said to be the creator of the Jagged Teeth. Selmar, goddess of the stars, responsible for the movement of the stars and their creation. Then there is the bad god, Schrozin, who is responsible for all the evil that infests the world.
There are currently over seven million living Kashar: - Clan Aonghos: 23% of population - Clan Hrothgar: 34% of population - Clan Xan: 12% of population - Clan Stami: 15% of population - Clan Cultive: 16% of population
The Kashar are a race of reptilian beings that stand about five feet tall and six inches, males typically are bigger than the females who stand about two inches shorter. They typically have green scales with yellow underbellies. They are typically very thin so that they can maneuver about the savannahs without being seen. Kashar hold a high metabolism so they remain a thin frame, but it slows significantly if the body has not eaten over two days. Their diet consists mainly consists of meat and small nuts and leaves. Their mouth holds many fangs within the front half of their mouth with molars at the very back to crack nuts and chew the occasional leaf.
Economy & Industry
The primary exports that the Kashar would produce would be thatch, furs, clay pots, and mud bricks. while they import metal as they do not trade with outsiders very often. Technologically, they are at a disadvantage as they rely on bone spears and some leather armor, they have tamed large, flightless birds that they ride around on for increased travel. Their homes are mad of mud bricks and thatch. Craftsmen, while small in number, are all equal and compete with one another to make the most magnificent items around. However, kashar, have made sacred masks that only the warriors of the kashar may where.
Military Overview
The Kashar military mainly consists of male tribesmen who go out to set up ambushes on their enemies with spears and bows. They typically use the advantage of getting low on the ground to set up traps and use guerilla tactics against any who mean harm upon them. However, metal is rare in the Kashar society and no armor has been made with any, only weapons. Spears are the most common weapons with swords being given to veterans only. Shields are made from wood and the most protection they have is with small amounts of leather armor.
Edit: I edited the claim a bit to encompass more land so I feel the clans had a fair distribution.
I think our people will legitimately be good friends. Your people will be seen as trustworthy since they have a similar clan structure to the Thangors, and my country also will see your lizard people akin to the Dragons we revere. That and...you staying the same for hundreds of years show true manly stubborness that we appreciate.