Orkanan Realm of Stoldavia

Alternate Name: First Stoldavik Empire Flag: realm.png Seal: riket4b.png Location: Stoldavia in Northern Anaria Historical Overview:

The Orkanan Realm of Stoldavia, also known as the First Stoldavian Empire, covered most of Stoldavia in northern Anaria between ca 5091RH - 5713RH. Contrary to its name as an "empire", it functioned more as a confederation of fairly autonomous dependencies. Its inclusion mostly came through strategic family alliances, though there were battles of conquest as well. The central government, based in Skiuldavik, mainly handled taxation, recruitment for the army, and religious doctrines. A major driving force behind its formation and expansion was the organization of "Fyrirhugun Orkanan" within the Skiuldavik Sokn. Under the leadership of Arnfast, it began to expand by effectively merging religious and worldly leadership.

History

The Stoldavic Crop Rotation was crucial in spreading the influence of Fyrirhugun Orkanists. The empire peaked in the 5500s, during which it looked beyond Stoldavia for expansion. It became involved in the Theomachy, a conflict in modern-day Istania between Orkanan and Sadarisnism followers. This escalated from supporting the Orkanan side to direct military intervention, driven by both religious reasons and a desire to further unify the empire. But, their military was ill-prepared for foreign engagements, making them costly. The most significant of these, the Alvarian Expedition in 5564 led by young Konung Alvar, ended in a devastating loss at the Battle of Ederra, triggering a succession crisis and marking the empire's decline.

In the late 5600s and early 5700s, the empire, already destabilized, suffered invasions from southern peoples during the migration period, leading to its collapse.

Divisions

Principalities (Fursti)

Baronies (Friherrdum)

Hundreds (Herad)

Parishes (Sokn)

Capital: Skiuldavik

Military

Hur

The primary ground army, consisting of infantry troops, skilled archers, light cavalry, and heavy artillery groups. Vakt: A domestic security branch tasked with safeguarding Orkanan rule representatives.

The Stoldavic Navy focused on transporting troops and supplies. It didn't evolve into a separate military division.

Culture and Religion

The Fyrirhugun Orkanan in the Skiuldavik Sogn was a vital religious driver behind the empire's expansion.

Architecture

Recent archaeological discoveries in Skiuldavikoffer insights into the realm's architecture. Buildings primarily used large blocks of natural stone, mostly grey, in the coastal area surrounding Skiuldavik. Many constructions were wooden, resembling elaborated log cabins. Stone was reserved for significant constructions or hill forts. The realm is credited for introducing the watermill and, about a century later, the windmill.