5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/9

Orbaal is a pre-feudal state in northeastern Hârn ruled by King Alegar II from Geldeheim. The region was formerly called Jara until the Kingdom of Orbaal was proclaimed in 686 after the Ivinian conquest of the indigenous Jarin. It is a very unstable realm, where less than 8,000 rowdy and ungovernable Ivinians have subjugated about 65,000 rebellious Jarin.

Orbaal is really a host of semi-independent squabbling domains. Small clans pay tribute to more powerful ones who in turn pay it to the king. The clans are constantly fighting among themselves, each going their own way with very little interference from the king, whose only real claim to the crown is that he has the biggest and most powerful domain.

Racial stratification has led to serious tensions in Orbaalese society and several Jarin rebellions have been put down with considerable bloodshed. The few remaining major landholding Jarin lords are a significant divisive faction, with some promoting unrest and plotting the expulsion of the hated “barbarians” from their native soil.

The Ivinians are known for piracy, a tradition that all coastal peoples in northwestern Lythia have come to dread. In hard economic times, various clans take to the sea in their dragonships and go viking, that is, raiding and pillaging coastal villages and towns. The golden age of viking may have passed, but recent attempts to sack the city of Thay were a potent reminder that the mercenary sea power of Ivinian clansmen is still to be feared.

There have been three Orbaalese kings since 686, all members of Clan Taareskeld of Geldeheim. King Alegar II faces considerable problems ruling his fractious realm. Both the Ivinians and Jarin are freedom-loving, rowdy, and rebellious. In addition, the Ivinian kingdoms of Rogna, Menglana, and Seldenbaal all regard Orbaal as a colony and periodically demand tribute, although none has been given for many years.

The region is also home to two semi-nomadic nations, the Anoa and the Ymodi, who have withstood the previous Jarin lords and current Ivinian conquerors, frequently bloodying the noses of any would-be overlords.

The rugged Jahl Mountains shelter several tribes of gargun and other dangerous creatures, including yelgri, Ivashu, and even dragons; travel there is hazardous.

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