Bastion

The northermost human kingdom in Syv Nova (excluding the Brumal Path), Bastion is considered the frontier between civlization and the wilds. Bastion's primary ethnic group are called the Bastii. Because of their stated support for liberty at all turns, Bastion is at times referred to as "Frejla's Favored Few." Indeed, Bastion holds that all members of its society are created equally and that any man or woman has the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of their dreams.

The kingdom is symbolized by a statue of Frejla the Fierce, a winged-woman holding a spear and shield in defense of those aggrieved in the world.

Establishment
The Bastii were a collection of territorially sovereign peoples prior to the Imperium, often at odds with the Schwarin. Dedicated to protecting their way of life, which was largely absent the burden of leadership, they formed into military units as a result of respecting the concept of advancement through merit. As a result, Bastion has one of the most impressive military traditions in the world, as this core aspect of their character has only been matched by their need to bring liberty wherever they might.

Following the War of Two Kings, the Bastii were incorporated into the emergent Imperium, where they were one of the three bloodlines represented in the first emperor, Caetenas. For this reason above any other, the Bastii remained in the coalition for nearly two-thousands years.

However, toward the end of the Imperium the Bastii began to become disillusioned with the empire's purpose. The ill-treatment of the Mynos, joined with their burgeoning interactions with the Zubians and the subsequent repudiation from Volantris began to underline a fundamental lack of equality within the union. As they are sworn to the concept of freedom, ultimately this led to a cooling in relations.

When the Dread Tumult occurred, Bastion was one of the three great kingdoms to join at the defense of Skyvale. Ultimately successful, they stated that their debt had been paid and like Schwar, withdrew from the union. What resulted was the official establishment of Bastion, who brought with it a legacy of service and the burden of ensuring freedom was available to those that desired it.

Governance
Bastion's system of government is difficult to comprehend as it is not only a constitutional monarchy, but in many ways a military dictatorship. Seeing the title of "king" as belonging to Volantris, Bastion favored that of Grand Duke, which the Lionsford family maintained by the Imperium's fall.

Ostensibly, the ruler of Bastion is determined by election. The election establishes that "four generations" are to survive this decision, which at the time of its announcement indicated that 25 years would pass before the next election chose a new ruling family. In this way, the people would be able to determine for themselves if the century's outcome upheld the totality of Bastion ideals. However, some have seen the term as meaning "four members of any line," which has led to a spree of assassinations.

Regardless, although the reigning family is to rule for only four generations no rule prevents that family from being chosen again. True to Bastion sensibility, which the dwarves are known to praise, if something "isn't broken it shouldn't be fixed," and thus the Lionsford family which initially was to serve for the duration of four generations, has been in power since the kingdom's creation.

But dwarves and Bastion share more than sensibilities. Borrowing heavily from the dwarven senatorial system, Bastion maintains its constitutionality through the development of its own senate. This senate advises the grand duke on all actions, but the grand duke may veto a motion of it has less than 75% support. Senators are selected on a representative basis, with each percentage of the population represented among them, totalling to 100 denators. Bastii alone comprise 65% of the population, leaving 35% to struggle for negotiations and deals. Among this minority are other humans of non-Bastii birth and non-human races.

Two political factions rule the senate: the Aspida and the Spathi. The Aspida are progressives and desire domestic reform, strengthened national defense, and advancements in research for alternatives to Bastion's draft system. Conversely, the Spathi are aggressive and desire an expansion of Bastii's military. A new faction, the Imperialists, often side with the Spathi though other factions are required for the 3/4 majority.

Bastion places a great deal of importance on the sacredness of its constitution, with each member of the society swearing to uphold and defend it in the face of tyranny. To further ensure this, Bastion has a mandatory draft for all citizens in the kingdom which begins at 16 and ends at 45. Since the kingdom's foundation, however, this power has not been required.

Current Ruler
Bastion's grand duke is Garmac. A septegenarian, he succeeded his nephew, Barras, who though popular was assassinated by unknown assailants. Some blame Garmac for this act, though those that have spoken with the man know this to be impossible. Garmac's life has been one decorated with military service, though little has been done under his command that would be considered revolutionary or disastrous. In many ways, he is simply a cog that fits into the correct place. His convenience, in many ways, has led to whispers that perhaps another pulls the strings upon which he dances.

Regardless, Garmac's candor and simplicity make him a compelling voice for the people and he has endeavored to see the needs of the least fortunate met. He is often at odds with the senate as a whole, though he makes personal connections that ensures his efficacy. He is the last of his generation and following his death, a new election will be called to determine who will lead the nation. His surviving son, Gosrin, is seen as a roguish individual by many while his daughter, Abelys, inspires memories of her cousin, the late Barras.

Lymora
The northernmost part of the northernmost kingdom, Lymora is Bastion's spearhead against the wilds. It is the location of The Settled Sword, a prestigious adventuring guild that a century and a half prior saw the Bramble greatly reduced through its good deeds. It maintains a bustling population that has begun to settle into life outside the needs of military readiness, something that disturbs the leaders of the town but reassures humanity that the time for war has come to its end.