Ruler: Varya, Tyrant of Pohvala (CE female human [Filani], Wiz 15/ Rog 7/Asn 1)
Government: Independent autocracy controlled by a powerful wizardess who rules her land through might and fear
Notable Figures: Grimur, Barbarian Chief (CE male human [Filani], Brb 13)
Rule of Law: Chaotic Evil. Violent and generally unpredictable society with few written laws. Few organizations exist and those few that do are ruled by strength of arms. Leader-types only maintain power as long as they maintain a show of strength.
Capital: Skuldev (pop. 14,300)
Major Towns: Armagh (pop. 4,100)
Population: 160,000- Human 80% (F), orc 15%, half-orc 4%, other 1% (includes mainly ogre, troll and giant)
Major Religions: Mordagh, Kharon, Shastra, Jocasta, Orc pantheon
Major Resources: Few, some furs
Military: 8,700 (includes mostly orc light infantry and human medium infantry and medium cavalry)
Allies: None
Enemies: Wyngard
Coinage: Common standard
Pohvala is the land of evil sorcery ruled by a powerful witch named Varya. This wicked being came into power almost two centuries ago and remains in control to this day. She is not undead but is believed to possess a number of life-extending magical devices that grant her a most unnatural long life. She rules the lands east of the Cloudycrest Mountains and north of the barbaric realm of Wyngard as a true autocratic ruler. Her word is absolute and any disobediance to her will generally results in torture and death. The realm itself is cold throughout most of the year with heavy periods of snowfall. The brief summer months allow for some warmth yet it is still cool even during this time.
Varya has never married but has had a number of children from her numerous paramours over the years. She has killed those of her offspring she deemed too weak and now only three are said to remain. These three children seem to be as long lived as their mother yet retain much of their youthful appearance. They are every bit as cunning and ruthless as their mother. Varya on the other hand is a withered old crone with gnarled hands. Her son is a vicious barbarian warlord while her two daughters are powerful sorceresses in their own right.
Before her rise to power, the lands of Pohvala were similar to Wyngard. The land was home to many violent barbarian tribes and a number of reclusive druids. The druids have since withdrawn or gone into hiding. Any nature priests that are caught by Varya's forces are usually burnt at the stake. Varya was successful in disposing of any rivals and then uniting the various barbarian hordes under her command. Even the most ruthless barbarian will be hard pressed to stand before this northern witch and not tremble with fear.
Rumors: Varya seeks to add the lands of Wyngard to her domain but her forces remain too chaotic that she has had difficultly posing a united front. It has been said that she has a number of contacts with the foul Kraken Cult in the city of Stormwatch. Varya wises to use this cult operation as a foothold into her plans of conquest. In recent months, a white dragon egg was discovered by soldiers in the mountains. The egg was brought before Varya's court though her plans regarding this object are unknown.