Karov

Regions of Karov

Overview

The rich heartland of the nation, and the wealthiest territory in terms of timber and amber, this is where most outsiders think of when Varushka is mentioned. The vales here exist among rich forests, where they have not been cleared to make way for small farms. Karov has the largest towns in Varushka, and the majority of its boyars come from this relatively civilised territory. A great deal of trade happens in Karov, with wagon trains and river barges carrying raw materials south to Temeschwar or Weirwater and north to more isolated valleys who are in need.

Despite its settled nature, it would be a mistake to think the land is entirely tamed and great tracts of wilderness still remain, often home to particularly malignant – if quiescent – sovereigns. These creatures awaken or emerge from time to time with often tragic consequences - so the wise ones take care to ensure each generation remembers the warning stories about creatures whose last depredations may have been in the times of their grandparents or great-grandparents.

Karov was one of the first places settled by the Vard during their early conflict with the Ushka. They ruthlessly cleared areas of forests to build their settlements and some of the oldest towns show clear influence of their shared heritage with the Steinr of Wintermark, especially in the west. Indeed, there are several old battlefields in western Karov where Vard and Stienr, and later Varushkan and Wintermark, clashed in the distant past long before the foundation of the Empire. A number of very old tales from Karov include two siblings who romance a stranger; the former represent Vard and Steinr, the latter the Ushka. Invariably the elder sibling wins the affection of the stranger, and the younger angrily retreats to the west. This is a highly stylised and historically dubious version of the founding of Varushka, but it is popular nonetheless.

On the whole, the folk of Karov enjoy many of the finer things in life - good food, good drink and regular festivals. Many towns and villages in Karov employ Stzena, local musicians who perform at local civic events and celebrations; there are several vales here dedicated specifically to the training of Stzena, and recording and preserving the music and songs of the Varushkan people.-

Recent History

Karov is perhaps the most peaceful of the Varushkan territories. Until Karsk fell to the Thule, they had enjoyed three and a half centuries of peace. In 372YE the Thule attempted to push through Malimorzi and briefly occupied the settlement of Korotny, but they were driven back within a season by the combined forces of the Northern Eagle and Golden Axe. Raiding parties still creep across the border from time to time, but for the most part Karov has been unmolested.

Major Features

Photography by Sarah Loughlin
Costume: model's own

Delev

The oldest and proudest of the vales that guard the road from the Semmerlak to Seren and the south, Delev is a hub for the many smaller vales dotted around southern Varushka. It has a complex rivalry with Temeschwar, which outgrew its parent and then left the family to join the League. Delev is again the foremost trading town in Karov, which suits it well. Despite the intervening centuries, there is still some bad blood between the citizens of Delev and those of Varushkan descent in Temeschwar. A particular bone of contention are the Eternal Shafts of Time, which the Temeschwari attempted to "take with them" when they seceded. Several Karov families at least keep alive tales of treachery, ingratitude and attempted theft.

In early 377YE a sequence of fortified watchtowers and walled camp sites was erected around Delev, and in various strategic points along the road to Seren, serving as secure bases of operation for bounty-hunters and wardens concerned with both bandit and wolves alike. Overseen by Henry Ward (senator for Upwold) as part of a larger Senate initiative to provide protection to towns throughout the Empire, the defences are not sufficient to qualify Delev as a fortification but have already helped reduce casual outlawry throughout the territory. They have also prompted some discussion about further work, and the value of building a complete system of forts and castles in the vicinity of this vital trade hub.

Korotny

A bustling port, picking up some trade from the foreign lands across the Semmerlak and running a small fishing fleet. Perhaps a little more than most in Varushka they dream; dream of how their fortunes might rise if the Barrens was brought into the Empire. From time to time, exploratory expeditions set forth to the far shore. Some return with goods, tales, and a measure of pride. Some do not.

Olvanshka

The wildest vale of Karov, home to many Warden brotherhoods standing guard on the Sovereigns who sleep in the hills to its north and west.

Vorota

Once a vital guard, and now a frontier. Its folk rightly consider themselves the last Vale of true Varushka on the road south. It’s home to some who chose to leave Temeschwar rather than leave Varushka, and many don’t have the warmest of feelings towards the prodigal city. It has been fortified of late, due to the barbarian incursions in Wintermark, and the guards are even more suspicious of travellers than usual.

The Weeping Stone of Karov

A great standing stone atop a mound. The stone appears melted, like the wax of a candle, as if it once stood in a limestone cave. No grass will grow on the mound.

The Eternal Shafts of Time

The Eternal Shafts of Time is a Bourse position which produces mithril.

OOC Notes

• All the regions of Karov are under Imperial control,
• This page is still under development - the next stage is to review approved backgrounds for details that would enrich the description of the territory.