Varushka territories

Varushka is a wild land, a mixture of dark forests, unpleasent marshes, wide rivers and difficult hills. The terrain has helped shape the nation, and contributed to the relative isolation of its settlements.

Karov

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 valleys here exist among rich forests, where they have not been cleared to make way for fertile grazing grounds. Karov has the largest number of towns in Varushka, and the majority of its barons come from this relatively civilised territory. A great deal of trade happens in Karov, with wagon trains carrying raw materials south to Temeswar and north to more isolated valleys. 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.

Volodmartz

A mountainous area, Volodmartz is rich in timber and deep mines. There are few settlements here, but the valleys here are especially wealthy and well fortified and many of the boyars here live in castles. There are dark things in the Volodmatz mountains, and plenty of folk tales tell of malign horrors that burrow under them, emerging without warning to overwhelm the foolish. The Volodny had their old centre of power in Volodmartz, and it was here that Alderei the tyrant-boyar was defeated by the Imperial Army. The ruins of his stronghold still lie beneath the forest canopy.

Miekarova

Miekarova was the heartland of the Ushkan tribes in the prehistory of the Empire. Noted for beautiful painted caves within the mountains it was also the heart of Ushkan mysticism. It was in Miekarova that Alderei the Fair started his rise to power at the dawn of the Empire, and it was also here that the Imperial Faith found its deepest roots.

Karsk (Lost)

Karsk has been overrun by the enemy. Disturbing stories have come over the border since the barbarian incursion – the territory is lost to Varushka, and yet the barbarians seem still to be fighting there. Realisation is growing that there are other powers contesting the territory, and that to win back Karsk may be to fight more than the hordes of the barbarians – or else to clasp hands and make common cause with an older enemy still. Karsk is of special interest to the Navarr, due to the presence of some ancient monster or magical location within it. When it is reconquered, it is possible that the Navarr may make a play to add it to their own nation which may sour relations between the two traditionally friendly nations.