Gudromi

The Gudromi are invaders from the forested lowlands to the east of Alaezia. They invaded in 1 AF, under the leadership of Artothald Stonebreaker, so named for his skill in quickly destroying Alaezian stone fortifications with use of tunneling, catapults and even diverting rivers.

The Gudromi are widely regarded by foreigners as barbaric, messy and rude. Their relations are best with the Dwarves, partially due to their alliance with the dwarves during the rebellion of the second year and also their shared reputation as outsiders.

Traditionally, Gudromi worshipped only the daemons, not honouring or even acknowledging the existence of God, and hence are often regarded as heretical. Many Gudromi reject the sanctity of the divine emperors, and in 19 AF Artothald Stonebreaker led a campaign to destroy the Divinicum, where his much larger force was soundly defeated in Holy Pass by the severely diminished forces of Argeligo Alpax. This spelled the end of the Gudromi migrations, but could not reverse their appearance all over the former empire.

The Gudromi settled three petty kingdoms in the former imperial territories:

The kingdom of Alchtein, founded 5 AF by Artothald Stonebreaker with its capital in the former imperial military settlement of Ginderilax.

The kingdom of Arbengau, founded 19 AF by Elginbald, nephew of Artothald, around the river Menedra.

The kingdom of Vindselm, founded 23 AF by Terrioz the Unyielding after Artothald refused to share his territory with his generals.

The Gudromi kingdoms are technically under the suzerainty of the New Senate, as per the treaty of Ginderilax signed in 5 AF. The treaty, however, was burned in 19 AF during the rebound. A new, condensed treaty was written in 22 AF, the treaty of Artela, but this was only recognised by the nobles of Alchtein and the New Senate.

Culture
Food is stew based. Lots of vegetables, especially root vegetables.

In the far west, high-class food tends to also be barbecued, still lots of vegetables.

Modesty is highly encouraged and respected. Reverence is usually only afforded to the dead, or those who debase themselves greatly in life to earn respect as a garoald, supreme modest one.

It is encouraged that gender expression be toned down, as it is an expression of immodesty.

Leaders are approved by their followers. Dynastic claim improves the chance of approval, especially as claiming to be good without a historical basis for this is viewed as immodest.

Tone of voice is meant to be respectful. Showing disrespect allows one's interlocutor to also change their tone to disrespectful.

Violence is seen as a valid way of showing valour.