Factions & Nations of Stoneholm

At character creation you pick one of three playable nations engaged in a perpetual battle over the lands of Stoneholm: Ismir (Nordheim), Midland, and the Sangmar Empire. The lore tracks four peoples — Midlanders, Ismirs, Azebs and Sangarians — but the Azeb desert nomads are united with the Sangarians under the playable Sangmar Empire. Each nation is based on a real medieval power, with its own culture, religion and history.

Tall, brawny clan warriors from the frozen tundra of Nordheim, organised into tribes led by a jarl. Forged by war, they raid Midland's lands but ally with Midland against Azebia. They are master smiths — Ismirean steel is the most prized in the world — and worship the Greatfather in a "pure" form that rejects Midland's clergy. Identity: aggressive raiders swinging heavy axes, with a Norse aesthetic that Viking fans will feel right at home in.

A proud northern feudal nation of honour-obsessed knights in heavy plate, tracing its history to Geliand of Hillead. The realm is split into two kingdoms — western Logres and eastern Wenedia, each under its own king — but unites against Azebia. They worship the Forefather and his son Geliand and value honour above all (a pride that also fuels their civil wars). Identity: high-medieval English / French Catholic Europe — the pick for a classic feudal-fantasy experience.

The southernmost faction. Sangmar was once the South's greatest power — a Byzantine-style centre of philosophy, science and art — until the Azebs, desert nomads of slight build but great agility, threw off Sangmar's yoke and conquered the South under their khagan, founding the Zenith Empire. The playable Sangmar Empire now unites the splendid-but-subjugated Sangarians with the Azeb nomads under one black-and-gold banner. Identity: an Eastern empire of oases and palm trees — agile hunters and scouts beside a rich, advanced civilisation.