Welcome to the immersive lore of the Splinterlands. In this series of articles, we present a comprehensive exploration of the major splinters of Praetoria. Each week, you’ll learn about a new splinter: its governance, economy, races, religions, culture, and more. Gain a deeper understanding of the Splinterlands and the splinters that shape it so the next time you see Eternan Brune or an Imperial Knight on the battlefield, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against.
Visit SplinterLore for a complete list of the major splinters, both published and yet to be released!
Ulundin
“Ulund first. Ulundin always.”
Overview
The city-state of Ulundin, nestled in the sprawling plains of the Pristine Northwest's Northwest Lowlands, is a bastion of strength and discipline. A stratocracy, Ulundin seamlessly merges the state and military under the supreme command of the Mak Mkuu.
Governance
In Ulundin, the state and the military are indistinguishable. Both are governed by the iron fist of the Mak Mkuu and the military council, the Baraza la Kijeshi, both of whom oversee all aspects of governance, including administrative, judicial, and legislative affairs. The right to govern is reserved exclusively for those who have proven their worth on the battlefield, an approach that cultivates discipline, order, and a unified sense of purpose.
Economy
Ulundin's economy is largely agrarian-based. A complex network of canals and floodgates controls the distribution of water across the city-state’s farmland to ensure optimal irrigation and crop growth. Intrastate commerce of armaments, defense infrastructure, and other military-related sectors also play an important role. Additionally, through its strategic location, Ulundin controls several key trade routes in the Northwest Lowlands, enabling the imposition of tariffs and trade agreements that further bolster its economy.
Demographics
Races
Ulundin is the heartland of the ulund, a populace known for their robust nature and unparalleled resilience. Its borders are tightly sealed against other races, maintaining an impenetrable frontier against potential intruders.
Religions
Ulundin primarily pays tribute to the following deities, all of whom they depict as ulund:
- Votix, Goddess of War, Strength, and Deserts
- Gryyja, Goddess of Swamps, Rivers, and Lakes
- Khymia, Goddess of Life and the Upper Planes
Culture
Ulundin's culture is a reflection of the ulund's nature—disciplined yet deeply communal. Society is structured around the city-state’s military hierarchies, where respect and rank are earned through service and valor.
Ulundin architecture is characterized by squat, fortress-like structures. Most public buildings and spaces feature communal baths, which are a common locale for business meetings and social gatherings alike.
Literature, in the form of stories and parables, tells tales of military campaigns, honored commanders, and the virtues of strength and solidarity, while philosophy venerates the themes of duty, honor, and the collective good. Public forums and debates on ethics, governance, and strategy are commonplace as well.
Typical dishes include riverine and lacustrine delicacies—namely fish and reeds—seasoned with herbs or boiled into a hearty stew. Fare is served in communal bowls shared by all, and meals are often followed by the customary communal bath, symbolizing renewal and unity.
Indeed, communal gatherings take many forms and are a large part of daily life in Ulundin, and music and dance often play an integral role in them. Songs are deep, powerful and rhythmic, and in spite of their bulk, the ulund can exhibit surprising grace in their dance.
Sports are extensions of the ulund’s military training. Tournaments celebrate strength, strategy, endurance, and prowess in combat. More than mere entertainment, these events further reinforce the values of discipline, military acumen, and camaraderie.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Splinterlands!
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