Surticon

Category	Empires
World	Bal-Kriav
Region	Grashakh, Hells Womb, Drarthiel
Government	Autocracy
Capital	Alreirsoar
Population	190,000+
Races	Firenewt 60% Azer 10% Salamander 10% Fire Giant 5% Hobgoblin 5% Fire Troll 2% other 8%
Alignment	lawful neutral, lawful evil
Deities	Primus, Surtur
Enemies	Irdtrax, Orchish Empire, Yastorogg
Founder	Glebvog
Established	24 Temporal 1517
Maps	Inirthak Lirgaza Ufthag

The volcanic lands of Agulbandal have long been the domain of fire giants and other fiery denizens. At the heart of this blasted landscape lies a colossal fire titan city, known as Alreirsoar. In 1517, the fire giant clans were united by a high priest of Surtur named Glebvog, who established the Surticon Empire in the name of their god. For four centuries, the Surticon have ruled the northern reaches of Hells Womb, with their conflicts with hostile neighbors generally preventing the giants from making deep incursions into the region.

They allow travel through Sorrow Pass because it brings merchants to their holdings. They have guaranteed safe travel through the pass since the founding of Alreirsoar. The reason for this mercantile interest is the fire giant civilization, which dates back to the Horgon Era. The giants of Surticon are descendants of the Titan Empire Talothand (212 HE - 780 HE). This mighty empire of the Horgon Era maintained its dominance for a prolonged period, achieving a level of civilization that made them a formidable commercial and military power in Hiznaar Goz.

The Surticon have engaged in numerous battles with the Orchish Empire. The orcs occasionally mount expeditions into Surticon lands, which may be in pursuit of clandestine pathways into Hells Womb, the discovery of mines, or the training of their military forces.

In the Black Tide War (1465 - 1486), numerous Surticon mercenaries allied with the unholy legions of the Black Tide. They remained alongside the invaders as long as the campaign prospered. However, when the Black Tide became bogged down deep within the Land of Purity, the mercenaries returned home, bringing with them such vast plunder that it catalyzed nine years of rampant inflation.

In the year 1546, Glebvog mustered his forces, confronting the Black Tide of Thasmudyan. He joined the Artery War (1546 - 1554), with Surticon forging a military alliance with Paradomea and the Council of Bile. Surticon maintains that they tipped the balance in this war, driving the Black Tide from Hells Womb.

The Surticon have a number of territorial disagreements with Underdark states. Their two principal adversaries of Ufthag are Yastorogg and Irdtrax.

Surticon is the preeminent provider of Naanabrak, an invaluable anti-magic stone mined from the cores of the two colossal volcanoes known as the Daughters of Surtur. Agulbandal's abundant mines are entirely controlled by Surticon.