The Franks are a people divided to the core. Three kingdoms governed by one king, the differences between these lands affect all aspects of society. Be it the many different languages spoken in the feudal courts of the nobles and by the peasants, conflicting tribal laws within towns and cities or the plethora of currencies from which traders can choose, the many large and small vault lines in society make life difficult and unpredictable. Young King Dagobert the third rules in name only, while the reigns of the kingdoms used to firmly rest in the hands of his military commander Pepin of Herstal. The majordomo’s iron fist kept the kingdoms in line and the enemies at bay.
Bedridden now, however, Pepin’s ailing health has emboldened opportunistic nobles and factions and brought the kingdoms to the brink of civil war.
The tribal heartland of the Franks is the Kingdom of Austrasia, a place where traditional law reigns supreme and the nobles are barely more than glorified warlords. Frequent military expeditions to the neighboring tribes in the north and east have ensured a respite of enemy raids, but have not earned the Austrasians any friends in the area.
To the west, the Neustrian kingdom is considerably more urbanized, having absorbed the former Roman rump state of Soissons two centuries ago. The Frankish elite has integrated into the local populace, bringing them great benefits in bureaucratic, administrative and cultural matters. But ever since its founding, the Neustrasian nobles have resented the military and political dominance of Austrasia and will grasp at any opportunity to wrestle control of the kingdoms from their kinsmen to the east.
The southern tribes of the Burgundians and the Gallo-Romans of Aquitania have long been subjugated and their crowns absorbed in the Frankish lands, but they remain a defiant and proud people. Savaric, the warrior bishop of Auxerre, has recently raised his banner in revolt and controls large swaths of the south, with many more men flocking to his banners every day. Meanwhile Visigothic and Moorish armies from Iberia fight their war on our lands, ravaging the fields of Aquitania. And while nominally vassals to the Frankish crown, Alemannic nobles have not sent tribute in recent months, a certain sign of rebellious intent.
A storm is brewing in Francia.
