Stonebark

In reality, Stonebark isn't really a country, and if one were being pedantic it isn't really called Stonebark. Originally called the Stonebark Alliance or the Stone and Bark League, the country was formed out of a perceived need to band together to oppose the bugbear Narltooth and his League of Tooth and Claw. Isolated, and completely independent communities of forest gnomes and rock gnomes came together for the common good. When the League of Tooth and Claw was eventually smashed they remained on good terms, and continued to work together for mutual protection. Stonebark is, therefore, a land of many hundreds of sovereign states and individuals who owe deference and loyalty to something bigger than themselves. There is no common rulership and no common laws but, threatening one member of the Alliance brings the weight of all members down on the aggressor. They look out for each other, and protect one another from harm. A group of bandits who get their thrills butchering helpless sprites, have little to laugh about when an army of angry treants decide to aid their friends.

Very rarely, conflicts might erupt within the Alliance itself. This is practically unheard of, and when it has occurred in the past it is normally the fault of one of the gnomish factions. In the event of such a conflict a great convocation is called. The Moot of Sorrows, as it is known, has never failed to resolve any differences between parties.

With no coherent leadership, Stonebark has no one opinion of the outside world. Certainly, most gnomes that are found in Norandor originate in Stonebark, and the rock gnomes of Stonebark are known for their sense of adventure and tolerance bordering on naivete. On the whole, the inhabitants of Stonebark are allies to druids, rangers and friends of nature. They consider the members of the Sylvani Church as a little patronising, but with their hearts in the right place. Rumours abound that many giants also call Stonebark home, and that the glens and vales of this land are the only place a body could hope to see elves in all Urova. Such rumours have never been substantiated.