Earldom of Sterich:

• Ruler: His Magnitude, Querchard, Earl of Sterich, in exile (none)
• Capital: Istivin (pop. 7,000)
• Population: 15,000
• Races: Humanoids/Oeridian, Suel, Flan
• Demi-humans: Some
• Humanoids: Numerous
• Resources: silver, electrum, gold, gems

Sterich was in name a vassal of Keoland before the War, but it maintained complete independence in everyday affairs, bound only by a military treaty compelling it to come to Keoland's aid if required. It is ironic that, when the major blow of the War fell in this area, Keoland's delay in aiding the brave Sterish people resulted in the loss of the land to giants and humanoids.

Most Sterish escaped to Keoland, the Yeomanry, or Gran March. Many preferred the latter options because of anger at Keoland's failure to support their small state. Querchard escaped to Niole Dra.

The mountain dwarves of the Jotens and Stark Mounds have mostly fled and taken up residence with their brothers in the Keolandish Good Hills. Sterich's renowned halbeldiers and medium cavalry suffered severe casualties attempting to repulse invaders during the giant troubles. Several companies have since reformed in the Gran March and Yeomanry, and plan the reconquest of their homeland, together with the dwarves and other demihumans of the lands (gnomes and halflings).

The Sterish in exile are doughty and not dismayed; they truly believe they will be going home before many years have elapsed. They work hard as artisans, laborers, mercenaries — whatever employment they can get. "You work as hard as a Sterish" is becoming a compliment in the lands they now dwell within.

Back within their own lands, orcs, gnolls, and ogres overrun and ruin the land. Giants are relatively fewer in number than in Geoff. Almost all livestock has been eaten. Towns and villages have been burned and razed. Sterich is a wasteland under a continuous pall of black smoke from the burnings. In Istivin, a giant calling himself "King Galmoor" is reported to have a mockery of a royal court, but how long he will survive the jealousy of his fellows is dubious.

The population figure for the capital includes only a few hundred human slaves; the rest of that number comprises humanoids.