Ozaustein¶
Ozaustein is "a smaller, but hardy kingdom" of the Riven Kingdoms, with "excellent defenses" and "some of the most experienced mercenaries in the kingdoms" (S319). "Several well known mercenary companies operate from Ozaustein. Most countries are loathe to get on their blacklist as they are an important source of hired strength against various enemies from Hollows, Bandits, other Kingdoms and the Imperium. They will refuse to take part in an offensive war against another Riven kingdom, or in a civil conflict. However, in some cases they have been paid by aggressors not to take the field" (S319).
Government¶
"Ruled by the Ozau dynasty since its formation from 3 smaller kingdoms about 60 years ago. Much of the power of the kingdom is dispersed into 3 duchies. In this way it operates a bit more like a republic than a typical feudal kingdom" (S319). King Ingar Ozau heads the Steel Rain Company, Duchess Greta Ozau the Mountain Star Ranger Company, and Duke Oyvind Ozau the Blue Flame Company; the dynasty is treated under Riven Thrones and Councils and the companies under Mercenary Companies of the Broken Sea.
Law and borders¶
"Magic use is permitted, but the penalty for any serious crime committed with magic is death. Clerics of all faiths are welcome and tolerated. While Slavery is not legal, existing slaves and even Undead are tolerated" (S319). "Ozaustein has tightly controlled borders. Papers are required for travel. Ozaustein specifically dislikes Orcs" (S319).
Economy¶
"Mercenaries, metal (including weapons and armor), wheat and maize" (S319). "Because Ozaustein will not provide mercenaries for aggression against other Riven kingdoms, it is seen as a positive stabilizing force among the Kingdoms/Rivenlands. It has also been a significant thorn in the side of the Imperium" (S319): Brusau "backed with Ozau mercenaries" pushed the Nightshade Legions back in the Dalmar Campaign, and "rumor reports that the legion is fortifying the border with Brusau and Floren and appears to be positioning legions for an invasion of Ozaustein in the spring" of 705 SM (S326).
Ozau¶
Ozau is the town where the Brotherhood of the Sun keeps its headquarters: "the leadership of the brotherhood is well known and have headquarters among the kingdoms. Their headquarters is in Ozau, and Ozaustein is a significant patron of the brotherhood" (S152). Ozau is also the name of the dynasty and of its people as the mercenaries are called (S326); the people are a Peoples matter.
Gap
No source names the three duchies, the three kingdoms joined to make Ozaustein about 644 SM, its patron god, or whether Ozau is its capital.