User blog:SkyrimsShillelagh/5th Era Politics in Hammerfell

This will be like Rowan's High Rock one, meant to set up Hammerfell for when the Covenant gets there for the Great Council. Most of this would be common knowledge to characters within The Daedra Wars.

The eight kingdoms of Hammerfell are split between two factions, the Crowns and Forebears. The kingdoms jump between factions and what decides a kingdom also fluctuates. This is the current political make-up in 5E 9.

Crowns
Sentinel:  Sentinel is the most powerful kingdom in Hammerfell. Currently ruled by Tasaio al Mutairi, who holds the titles High King of Hammerfell, King of Sentinel, Great King of the Yokudans, and King of Kings. Under the ambitious rule of Tasaio, it has begun to rapidly expand in power. Tasaio seeks to see the position of the High Kingship elevated from beyond a symbolic title. Currently, Tasaio has been fighting wars with the High Rock kingdoms over control of the islands in the Iliac Bay.

GIlane:  Ruled by Ratib al Zi, Gilane is undisputedly the weakest kingdom in Hammerfell. Sacked numerous times over and controlling a pathetic sum of territory, it is a little more than a lapdog for the likes of Hegathe or Sentinel.

Hegathe:  Originally the capital of Hammerfell and the capital of the Crowns' faction, Hegathe used to be the grandest city in Hammerfell. It is ruled by King Dubaku al Iljad. Dubaku wants to see Hegathe restored in some capacity, eying the trade routes that cross the Alik'r Desert. They are allied closely with Sentinel.

Forebear
Taneth:  The capital of the Forebears faction, Taneth is one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Hammerfell. Ruled by Nyasia al Din.

Dragonstar:  Bordered by Sentinel, Dragonstar is constantly under threat of attack, and desires better security. They are allied closely with Skaven. Dragonstar is considered to be a middling power.

Rihad:  Ruled by Galel Qinik the Fourth, Rihad is closely allied with Taneth. Their interests closely align. Rihad is the third largest kingdom, and is considered to be powerful.

Skaven:  Ruled by King Khari al Shahrani. They are allied closely with Dragonstar. Skaven is considered to be a weak kingdom.

Factionless
Stros M'Kai:  While technically a Principlaity that is a vassal state of Sentinel (the Crown Prince of Sentinel holds the title "Prince of Stros M'kai") and governed by an official appointed by the High King, the real power in Stros M'Kai is the "Don Pirata." The current pirate queen is Donna Oleva Nere'id. She was elected by the pirate lords some twenty years earlier and has been an effective and ruthless leader. Stros M'Kai controls the most largest navy in Hammerfell, making it one of the most powerful kingdoms. Oleva personally is of neither the Crowns nor Forebears, and fluctuates to either faction based on what is offered her.

Elinhir:  Following the murder of Elinhir's king and nobility, Elinhir is without government and is currently being run by the military. Hammerfell's royalty and nobiltiy are flocking there to decide Elinhir's future.