Vassalship

Because of Arcadia's nomadic people, large swaths of land are left abandoned, often for years. The buildings are still in good condition, so it is not unusual that groups of people begin living there. Should a powerful leader emerge and unify a significant area under his rule, he is given the choice to become a vassal of Arcadia. If they accept, they are given a minor lordship and allowed to keep their power. If they refuse, they are often killed, and an Arcadian puppet-ruler placed in his stead.