The Kingdom of Aureus

NAME: The Kingdom of Aureus

KINGDOM AT A GLANCE:
The Kingdom of Aureus is a harsh slice of northern feudalism and a testament to the shear bloody-mindedness of its ruling family. The kingdom itself is split into three distinct duches; Ferrum to the north, Peltrum to the south-west and Aeram in the south-east. These in turn are further broken down into a series of territories governed by various degrees of nobility, each pleging their allegiance up the chain their respective dukes and the current king, Kastel IV, who resides in Aeram. While the steadying presence of the empire kept them in check over the centuries, it has always been a place of perpetual conflict and infighting, something the present sovereign seems to be actively encouraging.

SIZE AND LOCATION:
Medium. Aureus sits in the North of the Ardell continent, controlling the stretch of land situated south of the Highlands and to the north-west of Ashdell, bordered on three sides by rivers.

WEALTH:
Medium. Aureus has a modest wealth of natural resources and a strong farming community at its disposal. The nearby river network allows it to trade far beyond its borders, although a cultural distaste for merchant pursuits amongst the nobles has hampered efforts to fully capitalise on its advantages.

STABILITY:
Low-to-Medium. In the five hundred or so years since it was first conquered, the Kingdom of Aureus has never known true peace. There is always some petty skirmish occurring somewhere within its borders, with even a simple tavern brawl seeming to eventually escalate to the local lords drawing steel on one another. Ducal rebellions are not unheard of either, occurring sporadically every century or so with bloody results.

DANGER TO TRAVELERS:
Medium. It’s not unheard of for a traveller to get caught in the crossfire of some local feud. Banditry is also on the up rise under Kastel IV’s rule, many former nobles that were unlanded during the recent civil war.

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Feudalism

FREEDOM AND OPPRESSION: Nobles have a modest degree of freedom provided they continue to pay regular tithes of coin, resources and manpower. Commoners on the other hand are slaves in all but name, expected to serve out their meagre existence in borderline poverty and quiet obedience, with few ever being allowed to travel beyond the confines of their Lord’s estate. Religious practices outside of the worship of Aurumani, the deity that granted the royal family their power, are strictly forbidden and punishable by death. In fact, most crimes are punishable by death, an increasing occurrence given Kastel IV’s love of inventing and reviving new and obscure laws on a whim.

COMMON SPECIES: Humans (65%), Elves (15%), Other Minorities (20%)

MILITARY FOCUS: Each noble is expected to keep a standing military force equal to their respective rank, fighting under both their banner and that of their liege lord. These forces are primarily comprised of militia archers and men-at-arms, most of which conscripts from the Lord’s estate and personal guard. Knights are often assigned to command these forces, either coming from the individual’s own household or unlanded lesser nobles that have been retained for purpose with a stipend.

TECHNOLOGY: Medieval

PLAYER CONTROLLED: Partially. Player control of the Duchy of Ferrum, the rest is up for grabs. The King is NPC.