Therien, the Summer Palace

IMAGE CREDIT: Hearts of Stone, Witcher 3

NAME: Therien

KINGDOM AT A GLANCE: Therien is a small, peaceful, attractive, totalitarian state in central Ardell. It was once the summer home of the Maphiri Emperors.

SIZE AND LOCATION: Small. Therien is nestled between high hills in central Ardell, somewhat north of Pakellan. Therien comprises the summer palace, the surrounding city, several small villages, and good farmland.

WEALTH: Medium. Therien avoided the worst consequences of the Empire's fall. Its welcoming climate and central position, as well as its proximity to places like the Duchy of Evienne, have also helped it do well for itself.

STABILITY: High. Therien is peaceful and content. There are some who call it the last vestige of the Empire's greatness. Benevolent tyranny keeps Therien's course straight and true.

DANGER TO TRAVELERS: Low. Therien is small, well monitored, frequently patrolled, and well lit. Even the roads have lanterns.

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Therien is a city in denial. Its absolute ruler is the elven Steward of the Summer Palace, Harmon Aladir, who served the Maphiri dynasty faithfully for decades. He firmly believes that a rightful heir will return and that Therien will become the birthplace of a reborn Maphiri Empire. Steward Harmon, as he's known, is advised by the city's guildmasters and guard commanders, as well as various former Imperial courtiers. However, he retains complete control over them and their domains. He also controls -- benevolently, mercifully, but without compromise -- the surrounding villages and forts.

FREEDOM AND OPPRESSION: Therien is not free. It is, however, extremely secure, and Steward Harmon has a sterling record of maintaining the support of the people. Notable crimes include public disrespect of the fallen Mapheri dynasty (punishable by time in the stocks, or caning), reckless endangerment of the people of Therien (punishable by death), offenses of forbidden magic as defined by the Council of Magi (punishable by death), and bringing foreign soldiers into Therien in any numbers greater than a token honour guard (punishable by imprisonment, exile, or death).

COMMON SPECIES: Therien is a cross-section of what the Empire once was. 35% elf, 30% human, 15% dwarven, 5% halfling, 15% other.

MILITARY FOCUS: Therien was lucky enough to retain several elite units of the Imperial Household Guard. Their numbers have dwindled over the past decade, their veterans have aged, and their well-trained recruits are largely unblooded. Knightly cavalry, elite crossbowmen, midgrade battlemages, halberdiers, and other well-equipped soldiers patrol Therien in small to moderate numbers. These men would be enough to blunt any serious assault, but attrition would be a problem in the long run.

TECHNOLOGY: Early Renaissance.

PLAYER CONTROLLED: No. It's only a setting, though I'd like to make its fate the focus of a future open thread.