DeMekrium

DeMekrium
== Location ==
 Southern Xaria. Surrounding lands (clockwise): Gallura (N), the Veldren Ocean (E/SE), Irroquin (S), Talrydam (W)
== Land ==
 The west of the country is covered in rolling hills topped with 
hardwood forests. The east of the country is flowing grassland and flat 
plains.
There is a canal dug from Lumstadt to the Veldren Ocean near the mouth of Jannen’s Bay. It is called the Grüe Fluss.
== Common Races ==
 Humans, Assorted Other, Gnomes
== Resources ==
 Hardwood forests, farmland, aqueducts, hot springs, and rich soil.
DeMekrium’s economy revolves around its food production and shipyards, 
with a new class of artisans and advisors arising over the last century.
The country’s major exports are beer, wine, cider, cheese, preserved 
meats and fishes, spices, cologne, hardwoods, ships, textiles, 
professional engineers, strategists, and architects.
== Past ==
 DeMekrium used its lack of natural ports to “inspire” the working class
 to create a complex system of aqueducts, channels and dikes. They use 
them to control marine traffic to and from the inland cities. In the 
past, invading ships have been destroyed by being “beached” in the 
drained locks, left to be destroyed by their own weight on massive 
spikes and then flooded and sunk when the lock is filled again.
The water levels are controlled by a lock system that uses the tides and
 windmill powered pumps. Though the system is centuries old, it is 
constantly being reworked and augmented. In addition to being used in 
times of war, the water system is used to irrigate the land of 
DeMekrium. As well as irrigation, it is used to control the populace 
during civil unrest and disturbances, by causing a drought or flooding 
areas.
In 401, the DeMekrium army routed most of the monsters from the realm, pushing them west into Talrydam’s swampland.
== Present ==
 The majority of the citizens of DeMekrium are peasant farmers, 
lumberjacks, or fisherman. They are serfs or indentured servants to the 
ruling class. Members of the working class do not own land and cannot 
travel freely. Both the men and women of this class generally die 
working.
The rich, however, live in leisure and comfort. They are well educated 
and usually speak several languages. Many are shrewd merchants or 
artisans.
Recent logging problems in the northwest of DeMekrium have been blamed 
on gnomes. The existence of gnomes is a matter of great debate in 
DeMekrium. Some think there is an Elven colony there, others say it is 
an excuse for lazy workers. DeMekrians, however, have a fetish for 
gnomes, and many believe the rumors.
The blockade of trade to Quivera by ships in Jannen’s bay has drove the 
King into action. Believing that the Elves were behind the blockade 
(using it as a tactical strategy against their war with Dakkor), the 
King had sent word to Doro Y’Edhel that the Elves should cease and 
desist at once. The Elves responded denying affiliation with the 
blockade and welcoming any delegate to see their navy, which consists of
 rafts and canoes. Not convinced by the Elves answer, the King made an 
offer of troop and naval support to Quivera. The offer of assistance was
 denied by Quivera. The King cannot stand for anyone to control Jannen’s
 Bay, and has dispatched some of the DeMekrian Navy to confront the 
blockade. With the blockade situation resolved by Quivera, the navy has 
since returned home. The King still distrusts the situation.
== Capital ==
 Lumstadt.
== Government ==
 The society is structured feudally, with an ever increasing gap between the aristocracy and the working class.
The class distinctions are kept rigidly in place by the King and his policies.
Currently, DeMekrium has strong trade alliances with Gallura, Quivera, Irroquin, Myere and Karandia.
The government has an uneasy respect for the small city-state of Brildor, which is located on their border with Gallura.
DeMekrium had an alliance with Halgudar,
 but it has recently abandoned that commitment, now that most of 
Halgudar’s artwork and literature reside in private DeMekrian 
collections.
Considered the highest enemy of DeMekrium, pirates are plaguing the 
DeMekrian Navy with an increased frequency of attacks in the shipping 
lanes.
== Military ==
 DeMekrium has a large and well equipped standing army and navy.
All male citizens are required to participate in the military from their 14th summer through their 18th summer.
DeMekrian soldiers will fight fiercely and will continue with little 
support if need be. Becoming an officer is the only way most serfs will 
ever have to improve their lot in life. Receiving a distinguished 
service award could end a life of virtual slavery for the soldier’s 
entire family.
The DeMekrian Navy is considered the second strongest navy on the seas, 
following Akkoria. DeMekrian shipwrights are unparalleled and 
DeMekrium’s dry docks are the largest in Xaria. These factors, together 
with the supply of hardwood and cheap skilled labor, has produced a 
formidable fleet of unquestionable quality.
== Of Interest ==
 The native language of DeMekrium is Almanian (faux German). Almost all 
adults of the merchant, artist and ruling class can speak Xarian (with a
 bad faux German accent).
It's said that a great deal many potentates and Xarian notables have a 
feud with a powerful DeMekrian Baron following his disrupted wedding 
day.