Kingdom of Thorne

Although Thorne currently occupies the northwest portion of Abraxas, this powerful nation once claimed nearly the entire continent as its own. The landscape of Thorne consists of dense forests and high mountains, and has mild summers and cold winters. Because of the difficult terrain, most of the travel in Thorne takes place via magically conjured doorways that can instantly transport people from one location to another. Thorne has a rich history and is renowned for its collection of books and extensive record-keeping, as well as its prestigious universities.

Thorne has the strongest aptitude for magic of all the major nations, and their military is a mix of powerful mages and magically-enhanced soldiers. Intellect is prized above all else and although the study of magic is the most well-regarded and in-demand discipline, the Thorneans are more than happy to support medicine, the arts, and the sciences as well.

Thorne is currently governed by a King and a Queen, with various nobles holding power on their council or as the heads of smaller cities. Authority is almost purely inherited and it is difficult to advance in social class unless you demonstrate some extraordinary aptitude. While the royal family has changed before, it has only happened a handful of times in Thorne's extensive history. The current ruling family stepped up to rule Thorne after the previous monarchs were mobbed and executed for failing to stop the rise of the Free Cities. Although the population is mostly divided between the nobles and the peasants, there is a small middle class as well. Thorne's economy is extremely insular and sharing wealth, skills, or knowledge with other nations is forbidden.

With the largest population of any major nation, Thorne has several small towns and villages scattered throughout the land, but the four major cities are:

> **Castle Thorne**, where the royal family and their council reside. It has the second-largest population of any city in Thorne but is nonetheless the capitol. Even the poorest residents (usually servants) of the city are somewhat wealthy compared to the nation as a whole, and being invited to live in Castle Thorne is a grand honor. Most of the best mages in Thorne eventually end up there. Highly traditional, there is a long list of customs to be followed in Castle Thorne, lest you be considered rude and undignified. Although Thorne in general takes signs more seriously than the rest of the world, this is especially true in Castle Thorne. Expect to have your sign considered in matters of work, marriage, and even friendship.
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> **Hayle**, the largest city and home to the most prestigious university in Thorne. As the northernmost city, Hayle is cold and dry for much of the year and has a large network of connected tunnels and magical portals to avoid outdoor travel. Hayle is also the height of the arts scene in Thorne, with plays being especially popular. The Duchess of Hayle has almost as much influence over Thorne as the King and Queen themselves, and many people prefer to speak to her first.
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> The lakeside city of **Nott**, which once housed the royal family thousands of years ago but has since become more of a waypoint between the other cities. Nott has a higher amount of crime and poverty than any other city in Thorne, and the magic practiced here tends to be of a wilder sort than the refined type taught in Hayle. Citizens of Nott often feel neglected by the royals, and are less traditional and more independent than the other Thornean cities.
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> **Borrel** serves a double function: as the city with the warmest climate and most farmable land, most of the agriculture in Thorne takes place here, and it is also the location of a major military base due to its immediate proximity to Solvunn. Most high-ranking military officials live here, with the exception of those on the royal council. Traditionally, the second child born to the current King and Queen will live in Borrel.
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As this nation is already highly populated and very traditional beyond that, it is rare that an outsider is invited to gain citizenship in Thorne. Some families have lived there for generations and are still not considered full citizens. The fact that some of the summoned outsiders are offered citizenship has caused quite a stir.