Malgrave

* **Size:** 1.179.000 km2
* **Location**: East of Armathain and Applegate, south of Greenfield, southeast of Oldwood, west of Eastcreek, north of Stormholme, and northeast of Karthmere
* **Authority**: Meritocracy

#### **Geography**

The Bazken Moor reins over Malgrave's northeastern geography. A far-reaching swampland with intermittent clusters of pine trees. Just west of the Bazken Moor and Thetenna river is the western border of the Bicdes Veldt, a rather infertile and stony grassland. In the middle of the Bicdes Veldt, the terrain elevates to several rocky hills, and in the middle of it, one giant mountain, the Zerra Peak. The Zerra Peak rivals that of the Orean's Hand tallest peaks. Zerra Peak possesses a tip that is always covered by snow and ice, and at the base, the Isfort city has half burrowed itself into its stone exterior. At the northeastern border to Armathain, the forest Nemarra Thicket spills its tip into Malgrave. The Nemarra Thicket is a moderately rocky and dense evergreen forest.

In the middle of Malgrave, the Bazken Moor border to the northern tip of the Qettam Meadow, a gigantic belt of fertile soil and a flat landscape with gently rolling hills. In the middle of this northern part of the Qettam Meadow remains what is left of the Esking Holt forest, an evergreen to deciduous forest of pines, firs, and birches, after centuries of rigorous deforestation of materials and to expand the Qettam Meadow. What is left of the Esking Holt is a thin cover of trees around a hilly area for which Esking town sits in the middle. Qettam Meadow meets another elevated terrain feature at the Teigri river is the Aymnos Ridge. The Aymnos Ridge is a quite steep and jagged ridge of hills which the Teigri river has split into two after thousands of years. At some points along the Teigri river, there may be several meters of sheer cliff wall between the river and Aymnos Ridge.

In the south, the Qettam Meadow and the Gallant Grove dominates. The Gallant Grove in Malgrave is deciduous to evergreen, only slightly rocky, and moderately thick because the Malgravians have not exploited the forest as much as the Karthmerians have. Malgrave's eastern border to Eastcreek and Stormholme is dry and relatively warm, as the Qettam Meadow transforms into the Zakaru Prairie, respectively the Labphrian Steppes. Around the Teisir river at the border to Stormholme, the terrain elevates to very craggy hills. Teigri and Teisir river runs broad and slow as it intersects with the Qettam Meadow, but it can flow furiously within the Aymnos Ridge. This has proven a challenge when transporting goods up to Malgrave's capital, Blackburn, and Armathain beyond the Crow canal. In many cases, goods are offloaded by Aynor city and taken by road to Blackburn, where goods may be loaded onto Teigri river again. Thetenna, Thetanor, Thetsini, Teiga, Teimor, Teima, and Teiran travel relatively slowly and broadly, and almost all of them are important trading rivers.

#### **Summary**

Malgrave was the high-seat of the Empire and is the most central kingdom on the continent. There is a saying in Frostmark that all roads lead to Malgrave, and this is partially true. During the imperial age, Malgrave flourished in trade, innovation, and opportunities, creating an impressive infrastructure and wealth. Malgrave has also evolved and changed greatly since the collapse of the Empire. Bitterness was the most common emotion among the Malgravian elite as the Empire was absolved, which fueled hundred-years of Malgrave turning its attention inward. From a pervasive presence in all corners of Frostmark, concerned with their neighbors' politics and troubles, Malgrave mostly retreated into its borders and let the other kingdoms sort themselves out on their own.

Malgrave prides itself on its education. Every soul in the kingdom is granted a basic education as a child. There is great pressure on these students to impress. If they show talent before their graduation day, they may be scouted to different organizations that further their education and ensure a more or less comfortable lifestyle. This ensures that they can properly take care of their parents when they take their pension. If you are not scouted, you are doomed to a life of menial labor, which effectively ends any dreams for an interesting career and good pay.

Malgrave produces competent academics and artisans and is the most technologically advanced kingdom on Frostmark. But after years of improvements and additions, the system is becoming more complex, and every process has bogged down into a swamp of bureaucracy. Malgrave is now trying to cope with the situation where every official action takes an excessive amount of process time. Moreover, Malgrave is currently occupied with trying to assimilate newly won areas of Karthmere, which has made them the largest nation on Frostmark and manipulates Greenfield's small government for their gain.

#### ***Living in Malgrave***

Malgrave is an area in which many cultures have made their home and later became the Empire's seat. This has undoubtedly made its mark on Malgravian society. After the conquest of Geanor, when Empress Leana took over, she sought to unify all people under a fair and stable rule, a meritocracy. The Church didn't agree with this action, nor did many nobles around the imperial duchies, but Empress Leana's power was absolute. Her predecessors followed the law as it was written because they were impossible to change in the Empire's constitution. In the end, the fact that political power was not inherited in the Empire was the spark that lit the fires of rebellion. Ironically, meritocracy flourished in Malgrave only sometime after the Empire had fallen.

In Malgrave, a child's talents are thoroughly explored, so they practice the trade that suits their aptitudes the most when they are grown. Children are required to attend school from an early age, constantly tested and pressured to perform. Those who fall short are quickly removed after being taught the basics to not waste valuable resources. Those children come home to ashamed parents. Children who do not make it until the graduation day for the final assessment are referred to pick some kind of physical work within the Vocation of Provider, which could be anything from the basic farmer, servant, miner, spinner, tanner, etc.

Those who make it until the assessment day are assigned to a Vocation for further schooling, and eventually, they are expected to become full-fledged practitioners of that Vocation. Some Vocations carry higher prestige than others, like the Explorer Vocation, which includes scribes, academics, scientists, and the Guide Vocation, which encompasses leaders within the civilian and military sectors. Families with the right means invest a great deal of money and time into their children, hoping that they will be chosen for a prestigious Vocation and rise to high positions therein one day. This results in a high-pressure environment for children, something that the current school of thought only sees as character development but has to lead to a rise in mental issues and even, in some cases, suicide.

Malgrave is governed by a "Prime Servant." This individual is selected from the Guide Vocation by the Council. The Council is a formidable group of 49, including the most successful and brilliant leaders from different Vocations. Prime Advisors are also selected from the ranks of the Council, and they become group leaders of factions within the Council. The prime advisors' responsibility is to work side-by-side with the Prime Servant, to advise them and alleviate their duty. The Council elects the Prime Servant between those who have the right background and experience and have declared their willingness to sacrifice themselves as the whole nation's servant. The election occurs either when the Council believes the current Prime Servant has failed their duties or when the current Prime Servant asks to be released from their burden.

The Prime Servant shall represent the country, seek public support, and spearhead politics, but it is the Council that passes laws and makes final decisions in many matters. Though the Prime Servants possess a few and powerful privileges, such as the power to act without the Council's support in a crisis. After many laws and internal praxis have been crafted by this ambitious and orderly society. After they have been changed and changed again by improvements, additions, errata, clarifications, rollbacks, etc., it has caused the whole system to become complex and slow. To perform any significant task or action takes an excessive amount of time and knowledge of the system.

Malgrave still struggles today to properly assimilate the Karthmerian area they claimed by the end of the war with Karthmere (683 to 695 AEF). Even though it has been a while, it is a massive bureaucratic machine trying to properly upgrade the infrastructure and integrate its people into the Malgravian system. Even if Arundell's former royal household initiated the war, Malgrave grew to benefit from the new territory. They required new farmland to feed their growing population. The new territory also has given Malgrave a great influx of cheap laborers.

#### ***Relation to the Church***

Aynor and its massive fortress were once the headquarters of the Church of Riahn and the Sacred Arms. Malgrave's view of the Church of Riahn has changed rapidly since the imperial days. The Malgravian population's consensus is that the Church has no place in politics or governing, and fewer and fewer people visit the temples as many priorities work over spiritual matters. The faith of Riahn is still the state religion, and all religious ceremonies are expected to be held with a proper priest, but to pay much more attention to the Church than that is uncommon for the middle and high class of Malgrave. The faith is stronger amongst the Provider Vocation members and those who hold the lowest positions in the other Vocations.

The Church of Riahn views the situation in Malgrave with increasing worry. However, their hands are tied to take any drastic measures as they can't afford to lose the little goodwill they have from Malgrave's government. The recent rumors that there are factions within the Council that seek to start an independent state church of Malgrave might upset the Church enough for them to change their approach.

#### ***Relation to other kingdoms***

Greenfield has become a bit of a refuge for the ambitious Malgravians, as the country falls outside many of the laws and regulations. Here business deals and meetings of questionable nature can be held in peace. Ceremonies like the Union can be done quickly and privately, and the rule of ethics for experimentation is much lighter, for example, allowing human tests subjects.

The relationship with Oldwood is many-faceted, as Malgrave still offers help if allowed (often to get their hands on wood and other resources from Oldwood), but the population of Oldwood is less than thrilled about Malgrave after the imperial occupation.

Malgrave is wary of Karthmere and the risk of revenge, but there is little ill-will towards the kingdom as they rather make trade than war with Karthmere.

Malgrave finds Stormholme to be hazardous and dangerous with their unregulated state and oligarchy. Malgrave possesses strong guilds that often attempt to pressure the Malgravian government to alleviate laws. The Council simply points to the mistakes that Stormholme has made and argues that laws are necessary. In either case, Malgrave possesses strong trade and political ties to the kingdom.

#### ***Military***

As Malgrave is situated smack down in the middle of Frostmark, an impressive military machine is required to protect its borders. Luckily for Malgrave, they've excelled at this. From their tradition of valuing truth and invention most of all, it has caused the Malgravian army to be the most advanced on Frostmark. Their impressive infrastructure that was introduced when Malgrave became the high seat of the Empire further aided to uphold the apparatus, allowing for quick movement of troops, supplies, and information.

Ever since the war with Karthmere, Malgrave's borders have been left undisturbed, and in later years, a form of stagnation has set in within the military of Malgrave. Peace and slow management have turned the Malgravian army a bit lax. However, Malgrave still possesses impressive defensive structures and a highly-trained army. Equipment-wise, Malgrave guards its steel well as they do not possess a good source of it. Buying it from Stormholme is often expensive, and the bog iron they receive from the Bazken Moor is often not enough to supply the whole kingdom. This has influenced Malgrave to not rely on the metal completely when developing their tactics and training their soldiers.

#### ***Light Cavalry***

These are primarily scouting units, quickly sent where they need to be to send information back to the main army, skirmish and slow down any incursions. The cavalry is lightly equipped for superior speed. These mounted bowmen utilize the tactic of circling their enemy and firing missiles from a distance without getting close enough for retaliation.

#### ***Medium Cavalry***

The heavier cavalry is further used to taunt and exhaust the enemy. They ride close and throw heavy javelins that pierce deep within flesh or shield. This can render a shield heavy and can force the unit to drop it out of exhaustion. Once close enough for melee attacks, they switch over to heavy lances, which they run through the enemy lines with, hoping to taunt units to rush after them, rendering them further exhausted.

#### ***Medium Infantry***

The infantry is well armored with special halberds, crossbows, short swords, and special shields. The infantry marches into position relatively far away from the enemy's lines and brings forth their crossbows. The specialized shields are constructed to have a relatively flat top and a very sharp triangle bottom reinforced with metal. On soft ground, they can thrust the triangle into the ground and let go of the shield. They can flip it around on solid ground and simply have it lean against the specially crafted handle. This creates rows of wooden palisades where they can shoot their crossbows in between or just above. As the enemy comes into melee range, the infantry units switch over to their halberd if that would be more advantageous, for example, when they face cavalry or lightly armored infantry, or use their shields short-swords to face off against heavy infantry.

#### ***Siege***

Malgrave also possesses an array of siege engines. Catapults, trebuchets, and ballistae either on top of their walls or on wheels once on the battlefield. Some smaller versions of the catapult or the ballista can be mounted on a cart pushed by two horses. This enables quick repositioning for their siege engines. Malgrave also has developed movable siege towers. But since they haven't been in the business of besieging anyone as of late, only a handful exists.

#### ***Prime Servant***

***Ruler***: Ivone Swartz (Female, 49 years)

***Family***: Husband (48 years) and a son (26 years)

***Insignia***: A round purple field with a silver chained dragon head

***Rule***: All of Malgrave, though only within the Prime Servant's rights and duties

Ivone's ascendency to Prime Servant befuddled many government officials and cultural leaders of Malgrave. Her rhetoric was more conservative and not the standard progressive tone that has ruled the country for many decades. Ivone campaigned on the idea that Malgrave should look back to its imperial past. As the most prosperous nation on Frostmark, she questioned why Malgrave hasn't taken a stronger position in the international forum, instead of letting their neighbors decay or be led astray. Ivone used Eastcreek as an example in her arguments, praising Crowhill, a much smaller country than theirs, stepping in and reforming Eastcreek completely and bringing in education and modernization to the region.

Her romantic speeches about the former glory of the Malgravian Empire were moving and won the hearts of the working class, which in turn influenced the Council to elect her. Ivone has proven to be an active Prime Servant and has delivered further progress with integrating the new areas that Malgrave gained from the Karthmerian war. She has been active in Greenfield, cementing Malgrave's influence over the suppressed kingdom, and is searching for approval to go even further and help them get rid of Beornhelm. The Council has been unwilling to grant permission to start a war and does not seem to want to budge anytime soon on the issue. Lastly, she has been openly religious and a friend of the Church of Riahn, trying to seek support in the Council to improve their position in Malgrave's society. She argues that the Church was once their most important ally and holds an important position in Malgravian tradition.

It's no secret that most of the Prime Advisors are not on the best terms with Ivone, except for the Security Advisor, Alard, who shares her views that Malgrave should become more active in Frostmark. Ivone has shown an incredible connection with the lower classes of Malgrave, a charm that has intimidated some progressive leaders. The people say that they like her stubbornness and aggressiveness to see her policies through.

#### ***Economical Advisor***

Oversees all financial matters of the nation and works together with the Structural Advisor to oversee trade issues.

***Ruler***: Elspeth Meyer (Female, 32 years)

***Family***: Husband (32 years) and two daughters (10 and 8 years)

***Insignia***: A round golden field with a silver dragon rampant

***Rule***: All of Malgrave, though only within the Economical Advisor's rights and duties

Elspeth mostly came to power by her brilliant mind. She also hails from a quite influential family, but she doesn't like to think it was their merit that she now holds the position. Elspeth spent quite a few years in the Explorer vocation as an economics scholar but was transferred to the Guide Vocation to put her knowledge to the government's use. And so she has, launching a few tweaks of the economic system, turning Malgrave even richer. One of her changes was limiting and decreasing some financial benefits that the Church of Riahn possesses in Malgrave. Elspeth and the Structural Advisor Muriella are known to be critical of the Church. They belong to the political faction that wants to remove the foreign Church's influence over the country. Elspeth is also known to be quite paranoid and seems unwilling to socialize with both Thierry and Alard.

#### ***Security Advisor***

Oversees all matters of security, both within and outside of Malgrave. The highest general of the Malgravian army.

***Ruler***: Alard Witz (Male, 49 years)

***Family***: Brother (45 years)

***Insignia***: A round blue field with a silver halberd head

***Rule***: All of Malgrave, though only within the Security Advisor's rights and duties

It was quite a scandal when Alard was appointed Security Advisor. Not only because his parents both belonged to the Provider Vocation, but also because of the incident in Greenfield. Alard served as general of a small contingent in Greenfield to protect a few government officials traveling to King Melchior on a diplomatic mission. A Beornish raid group attacked his troops during the stay, and he lost quite many soldiers to the surprise skirmish. When he was questioned about the incident, he argued that the loss was not because of his tactical prowess but because the army had grown soft. His official defense released to the public was more of a passionate speech about Malgrave's military and their moral obligations than an apology.

His message gained some traction, and after a few years of continuously campaigning, he was elected to the position of Security Advisor, the foremost leader of the Malgravian military. Alard is meticulous, authoritative but also a careful man. He has positioned himself neutrally between the members of the Council and is friendly with all of them. He officially supports Prime Servant Ivone's position to take a more active stance on the international stage and advises against giving the Church too much influence. Either way, he is outspoken about the fact that the Malgravian army is growing day by day less experienced and warns that it could be potentially disastrous.

#### ***Structural Advisor***

Oversees all formal structures of Malgrave, both physical and systemically, for instance, infrastructure and the bureaucratic system. Works together with the Economic Advisor to oversee trade, the Security Advisor to oversee the militaristic system, and the Development Advisor to oversee the education system.

***Ruler***: Muriella Richenbachs (Female, 39 years)

***Family***: None

***Insignia***: A round purple field with a three towered silver castle

***Rule***: All of Malgrave, though only within the Structural Advisor's rights and duties

Muriella Richenbachs come from one of the most influential families in Malgrave who has had a long history of sitting on important positions in Malgrave's government, all the way back to the imperial times. Muriella winning the election as the Structural Advisor did not shock Malgrave's government or people. She has for many years worked herself up through the ranks by hard-work and an ambitious mindset. She truly represents the progressive high class of Malgrave. Muriella is creative, clever, and ambitious, and through her work, she has gained favor amongst the anti-Church factions of Malgrave by acting within her position to diminish their power. This she primarily achieved by removing the Church's right to own land in Malgrave. It is commonly known that Muriella works closely with Elspeth, and they seem to have a unified front in their policies. Moreover, Muriella and Thierry seem to be very gregarious towards each other.

#### ***Development Advisor***

Oversees all development issues of Malgrave, for example, education, foreign relations, new government projects, etc. Works together with the Economic Advisor to oversee new financial policies, the Security Advisor in diplomacy, and the Structural Advisor with new systemic or infrastructure changes. They also handle and fund all Explorers (scientists and researchers) and their inventions. The Structural and Development departments' difference is that the Structural Department handles what is, while the Development department strives towards what can be.

***Ruler***: Thierry Waller (Male, 33 years)

***Family***: Brother (31 years) and a daughter (6 years)

***Insignia***: A round blue field with a silver dragon flying

***Rule***: All of Malgrave, though only within the Development Advisor's rights and duties

Thierry Waller was the last Development Advisor's first secretary and worked with them when they discovered leaked government information to Stormholme in return for vast sums. The last Advisor was tried and sentenced, but due to several unfinished projects within the Development department that the Advisor had started, Thierry was elected to become the temporary Advisor to see them to their fruition. He performed a solid job, and when the time came to consider a permanent position, he was simply elevated to Prime Advisor. Thierry is extremely loyal to his family, but he refuses to talk about what happened to his daughter's mother. Lately, he and Muriella have grown increasingly friendly with each other.