Kingdom of Ruthenia

The Kingdom of Ruthenia is one of the three nations that reside in the Albion continent. Located on the southern hemisphere, Ruthenia is shoehorned by the colossal Empire of Gautland above it and by the treacherous Aegir Sea under it. Despite its disadvantageous size and terrain, Ruthenia is a prosperous nation blessed by abundance of Mana in its lands. Ruthenians enjoy bountiful natural resources and elevated aptitude for its magic users.

## Geography and Infrastructure

Ruthenians experience the typical four seasons. Unlike Gautland, Ruthenia's climate is much milder due to its location in the Southwest, sparing Ruthenians from harsh winter. Ruthenia features many traditional wooden houses in its countryside, forming a contrast with the brick and mortar buildings in it's cities.

Ruthenia enjoys similar infrastructures as Gautland. Technological advancements are a result of combination of magic, alchemy, and physics. The level of sophistication varies across regions, with the most advanced technology found in the big cities.

In regards to Special Transportation System, Ruthenia has signed an exclusive deal with Zonda Corporation, making it the only transportation company that operates in Ruthenia.

## History

The Kingdom of Ruthenia today is known for their pacifism through diplomacy. However, accounts from days of old would suggest that when it comes to survival, Ruthenians can be marble-hearted and cruel.

As written in the Norman's History, Ruthenia was formed through the allegiance of the Free Cities after the Third Scourge 360 years ago. Situated farthest South, the Free Cities were the furthest away from the Northern Ruins of Albion, sparing them from the direct attack of the Scourge.

During the Third Scourge, the leaders of the Twelve Kingdoms found that the Free Cities were unharmed and they requested aid and refuge for their women and children. At first, the Free Cities agreed, but when the refugees arrived at their gate, they learned that the refugees were already stricken by unknown illnesses resulted by the Scourge. Fearing that the illness will spread, the Free Cities refused to open their gates. In the end, those refugees were slaughtered by the Demiurges horde that followed them. The Twelve Kingdoms never forgave the Free Cities for this tragedy.

in 220 A.N. , when the Twelve Kingdoms united to become the Gautland Empire, their first order of business was to conquer the Free Cities. Gautland launched a large-scale invasion that devastated the Free Cities. That was when a Warlock named Vanderbilt rose to become the First King and united the Free Cities into one nation; Ruthenia. Vanderbilt was prodigious in his craft and he devised spells and barriers that were unknown to the magicians of that time, leveling the battlefield against Gautland, who were superior in number. Both nations suffered great casualty and in the end, the war ended when King Vanderbilt of Ruthenia and Emperor Uther Pendragon of Gautland signed a non-aggression pact.

The last three centuries passed without any major conflicts between the two nations, yet political tensions remain due to their strained relationship. Ruthenia's bountiful resources ceaselessly attract the covetous hands of Gautland's leaders. There has been instances that caused Ruthenia's leaders to suspect that the Gautland Empire- that has grown colossal over the centuries- may be planning another invasion, and this time their old tricks will not save them.

Knowing that they cannot afford war, Ruthenia has devised political communication and beneficial trades to appease Gautland. Accordingly, in response to Gautland's most recent crisis, Ruthenia has endorsed their Adventurers to partake in Gautland's Call for Adventurers to show sympathy and support.

## Administrative Regions

The Kingdom of Ruthenia has control over four main provinces; Hohensteim, Lohengrin, Einbroch, and Anathema. Its economy relies on mineral & oceanic trade and tourism.

## Governance and Politics

Once a year, the king, dukes and other representatives of Ruthenia come together for the Royal Assembly held at the Palace to discuss state affairs. The people who attend this assembly are referred to as the Royal Council. Ruthenia’s Achilles heel lies in its political instability. In addition to the external conflict with Gautland, tension also loomed within Ruthenia's Royal Council ever since 25 years ago when the crown prince’s birthright to the throne was stolen by his younger brother.

The late King of Ruthenia had two sons. The first son, Solomon, was prodigious yet feared due to his cold-hearted nature. The second son, Isaiah, did not show outstanding talents, however his warm personality won the heart of the people. Isaiah bore jealousy towards Solomon, who always received their father’s praises. One day when Solomon went away for a long overseas mission, the King fell terribly sick. Isaiah saw it as an opportunity to charm his father’s heart. He ensured Solomon never received the letter telling the King’s illness and tended to him. In the King’s darkest hour, his clouded judgement led him to believe that Solomon had no kindness in his heart. In the end, he trusts that Isaiah will become a King that is well-loved by the people. He announced his decision before he passed away.

A year later, Solomon returned home to find his little brother sitting on the throne. Solomon felt deceived, humiliated, and grief for the loss of his father all at once. He raged in front of the entire Royal Council, nearly harming Isaiah. Seeing his wrath, the Royal Council became convinced that Solomon wasn’t a good fit for a King. Defeated, he left the palace and took his position in Lohengrin’s vacant dukedom, awaiting the chance to strike revenge against his brother who took everything from him.

Nevertheless, time always reveals the truth. Since the succession of King Isaiah, the monarch slowly loses its power and the incapable King is seen by the people as merely a ceremonial leader. True leadership lies within the Three Great Houses. House Albarea’s mining and business strategies have secured Ruthenia’s macroeconomic stability for years to come. House Vacheron’s entertainment district is bringing in more tourists and  foreign investment than ever.

Yet the greatest form of leadership is shown by House Morningstar- led by none other than Solomon himself- whose military control and international relations have protected Ruthenia from its greatest threat; invasion by Gautland. Ruthenia was a target of large-scale invasion by its bordering nation, Gautland, 360 years ago. Peace returned when the first King signed the "Non-aggression pact” with Gautland’s ruler. However, diplomatic relations with Gautland have deteriorated as of late due to the new King Isaiah’s weak trade regulations.

Rumors have been floating lately that Gautland might try to invade Ruthenia once more. With the Royal Council divided between those in favor of the King and those in favor of the Royal Duke, whispers on the street say that the hammer is about to fall.