Adrus

Gulf of Messan

## Background

Adrus is fairly self-sufficient although the land is bit rugged and not quite as fertile as other parts of the Central Kingdoms. The Adrusians are known for being ingenious tinkerers. While Etrian products are considered high quality, Adrusian products are known for being very advanced in their application of engineering and science. They are industrious and more than a bit frugal. the saying "As tight as an Adrusian purse" is a testament to how cheap Adrusians can be. Adrus has developed a reputation for being a country focused on wealth and accumulating it. Although it has a generous coastline, the Southern Spine mountains border much of it and has reduced the amount of usable harbors. Therefore the Adrusians are not as seafaring as one would expect. They do have a healthy amount of ships that go to and from the nation but not as much as one would think.

## Geography

Adrus is not quite as fertile as its neighboring nations but they have enough to survive. The land is a bit rugged with mountains to both the north and south and deep canyons in the middle of the country. The western border with the Western Outlands is covered with a forest that makes the actual border a bit ambiguous. Falburn Island, located off the southern coast is also considered Adrusian land. A few scattered villages are along the coastline of the island but not much else. The Gulf of Messan has always been a sore spot for the Adrusians as they wish to claim it as their own. Both countries openly sail the waters but Adrus turns a blind eye to the pirates and smugglers since their navy doesn't much patrol the gulf. Their relative proximity to the Western Outlands as well as Lamshaw and Misthaven islands have influenced their culture and trade to be unique to the Central Kingdoms.

## Government

Adrus is ruled by Harlan Cairel, the king of Adrus. It is similar to the other monarchies in the Central Kingdoms but instead of a Council of Lords Adrus just simply has various Ministers that tend to the various affairs of the state. The Minister of Finance has the most power and influence of the Ministers and is second only to the king. Many Adrusians believe that Adrus should secede from the Central Kingdoms and push their trade with the Western Outlands and Shamir. King Harlan agrees but the Minister of Finance sees it as pure folly.

## Economy

Adrus' economy is vibrant through sheer force of will. They rely mostly on export of their inventions and gadgets that are sometimes more of a curiosity than they are useful. They export crops concentrating on exotic fruits that only grow in their region. Additionally, they have become very good at the distillation of alcohol. Although, they are not the only people to make spirits Adrusian Brandy is considered quite a luxury. Somewhat uniquely, they also trade with the Western Outlands, Lamshaw, and Misthaven, and resell the products to the other nations in the Central Kingdoms. They have also done a very good job of taking the profits of such things and lending money and investing it. The two largest banks are Adrusian and that is not an accident.

## Defenses

Adrus has a small but capable army as well as a quite competent navy. Adrus is well-known for their siege weapons that have longer ranges and are more efficient. Their forces are known to use these, and other, weapons to make a small force a formidable one.

## Notable Locations

### Daedar

Daedar is the capital of Adrus and is located on the east edge of the country. Set a bit back from the shoreline at the end of a large river it has a dock and small inlet at the shore and uses ferries to move people and cargo back and forth.

### Falburn Island

Falburn Island is located just off the southern coast of Adrus and in most ways unremarkable. It has a few villages that dot the northern coast of the island and the people there seem content to subsistence farm and keep to themselves.

### The Southern Spine

This mountain range runs along much of the southern coast of Adrus. It is essentially what prevented the Adrusians from becoming a full-blown maritime country and forced them to seek other pursuits such as technology. Since it cut off access to the coast, the Adrusians fixed their sights elsewhere.