Kievan

Over four centuries past, a band of valiant warriors and intrepid adventurers, weary of strife and yearning for a sanctuary to call home, embarked on a journey to forge a new realm. Guided by the legendary Yaroslav Kievan, a warrior of unmatched prowess, they discovered a secluded valley nestled between towering mountains and began the arduous labor of constructing their haven.

In its infancy, the nascent human kingdom of Kievan found itself beset on all sides by formidable foes: Skapta to the north, Aregor to the east, Tianzhu to the south, and Banlaya to the west. The fledgling nation fought tooth and nail to preserve its territory and uphold its sovereignty. Amidst the chaos, the Drakonov family, then a minor noble house, seized the opportunity to prove their mettle in leadership and warfare, ultimately ascending to power and establishing a dynasty that would endure for generations.

The rulers of Kievan devoted themselves to cultivating a culture steeped in military discipline and martial prowess. They erected formidable fortresses, indoctrinated their citizenry in the arts of war, and adapted their education and religious systems to instill a fierce sense of duty and allegiance to the kingdom. The relentless onslaught of conflicts against neighboring nations tempered the spirit of Kievan's people, molding them into a courageous, dedicated, and fiercely loyal populace.

Yet amidst the unyielding strife, Kievan also became a bastion of innovation and progress. Marvels of engineering and architecture arose within its borders, with grand bridges and aqueducts enhancing the lives of its citizens. The kingdom nurtured trade and agriculture, ensuring that its people remained well-fed and prosperous.

In the present day, Kievan persists as a compact but proud kingdom, ever vigilant in defending its territory and fiercely committed to preserving its independence at any cost. Its citizens take immense pride in their culture of discipline and selflessness, laboring relentlessly to safeguard the future of their kingdom in a world teeming with perils and adversaries.

House Drakonov, now seated upon Kievan's throne, governs with sagacity and unwavering resolve, shepherding its people through tumultuous times and unyielding challenges. Forged in the crucible of warfare and adversity, the heroes and leaders of Kievan stand prepared to confront any menace and wage battle for the survival and prosperity of their beloved realm.

Honoring the legacy of Yaroslav Kievan, the realm's foundation is remembered through annual festivities, revering the sacrifices made to carve out their refuge in the world. These celebrations serve to remind the citizenry of their shared history, keeping the spirit of unity and resilience alive. Storytellers spin tales of Yaroslav's heroism and the Drakonov family's rise to power, ensuring each new generation is imbued with the principles that their forebears stood for.

## Politics and powers

### House Dragonov

Kievan's royal family is the House of Drakonov, a dynasty that has held power for centuries. According to legend, the Drakonov house was founded by Ivan Drakonov, a powerful sorcerer who wiped out the Red Bear tribe from Skapta in the siege of Cotton at a time of great conflict. Since then, the house has ruled Kievan with an Ironfist, maintaining military discipline and the cult of combat as its main values.

The Drakonov are said to have dragon blood running through their veins, giving them special abilities and powers.

House Drakonov has ruled with a firm but fair hand, managing to maintain Kievan's independence in a region rife with conflict. The current Queen of Kievan is Anastasia Drakonov, a charismatic and cunning leader who has managed to keep the peace at a time of growing tension with neighboring kingdoms. His heir is Prince Nikolai Drakonov, a young warrior who has proven his courage in battle and earned the respect of his people.

Despite its long history, House Drakonov has faced various challenges over the centuries, including usurpation attempts and conflicts with other kingdoms. At times, they have had to make unusual alliances to maintain power, including pacts with magical creatures and dark beings.

However, the Drakonov house has also had some controversial members. One of the kings of the house, Boris Drakonov, was known for his cruelty and his reign was marked by repression and violence. Another member of the house, Princess Ana Drakonova, was charged with treason and sentenced to death for her alleged role in a plot to overthrow the king.

Despite these dark episodes, the Drakonov house has continued to rule the kingdom of Kievan, and has managed to maintain power throughout the centuries thanks to its military discipline and skill in combat.

The current King of Kievan is Alexander Drakonov, a seasoned warrior and skillful tactician who has managed to maintain stability in the kingdom at a time of uncertainty and danger, while fighting off invasions from neighboring kingdoms.

While the rule of House Drakonov has been marked with its fair share of conflict and controversy, it is their ability to adapt and persevere that has earned the enduring respect of their subjects. Among the ranks of the royal family, the women have been particularly influential. Grand Duchess Tatiana Drakonova, the sister of King Alexander, is a renowned scholar and diplomat. Her extensive knowledge of history and mastery over several languages have often provided a diplomatic edge in dealings with other kingdoms. She is also a popular figure among the citizens, her charitable works and advocacy for education being widely acknowledged and appreciated. Thus, House Drakonov, with all its diverse and remarkable members, continues to lead Kievan into an era of prosperity and unity, standing as a beacon of hope amidst a sea of tumultuous tides.

## Main cities

### Alodon

Population: 45,000 (80% humans, 10% dwarves, 5% elves, 3% gnomes, 2% other races)

Government: Alodon is ruled by House Drakonov, the royal family of Kievan. King Alejandro and Queen Anastasia Drakonov are the current rulers and rely on a council of nobles and advisors to make decisions regarding the safety, economy, and well-being of the city and its inhabitants.

Defense: Alodon's defense relies on his royal army, led by Prince Nikolai Drakonov. In addition, fortified walls and watchtowers protect the city from potential invaders. The citizen militia, made up of volunteers, is also available in case of emergency.

Commerce: Alodón is an important center of commerce and agriculture. The city produces and sells agricultural products, textiles, tools, and handicrafts, which are traded both within the kingdom and with neighboring nations. The trade and economy of Alodón are strongly influenced by the presence of shops, markets and workshops in the city.

Organizations: Several organizations have a presence in Allodon, such as the Arcane Concord, the Stormforged Covenant, and the Great Library of Kievan, which attract students and scholars from across the kingdom. There are also unions and associations of merchants, farmers, and artisans, who are in charge of the production and sale of goods and services. In the religious field, there are temples and sanctuaries dedicated to various deities but the cult of Necis is the norm in the kingdom of Kievan.

As you approach Alodon, you can't help but be struck by the imposing sight of the fortified city, rising up from the valleys of Kievan like a stone behemoth. The walls are thick and tall, bristling with towers and bastions, and the gates are heavy and solid, designed to repel any invaders who might attempt to breach them. But as you enter the city, you quickly realize that there is more to Alodon than just its formidable defenses.

The central square is bustling with activity, with merchants calling out their wares and shoppers haggling over prices. The castle, the seat of the royal family, looms above the square, a testament to the city's long and storied history. From here, you can see the winding streets that lead to the residential neighborhoods, the artisan workshops, and the bustling markets that make up the heart of Alodon's economy.

But Alodon is not just a city of commerce and trade. It is also a center of learning and culture. The universities and schools are renowned throughout the kingdom for their scholarship and their commitment to educating the next generation of leaders. The theater is a hub of artistic activity, with plays, music, and dance performances that rival those of any other city in the realm. And the library, with its vast collection of books and scrolls, is a treasure trove of knowledge, drawing scholars and researchers from far and wide.

But even as Alodon celebrates its rich heritage and vibrant culture, its citizens remain ever vigilant. The kingdom of Kievan is beset by enemies, both foreign and domestic, and the people of Alodon are committed to defending their home and their way of life. The city's military is well-trained and well-equipped, ready to defend the walls and the streets at a moment's notice. And the civil militia, made up of ordinary citizens, stands ever-ready to aid in the defense of their beloved city.

### Narov

Population: 10,000 (60% humans, 25% dwarves, 10% elves, 3% gnomes, 2% other races)

Government: Narov is governed by a council of influential naval guild leaders, merchants, and ship captains, known as the Council of Navigators. This council makes important decisions related to commerce, security and the infrastructure of the city.

Defense: Narov's defense relies on its Navy, made up of a fleet of warships and coast guards, led by Admiral Elara Stormwind. The city also has a militia of volunteer citizens and mercenaries that provide additional protection on land.

Commerce: Narov is an important maritime trade center, specializing in the import and export of goods. Its local products, such as fresh fish and wood, are exported to other places and are highly valued. Narov's merchants also import goods from other kingdoms and cities in Amra.

Organizations: In Narov, guilds and associations related to shipping and maritime trade have a significant presence. In addition, there are guilds of shipbuilders, fishermen, and merchants who are responsible for the production and sale of goods and services in the city. In the religious field, there are temples and sanctuaries dedicated to Necis and Odine. You can also find taverns, shops and bustling markets that attract sailors and visitors from all over the world.

The wind howls through the rigging of the ships docked in Narov's bustling port, a chorus of creaks and groans that echoes through the city. Here, among the salty spray and the smell of fish, is a town that has earned a reputation as the "city of sailors." The people of Narov are respected throughout the kingdom for their skills in navigation and shipbuilding, and their vessels are known for their speed and maneuverability in all kinds of weather and sea conditions.

The city's port is well-protected, and can accommodate a large number of ships, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships. The bustling harbor is a testament to the city's economic importance, as ships come and go with goods from all over Amra. Narov's merchants are shrewd and experienced, and have connections to other kingdoms and major cities, making the town an important trading center.

Narov itself is a vibrant and exciting place, with an abundance of bustling taverns, shops and markets. Here, visitors can find exotic goods from far-off lands, and enjoy local delicacies like freshly caught fish and seafood. Sailors who come to the city are welcomed with open arms, and the city has earned a reputation as a place where fun and adventure can be found around every corner.

However, there is also a darker side to the city. Narov's crowded streets and bustling taverns are home to a host of thieves and smugglers, lurking in the dark alleyways and shadowy corners. Unsuspecting visitors should be careful with their personal safety and belongings. Nonetheless, the city's dwarves are committed to maintaining order and safety within the city walls, and have taken measures to curb the criminal activity.

Narov is a city of contrasts, a place where the bustle of trade and the excitement of adventure go hand in hand. Its people are proud of their maritime heritage and their commitment to excellence in shipbuilding and navigation. Visitors to this town on the sea are sure to be swept up in its energy and excitement, and will find a warm welcome among its salt-of-the-earth citizens.

### Mertau

Population: 25,000 (70% humans, 15% dwarves, 8% elves, 4% orcs, 3% other races)

Government: Mertau is ruled by a military governor, usually a veteran general who has shown skill in both war and administration. The current governor is General Lord Ironshield, who makes important decisions related to the city's security, infrastructure, and foreign policy.

Defense: Mertau's defense relies on its well-trained troops and the Combat Academy, where soldiers and warriors train in a wide variety of fighting styles. The city also has a series of fortifications and walls that protect it from possible invasions.

Commerce: Trade in Mertau focuses on the production and sale of weapons, armor, and other goods related to combat and warfare. The city is also known for its artisans specializing in the creation of magical items and artwork related to war and fighting.

Organizations: The city of Mertau is home to the famous Combat Academy, an educational institution that teaches its students a wide variety of fighting styles and military tactics. In addition, the city is home to the Great Library, which contains a vast collection of texts on history, philosophy, military strategy, literature, and poetry. The scholars and sages of the city have a great influence on the cultural and academic life of Mertau. There are also guilds of craftsmen specializing in the creation of magical items and works of art related to war and fighting.

The ancient walls of Mertau, towering high above the landscape, stand as a testament to the city's proud and storied history. Founded as a military fortress to protect the realm from outside threats, Mertau has long been a bastion of strength and martial prowess.

But there is more to this city than just its military might. Mertau is also a beacon of knowledge and learning, attracting scholars and sages from across the realm to its great library. Here, countless tomes and manuscripts, carefully preserved over the ages, contain knowledge of the world's history, philosophy, magic, and much more. For those seeking knowledge, there is no better place in the kingdom.

Yet, even as Mertau values the life of the mind, it also cherishes the art of war. The city's combat academy is world-renowned, teaching a wide variety of fighting styles to students from far and wide. The warriors and mercenaries who have emerged from Mertau are among the most skilled in the land, honed to a razor's edge by the city's rigorous training regimens.

But even with its military might and cultural treasures, Mertau is not without its challenges. As one of the kingdom's oldest cities, it has been the target of numerous attacks over the years, and its walls have been breached more than once. As a result, Mertau has developed a strong sense of community and camaraderie, with its citizens banding together in times of crisis to protect their beloved city.

Despite the dangers that lurk beyond its walls, Mertau remains a shining example of strength, knowledge, and martial prowess. For those who seek to test their mettle in battle or expand their minds through learning, there is no better destination than this fortified city at the heart of the kingdom.

### Kolokan

Population: 18,000 (45% humans, 20% dwarves, 15% gnomes, 10% elves, 5% orcs, 5% other races)

Government: Kolokan's government operates under the leadership of a council, composed of representatives from the city's diverse communities and guilds. This council collectively adjudicates on issues pertaining to trade, defense, and foreign affairs. The most influential role within the council is that of the Lord Protector, a title currently held by Alaric Silverhand. He bears the responsibility of ensuring the city's safety and orchestrating its defense forces.

Defense: Kolokan boasts a formidable force of skilled soldiers, supplemented by a group of gnome arcanists renowned for their expertise in the development of gunpowder weapons. The clandestine nature of these weapons could potentially elevate Kievan to a position of significant military power in Amra, underscoring Kolokan's strategic relevance in the region.

Commerce: Positioned advantageously by the Lake of Swords, Kolokan is a thriving hub for trade. It facilitates the seamless import and export of goods, including weaponry, armor, magical artifacts, and the distinctively crafted gunpowder weapons by the gnome arcanists. Furthermore, lake-centric commerce like fishing and the trade of aquatic flora also significantly contribute to the local economy.

Organizations: Kolokan hosts an assortment of guilds and organizations, amongst which is the enigmatic Association of Gnome Arcanists, committed to the study and production of gunpowder weapons. There also exist guilds comprising merchants and artisans, along with a knightly order dedicated to safeguarding the city and preserving peace in the contentious borderlands separating Kievan and Aregor.

Kolokan, a thriving city located in the heart of the Lake of Swords region, is a bustling center of commerce, trade and defense. Governed by a council of leaders representing the diverse communities and guilds of the city, Kolokan is a city where cooperation and unity are of the utmost importance. The Lord Protector, Alaric Silverhand, holds the most authoritative position on the council, tasked with maintaining the city's security and coordinating its defensive forces.

The city of Kolokan has a formidable garrison of trained soldiers, and is bolstered by a contingent of gnome arcanists who specialize in the creation of gunpowder weapons. These weapons are still a closely guarded secret, but if they were to become known, they could make Kievan a major military power in Amra, giving Kolokan strategic importance in the region.

Kolokan is also a center of trade and commerce, with a thriving market where goods from across the region can be found. The city is renowned for its trade in weapons, armor, magical items, and especially gunpowder weapons created by gnome alchemists. The fishing industry and trade in products from the lake, such as fish and aquatic plants, are also important to the local economy.

Kolokan is home to a variety of guilds and organizations, and several factions have agents secret or otherwise in the city. There are also guilds of merchants and craftsmen, as well as an order of knights tasked with protecting the city and keeping peace in the border region between Kievan and Aregor. In Kolokan, everyone has a place and a purpose, and the city thrives on the cooperation and determination of its people.