Blakkr

Castle Behrholden

## Summary

Blakkr is the current Northern most kingdom of the Nine. It's named after the short days and long nights it's been privy to throughout its history. It is the largest of the Kingdoms with ever changing borders due to constant conflict with borders to the North where the mountains the once seperated it from the Angelic Empire stand, the Great Sea to the West, Stellara, Empir du Divin and Brigg to the South, and the Dragon Archipelago to the East.

The kingdom started as a series of barbarian tribes who were eventually united under a warrior king, King Fenrir Ulfersun I, centuries ago. Since then, the royal family of Blakkr have been trained in military matters, and service in battle is required for all citizens of the Kingdom. Rather than by birth order, succession is settled by nature of martial prowess, and the throne can be contested by any member of the royal family. The current King is Behr Ulfersun III, is known for his incredible military contributions against invading barbarian tribes that seem to be frequent from the kingdoms Northern Mountain borders. He succeeded the throne by defeating his older brother in battle.

The currency in Blakkr is known as Bleiktnir, though they happily accept currency from any of the other Kingdoms as well. The Capital city is known as Ulfheim (after the royal family), and the primary castle is known as Castle Behrholden.

## Ulfheim

### Summary

Ulfheim in a castle fortress city divided into 4 different rings of living. They are the Outer Village; the People's Ring; the Noble's Ring; and the Royal's Ring. Each ring shrinks increasing and follows the shape of the cliffside it resides on. The city holds half of the accounted for population of Blakkr at a whopping 5,000.

### The Outer Village

The Outer Village is a small village surrounded by vast fields just outside the main gates of the walls. While it lacks the protection of the walls, it is still well protected by both proper guards and a militia of former soldiers. The ring is populated mostly by farming families and those too poor to afford a more comfortable inside the walls. The houses are mostly along the main rocky path into the village and are made of plaster and thatched rooves. A couple places of note are the large house belonging to the head of the farming family's operations and a small square where small festivals and agricultural rituals are known to talk place. The people of the Outer Village venture into the People's Ring once a week to trade at the town market.

### The People's Ring

The People's Ring is the major hub of Ulfheim and contains most of the city's in habitants. It's houses are made mostly of hard stones and thatched rooves, though some opt for wooden rooves instead. The roadways, all laid in cobble, seem chaotic to those from outside the city, but are in fact laid out very meticulously to streamline all foot traffic to the massive plaza at the ring's center. The city itself is divided nearly equally into 4 different sections all leading to the center, each with almost identical layouts. A massive church bearing a visage of Flos Matri (Locally just called the Flower Mother) stands tall by the entrance to the Noble's Ring.

The plaza boasts the largest market in the kingdom. It is surrounded by permanent store fronts such as the blacksmith, tailors, a renowned jeweler, and various general store which are there day to day. The booths and stalls rotate out daily based on a strict schedule to keep both variety and equal opportunity for vendors. Some of the highlights are a trader of exotic goods every Tuesday; a procurer of magical weapons and relics each Thursday; and a seller of fine fabrics on Saturdays. The Farmer's Market is held as an exclusive event each Sunday.

Aside from the Markets in the town square, the People's Ring is also home to many taverns. Three well known taverns in the People's Ring are The Bottomless Cauldron, Bohr's Head Tavern and Inn, and The Leaky Chamberpot.

### The Noble's Ring

The Noble's Ring is the last ring before the ring containing the castle and holds the houses of almost all the aristocracy and nobility in the kingdom. It's houses, though there are much fewer than the other rings, tower over the peasantry's homes in size. Unlike the rest of the city which lacks in greenery aside from small patches of grass that make up the occasional yard, small garden of flowers, as well as vegetable and fruit gardens are fairly common in this ring. Each home is barricaded by sturdy metal fences and the roads are lined with banners bearing the royal family's symbol.

### The Royal's Ring

The Royal's Ring, as the name implies, is the ring containing the Royal Castle as well as a few manours housing close relatives of the royals. The entry gates are flanked on either side by soldier barracks as well as two large watch towers which are manned around the clock. The walls are lined with ballistas and cannons. A training ground greets you before you would ever arrive at a secondary set of gates which bar the castle in its own space.

#### Castle Behrholden

Castle Behrholden is the home of the royal family. It overlooks the Great Sea from its perch on the cliff. Little is known about the majority of the interior of the castle, as few enter or leave. The cliff the castle hangs off of is said to be carved by Aer Matri in an act of great wrath.

## The Village of Goldhaven

### Summary

The Village of Goldhaven is a small settlement to the North of the Lake of Four where the main temple to Flos Matri is located. It has a small population comparison to the other four villages around the Lake of Four. The people living in this area are mostly followers of Flos Matri, though not all. Due to the presence of the temple, many Clerics and Paladins following Flos Matri hail from or around Goldhaven.

This is rumored to be the home base of The Children of the Moon Lily.

## The Village of Lemmikki

### Summary

The Village of Lemmikki is a small settlement to the southeast of Goldhaven and northeast of the Lake of Four. It's known for its flowers that seem to only bloom in the soft dimness of twilight and under the stark light of the moon. The valley it resides in is said to be blessed by the Flower Mother.