Carim

## **History**

### The Age of Strife

Carim is considered to be one of the oldest empires within Acearia, with the Imperial Family being able to trace their bloodline back to the beginning of the world and the creation of the Caesian race. In the beginning years during the Age of Strife, the Caesians and humans of the Carim lands were loosely united via trade pacts and marriage alliances. Each of the six provinces being their own small kingdom, that all paid homage to their individual kings.
It would be in 9,520 Ante Deurom that Adolfus Thorne would set out from the center province known as Caesland to unite the realms of Carim to combat the orc menace unleashed by the goddess Nottial. From the farthest reaches of the north, to the lowest southern marshes Adolfus rallied the petty kings. Some through diplomacy, others through marriage, while a few he was forced to wage a few battles against. The armies of Carim swelled with the different peoples brought forth into his army.

It would be in 9,505 Ante Deurom when Adolfus Thorne would turn his army against the invading orcs. The mixed forces of the Carim Empire clashing against the mostly heavy infantry of the orcish clans would lead to several victories in the name of Adolfus's newly formed empire. It would be at the Battle of Moonstone pass that Adolfus's army would drive the orcs from Carim. Killing their general and king Ulric Baesten in single combat, Adolfus would earn the respect of the lords he had rallied to his side.

In 8,950 Adolfus would die of a cold along with his extended age. Leaving his son, Luthor Thorne to pick up where he left off. The now Archdukes of the six regions of Carim were not used to a single leader over them. In fact many of them even plotted to retain their power. As Luthor was a young man at the time he did not know the correct course of action until he began to visit his new archdukes and dukes. With time Luthor came to realize that each region along with their people were as different as night and day from one another.

In a humbling move Luthor crafted Carim into a loose fitting empire. Allowing each region to run themselves as they saw fit (within reason), but there would be a catch to this. Each region would need to pledge fealty to the Emperor of Carim, to hand over a sum of taxes and troops every year for the maintenance of the empire. This action gave the Emperor's family a royal army to put down would be usurpers, along with the gold to maintain the poorer regions. The army of the Emperor would be known as the Royal Legion, an army that would be made up of five hundred men at arms from each region. While also demanding a thousand regular troops from the regions as well. But Luthor the Great as he would be known as by history, would also allow the Archdukes and Dukes of each respected province to maintain their own forces.

As time passed on many emperor's came and went, some peaceful and others warlike. It would be in the finale stages of the Age of Strife that the newly appointed Emperor Anselm the Second Thorne would begin the construction of the Moonstone Gate in the year 1,000 Ante Deorum. This project would begin at the Moonstone Pass, where the first Emperor of Carim Aldofus Thorne had defeated the original Orc army. Under the leadership of Anselm, the Carim Empire would create many new hold fasts and defensive walls across the Empire. To keep out the Northern Armothian raiders, the savage Orcs, and their deceiving southern neighbors.

### The Age of Uncertainty

During the Age of Uncertainty (0 to 600 Post Deorum) the gods had little to do with their people, even the loyal Caesians were left to rule without the wisdom of their creator Nihil whispering in their ear or showing them grand visions as he always had done. Instead, a new ally arose from the peasants and nobles alike. Living Saints, men and women loyal to the gods would come forth to the reigning classes of all realms. Telling them of the ways their gods wished them to follow.

It would be in 150 PD that one of these living Saints known as Michael the Pious would alert the Emperor Maximilian the First of an assassination attempt. Saving the Emperor's life and the legacy of the Thorne family from southern Usurpers. During this time Michael the Pious would lead his fellow Caesians and the mortals of Carim into the western desert on a holy crusade against the orcs. Destroying entire clans, burning down sites erected to the dark god Nottial, and slaying several Orcish kings. Michael would eventually die in battle, but Maximilian would rally another crusade in his name during the year 170 PD.

Throughout the rest of the age, the Empire of Carim fended off several Amrothian raids and two attempts of invasion by petty southern kings.

### The Age of Conflict

The age of Conflict stretches from 600 PD to 1,264 PD which is the current year within the world of Acearia. The age of Conflict as it has been called by many, seems to be mirroring the Age of Strife. War, famine, and death roam the lands of all nations. For Carim it has been especially hard, the orc attacks have increased from the west and the once never ending bloodline of the Thorne family was struck down by disease. Leaving their cousins the Rosenthal's to lead the Empire since 1,060 PD.

Now civil war threatens Carim, as the twins Michael and Katherine Rosenthal await for their father to die. Lords plot in the shadows, cults to the gods of darkness and death arise in the corners of the realm. No one knows for certain what this age will bring, only that it will take a steadfast leader to keep Carim from collapsing upon itself.

###

## Government

The Empire of Carim runs on a strict style of Imperialism, at the head of this is the Emperor himself. The Emperor's main tasks are to pass or veto laws that are brought forth by the dignitaries or Archdukes from each province under his control. The Emperor holds all military and judicial rights to himself, while matters of the populace fall into the senate. At some points in Carim's history it has become common for the Emperor to take every duty of the land upon himself, though this typically leads in minor peasantry revolts to even lords raising up in arms. Luckily for the Emperor he can call upon the Imperial Army at any time to deal with such things, giving him a near martial control over the realm when need be. Aiding the Emperor would be the Empress his wife, her duties would involve aiding her husband in any situation that he has failed in. From tax collecting to military reforms, of course if her husband allows her the liberties of such power.

Beneath their mother and father would be the Grand Princes and Princesses. The children of the Emperor are typically sent off at age 13 to travel the provinces of the land, to learn the ways of their subjects, and to create future political alliances. Upon the age of 20 they are returned home to the capital, or upon their fathers death whichever comes first. While they are stationed in the capital it is common for the son to take up a position over the matters of the peasantry, such as grain supply and minor judicial laws involving the common folk. While the daughter's responsibilities lie within meeting and treating with foreign messengers or dignitaries when they arrive. Even to the point where she maybe permitted by her father to journey off into the neighboring kingdoms on cultural exchanges to strengthen the unity between nations.

Beneath the Emperor and his children lies the Senate, the Senate itself holds the Archdukes of each region and beneath them the lesser dukes or a dignitaries speaking on their lords behalf.

An archduke is the warden and ruler of one of the six provinces within Carim. However, the Archduke's tittle is not handed down by bloodline as such titles of Duke or Lord are. Instead when a new Emperor takes control he has the right to assign any first born son of his choosing from the nobility of the province. This causes the major families of each region to create marriage or economic alliances with the Emperor in the hopes of keeping their family's position. In the southern provinces of Carim however, the dukes and earls of the land gather at each capital city of their respective provinces. There they hold a vote on who they will bring forth to the Emperor as their pick of Archduke, to appease the southern lords the Emperor's have been known to select these men.

Beneath the Archduke lie the dukes, the dukes of Carim act as guardians and owners of specific plots of land within each province. Some dukes can own entire mountain ranges, while others are forced to live off a small sector of land decreed to them by the Emperor or old family ties. Due to the unequal nature of land ownership several dukes have been known to a cutthroat ruthlessness when it comes to political maneuvering and marriage alliances.

Furthermore beneath the Dukes would be the Counts, also known as minor lords or Earls. The Counts of Carim are nobles that are tied to a Dukes family. They typically are in charge of raising and keeping up the knightly forces of the land or act as mayors of the villages or city blocks that fall under a Duke's control. Counts make up a large portion of the Senate or council seats, as they can give over their lord's wishes without the duke or archdukes needing to be present at the time.

At the bottom of the governmental chain would be the knights, knights have very little to no say within governmental affairs however they can rise to great importance. Knights typically guard their liege lords, and serve the Imperial cause. Sometimes when a knight has shown himself worthy of land ownership, he will be gifted a small plot of land to either raise a castle or farmstead. Typically this allows the knight to become the sheriff of the local lands, dealing with banditry issues or unruly peasant mobs that are even beneath a Count.

An interesting faction of nobility would be the landed gentries of the southern provinces. The gentries are free men and citizens of Carim that have amassed great family wealth. Even dwarfing the wealth of the dukes that preside over them. Due to this the gentries use their own personal coat of arms just like the dukes and higher ranks of nobility. However, gentries hold no true power under the Empire itself. The same cannot be said for their provinces, for in the north gentries are rare but within the south they are the predominant owners of land. Because of this gentries have forced the local dukes and earls into self-styled republics that require the permission of the gentries for militaristic or judicial matters to take place.

Due to the actions of the gentries the peasantry of the southern province have found themselves represented by local men from their villages or towns. Thus creating a strong bond of citizenship among them all, unlike the strict social hierarchy within the north.

## **Culture**

Author's Note: The culture of Carim heavily revolve around the races that live within the land. Caesians and humans typically have their own views of how to live or how to govern their lives. The following information will delve heavily into the races, however the races shall be covered later in their own section. So, for information directly involved with how each race is biologically please see the species tab. The following writing shall cover how each race acts culturally and socially within the whole of Carim, while the Provinces tab delves further into how each distinct region deals with its own cultural needs.

The Caesians are a people of perfection and zealotry. From the lowest peasant to the highest lord, the average Caesian seeks perfection in their crafts. Attempting to mold themselves into the archetype of their way of life, Caesian Kings seek to become beloved or feared rulers. While Caesian men at arms train to perfect the art of war. This has caused the classes of the Caesians to grow tightly nit family units that rarely trust outsiders, unless they themselves hail from the region of Carim. Even the sons of great lords are said to never be far from their father's side in times of struggle, this has created a strict hierarchy within Carim society. Where each man is the king of his land, so long as he pays tribute to those that rule over and defend him. To keep such a strong sense of family and unity among the Caesian people, a law was established for all Caesian nobles (excluding the Imperial Family) that all male heirs must receive some type of inheritance from their parents. For if the first born son is given the lands and family titles, then the second born shall be granted the immediate wealth of his predecessors. While the third be given a military honor or standing among his father or mother's forces.

It was the Caesian race that constructed the first real cities within Carim, while mortal men and beastmen were living in small villages. It was the backbreaking work of the Caesian lords and their servants that constructed the first castles within the empire. From these castles great cities grew, creating outposts for trade and craft. The average Caesian city is set up with a keep at the center, made of stone or marble. While each district is separate by a wooden palisade, the larger cities are defended by massive stone walls while the poorer ones tend to only run the district palisades out and around themselves to create a minor layer of defense.

Another important life style within the Caesian culture would be their devote religious belief in Nihil and his wife Saphiel. Throughout villages, cities, and even single homes images to these gods can be found regularly. It is common for prayers to be whispered before the start of ones day and at the end of it, while others still take a moment to say a prayer at midday.

It should be noted that the northern provinces hold more Caesians than the south, thus creating a strict hierarchy among the varying levels of citizenship. This has caused the Caesian lords of the north to distrust the human peasantry of their lands, therefor creating a tense relationship between the two races. Meanwhile in the south there are very few Caesians, and those that do live within the southern region typically are mixed with human blood. Due to this it is rare for issues of species to arise.

The humans of Carim take after the Caesians in several ways culturally, the humans of Carim tend to put just as much fervor into their craft as the Caesians. However, it should be noted that mortal men within Carim tend to strike out on their own. Living home for a life of soldiering or traveling upon coming of age, typically only settling down once they have had their fill of the real world. The average human settlement within Carim was once the simple village or the slums of a great city. Now, with time there are more human Dukes than their are Caesians. This is mostly due to the fact the races have interbred.

The men of Carim tend to prefer styles of republics or democracies in their daily lives, typically only being subservient to the Emperor himself. In the north mortal men have learned to live side by side with their Caesian counterparts, creating a taxed but equal understanding of life. Outsiders may say that north-men despise their Caesian neighbors however this is far from the truth. As for when the need arises any true son or daughter of Carim is ready to die for their neighbor.

As for both races it is common for them to enjoy each others company, as long as they fit within the same social ranking. For it is common for a Duke of Caesian blood to drink and feast with a mortal man of the same rank. For as long as they are of the same craft and standing the men will show the utmost respect to their brother in arms.

## Military

Each province within Carim is responsible for their own military and defense, unless total war is declared upon the entire Empire. Poor or rich it falls upon the Archdukes and dukes of each land to raise their own forces for internal strife, due to this it has created a great difference between ways of warfare. Such as in the Ashen Vale they are known for strong pike formations backed up with double handed swords. Meanwhile their Caesland neighbors wield axe, sword, and shield in the defense of their lands. Even stranger would be the men of Dracwick who fight with little armor but wield terrible curved scythe like pole-arms.

### Imperial Army

The Imperial Army or the Imperial Exercitus is the main military body of the Carim Empire, the soldiers of the Emperor himself who are charged with defending the borders of the empire at large while making sure the dukes of his province's do not attempt to rise up in revolt.

The forces of the Imperial Army are drafted from every corner of the Empire, but the typical soldier is the younger son of a lowly lord or knight. Thus giving the younger child a chance to gain wealth, fame, and even rank within the militaristic society of Carim. However due to this several "local" laws have been implemented by the Emperor and Imperial Senate. These laws range from the exact amount of men each province must contribute, clear to the physical requirements of each individual soldier.

Every province must maintain a thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry in the service of the Emperor. In total the Imperial Army numbers seven thousand and five hundred men, a sizable defense force for such a large kingdom. These men typically serve ten to fifteen years in the force, being stationed wherever the Emperor believes they are needed. These soldiers must not be crippled in any major form, nor can they fall beneath the height of 5'6" (1.64 meters).

The Imperial Army is outfitted mostly in the same style as the average soldier of their home province, however the army is set up with the average Caesland warrior as the center force while the remaining provincial style troops take place where their commander sees fit. Each thousand men and five hundred horse from their respective provinces are divided into two separate forces. These divisions are then placed under the command of a marshal, these twin divisions are simply then given a numbered name such as the first Dracwick. In an attempt to lessen confusion and chaos each unit has a specific color scheme along with a sigil in accordance to the history of their unit, this has also caused several divisions to name themselves. For example, the Caesland 1st is also known as the Prince's Sons with their sigil being knight with a crown placed upon his helm.

To keep such a sizable army fed, armed, and outfitted in their rather expensive armor every province by law must put forward the entire payment for each new soldier into the royal treasury. Paying for the Emperor's troops and his guard, some province's are known to have nearly gone bankrupt due to such a demand.

### Royal Guard

The Royal Guard are an inner branch of the Imperial Army and do not count towards the amassed number of Imperial soldiers. Instead the Royal Guard are chosen by tradition from the men of the Imperial Army, peasants and nobles alike have the chance of serving directly as the Imperial Family's retinue. Numbering around one hundred and sixty-men the Royal Guard are known to be loyal to their last dying moment.

These men are outfitted in a different manner as well, typically they are armored in entire suits of plate that are adorned with runic inscriptions chiseled into the plate by holy men of the church.

Within the Royal Guard lies the Prince's Guard and the Princess's Guard, each outfitted to the standards of their respective charges. Michael Rosenthal has had his Prince's Guard outfitted with scale-mail with undercoats of chain-mail, thus allowing his men to have full protection while keeping flexibility. Meanwhile Katherine Rosenthal has kept her Princess's Guard within the tradition of full plate, and has even outfitted her guard with silk cloaks to symbolize their status.

## **Northern Provinces**

There are six provinces within Carim, each one is listed below along with the dominant culture and ways of life that the average man can expect.

### Caesland:

Caesland or Land of the Caesians is one of the oldest realms within the Carim Empire. Stretching from the western mountains of the Ashen Vale clear to the open plains of Dracwick. The realm was founded by the first Caesian kings who's names have been lost to time, it is a common belief that the first Caesian kings were given Caesland by Nihil as a gift to his newly created children.

The land of Caesland is known for dense northern forest, and iron rich hills that dot the landscape. A majority of the province's goods deal in raw material and craftsmanship. For in the far north of the province where trees are cut and soil dug up, it is on the southern tip of Caesland where major trade cities have established themselves as home to some of the greatest northern craftsmen.

The people of Caesland are mostly Caesian, with a few humans populations here and there. The majority of humans can be found within the major trade cities or farming the land that has been recently cleared by the northern woodsmen. The inhabitants of this land are the standard for Carim culture, steadfast and family oriented the populace is known for harsh traditions with even harsher laws. Men are allowed to drink and whore their way to any early grave, however his family shall never hear the end of it. His children and wife shall be seen not as cursed, but only as victims who will never be able to regain their family's honor.

It is much more common for the average man of Caesland to enjoy the finer details of life, from hunting in his spare time to reading the inhabitants of such a land consider themselves far more civilized than their neighbors. The people of Caesland are said to be a reserved people, however they are also known for their quick tempers and even quicker wit. Willing to slit a man's throat over a slight insult while justifying it as a means to defend ones honor.

The education of the next generation is never taken lightly, for it is a father's duty to teach his sons and daughters the trade of his fore-bearers. Even if they cannot read nor write they must learn the trade of their ancestors. This way of life has seen countless generations live and die in the exact same fashion as their lineage founders. From the children of small villages to those that claim the capital home, every child of Caesland must learn the ways of their family.

Military wise the people of Caesland hold a proud martial tradition of warfare. Preferring to fight on foot the average Caesian foot-soldier is armed with a spear, sword, and hand axe along with a large oval style of shield. Fighting in disciplined ranks the Caesian foot-soldier relies on scale armor and his shield to defend himself. All the while mounted knights await the order from their liege lords to drive around and give support to their dismounted allies.

The biggest city and the capital of Carim would be the proud fortress city of Chlemoutsi. The city is located around Altar Hill, the large mount of land where Nihil first set down upon the world. Upon Altar Hill the Hold-fast known as Castrum is located, large white stones make up the double layered walls and massive round towers that defend the heart of the capital. At the center of Altar Hill, beyond the impervious walls lies the heart of the city. The Grand Hall of the Emperor's of Carim, where their home and council chambers reside. The Grand Hall also double as a monastery for Church of Order, having their own meeting chambers deep below the hall.

### Dracwick:

The province of Dracwick expands from east of the Moonstone Mountains to the west of the Caesland border towns. The land of Dracwick is highly fertile due to heavy amounts of rain, and has grown rich from the agricultural production brought forth from the hardworking common folk of the land. Very few cities can be found inside of Dracwick, in their place hold-fasts and strong stone castles can be found. Around said castles and forts minor farming villages have popped up. Selling their minor wares of grain, flax, and sour apples to travelers.

The capital of Dracwick is known as Ernteburg, the city itself is made up of harsh cobblestone and four stone towers. The capital is home to the Archduke of Dracwick and his family, while also being a resupplying location for the Royal Army of Carim. Within the realm lies the Moonstone Pass, the only proper and large way to travel into the far western deserts, or into the eastern lands of Carim. Due to this the people of Dracwick have had to suffer orc raids and assaults through the mountains. Thus requiring farmers to live a double life as steadfast guardians in case the Royal Army fails to repulse the orcish invaders.

Dracwick and her people are seen as much needed resources to the rest of the North, even if their culture varies slightly and their once teaming Caesian populace has almost fully vanished due to integrating with humanity creating a hybrid of both races. The men and women of Dracwick live rather simple lives, while the landowning lords and ladies are known for having grown fat off the labor of their wards.

The average military man of Dracwick was most likely once a farmer or the son of a noble that owned farming lands. While the noble's son will be upon horseback wielding lance and shield, the peasant warrior will fulfill whatever role he is best suited for. From using a two handed sword known as the Falx to wielding bows and slings, the Dracwick military is lightly armed and best used by Carim generals in lightning fast raids or fast attack ambushes.

Unlike the other regions of the North, Dracwick has several laws in place that defend the rights of the lower class and women. Such as the "Family Law", such a law states that if a woman's husband dies her lands are rightfully hers and that she is the beneficiary not her deceased husband's brother or son. Due to this law women have seen a minor rise in stature and wealth in Dracwick.

### Ashen Vale:

From the massive mountains of the east to ashen fields held thousands of people both soldiers and farmers. Ashen Vale's popularity rose after Stephen the Proud's achievements flourished through towns and cities across Carim. Infamously known for the lack of infertile soil near the mountain ranges which separate Carim from Antea. A large gatehouse known as Anvil Gate remains as a toll for merchants and soldiers alike crossing Antea and Ashen Vale.

Horn Hall remains as the capital of Ashen Vale and is boasted to be the largest fortress in Carim holding over eight baileys and is double-walled separated by a deep moat which refused to accept sieges. Surrounding the citadel is a large city holding sixty-thousand civilians and some soldiers while inside the walls hold exclusively high ranking soldiers or nobles. Most of the city is well kept by the Barons of the Eastern Ward however sometimes they themselves cannot hold the city together.

North of Horn Hall is the Ashfort. The Lords are the Greystarks, cousins to the Durrandons. They are a collective of brave and simple individuals. The Ashfort itself is small compared to Horn Hall or the League's Hold, however the soldiers and farmers living inside the walls are hardened by the constant raids by Amrothians proving to be fierce warriors.

South-East of Horn Hall is the Ashen Highlands where most if not all of the mining was located. The richness of the mountains held countless ores and even buried treasure. Where the Durrandons would pay thousands to drill into the Ashen Highlands they would return with a profit of almost 75% every year. Even further south to the border of the coast and the southern province is the Starfort. Held on the highest peak of the largest mountains, the Starfort contained a particular house known as the Greybornes. The Greybornes are hermits and rarely participate in the affairs of the Durrandons and Carim entirely. They are known to practice incest and because of this many supporters have denounced their loyalty, leaving the Starfort to depend on itself.

Culture is diverse in Ashen Vale. Stephen Durrandon had declared his province to welcome many beliefs and religions however outlawed the worship of Arzyn and slave trade in general. During the year many tournaments are present in Horn Hall inviting thousands to watch jousts and even duels to their pleasure against rivaling houses.

Military is unique in the Ashen Vale; heavy horse and plate armor. The Durrandons arm their dedicated troops with plate armor from head to toe. Pikes and zweihanders are used commonly by infantry men. With the Durrandon's military strength rather large and their choice of heavy weapons and armor they are among the most feared houses in the northern provinces of Carim. Particular troops are laid with unique armor allowing them to shrug even bolts/arrows wielding a warhammer and a steel kite-shield; these troops are known as Shocktroopers and are directly ordered by Lord Alabaster Durrandon himself as his personal garrison.

## **Southern Provinces**

### Greywyn:

The lands of Greywyn are located in the far western province of Southern Carim. These lands are known for a wealthy and aristocratic class of local landowners that typically hold a greater wealth than the regions dukes or earls but still pay homage for military protection. These free men employ other freemen or indentured servants to toil in their fields. While some others even resort to slavery of others.

These Aristocrats are known by many names, the most commonly used name for these aristocrats would be the term Gentry. The Gentries of Greywyn are typically upper-middle class families that have a stranglehold on farmlands and trade within the southern provinces. Unlike their northern counterparts the Earls or landed knights, Gentries do not rule over their lands directly. The gentries hold assemblies that resemble the Senate of the Emperor. Within these assemblies the laws of the land are voted on by delegates voted in by each major gathering of gentries. These laws are not enforced by the assembly or by the gentries. Instead that falls to the Dukes or Archduke of Greywyn, the only ones allowed to hold true military and judicial authority. They however can only act with the permission of the assembly.

The land itself is filled with open pastures and soft rolling hills, with only a few dense gathering of forests upon the borders of the land itself. The rolling hills are home to mass farms filled with perhaps the highest quality grains within all of Carim, while other farms yield the famous Grey grapes of the south that are squeezed into the sweetest of southern wines. The naturally rich soil has caused a boom in the wealth of the southern provinces, especially so in Greywyn.

The gentries that own these lands typically set up rather large estates that sometimes grow into towns. A few of these towns, such as the capital of the province Lightmill, have become bustling cities. Packed with the traders and slavers from the southern kingdoms or their sister province of Valmere. Within these cities vice and sin turn a profit, however they pale in comparison to their cousins of Valmere.

The men and women who work the land of Greywyn are typically nothing more than your average farmer or land working. So, in times of war or civil strife the middle class of the cities are brought forth as the main body of the Greywyn military. Men and women clad in pieces of chain-ail that typically only cover vital areas such as the chest and head. While the remainder of the body is protected by boiled leather or a gambeson. These soldiers typically are armed with a long pike with a large pavise shield, while others prefer to wield a crossbow. Some of these men after years of service to the province can find themselves in service to rich land owners or even as body guards to criminal "lords".

### Valmere:

Valmere is the center most province of southern Carim, bordering both the Sea of Thornes and the Great Lake of Lancaster. Due to bordering two large and inland 'seas' the lands of Valmere have become natural sailors and merchants. This has caused them to be the main hub of trade for all of Carim and the Southern kingdoms that wish to trade with the empire. Valmere is considered to be one of the more multicultural provinces within Carim, thus is has become the home to many non-Carim natives. From those of the Lancaster Kingdom to those of Amroth, all men that wish to gain a fortune come to Valmere.

Valmere is rich in natural silver and gold ore veins located within the mountain ranges that run along the province's edges. Along with this the natural plants of Valmere are known for their bright colors, because of this the land is known for dye farms and large textile factories springing up across the land. Around these factories cities begin to spring up, from these cities come an urban middle class that work as tradesmen throughout their lives. From blacksmiths to glassblowers these crown jewels of Carim civilization call to all men from around the world. However, within the slums of these towns a thriving black market that relies on the weakness of man booms. Whores selling themselves, and men giving away discount booze are common among the ghettos that infest the lower parts of the cities.

Valmere's government is even unusual for the republics of the southern provinces. For they vote on who will step forward as their Archduke instead of the Emperor of Carim choosing for them. This has allowed most of the rich aristocracy within Valmere to remain in power without strife caused by the affairs of the empire at large. Another difference among the Valmere's government is the Council of Springwick. The capital of the province known as Springwick hosts all great landed gentries across Valmere as well as the Dukes of the land. Here they work hand in hand with the Archduke, it is said that without the Archduke the Council is nothing and without the Council the Archduke is nothing. For the Archduke cannot raise his army without leave of the Council, and the Council cannot impose new legislation without permission from the Archduke.

The armies of Valmere are a rather strange mix, the landed gentries arm their sons in plate or chain-mail. Sending them off to war with a two handed war-hammer or pole-axe. While the peasants that are forced to serve under the Council or Duke typically are armed with whatever they can afford. Typically these men are armed with single edged swords such as falchions, while others are given light and cheap crossbows to cut down the enemy with. As for armor peasants of Valmere typically rely on boiled leather or gambesons.

### Eastmoor:

Eastmoor is the eastern and southern most point of the provinces within Carim. The land is home to the only known river ways and canals that lead to the coast. Due to this the populace of Eastmoor sometimes called the Moors or Eastmoors have created several styles of light river traveling vessels. Large ships with shallow drafts are commonplace among the marshes and rivers of Eastmoor. These large vessels typically are propelled by several layers of oarsmen, but are also outfitted with sails for sea travel.

Due to their location the people of Eastmoor have become the toll road of the Carim empire, anyone from Valmere to Dracwick that wishes to travel to the coast goes through rivers of Eastmoor. Even if the tolls are high they typically run a fairer price than those offered by the guardians of the Kingdom of Lancaster. Along with this the Dukes and Earls of Eastmoor are known for turning a blind eye to smuggling for a gold coin or two.

Along these rivers and marshes lie the grand cities of the land. The cities are known for being made up of great stone walls, and magnificent towers stocked to the brim with crossbowmen. These cities offer protection from would be invaders, or river pirates that are known to prey upon the merchants that travel the lands. The greatest of these cities happens to be the capital Mystras, the city is known for having three inner walls and a fourth outer. All the while offering protection to the farming peasantry in the form of wooden palisades that encircle the entire city.

These impressive cities are run by the local dukes and earls in name, however the true ownership falls to the City Masters. The City Masters are typically the patriarch or matriarch of the city's most influential landed gentry. These gentries are constantly on guard for those that would wish to usurp their power, so through cunning and bribery the gentries have wrestled some militaristic control from the dukes. Allowing the families of the gentries to arm themselves with the duke's own men, or to raise the townsmen as personal bodyguards.

These bodyguards are men that wear mostly pieces of plate or chain mail, beneath such armor they wear thick padded gambesons or leather. The average armament for these troops happens to be the crossbow, it is said Eastmoor produces some of the greatest shots within all of Carim. While other men still are outfitted with sword and buckler, creating massed bodies of armed soldiers that have the ability to protect themselves in urban combat situations. The pavise shield is also used by the crossbowmen, as it can be deployed into the ground before them. Thus allowing them to reload without fear of enemy projectiles hitting them in the back.

This has caused several minor outbreaks of violence within the impressive fortress cities from time to time. A family that believes themselves to have the support of the people and the treasury will attempt to usurp power from the current City Master. Leading to days or even years of bloody urban warfare. Once the dust settles those left standing will take the crown of Master, typically during a public ceremony where the local duke names them honorary protectors of the land.

All the while the local populace scrounges out a living, the lucky ones of the peasantry will typically start work in guilds. Learning the trades of metal working or glassblowing, while the even poorer will become dockworkers. Those that cannot find work within the cities will typically flee to the outpost towns, minor villages with a sentry tower or two made up stone if the populace is lucky. It is much more common to see these towers made up of wood from the local swamps and marshes. Here the peasantry work as fishermen, hunters, or woodsmen that risk their lives working for a living in the dangerous wild lands of Eastmoor.

Those that do not wish to break their back or risk their lives on a daily basis will typically become smugglers, river pirates, or even thieves. For as long as a man can pay a tithe to the local City Master he is typically exempt from punishment.

## **Major Houses**

- Rosenthal

- Durrandon