Kelemere

Kelemere is a Mannish kingdom, and the only remaining one of such in the whole of Wraimall. Home to the hardy Kelemerians, it has been in constant decline for centuries.

## Description

Kelemere occupied a central location in Wraimall, wedged between the Marlow Mountains to the north, Fanemire to the east, Guiles to the southeast, Olbrecht to the southwest, and the Dungrene Mountains to the northwest. Its borders are clearly defined by the rivers Goldmós to the west, and Wryard to the east, both of which join at a loop in the south. These rivers find their sources in the Marlow Mountains and join in the southwest to flow to the sea.

Part of what has helped Kelemere persist as long as it has is its high elevation, raised about two hundred-fifty feet above the surrounding land beyond the rivers. The easiest entry point is in the northwest, where the surrounding lands of Fanemire rise to meet the same elevation as Kelemere. It is here that the Hlifian Bridge stands, Kelemere's sole connector to the outside world.

Several unnamed streams flow round the edges of the country, splitting off from the rivers in the north to meet their southern edge.

The capital of Kelemere is the city of Laverwayne, a small but densely populated settlement of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways. Buildings are typically made of stone, and are in excess of three stories tall. Laverwayne is located in the south of the country, near the edge of the river Wryard where it sweeps to the west. Another much larger city is Evansborough, away in the northern moors. Dotted across the countryside are small pockets of farming hamlets.

At the time of the story of the three heroes, Kelemere was a third of the size of Guiles, and shrinking every year.

### Climate and Countryside

Kelemere is a pleasant country of mostly grasslands and small, ancient forests. The further north one traveled, the higher and rockier the elevation and sparser the flora. These highland moors were referred to as the Upplands, and were much less populated, aside from the city of Evansborough. These continued to slope upwards into the Marlow Mountains, though this was not part of Kelemerian territory. The summers were mild, and the winters were cold and wet. It was colder and dryer in the Upplands. Typical wild animals populated the land, but there were no predators larger than foxes, and the largest animal to be found were the Reindeer of the Upplands. Though Laverwayne and Evansborough were decently sized, most of the population lived in rural villages.

## Background

Where the Kelemerians came from originally is lost to time, but their namesake isn't. The people and their land was named for a great chieftain, Kelebrandt, who united the tribes of what would become Kelemere in their interest. Due to the isolated nature of Kelemere, the neighboring Guilron Empire knew better to invade. Instead they allied, with the newly united Kelemere trading tin, iron, and livestock.

It is known that the small enclaves of human villages in the Marlow Mountains are likely descended from Kelemerians. It is also believed that the Kelemerians and Olbrechtites traced their lineage from the same group.

Normally there was no reason to pass through Kelemere, as travelling west could be achieved easier by simply travelling below the elevated country. However, several important shrines lay in the Dungrene Mountains, and it would definitely be faster to cut across Kelemere to reach them. The Kelemerians imposed unpopular tolls for those passing into their land though, which would eventually lead to conflict. The relationship between Kelemere and the Guilron Empire worsened still when the Kelemerians refused to join the Guilrons in their conquest of Holominea, wishing to stay neutral. Ever since, a bitter rivalry has existed between the two, and has lasted even after the fall of the empire and the establishment of its smaller predecessor, the kingdom of Guiles.

500 years before the Curse of Malchoir, there was mounting fear over the growing popularity of the old god's cults, and what he wished to do in recompense for his banishment from the ethereal world. So, the leaders of Guiles proposed that the kingdoms should unite one last time, and with the use of their greatest clerics, use Malchoir's black magic against him, and seal him away under the mountain forever. Most everyone agreed to this, and a great host of men from all kingdoms marched together to Malchoir's lair in the distant Sigil Hills. Kelemere was delayed however, and arrived too late. In missing the event though, they were spared Malchoir's parting curse, leaving them the only remaining kingdom of Men in Wraimall.

## Society and Attitudes

In these latter days, Kelemerian society is decadent and largely unconcerned with the constant threats on their borders. The King, Elliot Ulrich, has been dead for several years now, and prince Samuel is considered by the court too young to rule. With no final words, the squabbling ruling body of Kelemere is heavily bureaucratic and unable to decide on anything. The important officials of the kingdom rather enjoy entertainment, lavish celebrations, and ball-dancing. The military is small and made up of volunteers, with a majority of recruits being boys between the ages of 16 and 20. There are two small training camps on the eastern edge of the country, which are visited frequently by Captain Gresley.

The only citizens truly concerned with the state of the world are those who live close to the eastern borders, where numerous accounts of Goblin theft and Warg encroachment are reported. These people turn to fleeing into the interior, abandoning their settlements and seeking refuge in more populated areas. Rumors of dreadful monsters and treachery within the government itself are rife, and spread in quiet areas through casual talk, though not with full seriousness. Indeed it is true that snakes have infiltrated the kingdom's important position, serving foreign interests and slyly plotting the downfall of the kingdom from the inside. Such spies are employed by the kingdom of Guiles, who believe the only way to weaken Kelemere is from the inside out.

## Notable Kelemerians

### Samuel Ulrich

Young prince of Kelemere, and leader of the Three Heroes.

### Leon Tybalt

Apprentice of Royal Cleric Kilmer, childhood friend of Sam, and skilled in medicine.

### Maxwell Mannering

Son of Captain Gresley, and a lover of combat.

### Captain Gresley Mannering

Military leader of Kelemere, father of Max, and the official most concerned with the threats that lie outside of the country.

### Cleric Kilmer Ludding

Royal Cleric and Spiritual Adviser, an intellegent and cold man conflicted on what course of action is best for the kingdom.

### Marquis Kagney Bade

Spy for the Vampires of Guiles, was promised favor after his help in weakening Kelemere.

### Duke Sawney Morton

Old friend and peer of Sam, and current Duke of Evansborough.

## Monsters in Kelemere

Monsters are not yet common in Kelemere, but are feared altogether. With the fortunate geography protecting them from invading forces, Kelemerians only know of monsters based on hearsay, old legends, and the rare actual encounter. Goblins have been reported as crossing the river Wryard from Fanemire to steal supplies, money, and even livestock from small villages and farms. Wargs have also been spotted setting up new dens in the eastern woods, also from Fanemire. The most dreadful monster of all however is Snatcher, the troll that takes shelter in a series of narrow caves that open up below the Hlifian Bridge. Tales tell of Snatcher wandering the countryside at night and reaching in through windows or chimneys to grab children, hence his name.