Eberhard

A nation that formerly controlled the southern mainland before being conquered by the Rosa Empire. Since then, the Lords of Eberhard have attempted to gain influence over the Empire through close cooperation with the Empire and marriages into the imperial family. This tactic earned them certain leniency, particularly the ability to maintain a separate standing army to the imperial Legions.

Eberhard was a war-like nation and maintains a rich military history. Military service is mandatory for all men between the ages of 14 and 22 (slightly adjusted for non-humans to better reflect their lifespans). Upon the end of their compulsory service they are free to choose any career they wish, though many choose to remain with the military, or take a career that supports the military. Because of this, many-non military careers are filled by women. Foreigners are often surprised by the number of female master-crafters, scholars, and laborers.

Part of the reason for this military attitude is that Eberhard was a nation surrounded on all sides by enemies and monsters. In the west were the Chikere Swamps, where tribals and beasts frequently struck from. In the north was the Kalim Desert and its unpredictable anarchy. Worst was the forest in the southeast, Todeswald, a breeding ground for some of the most frightening monsters known to man. To combat the horrors of the forest they formed the Selbstmord, a unit made out of particularly brave (or particularly stupid) soldiers, as well as convicts who can take the service in place of their sentence.

20 years ago, the Lord of Eberhard, **Adolar**, was caught planning a march to Flowegrande in an effort to topple the Empire. In order to prevent losing their rights, Adolar was ousted. Instead of being executed, he volunteered to join the Selbstmord and was joined by many members of his house. They have since gained some notoriety for their adventures.

Since the start of the war, Eberhard has been attempting to reconquer and hold the territories of its former nation. The official claim by its Lord is that they are simply protecting these territories until the war for the throne in Flowegrande is resolved, though it is a poorly kept secret that they are already planning the restore the throne in Eberhard. There is some concern that Adolar will return from his exile and interfere with these plans, though so far he has made no move to leave the Selbstmord.

### Eberhard

The capital of the former Eberhard nation and its center of power. Its design reflects the nation's military history, being constructed like a massive fortress and surrounded by barriers, both natural and man made. In all of its history it was only successfully conquered once: by Emperor Alexander of the Rosa Empire.

### Todeswald

The Forest of Death, a dark and frightening place containing monsters that would have been best left to the imagination. Eberhard has long taken the responsibility for keeping these beasts in check.

## Selbstmord

Also known as Suiciders. Their role is to travel into the Todeswald and combat the monster there. The average life expectancy of its members is less than a year. In addition to its volunteers, its numbers are composed of convicts who accept the job in place of a sentence (usually in place of execution or a life sentence), soldiers who have reached retirement age but don't want to stop fighting, and the terminally ill whose condition still allows them to fight.

Selbstmord squads are numbered and rarely given names due to the high mortality rate. Selbstmord Squad 6, composed of the exiled Lord Adolar and his his household, has survived the duty for almost two decades. Their adventures in the Todeswald have become the thing of legends, being song by bards and written in books throughout the world.