Kingdom of Novgorod

## Overview

The Kingdom of Novgorod is a moderately sized kingdom on the eastern coast of Armeran. Its capital in Sunstall. It is largely human. Its coat of arms features two bears, each holding axes, on either side of a the shield gules. A Knight on a horse comprises the chief charge of the tricorne shield over a field argent. The mantle is of twisted branches verdant, which some believe symbolize the hidden wealth rumored to propagate from the Webbed Forests. The current ruler, King Joni III, is struggling to keep his vassals in line.

## History

The Kingdom of Novgorod was formed in the year 887, when King Lucious "The Great" successfuly rebelled against the Kingdom of Three.

It has known relative peace, with no notable infighting or major wars since its birth. Because of this, the Kingdom has been able to grow and prosper.

## Geography

It is made up of 4 distinct cultural regions: the Sumterlands, the Golden Coast, the Webbed Forests, and the Red Fields. It is bordered in the west by the Uhmacui Expanse. To the north lies Langaria, and on the sourthern side of the Gray Mountains lies the dwarven Muhl Gahrum Confederacy.

### The Sumterlands

The mountainous Sumterlands make up the entirety of the southern border with the Muhl Gahrum Confederacy. Due to the high elevation and the vast ranges of mountains that cut through the province, the ground is frozen and covered in snow almost year-round. The region is the largest of the provinces of Novgorod, but is sparsely populated. Its people are strong and hardy, although sometimes are seen as barbaric in their customs. They are brutal warriors, and often on the front lines of Novgorodian armies.

### The Golden Coast

The Golden Coast run along the entire eastern coast of Novgorod. They are heavily mercantilized, and are thus the richest province in Novgorod. The capital city Sunstall lies along the north-east coast, and serves as the seat of the King. The northern third of the province is home to most of the aristocracy of Novgorod, and the southern third is always abustle with busy merchants and lively caravans. One can find a wide variety of races, personalities, and cultures throughout the province amongst its densely populated cities.

### The Webbed Forests

The Webbed Forests are home to the various outcasts of Novgorodian society. The land is named for its peculiar fauna. The plant-life here is much more alive than in the rest of the province. Plants intermingle their various branches, sprouts, and stems together, somehow communicating with each other. Plants can be observed moving their branches slowly, mingling with other plants throughout the day. This has been the subject of many studies, but information is often contradictory or inconclusive. Legends of mighty beasts, twisted abominations, and unholy magical practices within are more than enough to keep the vast majority of Novgorodians away. The province supports a House of Relations on the outskirts of the forests in order to keep ties with the King. The forests are nestled along the northern border of Novgorod, between the Golden Coast and the Red Fields.

### The Red Fields

The Red Fields get their name from the red grasses that grow wildly throughout its countryside. The most fertile lands of Kingdom, the majority of food is grown and harvested here. It is known for its warm and welcoming people. The population is almost entirely human, except for a small elvish community in the south-western forests. The province is almost entirely flat, with two sizable lakes lying in the middle, the Greater Bear Lake and the Lesser Bear Lake. It is from these lakes that the Kingdom gets its insignia. Towards the vast unarable southern half of the province, culturally nomadic people herd migratory grazing animals, moving from uplands to lowlands with the seasons. Myths and folklore from the Red Fields attribute the province’s abundance and unity to Kaprikantzer, a powerful sky god who has driven the seasons to change since the beginning of time.