Shardrethen

Shardrethen is a nation that takes up the southern half of Central Venaxxia. It is a magically advanced nation, with arcane magic found in almost all parts of society. It has a culture of individuality and personal achievement, which allows it to contain a populace with a myriad of different ideals and backgrounds. Its capital, Shardrethen City, is the seat of the cabal of powerful mages that lead the nation, known as the Crystal Council.

## Government

Shardrethen is known for its high value on personal responsibility and individual achievement, especially in the field of arcane magic, practitioners of which are highly respected. These values can be clearly seen in their form of government, which can be best described as a feudal oligarchy. Almost all positions in Shardrethen’s government are appointed, and none are hereditary.

The highest echelon of power in Shardrethen is the Crystal Council which consists of three of the most powerful mages in the nation. Placement on the crystal council is determined by previous members of the council, when one retires, the three discuss who best fits the position and that person is then raised to the status of council member. If one is to die, the remaining two choose a third. However, if two or more members are to die simultaneously, the Keepers convene and vote to appoint the new members.

Below the Crystal Council are appointed officials that are responsible for specific regions of the nation. As the nation values arcane magic above all, directly below the Council are the Keepers. Keepers are a unique position in that they are only assigned to large settlements whenever a mages guild or college within the settlement has become prominent enough to garner the attention of the Council. A Keeper controls its major settlement and the region surrounding it, including villages and towns. They are responsible for levying taxes, protecting citizens, and commanding a standing army, among other duties, however, their most important duty is to facilitate the growth of mages guilds or colleges within their assigned settlement and ensure the furthering of arcane science in Shardrethen.

Also directly below the Crystal Council, but not holding the same authority as the keepers, are the Margraves. Margraves are also appointed by the Council, however their role is to preside over the less-developed lands within the nation of Shardrethen. Their responsibilities are similar to a Keeper, however they often take a much more active approach in commanding their army, as undeveloped lands hold much more dangers than civilized areas. In addition, they have the role of protecting and assisting in the growth of new, promising settlements that may one day grow to a point where a Keeper will be appointed.

As Keepers and Margraves both rule over large tracts of land, they subdivide their regions and appoint Burgraves. Burgraves are often responsible for one large settlement, or a few small towns and villages. They report directly to the official who appointed them. Under the Burgraves are local leaders such as mayors, aldermen, or similar positions.

## Notable Locations

### Settlements

* Alreith
* Couth's Corner
* Felrazim
* Kassalor
* Shardrethen