The Realm of Westemär stretches north from the Drakeclaw and Glimmer Mountains, along the Crystal Coast to northern tundras. The heartland is made up of deep dark forests surrounding wide flowing rivers, interspersed with areas of fertile marshland. The land is prosperous and rich in natural resources: iron, salt, and coal mines, fine timber, and excellent quarries. These industries supported the realm’s once-great military strength and built the impressive architecture of its cities. As such, the nobility are distinguished, but materialistic and prideful, in contrast to the hard-working and pragmatic common folk.

Drakkenheim was the capital of Westemär and home to the ruling family, House von Kessel. After the meteor fell, the two surviving scions of House von Kessel clashed over succession in a brutal civil war that tore the nation apart. After many assassinations, accidents, and disastrous battles, the civil war ended with no clear victor. Most believe House von Kessel is now extinct, and the throne remains abandoned and empty in the ruins of Castle Drakken. The lands surrounding Drakkenheim are now contaminated, and most villages nearby are deserted. Lacking a sovereign ruler, the nobility manages their own domains directly. They remain deeply divided based on which branch of House von Kessel they supported during the civil war. Many grievances remain, and occasional skirmishes occur between the squabbling barons, counts, and dukes. However, after nearly a decade of fighting, their coffers are empty and their blood is spent. Few possess the will or resources to continue these feuds for the time being. Many noble families possess some relation to the royal line, yet none have the political clout or military strength to press a claim upon the throne and reunify the nation.

The realm of Elyria lies on a large peninsula south of the Drakeclaw Mountains. The land comprises vast rolling prairies and river basins broken up by rocky arid hills and a mountainous coast. Nestled within are pockets of imposing pinewood forests, and great deposits of precious minerals such as gold and silver. Elyrians are known for being kind-hearted and outgoing folk eager to share the bounty of their land. Most live a rural life in small villages along the rivers and coasts. Indeed, the fertile river valleys at the heart of Elyria were an early cradle of civilization, and the countryside is dotted with the ruins of ancient cities. The Holy City of Lumen is the capital of Elyria. The Faith of the Sacred Flame was founded here, and the shining city is the seat of power for the Divine Matriarch. The most fervent and orthodox adherents to the faith are found amongst the Elyrian people. Beyond Lumen, there are few large cities save several bustling port towns that are hubs for international trade. The Elyrian navy is amongst the finest in the continent.

A Rising Theocracy

Originally, Elyria was a monarchy, but today, the nation is effectively a theocracy ruled by the Divine Matriarch. As leader of the Faith of the Sacred Flame, the Divine Matriarch has traditionally been regarded as a pillar of wisdom, truth, and justice, so they often mediate difficult political matters. When the Elyrian royal line went extinct, a parliament drawn from the Elyrian nobility determined that the Divine Matriarch would appoint a Lord Regent to lead them. Together, the noble parliament and the Lord Regent would serve as a ruling body for the nation. However, in recent decades, successive Divine Matriarchs have used this power to select a line of caretaker regents who defer to the Faith on virtually all matters of state. While members of the clergy take vows of poverty that preclude them from holding actual political station, the parliament is now mostly made up of fundementalist nobles staunchly loyal to the religion, and the Lord Regent is almost always a close relative of a prominent High Flamekeeper or the Divine Matriarch. As a result, the Divine Matriarch wields de facto political authority in Elyria.

The realm of Caspia stretches in an expanse between the Glimmer Mountains and the Diamond Sea. It is a rugged and mediterranean nation, home to a boisterous and affable people led by a constantly squabbling nobility.

The Kingsmoot

Caspians elect their High King once each decade, from candidates put forth by the princes of their noble houses. The valorous deeds and reputation of the noble houses is a major factor in determining the High King. Though Caspian politics are always shifting, especially as the next Kingsmoot draws near, it has stood as a remarkably stable nation. As such, Caspians love to meddle in the politics of Elyria and Westemär. They often intermarry with the nobles of different realms to gain greater clout and influence for the next Kingsmoot.