Elementals 3: The White Rose (OOC, FANTASY, OPEN)

[Constaniana]

Happy Thanksgiving!

I think I'm going to go with A Boy and His Dog vibes on the new character I'm building.

How so? I'm guessing he'll have a dog?

[Lazarian]

Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully y'all are having a great day and enjoying the holiday.

Well, except you, Zark. I hope you're having a nice Thursday.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully y'all are having a great day and enjoying the holiday.

Well, except you, Zark. I hope you're having a nice Thursday.

A most joyously mundane Thursday -nods-

[Kassaran]

Well, Belle had some developments in her character I wasn't expecting, but wholly welcome and enjoy seeing.

[Ameriganastan]

Well, Belle had some developments in her character I wasn't expecting, but wholly welcome and enjoy seeing.

Well, being covered in monster innards after being used as a projectile tends to spur a little development.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Having finally caught up... why do I feel like I'm the only one who acknowledged the toxic smoke at any point?

Also, I've been having some neat ideas for spells for an Earth Elemental. I might or might not use that to create a character, we'll see.

[Lazarian]

Having finally caught up... why do I feel like I'm the only one who acknowledged the toxic smoke at any point?

Also, I've been having some neat ideas for spells for an Earth Elemental. I might or might not use that to create a character, we'll see.

Hey, in my post, Katya’s got it covered, so it’ll all work out.

It’ll probably be up after I post the mother of all lore dumps tonight.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Having finally caught up... why do I feel like I'm the only one who acknowledged the toxic smoke at any point?

Also, I've been having some neat ideas for spells for an Earth Elemental. I might or might not use that to create a character, we'll see.

Hey, in my post, Katya’s got it covered, so it’ll all work out.

It’ll probably be up after I post the mother of all lore dumps tonight.

I'll look forward to that then -nods-

[Kassaran]

Having finally caught up... why do I feel like I'm the only one who acknowledged the toxic smoke at any point?

Also, I've been having some neat ideas for spells for an Earth Elemental. I might or might not use that to create a character, we'll see.

Hey, in my post, Katya’s got it covered, so it’ll all work out.

It’ll probably be up after I post the mother of all lore dumps tonight.

Anticipation building. I'm in an earlier timezone than normal tonight, so it feels like it's taking even longer than normal. Looking really forward to the post.

[Lazarian]

A depiction of the Garmiccian Empire, chronicled by scholars at the Imperial College

A map of the Garmiccian Empire in this current year of 1781 G.C.C.

The Morozov Province is the Northwesternmost province in Garmiccia, located towards the arctic vortex at the top of the world.

The province has a low population, less than 250,000. Most are concentrated towards the south of the region, distributed into small fishing villages. The population is split ethnically between the Garmecus people and the native tribes of the far North, known as the Pitka peoples. The west half of the province is largely barren tundra with herds of elk and reindeer, while the east is filled with the thick and dense taiga boreal forest that extends across the north of the Zakaleny mountain range.

The natural resources of the Morozov Province are primarily iron and coal deposits located in the mountainous and hilly regions, as well as lumber from the larch trees that compose the vast taiga. Stocks of polar cod and whales are plentiful off the coast.

This province is large in size but low in population, and the current ruler, Baron Nikolai Kuznetsov (formerly the General of the Third Battalion), has been tasked with more efficiently harvesting the natural resources of this province and establishing some sort of industry. The capital province is the Iron Keep, a fortress built over ancient ruins from the olde times. The prior ruler of this province was the Iceborn Baron Toklo Arnatuk, who firmly supported Jeramiahde. Tragically, Baron Arnatuk was childless, and died in battle with Southern forces in 1760 G.C.C at the Conquest of Vykhod.

Historically, Morozov was originally just scattered villages consisting of the hardiest settlers from Ustyereki, as well as the lands of the nomadic Pitka tribes. It was assimilated into the Garmecus Kingdom during the rule of Arcadeus Norn the First in the year 1147 G.C.C.

The Iron Keep

The Snezhny Province is the furthest north province of Garmiccia, located to the northwest of the Zakaleny mountain range. This province is quite possibly the least populated in Garmiccia (approximately 200,000 or less), due to a severe lack of food supplies. Few crops grow in such a cold climate, and this province is landlocked, cutting it off from the rich fish stocks of halibut and cod to the North. The majority of the population is located along the Old Armer Road (which ships goods and tribute from both Northwest provinces to the capital in Schloersteein). The primary occupations of the underclass of Snezhny are miners, builders, and hunters.

The natural resources of the Snezhny province are quartz, lazulite, sapphire, and other gemstones, as well as the larch forests that are split with the Morozov province. As an aside, there are far fewer woodcutters in Snezhny than Morozov, based on the distance of military forces and large settlements to the forest. Mythic creatures still lurk the unexplored depths of the forest, and it is a land fraught with peril for the unwise and foolhardy. The highlight of the province is the capital city of Reznaya, the subterranean city, with a population of approximately 50,000. Carved into the side of a mountain by ancient Earthborn, this city is an architectural marvel. The secrets to its construction have been long lost.

The current ruler is Duke Gavril Sidorov, an Earthborn born and raised in Reznaya. The Sidorov family has ruled Reznaya for generations and are beloved among the populace. Rumor has it that they are descendants of the original Earthborn that carved the mountain city in the first place. Duke Sidorov pledged support to Jeramiahde early into the war, providing many of the soldiers that helped conquer Pryzan and stabilize the Unified North.

Reznaya was originally a city of the ancient Gallian Empire, though it defected to the Garmiccian Empire in 1136 G.C.C after the Fall of Schloersteen and the collapse of the Gallian government in Elcresia.

A depiction of the magnificent city of Reznaya.

The Ustyereki Province is located at the mouth of the great River Maline, which stretches from the Maedranurth Sea to the great city of Pyrzan in the Southern Zakaleny mountain range (also known as the Hegelian range).

The Ustyereki Province used to have near 500,000 people, but in recent years, a vast migration to the South and further up the river has occurred, draining this formerly prosperous region dry. This province used to be ruled by Baron Arnyek, brother in law of the slain Emperor Anatoli, but he was deposed during the Civil War.

Rumor has it that the Arnyek family greatly displeased the gods – twenty years ago, the port-city of Vykhod had a large region surrounding it that was able to grow wheat, despite being so far north. Through a combination of the rich soil of the river valley and warmer weather from the ocean, the city served as an agricultural hub for the Northwest for near a thousand years. However, in the beginning of the civil war, a blight fell upon the land, causing several years of bad harvests. Simultaneously, an infestation of Greatbeasts fell upon the forests to the East of the region, as well as fish catches rapidly falling in quality and quantity.

Now, the Ustyereki Province is a shell of its former self, with the peasantry hardy enough to remain in the land raking out subsistence farming and hunting. The current ruler, Baron Michail Nescha (a Wildborn), has attempted to bring some life and order back to the land, through leading crusades of hunters to slay hundreds of Greatbeasts and heading immense agricultural works with support of the Registry. It seems that crops are finally returning, though it seems the land will likely never return to its former glory.

Some say that this province was the original Kingdom of Garmecus, though this knowledge has been lost to the sands of time.

A glimpse of the docks at Vykhod.

Srednmalin Province is located further up the River Maline, upriver of the Ustyereki Province and downriver of the Rzeka Province. The Sredmalin Province consists of highland steppes in between the Hegelian mountain range and the Neoprovd mountain range, as well as part of the vast coniferous forests to the center of the country. To the east of the province lies the rocky cliffs and plateau mesas of the Tal Kheer Hills, an area settled by the nomadic Neyyik peoples and generally left alone by the Garmiccian Empire.

The Srednmalin Province produces an excellent rhubarb crop, along with many goat and Northern Cattle (a shaggy hairy breed of cow, smaller than the typical Gallian heifer) herds. Srednmalin also imports horses to the Emperor’s Province, and some say the best cavalry in the empire comes from this provice. Srednmalin has a culture that embraces horseback riding and archery, and a large target competition during the Feast of the Great Fire is one of the most popular events every year. The population of Srednmalin is around half a million, with the large city of Kazanmalin composing 100,000 of that. The remainder of the population are primarily herders and farmers, relatively poor, but generally good-spirited and easy going. Kazanmalin is a warm water port, and the city receives significant imports of grain from ships going up the River Maline.

The current ruler of Srednmalin Province is Duke Bataan Varruk, a Windborn known particularly for his half-Neyyik bloodline. Bataan was a Neyyik chief who pledged allegiance to Jeramiahde during the Civil War. The prior ruler, Ivan Loshan, had treated the Neyyik minority in the province poorly (taxing them more highly, as well forbidding movement through traditional grazing ranges), and Bataan seized the opportunity created by the chaos of the civil war to lead an popular uprising against him. Baron Loshan was executed in the city square personally by Duke Varruk, and the city fell under Imperial control for the remainder of the war. Varruk has been quite popular among both the Garmecus and Neyyik populations for his low taxes and brokering peace between more aggressive Neyyik tribes and settlers heading into the hills.

Several Neyyik cavalrymen on steppe-horses. While primitive and backwards to our civilized standards, they are loyal subjects to the Emperor.

Rzeka Province is the centermost region of Garmiccia, located in between the Varian Hills and the Hegelian mountain range, at the source of the great River Maline. Rzeka has a population of approximately half a million, with roughly half of that residing in the great city of Pyrzan.

The city of Pyrzan was founded by Gallian settlers thousands of years prior to the emergence of the Garmiccian Empire, though it was renamed by Viscount Arcadeus Norn his victory over the Gallians in 1135, after he raised the First Great Cathedral of Pyrastar in praise after his victory. The city has been the religious heart of Garmiccia since then, with all bishops and arch-bishops of Pyrastar anointed and trained in Pyrzan. A notable feature of the Cathedral is the Everlasting Flame, a hearth which has been kept aflame and alive nonstop for over a thousand years.

The Rzeka province is primarily highland steppe, much like its neighbor to the West, producing similar resources. The Rzeka province also has several mining towns in the Hegelian mountain range, producing gold and rubies, many of which are inlaid in the walls of the Great Cathedral.

The current ruler of Rzeka Province is Fireborn Duke Janos Novak, former Archpriest of Pyrastar. Formerly, Rzeka Province was ruled by House Vodak. However, House Vodak chose to support Emperor Anatoli, whereas House Novak (a rival family in Pyrzan) threw their support behind Lord-General Jeramiahde. Both families were popular among the clergy that dominated the city politics, so the transfer of power was ultimately relatively peaceful once the city surrendered to approaching Imperial forces. In a surprising twist of fate, Istvan Vodak was spared and merely demoted, an unusual departure from protocol from Jeramiahde.

Common thought in scholarly circles is that Jeramiahde wished to avoid bloodshed in the city to avoid being denounced by the Patriarch of the Holy Helreskaffe Church in Garmiccia, which would have been a fatal blow to his legitimacy as a potential emperor. Regardless of whether these were his intentions, the peaceful transfer of Pyrzan was crucial towards uniting the remaining Northern provinces under his banner.

A portrait of a priest of Pyrastar attending to the Everlasting Flame.

The Emperor’s Province, or the Fortress City of Schloersteen and surrounding territory, is the seat of power in the Garmiccian Empire. Located atop and around the greatest of the mountains (Terres Major), the city was constructed by the last remnants of the Gallian Empire in Garmiccia as a capital, over a thousand years ago. It is only fitting then that the Capital of Garmiccia, the (self-proclaimed) heir to the Gallian Empire resides here. Schloersteen is an impressive sight, with near-impenetrable walls and a keep that pierces the sky itself. The capital has a population of 500,000, the largest city in Garmiccia by far. The total population of the province is approximately 760,000, with the remainder of the populace being small cities established on the wayside of the two Ancient Roads leading to Schloersteen.

Needless to say, Schloersteen is incredibly wealthy, with a very high standard of living for the North, primarily due to the tribute that flows into the city every month and the high numbers of Spellborn and noble families that live in the Capital. The Imperial Army trains in this province, and a vast assortment of blacksmiths, gunsmiths, and armorers have sprung up in the area. As well as the other things that come with large numbers of soldiers, such as bars, brothels, and jousting halls.

The previous Emperor was Emperor Anatoli, replaced by his brother Jeramiahde. Anatoli attempted to reach too far with religious reforms and democratic ideals (infuriating the North provinces), whilst simultaneously raising taxes on the wealthy cities to the South. There was a relatively even split amongst the provinces, with the South backing Anatoli (primarily as a bid to their own independence). The rest, of course, is history.

The front gate of Schloersteen, heavily guarded during both peace and war.

Vedma Province is the Northeasternmost province of Garmiccia, located on the coast of the Dawn Sea and to the east of the Hegelian and Zakaleny mountain ranges. Vedma Province has a small population, of approximately 300,000. The capital city is the cold water port of Zamorzha (population 124,000), located on the coast of the Dawn Sea. This city is a city under the iron fist of Duke Temnota, who rules with despotic force.

Most of the population lives as miserable serfs raking out subsistence farming in the tundra, with some residing in small villages (relatively overlooked in comparison) in the boreal taiga to the north of the province. Vedma Province primarily exports great hauls of fish and salted elk to Schloersteen. Additionally, the Privateer Fleets of the empire sail in and out from Zamorzha in the summer months of the year – it is a short trip to bring their ill-gotten riches to the capital, as well as the winter ice providing a deterrent to any ships without an Iceborn captain on board.

Zamorzha was previously ruled by Baron Johan Anton, who both opposed Jeramiahde vocally during the first few weeks of the coup and also died mysteriously and suddenly. Temnota was previously a Shockborn general in Jeramiahde’s forces, who requested the province as an award for his faithful service.

A feature of note in Vedma are ancient ruins from the old Gallian Empire to the far North, technically outside of the province’s borders. Recently, Temnota has funded several missions for brave warriors to wander into those arctic regions and return with artifacts or ancient runes, though nobody knows as to why.

The frozen lands of Vedma.

The Kryuchok Province is located south of the cursed Ustyereki Province, and many of the peasantry from the Ustyereki Province migrated down to this one. The Kryuchok is relatively populous, with approximately 500,000 citizens, of which 65,000 reside in the capitol of Rybolov. The west of this province is a large coastal biome, with temperate rainforest to the west. This province’s climate is moderated by the ocean and does not typically have an extreme range of temperatures, staying from 40-70 degrees year-round.

The vast majority of the peasantry of this region are fishermen (in the west) and foresters (in the east). This region’s land is not suitable for large-scale farming, with the Kryuchok Peninsula being both very rocky and also perpetually rainy. However, cod, halibut, and salmon are commonly caught. Kryuchok does not import or export any substantial resources of note. It is a very self-reliant province, not giving or taking much from the Imperial government. The goddess Hydrata is worshipped extensively in this province, and the Cathedral of Hydrata is located in Rybolov.

Kryuchok is currently ruled by Duke Rufus Cemra, a fishing fleet magnate. Duke Cemra stayed neutral in the war, neither pledging support to Anatoli nor resistance to Jeramiahde. The province was almost entirely unaffected by the war, and Cemra hardly even comes to Council Meetings or abides by Imperial edicts at all. Cemra does not levy many taxes or force many levies, whilst also not offering governmental help to struggling settlements. Many Kryuchok settlers may not even know who their ruler is – or even care, for that matter. All that matters are the catch and the tide, as it has been for centuries.

A view of the frigid and rocky coasts of Kryuchok.

The Sukhaya Province is located above the Neoprovd mountain range, spanning the vast dry inland in the midst of the mountains. Most of Sukhaya is a cold desert biome, as very little moisture makes it over the mountain range and into this inland territory. Completely landlocked and with few natural resources, Sukhaya has a population of less than 150,000. Most of said population (90,000) lives in the capital city of Sziklao, a major waypoint on the Orszag Road that delivers thousands of tonnage of wheat and gemstones to and from Schloesteen. Sziklao is a great terraced city, located in a peaceful and shaded mountain valley. The remainder of the population are primarily nomads and Neyyik hillmen, who are largely irrelevant in the eyes of the Empire. The most frequent occupations are miners, blacksmiths, factory workers, and merchants.

Sukhaya, despite its low population and dearth of natural resources, exports large amounts of iron, copper, tin, lead, and silver. The most popular gods are Terestark and Ferruoston, due to the high prevalence of blacksmiths and miners. The Cathedral of Terestark is hewn into a nearby mountain here, and many miners will pray to Terestark and make an offering of a lodestone before braving the depth, a time-honored tradition. Sziklao produces fine metal goods, from armor to doorknobs, exporting them down to the Southern provinces, who lack significant metal deposits. Sziklao is also a prime destination on the largest highway through the Neoprovd mountains. The city imports grain and other foodstuffs from up the Zagyva River and through the mountains. It has strong ties and relations to its sister city of Loscverg to the South, as any interruption of the trade route would immediately start a famine.

The governor of this province is Earthborn Baron Alajos Rezny, (former General of the Fourth Regiment) who replaced the slain lord Baron Miklos Sanyi. Baron Sanyi was a firm supporter of Emperor Anatoli, exporting weapons and iron to the fiercely resistant Southern Provinces. The campaign to unite the fractured South once more was largely unsuccessful until Siege of Sziklao in 1765 G.C.C, in which the city surrendered after a half year. Sanyi was slain whilst attempting to flee the city, cut down by furious citizens who had born the brunt of the struggle whilst he feasted in decadent chambers. Public opinion on Baron Rezny is largely indifferent. House Rezny originates from the Rzeka Province, and Alajos has struggled politically due to his lack of connections in the city. Baron Rezny spends most of his time resting on his laurels, feasting and ignoring the general populace. Due to his lack of lesser noble and industry magnate support, Rezny fears to rock the boat much one way or another.

The frozen desert which composes most of Sukhaya Province, largely uninhabitable.

Hegyekoz Province is a small province located to the east of the Emperor’s Province, in the midst of the ends of the Hegelian and Neoprovd mountain ranges. Hegyekoz is mostly coniferous forest, with a slight bit of arid highlands to the west. This region is also relatively low in population, with approximately 200,000 citizens. Most are simple woodsmen or fur trappers, with little urban development. Even the capital, Pihenoz, is a simple city of a mere 30,000, with little features of note.

Little Hegyekoz is a largely irrelevant province, primarily known for its transport of goods in and out of the Emperor’s Province. Many imports to Garmiccia enter through the neighboring port capital of Karlovmir in Kereske, before travelling to Pihenoz and then up the road to Schloersteen.

Hegyekoz exports furs (beaver, squirrel, sables, silver fox, and Northern Rabbit). Hegyekoz is also known for its blueberries, currants, elderberries, and chestnuts. Many fine jellies are produced in this region. It imports fish and metals from its neighboring provinces. Hegyekoz enjoys relative stability due to its closeness to the Emperor’s Province – any regional issue can be quickly crushed by Imperial might. The current ruler is Wildborn Baron Denes Szorm. Baron Szorm remained neutral until the tide of the war swung in Jeramiahde’s direction, and then swiftly bent his knee and pledged allegiance. He was not punished for his indecision, and rumor has it that he covertly supported Jeramiahde, afraid to declare open allegiance and provoke his more powerful neighbors to the South.

A Hegyeken fur trapper, most likely of Kerrish descent judging by the striped robes.

The Kereske Province is the Easternmost province of Garmiccia, located to the east of the Neoprovd mountains. The province is moderately sized, smaller than the sparsely populated provinces to the North, but larger than the city state provinces that sprung up on the banks of Zagyva River. With a decent population of 400,000, Kereske is a relevant power in the East, greatly overshadowing its neighbor Hegyekoz and the undeveloped Vedma province to the north. The capital city of Karlovmir is a very large port city, with a population of approximately 77,000. The people of Kereske are primarily farmers, fishermen, woodcutters, traders, and sailors, though there is a diverse spread of jobs and industries.

The Kereske Provice consists of coastal plains with moderate temperature due to the sea, as well as the rich temperate mixed forests. Kereske is blessed with arable land, able to grow oats, barley, wheat, and cereal rye near the coast. In the inland, the Kereske have access to many useful types of lumber, such as maple, poplar, elm, and pine. At sea, stocks of salmon, cod, and herring are present. Kereske has few natural ores or minerals, needing to export these from Morozov, Sukhaya or Loscverg.

Kereske is notable for its existence as an independent Kingdom until the year 1658 G.C.C. It was annexed by Emperor Aleksander Norn-Darekuth IV, Jeremiahde’s Great-Grandfather, though it was not a particularly violent annexation. Kereske is much closer to a client state than a legitimate historical province, and the Kerrish people reject most Imperial Edicts and pay the bare minimum of required tribute. They are insular and relatively xenophobic to the Garmecus settlers and merchants who have attempted to make inroads to their lands.

Duke-King Josip Tjesimir the Third is one in a long line of dynastic monarchical kings, though he is quite popular among the Kerrish for successfully staying out of the Civil War. During those troubled times, he successfully appeased the conquering Jeramiahde with tribute, whilst simultaneously preserving the relationships with their wealthy neighbors to the South by never truly pledging allegiance. This was a remarkable feat of diplomacy.

Kereske is also unique in that they separate Caelston and Pyrastar into two separate gods, having temples for both. Pyrastar is still reigned as the foremost and greatest of the gods, but Caelston is his twin, and both work together to form the warmth of the sun.

A view of the city of Karlovmir.

The Kerrek Commonwealth is an agrarian area that rejected the initial annexation by Aleksander Norn-Daketh. The people’s hero, Yasatar the Noble Bandit, refused to bend the knee to conquering tyrants, and led a revolution against the Tjesimir ruling family. The notably foul-mouthed brigand with a heart of gold (rumored to have a magic sword, though this is a folk legend) introduced radical ideas about democracy and rule of the people to the South Kerrish, which have remained to this day. The People’s Commonwealth is the only fully democratic society in Elcresia, with elections being held every decade to decide nine parliamentary seats (based after the nine Gods of creation).

The Kerrek Commonwealth is located south of the Kereske Province and has very friendly relations, with the Kereske province being officially tasked to reign in these rebels but never actually sending any military forces down. The land is composed of fertile and temperate coastal plains, allowing for good harvests and all sorts of crops to be grown. The Kerrek people are very easy-going and freedom-loving, with a very communal sense of identity in their small nation-state. They export significant harvests of grain and cattle to their brothers in the North and their neighbors in the South, while importing metal, tools, and other material goods from the Zagyva River city-state provinces.

A view of agrarian landscape of the Kerrek rebels.

North Maedkol is a province located South of the Neoprovd mountain range and on the coast of the Maedranurth Sea, after which the capital city of Maedkol was named. The city of Maedkol was founded by the Tyrnath Lord Kollaen Asgeir in 977 G.C.C, who conquered the Muryut tribal chieftains which previously occupied the area. The Maedkol territory extended from the southern border of the Kryuchuk Province to a few leagues north of the city of Yehlheim.

However, the territory of Maedkol was conquered by Arcadeus Norn, King of Garcemus and First Emperor of Garmiccia in 1135 G.C.C, signaling a closure to the war against Margnon and Yelhennei. Despite half a millennium under Garmiccian rule, the Tyrnath cultural roots are still very present and alive within the Maedkol provinces. The language spoken in Maedkol still has loan words from Old Tyrnâsh, adding further to the confusing linguistic patchwork of Garmiccia. Additionally, Maedkol clergymen adhere more closely to the teachings Holy Helreskaffen Church, frowning on the portrayal of Froenstia and Veridalia as malevolent. Of course, Maedkolians do not know a true Garmiccian weather, as their climate is moderated by the coast as well.

The population of North Maedkol is approximately 300,000, though nearly two thirds of that live in the capitol of Maedkol. The remainder of the province is rocky and craggy land unsuitable for farming, asides from some tracts to the East. North Maedkol also extends to the coniferous forest and mixed forest above and below the Heglians, so all types of lumber are available for the carpentry guilds in Maedkol. The citizens of Maedkol Province are typically craftsmen, fishermen, with a few woodsmen and farmers mixed in. Maedkolians are noticeably less pale than the Garcem people due to their Muryut/Tyrnathmen ancestry, with tanned skin and thick black hair.

Exceptional furniture is produced in Maedkol, a prime luxury good export of the city. Unlike the other port cities, Maedkol’s port does freeze over from time to time, due to some particular quirk of the inlet.

North Maedkol was the first front in the Reclamation War, and several battles were fought in this province, both on sea and at land. The previous ruler of the province, Waterborn Duke Bjorn Czarne, went down with his ship during a climactic battle with the Imperial Navy, and his successor surrendered to Jermaiahde shortly after. The province is currently ruled by Fireborn Arvid Einar, who was a minor noble who defected from Maedkol and fought for Jeramiahde. The Maedkolian populace is largely indifferent to the change of Emperors and simply grateful that the war is over, as they culturally identify much more strongly with their own province than the nations of Garmiccia or Yelhennei.

A view from the docks of Maedkol. As you can see, Tyrnath cultural influence is clearly visible in the architecture of the city.

South Maedkol is a tiny province located to the south of North Maedkol on the banks of the Zagyva river. With a population of a mere 170,000, this province is largely irrelevant in the Southern provinces. Much like North Maedkol, South Maedkol is a coastal plain, though some land is suitable for very hardy crops, such as potatoes and legumes. South Maedkol also grows large amounts of cabbages, carrots, onions, and flax. Needless to say, most South Maedkolians are farmers, with some fishermen thrown in.

South Maedkol’s capital is the small town of Ziemniak on the banks of the Zagyva river, reaching a mere 30,000 residents. Interestingly enough, South Maedkol is the only province to extend south of the river, with a few small towns on the other side being firmly Maedkolian.

South Maedkol was the second to last to surrender to Jermiahde’s forces, not officially acknowledging him as Emperor until 1767 G.C.C. This is not due to any particular valor on the part of the Maedkolians – no Imperial forces ever entered South Maedkol. In fact, the only reason the province switched sides was because the war was essentially over, and the province did not wish to stand without Federal support or join Yelhennei. Duke Arne Johansen, known as Arne the Fat, is the only non-Spellborn Lord on the Council of Nobles. He does not attend any summons, sending representatives to agree with whatever North Maedkol states. There have been suggestions of merging North and South Maedkol, but the province was split in the late 1400s to keep the ruler of Maedkol from garnering enough power to consider rebelling against Garmiccian rule.

A depiction of the small town of Ziemniak. It is largely irrelevant to our glorious Empire, truthfully.

Beczka Province is a Southern Province located to the east of the Maedkol Provinces, north of the Zagyva River, extending all the way up to the Neoprovd mountain range. Beczka Province has a population of roughly 240,000, most of which live in small towns along the riverbank, though some are in the forests as well. The capital city of Slodkie is a decently sized city of around 60,000, known for its exceptional breweries and alehouses. Slodkie is also known for the College of Przechowy, a renowned school which has produced many great tradesmen and scholars.

Beczka Province is located mostly in broadleaf forest, though the land near the river has been cleared to make way for farmland. Like the other mid-South provinces, Beczka province has very clear seasons, with frigid winters and cool summers. The land here is decent for farming, and Beczka grows legumes, potatoes, oats, and barley-wheat. Nobody, however, knows Beczka for the potatoes. Beczka Province is primarily known for its master brewers, meadmen, and ale makers. Large vinyards are grown in the forests, and this province has significant Grandbee populations (more akin to birds than insects with their size and ferocity), which create some of the finest honey in the land. Grandbeekeeping is dangerous, with enough stings being lethal, though experienced keepers rarely let such incidents occur. Some argue that the Grandbees are attracted to the Bluebell Flower, a certain flower that grows solely in this forest range.

Regardless, Beczka Province is a respectable province, though some of their orchards are still recovering from the devastation of the Reclaiming War. Natureborn Duke Piotr Kochani fought against Jeramiahde’s forces on the border between Beczka and Maedkol, though he was defeated and captured as a prisoner of war. Incredibly, he lived to tell the tale (and hold onto his council seat), a truly rare occurrence. Some claim that the Kochani Family has passed down a secret recipe that they would take to the grave, and the Emperor loves the sweet distilled beverage so much that he spared Piotr. Of course, this is local legend, and likely a falsehood – though…perhaps the legend is true.

Slodkie was spared due to surrendering promptly when the Emperor’s forces arrived, which has strained relations with their Vasovian neighbors. Though the citizens of Beczka preferred Anatoli, they are not truly opposed to Jeramiahde, with the implementation of the Spellborn Registry being especially popular.

Historically, Beczka Province was inhabited by a mixture of Yelh, Maedkol, Garcem, and Vasovian settlers. Beczka was founded by the Margraves of Yelhheim during the zenith of their power, (around 850 G.C.C) though it was later split between Maedkol and Vasovia in the late 1000s, before being conquered by Garmiccia in the expansionist conquests of the 1400s.

A visual of two Priests of Pyrastar who have snuck up on a brewery owner, preparing to chastize him for his lack of donations.

Ciemny Province is located to the south of the Neoprovd mountains, sandwiched in between Becza and Sosklon, with Vasovia to the south. The border between Ciemny and West Vasovia is simply “where the forest begins”, a natural border that contracts and expands every year. Ciemny has a population of around 240,000, with the capital of Sekwoja located along the banks of the Zaygva. Sekwoja’s population is roughly 45,000 citizens. Most citizens are woodcutters, trappers, and hunters.

The geography of the region is almost entirely the mixed broadleaf forests beneath the Neoprovd. The natural resources of this region are redwoods, oak, pine, and fir trees. The thick woods also have large populations of wild boar and deer, making for good hunting. Dangerous large beasts reside in the woods nearest to the mountains, and these areas are virtually undeveloped. Smaller animals such as mink and beaver are also hunted for furs. The region has cool summers and frigid winters, much like its neighbors.

Ciemny is notable for its Giant Redwoods, which tower up towards the sky and scrape the heavens. The finest masts in Gaiaca are made from these mighty trees, though the Church of Veridalia requires that two be planted for every one felled, ensuring that the goddess’s gifts will remain for time immemorial.

The Healing Cathedral of Veridalia is located in the thick and dark forests of Ciemny, supposedly built in the boughs and branches of eight towering redwoods. The Cathedral is difficult to find, with some claiming that the temple itself turns away those with unsatisfactory or malevolent minds.

Historically, Ciemny was composed of trappers and settlers from the Kingdoms of Vasovia and Yelhennei. Most citizens of Ciemny are either the Vasovian, Yelh, or Garcem peoples, travelling away from the poor peasant farms to the South to make a better life for themselves. Ciemny is notably more pious than their neighbors to the South, with an established Helreskaffen school of theology located in Sekwoja, as well as the Grave of the Saints, a large stonework structure meant to honor the Abbot-Lords who brought order to these wild woods. Ciemny was never an independent state, formerly a province of Vasovia until it was conquered and partitioned in 14167.

In the south, Ciemny fought with their neighbors against Jeramiahde, though primarily through raids on supply convoys and guerilla warfare than any professional army. After the crushing defeats of the Loscverg and Sosklon armies, Ciemny officially surrendered, though there are still attacks on Imperial forces in the region until this day. The current ruler, Wildborn Duke Wojciech Jelen (prior General of the Seventh Battalion, conqueror of this province), is tasked with crushing these remaining Southern Rebels, though this is a fruitless endeavor, as the rebels melt into the woods at the slightest sign of retaliation. Some say that the previous ruler, Wildborn Duchess Ala Odwazny, who disappeared suddenly after the surrender, is still leading the freedom fighters of the Deepwood. Rumor has it that she seeks to slay Wojciech in revenge, a crusade blessed by the chaotic and unpredictable goddess of the wilds.

The Cathedral of Veridalia, hidden in the depths of the woods.

Loscverg Provice, or the Gateway to the North, is a small provice nestled in the eastern Neoprovd mountains. The population is roughly 300,000, half of which reside in the massive capital city of Loscverg (after which the province was named). Loscverg is located at the headwaters of the Zagyva, and exports many goods down the river to both the provinces along the banks and the countries to the South. The people of Loscverg are majority Garmec, though there are a few of Vasovian and Yelh descent.

The Loscverg province is entirely mountainous, with freezing winters extending from September to late May. These lands are very cold year-round, with ice and snow a near permanent feature. When people speak of Garmiccians feeling warm in any temperature above freezing, this legend was likely born in Loscverg.

Loscverg is located around extremely rich ore deposits in the mountains, with a heavy presence of iron, coal, tin, lead, and silver. It exports these ores, as well as weapons and tools, whilst importing grain and other crops from the South. Much like its sister city of Sziklao to the North, Loscverg worships Ferruoston and Terestark with extreme reverence, though Pyrastar is also honored similarly. The Cathedral of Ferruoston is located in Loscverg, an ornate structure with fine gold and silver trimming and inlays, sculpted by many teams of Ironborn architects and craftsmen. Froenstia is particularly reviled in Loscverg, with there being no temples or even shrines in the region. Which, some argue, leads to even colder winters, an unfortunate feedback loop.

Loscverg was a small Yelhennien province located above the Nation of Vasovia from 945 G.C.C to 1135 G.C.C. Founded by the Metal Elemental abbot-lord Magda Scver of Yelhheim in 945 G.C.C, Loscverg was the furthest extent of the Yelhennien territory to the north for roughly two hundred years, a beacon of Yelhennien civilization amongst the barbarous northmen. This was short-lived, as Arcadeus Norn conquered the territory in 1135 G.C.C, cementing his newborn nation as a relevant and long-lasting power in the region.

Loscverg joined the South during the Reclamation War, though its defenders were crushed by the joint forces of the Second and Fourth Battalions after a year-long siege. The former lord, Ironborn Baron Jozef Miedz, was publicly executed after the city was captured to show the consequences of defying Jeramiahde. One would expect that this would drive massive resentment throughout the city to this day - however, the new lord, Earthborn Baron Ruslan Svyatopolk is relatively popular. Ruslan was an appointment from the current noble houses within the city, and Jeramiahde has left Loscverg mostly alone. If anything, the necessary tribute and taxes from Loscverg have decreased from Anatoli to Jeramiahde. Military scholars have oft theorized that Jeramiahde was afraid of dealing with civil unrest in this crucial passageway through the mountains, and did whatever was necessary to keep the wealthy classes indifferent to his rule.

A depiction of the Cathedral of Ferrouston at Loscverg. As you can see, the Cathedral was erected by the ancient Gallian Empire, as such mastery of architectural techniques has been lost for millenia.

Sosklon Province is a small province located to the south of the Neoprovd mountain range and directly south of Loscverg, whilst sitting atop the northern borders of the Vasovian territories. With a population of 200,000, Sosklon Provice is often joked about as “Little Ciemny”, “South Loscverg”, and “North Vasovia” because of their lack of regional identity. Sosklon’s climate and geography is identical to that of Ciemny, a heavily wooded province with cold winters and cool summers.

Sosklon’s capitol is the small city of Mahon, located on the banks of the Zagyva. With a population of 45,000, it’s a relatively unremarkable city. Sosklon exports various lumber, though the land is more cleared than that of Ciemny, so cabbage, beetroot, and other legumes are grown here as well. Sosklon imports iron and luxury goods from their northern neighbor, Loscverg.

Sosklon has no distinct history, carved out by the administratively focused Emperor Yuri Norn-Vodak III. Emperor Yuri was focused on stabilizing the conquered land which his father brought into the empire, and was concerned about the Vasovian noble houses breaking away. To combat this, he divided up the remnants of Vasovia into separate provinces.

Frankly, Sosklon’s most notable features are its lack of features. The province is neither excessively rich or poor, struggling or prosperous, violent or peaceful. Sosklon is politically dominated by its more powerful neighbors, with Baron Tymon Wisnia being seen as somewhat of a lame duck. In the Reunification War, Sosklon was pressured by its neighbors into fielding an army, though it mustered weak and untrained peasant levies, most of which deserted quickly.

Sosklon does not have a notable feature for our artists to record, so enjoy this ancient depiction of Yuri Norn-Vodak III.

The two Vasovia territories, the southernmost territories of Garmiccia, are simultaneously some of the most important territories, whilst also being the least “Garmiccian” territories of all.

West Vasovia is south of Ciemny and Sosklon, and located on the border of the Disputed Lands. The capitol, Jeczmien, is a massive city of 400,000, which lies on the bank of the Zagyva River. With a population of nearly a million citizens, West Vasovia is arguably the second most important state of Garmiccia, the “Southern Schloersteen”, though Emperor Jeramiahde is not fond of this nickname. West Vasovia is located in a temperate broadleaf forest biome, though most of the forest was cleared long ago. Unlike the coastal provinces, West Vasovia has very distinct cool summers and harsh winters, with a very clear beginning and end to the harvest season.

West Vasovia holds the most fertile and arable land in Garmiccia, with rich soil and extensive civil irrigation works along the banks of Zagyva. This has led to a massive relatively self-supporting population, as well as the introduction of factories and the advent of South Gallian industrialization taking place. Despite this advancement and population, though, West Vasovia is a struggling and unpleasant place to live, due to a multitude of factors.

In the latter half of the Civil War (the Reunification War), West Vasovia served as the final holdout to Jeramiahde’s rule, turning to Yelhennei for military assistance and supplies. Needless to say, this did not endear the Vasovian provinces to the remainder of Garmiccia, though the people of Vasovia do not seem to care about the opinion of the scruffy Northern barbarians. After an incredibly bloody and high-casualty battle at the plains surrounding Jeczmien, the city finally surrendered as the Third and Seventh Imperial Battalions marched through the city.

Even thirteen years after the last arrow was fired, tension still runs high in Jeczmien. The current governor, Ironborn Baron Eduard Ostrovsky, is an autocrat of Northern origin running essentially a police state. Imperial troops patrol the streets ceaselessly at night, and a curfew of 10 PM is strictly enforced. Even minor crimes such as petty theft and anti-Imperial speech are harshly punished with public floggings. However, the citizens of Jeczmien do not merely sit down and take this – there are frequent guerilla retaliations, police barracks being set alight, and riots in the streets.

This civil unrest is also on top of massive social stratification, with the gaps between the wealthy and the poor factory workers and farmers widening massively. A single bad harvest could lead to uncontrollable famine in the region, with the Imperial Government having little or no incentive to aid and abate the crisis.

Historically, the Kingdom of Vasovia lasted from 943 G.C.C to 1422 G.C.C, born from the Klast kings which Czibor the Great had armed during the years preceding 1919. The kingdom was toppled by the armies of Emperor Rurik Norn-Vodak II, during the expansionist conquests of the 1400s. However, it had undergone severe decline from 1200 G.C.C to 1300 G.C.C, due to local infighting and political squabbling, with the Maedkolians to the West and Kerrish Kingdom to the North making inroads and frequently plundering Vasovian settlements.

The East Gate of Jeczmien, with the Zagvya River visible to the right.

East Vasovia is located east of West Vasovia and south of the Kerrek Commonwealth, having friendly relations with both. Another heavily populated state, East Vasovia consists of 600,000 citizens, a mix of the Garmecus people, Kerrish, and even Yelhenniens, though they are rapidly fleeing the province.

East Vasovia is mostly coastal plains, though the inland areas are much hillier than those of the Kerrek Commonwealth to the North. The weather is consistently between 40-70 degrees year-round, with the port capital of Siec Miaston never freezing. Siec Miaston has a population of approximately 230,000, making it the second largest city in the South. East Vasovia has natural resources of mackerel stocks from the Dawn Sea, as well as a massive peat bog in the cold wetlands near the Bay of Zatoka. This peat is commonly used for fuel and mulch, and bog iron is harvested as well. There are also deposits of natural oil in the earth, though there is little use for these asides from lamps. Most citizens are farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and sailors.

Unlike Jeczmien, Siec Miaston is currently not under autocratic rules. Waterborn Duke Ludomir Rozjem, appointed to the region after its surrender to Imperial Forces in 1765 G.C.C, is a local from a Minor House who negotiated the terms of surrender for the city, opening the gates to Siec Miaston after a crushing defeat in the Zyto Plains (in which the previous Duke was killed). As a local, he reigns with a gentle touch, preferring to control the populace through propaganda and quietly silencing dissent rather than the brutal measures taken in West Vasovia.

A view of Siec Miaston from the coast.

[Lazarian]

Historical timeline, religious details, and ethnic groups soon to follow.

And before you say, "Wow, that's a lot of effort for minor worldbuilding purposes!", I'm probably going to cop 90% of this setting for my D&D group, so I was fine to pour plenty of time into this.

[Ameriganastan]

...Don't we already have a map?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Yeesh, that's a big ol' dump

[Kassaran]

...Don't we already have a map?

It'd just not as big on this particular part of Gaiaca.
EDIT: I see some interesting allusions there to magic weapons and laviscious troubadours.

EDIT 2: Now to wait on plot before bed.

EDIT 3: And now we're all caught up for the most part. Time for bed. Nice post Laz, looking forward to seeing what Alexei, Timur, and the other guy were up to.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Man, Tristan is a trendsetter, two other people went and passed out after he did (post-wise if not chronologically)

Nice post Laz, always nice to see Katya in action.

Also, @Kass, one detail I noticed from your post, a small nitpick really, but I don't think grabbing Fenrirtusk ought to have burned Erosen the way it did. Lis, who is an actual demon, has held it in the past.

[Lazarian]

Man, Tristan is a trendsetter, two other people went and passed out after he did (post-wise if not chronologically)

Hey, if you don’t pass out after a big anime fight, were you even really trying?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Man, Tristan is a trendsetter, two other people went and passed out after he did (post-wise if not chronologically)

Hey, if you don’t pass out after a big anime fight, were you even really trying?

Good point. It was a pretty intense anime fight.

On a slightly different note... this battle began on the 4th of June according to NS timestamps. Assuming that Laz's last post marks the conclusion of the fight - though it would be more accurate to say that Const's next post that'll hopefully come out sometime within the year will be the end of the fight - we can say that the whole thing lasted just shy of six months.

Talk about a protracted naval fight

[Kassaran]

Man, Tristan is a trendsetter, two other people went and passed out after he did (post-wise if not chronologically)

Nice post Laz, always nice to see Katya in action.

Also, @Kass, one detail I noticed from your post, a small nitpick really, but I don't think grabbing Fenrirtusk ought to have burned Erosen the way it did. Lis, who is an actual demon, has held it in the past.

Not a burn, moreover than severe frostbite, which is the extent of an aura's power much like windburns when he's near Katya, and particularly nasty sunburns when exposed to the Sun. Hell, he'd be likely to break out in hives from exposure to overly magic'd plants or silverrash if exposed to blessed metals. It's an aspect of his current condition which is causing the situation, rather than his Element. Most demons/daemonnes could probably touch Fenrirtusk without being burned, but Erosen's got a few new issues that've developed since Elementals 2.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Man, Tristan is a trendsetter, two other people went and passed out after he did (post-wise if not chronologically)

Nice post Laz, always nice to see Katya in action.

Also, @Kass, one detail I noticed from your post, a small nitpick really, but I don't think grabbing Fenrirtusk ought to have burned Erosen the way it did. Lis, who is an actual demon, has held it in the past.

Not a burn, moreover than severe frostbite, which is the extent of an aura's power much like windburns when he's near Katya, and particularly nasty sunburns when exposed to the Sun. Hell, he'd be likely to break out in hives from exposure to overly magic'd plants or silverrash if exposed to blessed metals. It's an aspect of his current condition which is causing the situation, rather than his Element. Most demons/daemonnes could probably touch Fenrirtusk without being burned, but Erosen's got a few new issues that've developed since Elementals 2.

Fair enough, didn't catch that at first.

[Constaniana]

Historical timeline, religious details, and ethnic groups soon to follow.

And before you say, "Wow, that's a lot of effort for minor worldbuilding purposes!", I'm probably going to cop 90% of this setting for my D&D group, so I was fine to pour plenty of time into this.

Hehe you sneaky devil. Very nice work! One minor note: I had named the main river in the north the River Mahine, but taking another look at it I can see how the typing looks unclear on it. We can chalk the letter difference up to linguistic drift.

Hey, if you don’t pass out after a big anime fight, were you even really trying?

Good point. It was a pretty intense anime fight.

On a slightly different note... this battle began on the 4th of June according to NS timestamps. Assuming that Laz's last post marks the conclusion of the fight - though it would be more accurate to say that Const's next post that'll hopefully come out sometime within the year will be the end of the fight - we can say that the whole thing lasted just shy of six months.

Talk about a protracted naval fight

In my defence, two of those six months were spent trapped in Lackland, and I don't think trying to write an update via paper letters home would have worked.

One perk of everyone passing out after this fight is I don't have to worry waiting for character interaction before dragging everyone along to the next stop lol.

[Kassaran]

One perk of everyone passing out after this fight is I don't have to worry waiting for character interaction before dragging everyone along to the next stop lol.

I believe the phrase is," Choo-choo Motherfucker."

[Ameriganastan]

Meanwhile, I've never had Eric pass out. Knocked him out a few times (And briefly killed him) but never did the anime post battle passing out.

[Constaniana]

One perk of everyone passing out after this fight is I don't have to worry waiting for character interaction before dragging everyone along to the next stop lol.

I believe the phrase is," Choo-choo Motherfucker."

Next stop, fun!

I attempted putting Laz's new Garmiccia lore into the world atlas post, and it took it from about 49,000 characters up to almost 100,000. Looks like I'll just leave a link for it at the bottom haha.

[Constaniana]

Meanwhile, I've never had Eric pass out. Knocked him out a few times (And briefly killed him) but never did the anime post battle passing out.

At his age he gets all his passing out in from napping.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

In my defence, two of those six months were spent trapped in Lackland, and I don't think trying to write an update via paper letters home would have worked.

One perk of everyone passing out after this fight is I don't have to worry waiting for character interaction before dragging everyone along to the next stop lol.

Oh yeah I'm not saying it's your fault or anything. I was around to man the fight those two months but nobody was posting so it's hardly fair to blame you

And nice, looking forward to that timeskip then.