Midland Counties is a country located on the continent of Orgon. It was created in the year 3161 AA, 103 years before The War of Magic.
The Midland Counties is a collection of five distinct counties: Harwan, Nikos, Lavinna, Yandor, and Eval. Each of these counties has a unique history and identity that has contributed to the formation of the Midland Counties as we know them today.
During the Age of Arcana, the Midland Counties were five separate kingdoms, each with their own rulers and cultures. However, as the tension of the War of Magic grew, the leaders of each kingdom realized the importance of working together to preserve their resources and protect their people. The War of Crowns was raging for 6 years already, and in a desperate bid to end the war, the Elders of Nikos and the dwarven king of Yandor suggested that the Magistrate gather for a Lansmeet. This led to the formation of the Midland Counties Assembly, a governing body that would represent the interests of each county and ensure that their needs were met.
Harwan, the largest and most central of the counties, was once ruled by a Magistrate. It was in Harwan that the Guild of Magi was formed, with the Magistrate playing a key role in the establishment of this organization. Today, the Guild of Magi is still headquartered in Harwan and serves as an important center of magical research and learning.
Nikos, located in the northwestern part of the Midland Counties, was historically ruled by a group of Elders. The capital city, Nikos, is home to the Sacred Grove, which is occupied by a druidic society led by the Elders. The marshlands of Nikos are home to a variety of tribes, with the city of Vilnia being led by Elders who act as spiritual leaders and advisors to the ruling nobility.
Lavinna, located in the northeastern part of the Midland Counties, has always been known as a hub of trade and commerce. It is ruled by the Merchants Guild, which controls much of the industry and trade flowing in and out of the county. The long beaches and coastal line of Lavinna make it an important supplier of food and a home to many ports.
Yandor, located in the southeastern part of the Midland Counties, is a mountainous region known for its rich deposits of rare metals. It was historically ruled by a monarchy, with the city of Yandor itself being a dwarven kingdom ruled by a king.
Eval, located in the southwestern part of the Midland Counties, is known for its old forests and rich deposits of gems. It has historically been ruled by a nobility that functions much like a monarchy, but does not call itself such. This ruling form is known as the "Council of the Patricians," and its members are chosen from the most influential and powerful noble families in Eval.
Today, these five counties are united under the Midland Counties Assembly, which serves as the governing body for the region. The Assembly meets in Harwan, and is made up of representatives from each of the counties. Together, they make decisions that affect the entire region, ensuring that the Midland Counties remain a strong and prosperous part of the world.