Arentheld is a primarily human kingdom in southern Sothon. Built upon a wealth of natural resources, and somewhat sheltered from northern aggression by the Blue Plains, Arentheld has grown to be one of the most abundant and influential nations in all of Maradul.
Arentheld was historically a theocracy governed around the worship of Verae, but after a fairly substantial governmental reformation, it now operates as an elective monarchy. When new leadership is warranted, the dukes of the 11 Great Houses of Arentheld will convene to elect a monarch. This monarch will rule until they are deemed unable to, often by death or feebleness, a diagnosis usually carried out by the impartial judgement of the Red Judges of Thainrock. While ordinarily the monarch is a member of the Great Houses, monarchs of lower birth have been elected in the past, though usually to quell commoner dissatisfaction. The concept that anyone might one day rule Arentheld is a common motivating factor for the low-born, despite the relative rarity of this occurring.