Realm of Rivermond

"We remain loyal to our Silver Prince. For the future."

Rivermond is a land of chivalry, where the knights are the embodiment of the country's values of honor, loyalty, and courage. The people of Rivermond place great importance on their code of chivalry, which emphasizes the importance of upholding one's word, defending the weak, and fighting for justice. The knights of Rivermond are expected to adhere to this code at all times, and they are highly respected for their service to the realm.

The nation is a feudal society, with an Arch-Baron at the top of the hierarchy, ruling over a series of baronies. The barons in turn are responsible for enforcing the law within their own territories. While there are some opposing groups against the current leadership, they do not pose a significant threat to the nation. The general public is loyal to the Arch-Baron and his barons, as they have managed to create a self-sufficient country with strong agricultural production and natural resources.

Rivermond is known for its wine fields, which surround the many cities and towns and produce some of the finest wines in the continent. However, the nation also faces challenges, as they lack military power and are a vassal under the Silver Dominion. They maintain only two well-defended fortresses, Northgate and Eastfort, which are essential to the defense of the nation. The other towns and villages rely heavily on the support of the local knights for protection. Only few towns and cities, including the capital, have fortified stone walls.

The towns and cities of Rivermond have their own unique characteristics. Bellmond is surrounded by Dwarven mines and is a popular destination for monsters seeking refuge. Redmond is known for its open quarries, while Riverend is a bustling merchant city that serves as a central hub, connecting the main road with the Dynasty and the Dominion.

Sovereignty Type
The Small Court
Geography and Culture
Magic and the Arcane
Laws and Common Penalties
- Laws and Chivalric Code in Rivermond
- Common Penalties
Resources and Trade
- Imports
- Exports

Sovereignty Type

Rivermond is a feudal nation with a hierarchical system of government. The nation is ruled by an Arch-Baron, who is the ultimate authority in the land. Under the Arch-Baron are a number of Barons, who are responsible for governing their respective territories. These Barons are responsible for upholding the laws of their baronies, as well as providing military support when needed.

The sovereignty type of Rivermond can be described as a vassal state. This means that Rivermond is a subordinate entity to a more powerful state, in this case, the Silver Dominion. As a vassal state, Rivermond has pledged allegiance to the Silver Dominion and is obligated to provide military support and other forms of assistance when called upon. In return, the Silver Dominion provides Rivermond with protection and resources.

However, despite being a vassal state, Rivermond still maintains a degree of independence and self-rule. The Barons have a great deal of autonomy in their territories, and are responsible for maintaining the law and order within their borders. They are also responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining roads, and providing for the common welfare of their subjects. The Arch-Baron serves as the ultimate authority in the land, but the Barons have a significant degree of power and influence in their respective territories.

The Small Court

The Small Court serves as the administrative and advisory body to the Arch-Baron, divided into two specialized parties that oversee internal and external affairs. These advisors hold great respect in Rivermond’s hierarchy, yet they do not possess personal land or military power, ensuring their loyalty to the Arch-Baron remains steadfast and unchallenged.

The Court of Hearth

The Council of Hearth focuses on domestic and local governance, offering counsel to the Arch-Baron on matters essential to Rivermond’s internal stability, legal structure, and economic welfare.

The Treasurer oversees the kingdom's treasury, tax collection, and trade policies, ensuring financial stability across Rivermond. The Mistress of Provisions manages food stores, public works, and relief efforts during times of famine or crisis, safeguarding the livelihood of the population. The Mistress of Laws acts as a learned judge, interpreting and upholding Rivermond’s laws while resolving disputes that rise beyond the jurisdiction of individual baronies. Finally, the Mistress of Lore serves as a scholar, maintaining historical records, preserving cultural heritage, and providing advice grounded in tradition.

The Court of Shields

The Council of Shields handles Rivermond’s foreign affairs, focusing on diplomacy, military coordination, and the kingdom’s obligations to the Silver Dominion.

The Chancellor is the chief diplomat, overseeing correspondence with the Silver Dominion and other foreign states. The Master of Arms advises on military readiness, organizes the training of knights, and coordinates Rivermond’s levies for the Dominion. The Mistress of Faith ensures that Rivermond’s spiritual practices align with the Dominion Church while mediating between local and external religious matters. The Mistress of Commerce monitors trade relations, sets tariffs, and navigates foreign markets to balance Rivermond’s economic growth with its responsibilities to the Dominion.

The Lands Council

The Lands Council operates as Rivermond’s feudal parliament, convened by the Arch-Baron to discuss the kingdom’s governance and unify its baronies under a cohesive strategy. Each barony is represented by its Baron, accompanied by their key vassals, who provide additional insights into local affairs. The council addresses military affairs by coordinating baronial troops for defense or Dominion conscription, ensuring Rivermond’s readiness for conflict. Taxation quotas are established to fund governance and meet obligations to the Silver Dominion. It also serves as a forum for dispute resolution, where the Arch-Baron presides over conflicts between Barons to maintain order and prevent discord.

The Lands Council interacts minimally with the Small Court, as Barons typically manage their baronies independently. However, decisions made in the Lands Council are often communicated to the Small Court by the Arch-Baron for implementation and record-keeping.

The Arch-Baron and Barons

The Arch-Baron and Barons of Rivermond are the highest-ranking leaders of the region, responsible for governing and protecting their respective territories. Each baron is in charge of a specific city or area within Rivermond, and together they answer to the Arch-Baron, who oversees the entire region.

Jordan Rivers is the current Arch-Baron of Barony of Rivermond, having been appointed at a young age following the death of his father, the previous Arch-Baron. Despite his youth, Jordan has quickly gained the respect of the majority of his fellow barons and the people of Rivermond for his strong leadership and compassionate nature. He often seeks counsel from his advisors, including the other barons and priests, but ultimately makes his own decisions based on what he believes is best for the people of Rivermond.

Lucas Kardean is the Baron of Barony of Bellmond, a key city within Rivermond. He is a young and able Knight, with a loyal group of Knights under his command. Lucas is determined to see Rivermond become strong and prosperous once again, and is constantly working to improve the city's infrastructure and economy. He has also made it his mission to root out corruption within Bellmond and ensure that justice is served.

Martin Shores is the Baron of Barony of Greenfield, a city known for its scholars and farmers. He faces a unique set of challenges, as the Dominus Chain has been pushing their faith on his citizens, many of whom have found faith elsewhere. Martin struggles to maintain peace and unity among his people, but he is a capable leader who is dedicated to the well-being of his city.

Oliver Rocks is the Baron of Barony of Redmond and a respected leader within Rivermond. He was a close friend of Jordan's father and is often referred to as the Arch-Baron's uncle. Oliver has a reputation for standing up for the weak and vulnerable, even in the face of opposition from the Dominus Chain. He has often defied their orders and provided aid to refugees fleeing from the Dynasty, earning the admiration and respect of many within Rivermond.

Geography and Culture

Rivermond, situated in the southern territories of the Agera continent, boasts a strategic location with its capital, Rivermond City, positioned at the mouth of the Gylder River. The nation's landscape is characterized by a diverse topography encompassing sprawling coastlines, fertile vineyards, expansive farmlands, and resource-rich mines. Major cities, including Bellmond, Riverend, Redmond, Greenfield, and Windelcrest, contribute to the country's economic and cultural vibrancy. Rivermond's territorial defenses include two pivotal strongholds, Northgate and Eastfort, strategically positioned along the borders of the Silver Dominion and the Khein Dynasty.

Rivermond experiences a varied climate owing to its diverse landscape. The coastal regions maintain a temperate climate, fostering ideal conditions for vineyards and agricultural pursuits. Inland areas boast fertile farmlands, while the presence of mines indicates a diverse geological structure, indicating potential variations in climate across the nation. Rivermond's geographical and resource diversity, coupled with its strategic positioning, underpins its economic prosperity despite its governance under the Silver Dominion. The country's resourceful utilization of its natural assets and strategic trade partnerships facilitates a thriving economy and sustains its rich cultural tapestry.

Culture

The culture of Rivermond is deeply rooted in chivalry, honor, and faith. The people of Rivermond hold their religion in high regard and follow strict rules and intriguing rites of passage. The official faith in Rivermond is The Word (Silver Prince) where the word of The Prince is preached across the land. However, more and more people are turning to The One (God King), following their beliefs of reincarnation and their role in the world. The people of Rivermond are quite spiritual, and their faith has made them proud of their heritage and culture.

The Knights of Rivermond uphold a strong culture of honor and chivalry. They are the protectors of the land and defend it with their lives. They are trained to fight for the glory of Rivermond and hold themselves to a high standard of conduct. The nobility of Rivermond mainly worships the Silver Prince of the Dominion, who is considered the national patron deity. The other deities of the land are respected and worshipped by commoners, and there are groups who worship lesser deities believed to be the children of the Silver Prince. However, this is deemed blasphemy by the Church, and worship of these deities is only mentioned or practiced in secrecy.

Primary Threat

The primary threat to Rivermond is the ongoing religious conflict with the Khein Dynasty. The Silver Dominion is pushing hard to remove the faith of the God King from Rivermond, which has caused a lot of tension between the two nations. The current leadership of Rivermond understands the threat posed by the Dominion's desire to eliminate the faith, and they are doing whatever they can to solve this issue without resorting to bloodshed.

The situation has become increasingly dangerous as the Dominion has started to use more aggressive tactics to push their agenda. This has led to increased hostility and conflict between the two nations, with both sides determined to defend their beliefs and way of life.

Population and Diversity

The nation's population, estimated at approximately 5 million inhabitants, is predominantly comprised of diverse ethnicities, prominently featuring Humans, Elves, Halflings, Dwarfs, and Half-Orcs. This multicultural populace converses primarily in Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, and Orcish, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity within the country.

Population Opinion

The general population in Rivermond is a mixed bag of opinions and attitudes. The people of Rivermond are proud of their heritage, culture, and way of life, and this pride often translates into a strong sense of loyalty to their barons and the Arch-Baron who rules over them. However, many of them also harbor feelings of bitterness and resentment towards their leaders, whom they see as neglectful of their needs and concerns. Hygiene is lacking in some parts of the country, and this has led to a number of health problems among the people, such as diseases caused by contaminated water and unsanitary living conditions. Despite this, the people are able to find some relief in the clean water that is available to them, as well as the natural resources of the land, which includes fertile soil for agriculture and an abundance of game for hunting.

Magic and the Arcane

Rivermond is a realm where the arcane arts are met with both fascination and trepidation. Wild magic, once a thriving force within the city of Vindrik, now exists in the shadows, whispered about in hushed tones and confined to the grand halls of the Arcane Academy in Greenfield. The Arcane Academy, nestled in the ancient barony of Greenfield, is a bastion of magical knowledge and a sanctuary for those gifted with mystical abilities. The city of Vindrik, once a bustling hub for arcane study and trade, met a tragic fate, reduced to ruins in a catastrophic event lost to the annals of time. Its remnants serve as a haunting reminder of the perils associated with the arcane.

In Rivermond, the populace regards magic with a mixture of suspicion and fear. While tolerated, it is kept isolated, with the Arcane Academy serving as a proud institution for the study of the arcane arts. Traditional knights, upholders of chivalric ideals, steer clear of any association with magic to maintain their knightly image. However, a subtle shift is occurring, as more knights recognize the value of accompanying mages on their journeys, providing them with essential support.

Early Training

Children discovered to possess magical abilities face a unique fate. Often, they are taken by servants of local Barons or Lords to be sent to the Arcane Academy in Greenfield. Yet, a darker underbelly exists, where some families, driven by fear or superstition, opt to kill or deliver these gifted children to the Dominion Church rather than see them sent to another Baron's domain. A peculiar transformation befalls those who return from the Arcane Academy. They are irrevocably changed, bearing the mark of magical education on their beings. Whispers abound that some of the poorest families, desperate for coin, sell their magical offspring to foreign lands—the Khein Dynasty or the Vache Kingdom—a practice shrouded in ethical ambiguity.

Exchange Students and Teachers

Nobles from distant lands recognize the prestige of the Arcane Academy, sending their kin to study within its grand halls. Even seasoned mages, seeking to broaden their understanding, journey to Rivermond to both teach and learn. The Academy stands as a symbol of the universality of magic, drawing seekers from every corner of the world.

Tension with the Church

However, a new chapter unfolds with the encroachment of the Dominion Church into Rivermond's domains. Chapels and posts pepper the landscape, and a sudden decline in magical practices is noted. Whispers gain momentum, alleging that the Church kidnaps those adept in the arcane to bolster its own ranks. Tensions escalate, and the grounds of the Arcane Academy become a battleground of ideologies. Protected by mages, arcane constructs, and allied elementals, the Academy resists the influence of the Church. A delicate dance ensues, a balance between the mythical allure and inherent dangers of magic, played out against the backdrop of Rivermond's ever-shifting political and arcane landscape.

"Our land is strong and the ocean provides."

Laws and Common Penalties

Laws and Chivalric Code in Rivermond

Steeped in the ethos of chivalry and valor, champions the ideals of honor, loyalty, and bravery, embodied through the revered knights who personify the nation's values. The citizens of Rivermond hold in high esteem a code of chivalry, an ancient set of principles that extols the virtues of integrity, valor, and compassion.

At the heart of this code lies a profound emphasis on honor, wherein individuals are expected to uphold their promises and commitments, their word sacrosanct and binding. The chivalric code commands the protection and defense of the vulnerable, demanding that the strong champion the cause of the weak and downtrodden. Furthermore, it exhorts individuals to strive for justice, to stand against injustice and fight for righteousness in all aspects of life.

Feudal lords and barons preside over their respective baronies, each region fostering its own interpretation and application of laws. Consequently, the stringency of these laws can vary markedly from one domain to another within Rivermond. The norms and statutes governing these territories are contingent on the particular lord or baron in command, contributing to the diverse legal landscape across the nation.

The knights of Rivermond epitomize the embodiment of this chivalric code. These stalwart defenders of justice and virtue are bound by duty to adhere unwaveringly to the tenets of honor, loyalty, and courage. Revered for their unwavering service to the realm, these knights are not only revered but also highly respected by the populace for their unwavering commitment to upholding the code of chivalry. The tapestry of Rivermond's legal and societal fabric intertwines with the essence of chivalry, weaving a narrative that celebrates noble virtues, valor, and the tireless pursuit of justice. This commitment to an ancient code enshrines the nation's values and fosters a culture where honor and righteousness stand as pillars of societal conduct.

Common Penalties

Practicing forgery: Engaging in the act of forgery is considered a serious offense in Rivermond. Those caught practicing forgery can expect to face a considerable fine. This penalty reflects the city's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its legal and economic systems.
Impersonating a tradesman: Rivermond values the trust and reputation of its tradesmen. Impersonating a tradesman is seen as a deception that undermines the city's economic stability. Offenders can expect to face a moderate fine as a deterrent against such fraudulent activities.
Stealing a boat: As Rivermond relies on the ocean for its prosperity, stealing a boat is a severe offense. Offenders can expect to face a considerable fine, reflecting the value of maritime assets and the impact on trade and livelihoods.
Stealing: Theft is taken seriously in Rivermond, and those caught stealing can expect to face both a fine and imprisonment. This dual punishment serves as a deterrent against theft and emphasizes the city's commitment to maintaining law and order.
Lying under oath: Perjury undermines the justice system and erodes trust in the city's legal proceedings. Those found guilty of lying under oath can expect to face long-term imprisonment as a stern penalty for their deceitful actions.
Breaking an oath: In a city that values honor and integrity, breaking an oath is considered a significant offense. Offenders can expect to face a fine and the loss of social status, as their actions are seen as a betrayal of trust and a breach of community standards.
Public dispute: To maintain harmony within the city, Rivermond imposes a small fine for engaging in public disputes. This penalty serves as a reminder to citizens to resolve conflicts peacefully and without causing disruptions to public order.

Assaulting a merchant: Rivermond relies on its merchants for economic stability, and any act of violence against them is taken seriously. Those who assault a merchant can expect to face a moderate fine, reflecting the severity of the offense and the protection offered to those engaged in trade.
Accepting bribes: Corruption threatens the integrity of the city's institutions. Rivermond has a zero-tolerance policy for bribery, and those caught accepting bribes can expect to face long-term imprisonment as a deterrent against such illicit activities.
Smuggling: Due to its importance as a trading hub, Rivermond takes a firm stance against smuggling. Offenders can expect public shaming and the loss of privileges, reflecting the city's commitment to fair trade and preventing the flow of contraband.
Trespassing: Respect for personal property and boundaries is essential in Rivermond. Trespassers can expect to face a small fine and spend time at the pillory as a public reminder of the consequences of invading someone's space without permission.
Illegal trafficking: Rivermond vehemently opposes illegal trafficking of goods or individuals. Those involved in such activities can expect a considerable fine as a deterrent, reflecting the severity of the offense and the city's commitment to combating illicit trade.
Illegal fishing: Given the country's reliance on the ocean for sustenance and economy, illegal fishing is seen as a direct threat to its resources. Offenders can expect a considerable fine and the loss of their boat, emphasizing the importance of responsible fishing practices and preserving the city's marine ecosystem.
Slavery: Rivermond, recognizing the inherent rights and dignity of all individuals, strictly prohibits slavery. Offenders involved in slave trade can expect public shaming and the loss of privileges, highlighting the city's commitment to equality and human rights.

Resources and Trade

Imports

Rivermond heavily relies on timber imports from the Silver Dominion. Despite its rich forest lands, the nation's own timber industry faces limitations due to the protective measures enforced by druids and mythical entities safeguarding local forests. As a result, the import of timber becomes crucial for sustaining Rivermond's construction, carpentry, and various industries reliant on wood resources.

The nation procures fabrics from the Khein Dynasty to meet its textile demands. Rivermond's textile industry benefits from this import, utilizing an assortment of fabrics to diversify its manufacturing sector. The imported fabrics contribute significantly to Rivermond's textile market, enabling a wide range of materials for clothing, upholstery, and other industrial purposes.

Exports

Rivermond's expansive coastline facilitates a flourishing fishing industry. The nation exports a diverse array of fish varieties, leveraging its strategic geographical location to harvest abundant marine resources. This export contributes to both domestic consumption and international trade, showcasing Rivermond's proficiency in the fishing sector.

With access to salt mines or natural salt marshes, Rivermond exports fine-quality salt harvested from its local sources. The purity and quality of the salt contribute to its desirability in both national and international markets, establishing Rivermond as a reliable salt exporter. And harvested from local waters, Rivermond's pearl industry thrives due to the country's natural abundance of these precious gems. The export of pearls adds value to Rivermond's economy, attracting both domestic jewelry artisans and international buyers seeking quality pearls.

Rivermond boasts rich marble reserves, exporting this prized stone to various markets. The quality and unique characteristics of Rivermond's marble stone make it a sought-after commodity in construction, sculpting, and decorative applications, contributing significantly to the nation's export revenue. While Rivermond's iron and diverse wine brands are notable contributors to its export economy. Iron exports highlight the nation's metalworking and mining industries, while the renowned wine brands, produced from the country's vineyards, contribute to the export of high-quality beverages, establishing Rivermond's presence in the global wine market.

Rivermond's robust import strategies and diverse export portfolio play pivotal roles in sustaining the nation's economy, enhancing its trade relations, and amplifying its economic significance on both regional and international platforms.