Domain of Tempelhoff

The Domain of Tempelhoff is the newest addition to the Keller Empire; because Tempelhoff is constantly involved in border conflicts with its neighbors, it historically maintained good relations with the Keller Empire to provide strategic counterweight. As of 825, Tempelhoff has actually joined the Keller Empire as a new domain, participating in the invasion and annexation of eastern Mismallon. The new province has retained self-rule as part of the deal, making some minor changes to reflect the provincial structure of the Empire, as well as adopting the currency and integrating its armed forces into the Imperial Legion. The process has gone relatively smoothly, though it has not garnered unanimous support; many of the more independent-minded border lords have made efforts to retain their autonomy.Tempelhoff is moderately wealthy but suffers from fairly rowdy internal politics at times. The domain is ruled autonomously as a feudal republic, where all local nobles above the rank of Baron hold a seat in the “Assembly of Lords”. This legislative body selects a Prince from among its own highest ranks, which is then confirmed by the Emperor and Imperial Senate in Alikai City. The prince then serves for life, but can be removed at any time by the Emperor or the Assembly of Lords”. The Prince usually finds reason to direct the energies of the various lords outwards in war, because in peacetime they tend to direct their martial energies against one another.

Tempelhoff is stoutly “Linealist”, politically and religiously. The people hold fast to traditional Keller ways, despite the three neighboring non-Keller cultures around it, a fact they are proud of. Tempelhoff was brought into the Keller Empire 800 years ago by the famous general Vorvan Tempel, a famous Keller general and cultural hero. When the Empire collapsed in the 400’s, the Principality managed to hold itself together and has largely prospered since then. Tempelhoff frequently clashes with Gemric over a variety of issues, but usually avoids outright warfare. Likewise it is antagonistic towards the ex-Sarradastran kingdoms due to their Pershamon-influenced cultures.

Tempelhoff’s boundaries are defined by the Rannik and Talbot Rivers. The western frontier is a long and twisting line on the map, defined by ancient treaties with Sarradastros. The center of Tempelhoff is occupied by the Tempel Forest and the 300 mile length of the Wassallhalt Mountain Range.

Capital Province of Brekton: Sitting east of the Wassallhalt Range, Brekton is a strategic point in the region. Currently it is a city of 42,000 sprawling through three valleys and on hillsides. Brekton is the seat of power for both the Prince of Tempelhoff and the Assembly of Lords, and is surrounded both north and south by fertile farmland. It has the look and feel of a Swiss mountain town, and is renowned for both scenic beauty and the massive size of the Citadel of Tempelhoff. Brekton is known in Keller history as the place where the Pershamon advance on the Keller Lands was stopped at great cost during the last great invasion some 400 years ago. Old grudges die hard, and so the Pershamon are still regarded with great suspicion, if not actual hostility. Brekton is also famous for having one of the most spectacular chivalric tournaments in the Keller Lands, and is a destination for great fighters of all sorts. Tournaments are held seasonally, but the most famous is the “Wassallturnier”, held only once every five years. The champion is generally held to be the greatest fighter in the Keller Lands.

Province of Ost-Tempelhoff (East): The Eastern area of Tempelhoff is relatively quiet, rolling farmlands which lie between the between the Rannik River and the Wassallhalt Mountains. The northern border is currently an active warzone, as the local lords make inroads into neighboring Mismallon. The bulk of northern trade runs through this region, along the well maintained and patrolled Northern Imperial Road. The main towns in the region are Sedenrick, Halstedt, Noriford, and Dustalt, each of which is the seat of a county of the same name. These northern counts dominate affairs in the area, lording over the few independent baronies that have avoided being absorbed. The region is notable for it’s large populations of Sevastin, who have made permanent homes along the shores of of the Rannik River. Though subject to occasional pogroms and persecution, they have been in the region so long that the authorities no longer attempt to drive them away.

Province of West Tempelhoff: This region is hilly and more rugged than the eastern areas, but still has a high population for such a region. The local economy is based heavily on ranching, mining, and timber. The regional nobility consists primarily of a large number of baronies of varying sizes and power. There are three primary towns in central Tempelhoff, named Montaine, Embrey, and Varrick. Embrey is most famous for frequent attacks against neighboring domains in the Duchy of Silverwater. Count Embrey’s hostility is the result of a running feud with the Evered clan of Silverwater. Montaine, in the mountains south of Embrey, maintained cordial ties to Silverwater, at least until the War of 821.

Province of Suden-Tempelhoff (South): More of a frontier region than other parts of Tempelhoff, the southern province is mostly settled along the main roads and along the Talbot River. The western half borders the old Sarradastran Kingdoms, and is dotted with numerous small manors and freeholds, . The westernmost reaches are dominated by the Earldom of Estagon, which participated heavily in the last invasion of Silverwater. In the hilly south is the town of Avanath, a free town which guards the southern approaches and controls the southern trade roads. The people and nobles of this region tend to be more militant than others, as they face danger more frequently. The various barons and lords of the region often violate the border with Nyremi and Anadastros, seeking to add lands to their own. Since Tempelhoff is now part of the Keller Empire, they have recently become more aggressive in their raids, which sometimes take on a religious dimension.