Kingdom of Alastin

The Kingdom of Alastin is theoretically a centralized monarchy, with absolute authority resting in the person of the monarch, currently King Darian III. In reality, the monarch must balance his desires with those of the numerous local potentates, the counts and margraves, who rule in his stead. These local nobles originally were appointed and replaced at the pleasure of the monarch. Since the Keller Civil War (four centuries ago), they have become increasingly independent, and hence difficult to control. Local law is dispensed by the nobles, who tend to rule harshly and arbitrarily. Because authority is so diffuse in the kingdom, Alastin is not quite as tyrannical as one might think. Many peasants own the land they farm, paying taxes to the local nobles in exchange for "protection" or other benefits, and even the serfs are rarely abused. The reason for this is that Alastin peasants are reasonably well armed, particularly with spears and a ubiquitous form of recurve short bow copied from the Pershamon. Guns and magic items, however are proscribed to the nobility and their servants. Alastin armies make heavier use of peasant levies than most wealthier Keller states, who prefer smaller professional armies.

"Eat, drink, and be joyous, for tomorrow we will certainly be killed in battle".

-Alastin proverb

As a martial culture, the Alastin dialect of Keller is dotted with idioms and proverbs relating to war and struggle. The Alastin pride themselves on being the first to fight against Fermas Vorokhoi, and on being the ones who carried the war to the Pershamon during the Keller Crusades. In the presence of foreigners, even the lowest of Alastin will bear themselves like a knight; nobles will act like kings. Prowess at arms is highly regarded, and the Alastin place high value on personal honor, courage, and in endurance in the face of hardship. Dueling is a well-respected custom among all levels of society. Despite their martial aspect, the Alastin are not a grim, humorless people. Rather, they take life as it comes and react accordingly. They tend to eat, drink, and carouse to excess, and place little value on frugality or economy. The Alastin have frequent festivals, whereupon the hosts are expected to fete their guests in grand style. It is assumed that any deficit will be made up at someone else's party. Alastin art tends to be simple and strong, relatively unsophisticated but very vital in nature.

THE LAND

The Western Provinces: The "Western Provinces" are the plains that form the bulk of Alastin's farming regions. It is an area of gently rolling hills, dotted here and there by a few groves and small forests. The area is heavily settled, with numerous small fortified villages and manors dotting the countryside.

• Alastin City (pop. 200,000)- Capital city and cultural center of the Alastin people, this city grew up at the point where the southern trade route crosses the Nori River. Alastin City is very large by Keller standards, and is one of the major cities of the continent. The city is most notable for its immense walls (nearly 100ft high, and 30ft thick in many places) and its numerous domed monuments. The streets are usually crowded with merchants and citizens, but nowadays it is also crowded with refugees seeking safety from the dangerous countryside. Despite the best efforts of the locals, disease has become a serious concern. The royal palace and parliament both sit near the center of the city, guarded by an internal set of moats in addition to those around the city.

• Norisal (pop. 15,000)- In better times, Norisal would be a large, cosmopolitan center of commerce and art. It is the point where a major travel route crosses the Nori River into the Crater Sea.

• Reisier (pop. 11,000)- The area is best known for it's Horncrest ranches, where herds of the enormous reptiles are raised for meat, labor, and warfare.

The Inner Provinces: The "Inner Provinces" are rougher country than the east, hilly, broken, heavily forested terrain crossed by innumerable small creeks. It is not as densely settled as the east; most of the fiefs are smaller and more widely spaced. The population tends to earn its living through ranching, timber, and mining. The hills are filled with all manner of valuable resources, so the region contributes more to Alastin's wealth than one might suspect based on the population. There is a fair amount of traffic in and around the west, despite the rugged terrain; a result of this is the large number of brigand gangs who haunt the woods of the west, preying on travelers. The northern end of the "Inner Provinces" is extremely rugged, the result of massive earthquakes during the Civil War several centuries ago.

• Taldane Pass (pop. 8,500)- Taldane Pass is a thriving agricultural and mining center, serving as the primary market for the entire region. The city benefits great from friendly relations with the city states of the Hyspedes. The city is best known as a place to acquire mercenaries, as there are always large bands of armed men available. Not coincidentally, banditry is a major concern for the Count of Taldane Pass.

The Eastern Marches: The rugged area east of the mountainous center was a major battleground of the Keller Civil War. As a result it was devastated in that conflict, and has been slowly annexed by Alastin. The entire area is dotted with ruins, most of which are claimed by the new Alastin residents and used and improved on as forts. The terrain in the area is composed of thick forests and low mountains, criss-crossed by small streams and lakes. The southern marches are a dangerous place to be. Many of the ruins are "blighted" in one way or another, and the forests are infested by humanoid groups. Areas away from the coasts are frequently attacked by small groups of trolls.