Vesmos

Vesmos was the first country established in Aheila. With complete control of the ports on the Sea of Gold and along the Hess River, Vesmos manages all trade in and out of Aheila, making them the dominant economic force on the continent. They have a longstanding peace with the neighboring country of Kaisu, both prospering under a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Tensions with the reclusive country of Lasceye have increased lately as scouting parties have been sighted coming down from the mountains. Vesmos also stands guard against the barbarian tribes of The Howling Plains, protecting its neighbors for the would-be advances of the monstrous horde that dwells there.

Demographics

As a hub of trade, Vesmos a diverse nation of almost every known civilized race: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Halfings, Dragonborn, Tieflings, and even Half-Orcs all find citizenship in the country. Most of these people gather in the cities that sit near the banks of the Hess River, predominantly Isomor, which is by far the largest city in Vesmos. Many also choose to live in the Wandering Woods, in small, isolated villages, to work as hunters, woodcutters, and miners. A few, brave souls, primarily military men and woman, have settled on the border of the Howling Plains in fort-cities to stand guard against the barbarian hordes.

Government

While Vesmos is technically a monarchy, the true power in the country is money. As a country heavily reliant on trade, it is the Guild Masters - unofficially named Merchant Princes - that dictate the governance of Vesmos. Between the seven of them, the Merchant Princes have an uneasy truce to maintain the peace and prosperity in the country, even as they quietly vie for power amongst themselves.

Defences

Vesmos has a modest army, with most of it patrolling the trade routes. Their true defensive force, however, is the Mercenaries' Guild, which requires all its members to regularly serve in the cities on the border of the Howling Plains. The Mercenaries' Guild also employs adventurers as peace-keepers and monster hunters when the need arises.

Industry & Trade

With little access to fertile farming land, Vesmos is highly reliant on trade with the neighboring country of Kaisu to sustain its citizens. More than half of the crops consumed annually in Vesmos are imported. Vesmos's true wealth is in it's access to the sea and the Hess river, giving it almost unlimited control over trade in Aheila. Most of it's revenue is generated from trade tax, docking fees, and business licenses. Its wealth in lumber from the Wandering Woods primarily supports the construction and repair of ships and docks across the country. It's main export are the ores and precious metals mined from the southern reaches of The Razor's Edge.

Guilds and Factions

Five of the seven guilds manage the work and commerce of artisans: Blacksmiths, Woodworkers, Stonemasons, Tailors, and Jewelers. The remaining two are the Mercenaries' guild, which assists many adventurers in Vesmos find opportunities to earn coin, and the elusive Thieves' Guild, which manages all sorts of criminal ventures in the country. In a kingdom where money equals power, it is the guilds that truly run things.

History

Vesmos was founded in the year 135 by General Warren Wilds and originally spanned the entirety of the continent. Five years later, the citizens in Yahven and its surrounding territories split, creating the nation of Kaisu. After nine years of tension and border disputes, peace was secured when an emissary from Kaisu, Yusuf Mahar, negotiated a trade deal. With no more wars to fight and no heir, the aging General Wilds abdicated the throne to his financial advisor, Maximillian Lydes, whose descendants have inherited the position, ever since.

Geography

Vesmos stretches from the rocky, windswept shores of the Sea of Gold, north through The Wandering Woods and into the southern reaches of The Razor's Edge. Wind and moisture from the sea contribute to foggy mornings and cold, cloudy winter. The same factors provide pleasantly mild summers, if a little humid.

Founding Date

Year 135

Type

National Territory

Inhabitant Demonym

Vesomites

Included Locations

• Castleton

Owner/Ruler

King Corvus Lydes

Related Reports (Primary)

• Session 1: Arrival in Isomor Report