Carrak
An old Kingdom, Carrak was founded in PR.1010 out of the remains of an even older dwarven kingdom. This new human dominated kingdom set about annexing as much land as it possibly could and, by PR.1784, had claimed most of the old dwarven lands as its own. It’s borders have stayed roughly the same ever since, with one exception. In PR.2981, the small Merchant State of Gillem that lay between Carrak and Orosta collapsed, after rampant piracy sent it's economy into free-fall. Determined to not let the city and it's people fall under the sway of Orosta to the south, Carrak moved swiftly and, with little opposition, annexed Gillem. Within a decade, Gillem was thriving again as one of Carrak's major port cities.
Carrak is highly feudal, with those at the bottom of society living in abject poverty, but certain that they will be protected from the predations of the outside world. Meanwhile, those at the top of society live a life of luxury and wealth, growing fat off the taxes and goods taken from those below. In the capital city of The Bastion this divide is inescapably evident, as the King, Isem Janard IV, has banned serfs and peasants from living within the city walls, and great slums have rapidly appeared outside.
The Kingdom is also at war for the first time in generations. The kings of Carrak have always viewed the territory of the Black River Coalition with jealous eyes, rich as it is in ores and fertile lands. This has boiled over recently, and the armies of Carrak are now involved in a campaign to take valuable lands and assets which has lasted three years so far. The Monarchs of Carrak are also notoriously paranoid, and a secret police force is rumoured to exist that whisk away any who speak dissent or ill temper towards the crown. Many of Carrak’s people live in fear of becoming one of the ‘Disappeared’ and there are always tales of those who have.
Structure
The King is the ultimate authority in Carrak. They keep a small circle of advisors but, ultimately, they have no sway. Even the noble houses, as powerful as they are, have little sway over events in Carrak, as the system is not Feudal, but instead enforced by rigid law and sword.
Culture
The people of Carrak live under the idea that no nation is as perfect as their own. While many see past the disinformation they are fed from youth, there are many who do not, which has lead to rampant xenophobia and isolationist values amongst the populace.
Public Agenda
Carrak's rulers wish nothing more than to strengthen the nation and weed out internal dissent.
Demography and Population
The vast majority of people in Carrak are Human or Dwarven, roughly eighty percent between the two of them. The other twenty percent are made up of various races, but the less humanoid races such as Minotaur, Centaur, Satyr, and Lizardfolk are made to feel unwelcome.
Most people in Carrak live in the large settlements along the coastline, but there are a fair number of folk that live in the towns and villages that spread towards the mountains.
Territories
Carrak holds almost all the lands formerly held by the, now long gone, dwarven kingdom of Hewald. These lands range from warm, almost Mediterranean feeling lands on the south-western coastline, up to rugged mountains in the northeast.
Military
The military of Carrak is powerful indeed. While mistrust of the Legion of Progress has led to them being behind other countries in terms of technology, they make up for that shortfall with sheer numbers and dogged tenacity.
Technological Level
Carrak is slightly behind most nations in term of technological advancement, mainly due to a large distrust of The Legion of Progress.
Foreign Relations
With it's mistrustful outlook, Carrak has generally poor relations with other nations, only courting diplomatically when trade is required. Carrak is also in an open state of war with it's neighbor, the Black River Coalition.
Agriculture & Industry
Carrak is one of few nations in a lucky position to be able to provide for itself. It has plentiful fish along it's coastline and in it's lakes. The central forests provide more than enough lumber for the kingdom's needs, and the mountains contain vast amounts of mineral wealth.
Trade & Transport
Within it's borders, a network of roads and river barges provide all the means of trade. Outside of it's borders, Land Caravans run goods to nearby nations, while large ports handle shipping of goods by sea.
Education
In Carrak, education is the reserve of the wealthy. Most people are illiterate, and those that need to be able to read an write are usually self-taught, or taught as part of their employment. The nobles employ tutors and schools, while the Royal Family sends it's members to the Dawne Academy.
Infrastructure
While the day to day infrastructure of sewers, roads, and other such things do exist in Carrak, they are often run down or overstretched as the crown puts it's coin into maintaining the vast amounts of fortresses, defensive structures, and strategically important routes for it's military.
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Carrakian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Major Exports
The forges of the Bastion, in times of peace, churn out more weapons than even Carrak can use, allowing the crown to make decent coin by exporting them.
Major Imports
Carrak imports luxury goods and materials.
Legislative Body
The laws of Carrak are set by the crown.
Judicial Body
The Crown Judges, appointed by the crown, are responsible for overseeing the obedience of laws in Carrak.
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments