The Protectorate of Kolwidg

The Protectorate of Kolwidg can be found in the Tyrnzig Mountains, an area rich in metal ores brought to the surface by the numerous mines across the Protectorate. The Brohm River flows through the land creating a rich trade route with the rest of the continent to the east. Arch Protector Erich Klaust acts as the ruler over the Protectorate, guided by the Court of Lords. Decades of civil war ended with no king but rather a Protector who rules until death at which point the Court of Lords elects the next Protector, a process usually done before the expiration of the sitting ruler. Should one of the Lords rise up and attempt to seize the seat of power the Court will declare the treasonous Lords House as Fallen Without Honor, thus allowing them to seize any and all assets of the Fallen House, as well as outsiders should they be able to hold it. Thus intrigue without detection are the rules of the courts, and out right war is rare between the Lords. A burgeoning merchant class has managed to begin buying their way into the Court of Lords as trade flourishes.

Structure

The Arch Protector is chosen from the Court of Lords and is the overall ruler of the Protectorate. While he may have the final decision on most matters he must rule carefully as to not offend the Guild Masters or his fellow Lords who elected him. His own private council assists him and is appointed by him but the Court of Lords may appoint additional advisers at times, always acting as assistants rather than full members of the council. The Arch Protector is held accountable to an oath and agreement known as the Sanction of Privilege, more or less a set of rules that the Arch Protector can not violate.
The Court of Lords is made up of the noble households of Kolwidg, the basis of being a noble being that one holds lands and pays taxes as well as tracing their lineage back through ten documented land holders and being approved into the Court. The Court of Lords power comes from their wealth and thus work closely with the Masters of Trade, guilds in the Protectorate that represent the labor force. Taxes, budgets, expenditures, and civil matters of law between Lords are handled in the Court while the Arch Protector typically handles matters of martial importance such as the defense of the Protectorate and maintaining civil order. The Court of Lords also elect the Successor Protector, most usually during the reign of the current Arch Protector so he may act as a tutor of sorts. Should one of the Lords rise up and attempt to seize the seat of power the Court will declare the treasonous Lords House as Fallen Without Honor, thus allowing them to seize any and all assets of the Fallen House, as well as outsiders should they be able to hold it. If a Lord has no one to inherit the estate his House becomes a Ward of the Protectorate which grants any survivors with the protection of the Court of Lords but not the same status as a Lord. The estate is governed by the Arch Protector but does not belong to his Houses estate and is instead passed onto the next Arch Protector instead. Typically the as funds begin to dwindle much of these estates are auctioned off to fellow Lords until the House is but a mere ghost of whatever former wealth it had.
The Masters of Trade is a body of Guild representatives who work in tandem with the Court of Lords to ensure the labor and trade which the city is built upon continues effectively. They prevent strikes and ensure the fair treatment of the labor force to maintain an effective and continuous stream of wealth into the city. The Masters of Trade will settle civil cases that do not involve a Lord, and will in the rare case represent someone when a civil case is brought against the Lord. In this event a special court is formed of six Lords and six Masters and one anonymous member of the Ordo Daecious.
The Ordo Daecious is a religious order that acts as the spiritual center of Kolwidg. While the Ordo is not centered here the local Ordo Daecious is quite influential and vital to the city. Their prime belief is in two forces of Light and Dark in infinite conflict. When there is a threat beyond your average outlaw or wild beast the Ordo Daecious responds to root it out. They are also as much a charitable order as they are a martial order, feeding the homeless and hungry and collecting donations. It is quite a common sight to see initiates of the Order to walk the streets chanting prayers and gifting food to the needy.

Assets

Military

The military might of Kolwidg comes in the form of levied men raised by the individual Houses of the city. When the Arch Protectorate declares a military action he first must rally his own force and then submits to the Court of Lords a Writ of Steel which the Lords must reply to. If more Lords acknowledge this writ than dismiss it then a time of war is marked and the Lords muster their forces. Typically this is only done at times of invasion and threat as the combined forces of the Lords is not enough to take on any form of expansionist warfare. This Writ of Steel is a formality in all truth as it has never been challenged, since the only time it is issued is when there a is a threat to the Protectorate.
A standing force made up of professional soldiers exist to maintain order and peace in the city itself and the surrounding area, acting more as a police force than a military. This is the Garrison of the Protectorate which is maintained by the Arch Protectorate and overseen by the Marshall of the City, a Captain of the guard during peace but also trained general in times of war. The Garrison of the Protectorate is manned by professional soldiers from every House and serve for five years in exchange for numerous benefits including being absolved of taxes and a healthy monthly salary.

The Industry

The mines of Kolwidg are a rare phenomenon that produce both iron and coal in massive quantities fueling much of the iron trade in the region. It is said that all the mines in the Protectorate feed over half the population with work. Some of the highest quality steel is made in the smelters along the River Kol and shipped to every corner of the continent. Steel tools made in the region also allow efficient agriculture, is small areas away from the polluted shores of the smelters and mines.

The Anvil City

Type

Geopolitical, Protectorate

Alternative Names

The Anvil City

Training Level

Semi-professional

Veterancy Level

Trained

Demonym

Kolwidgians

Controlled Territories

• Ramshorn
• The Khagerax Gate