Kingdom of Westgate

INTRODUCTION

Situated in the westernmost regions of Tarkan, behind deep valleys, rolling hills, and verdant woodland, Westgate stands as a beacon of civilization in a region still feeling the after-effects of the Banishing. After the Banishing, mankind settled along the west coast of Tarkan, now known as the Terrevern Coast, and they built a city and named it Eralon. After the founding of Eralon, mankind began to spread across the land. Those who remained behind consolidated their hold on the Coast, and founded other towns and cities. Under the rule of Griffin of Whitehorse, these lands were brought under one rule, and the kingdom of Westgate was founded. During the Ravaging, Westgate remained well-off and strong, providing a point of light in a sea of black. Men flocked to its banner, and it became the predominant power in Emmeraine. After Northreach became powerful, Westgate's hold on the land was diminished; this is what created the tension between these two nations, and caused much strife between them in the past.

TERRITORY

Technically speaking, Westgate claims land from the River Avora in the North, to the Open Moor in the South, the Terrevern Coast in the East, to the Forest Gate in the West. Within these borders sit some two hundred cities, towns, and villages. In practice, Westgate rules territory beyond her borders, such as Winterhold, Clearwater, and Castle Everim. Some of Westgate's most far-flung cities, such as Southmarch, sit in excess of a hundred-and-fifty miles from her technical borders. These confused borders have contributed to muh of the skirmishing between Westgate and Northreach, who often fight over contested land. Many groups of settlements, such as the Winterhold group, which consists of Winterhold, Clearwater, and Castle Everim, are intentionally placed and designed around the possibility of such skirmishes.

TRADE

Westgate's main exports are finished goods made from raw materials found in the Forest Gate, Thesrood Quarry, and similar locations. These goods include stone bricks, finished lumber, and a handful of specialty goods, such as simple machinery and carded wool. It does most of it's trade with Loria, shipping it overland by the Coast way, from Stonegate to Orc's Break. Westgate imports very little, but she might use importation to fill out a quota of raw materials used to manufacture finished goods. In such cases, trade is done with Sparrowhold, shipped across the open moor through Southmarch, along the Coast way. Wandering merchants from Sa'hra in the East are uncommon treats, and always well-received in the border towns. Far-traveling merchants generally bring goods to major cities along the border, peddling exotic wares from far-flung lands that may or may not be authentic. The folk that buy from these peddlers are too excited about the odd nature of such goods to care one way or the other, making this particular aspect of trade quite profitable for those who choose it.

GOVERNMENT

Westgate is a feudal Monarchy, typical of real-world medieval Europe. It is organized as follows: the King sits as head of Westgate, with total power over her. Westgate is further broken down into fiefs, ruled by lords which are either Barons or Knights, depending on the size of the fief. The rulers of these fiefs must swear allegiance to the crown, providing crops in time of famine and soldiers in time of war in return for the relative security and stability that comes from unity. The nobles in Westgate have an extraordinary sense of honor, and most would rather die than betray the King, regardless of their own opinions of his virtue, or lack thereof. The current king of Westgate is King Thamus I, who is a generally popular ruler, both with the nobility and with the common folk. He is known for his iron-fisted rulership, strong faith in Lanos, and virtueous lifestyle. There is some concern about his son, Alden, because of his militaristic outlook and extreme expansionist views.

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Controlled Territories