Holmgard
"Tis the greatest city in the whole world! Mind ye, I don't know much 'bout the world..."
Dickard of Spearwyk, conversation
"A foul city, lacking the history of Drakenhelm and the culture of the south, frigid in winter and stifling in summer. A city only made important by the presence of institutions a world apart from the city in which they inhabit. A place overfilled with failed promise and dashed hope, where strutting nobles step daintily over burlap-clad beggars. In other words, a perfect microcosm of the Holmgardian Empire."
Volmark von Papenstein, Cities of the Realm
Holmgard is the namesake and capital of the Empire, the largest of the cities of humanity in the East. The sprawling capital was founded on rocky cliffs at the convergence of the rivers Alchen and Meve, and is home to over 100,000 souls. It is home to many important institutions both famous and nefarious: the Imperial Palace, the Moste Divine Order of the Inquisition, the Witan, and even the Grey Ravens. It is a city of great opportunity, and great danger...
"A foul city, lacking the history of Drakenhelm and the culture of the south, frigid in winter and stifling in summer. A city only made important by the presence of institutions a world apart from the city in which they inhabit. A place overfilled with failed promise and dashed hope, where strutting nobles step daintily over burlap-clad beggars. In other words, a perfect microcosm of the Holmgardian Empire."
Volmark von Papenstein, Cities of the Realm
Holmgard is the namesake and capital of the Empire, the largest of the cities of humanity in the East. The sprawling capital was founded on rocky cliffs at the convergence of the rivers Alchen and Meve, and is home to over 100,000 souls. It is home to many important institutions both famous and nefarious: the Imperial Palace, the Moste Divine Order of the Inquisition, the Witan, and even the Grey Ravens. It is a city of great opportunity, and great danger...
Demographics
85% Holmgardian, 7% Valmer, 4% Halfling, 4% Other
Guilds and Factions
The Divine Order of the Inquisition
The Inquisition has its headquarters in the capital, in Castle Vulkenstad. Since the 650s, the Inquisition has played an increasing role in the politics of the Empire, and there are few citizens who do not fear their wrath. They are pejoratively known as the "Scarlets" to those who dislike them.
The Palatine Guard
These are the hand-picked warriors who protect the Emperor, and each of them is expected to uphold the utmost ideals of honour, piety and loyalty. Their signature equipment is a shining coat of mail, winged helmet, greatsword and white cloak.
The Grey Ravens
The thieve's guild of Holmgard has a disproportionate amount of influence in the city, and traffics in far more than just stolen goods: they also act as an informal spy network for other factions in the city. Their leader, Droll Richter, is so powerful that he is often called "the Emperor of Thieves".
The Witan
The legislative assembly of the Empire is the Witan. Long ago, the kings of the Nordlings were elected by a council of the most prominent warriors and landowners. While "elections" have long been a formality, the council still assembles to decide important matters of state and advise the Emperor.
The Guild of Burghers
The Empire could not be said to have a strong "middle class" - most of its population is divided into peasants and nobles. However, the capital is one of a few locations where merchants, artisans, and other educated townsfolk have any measure of power. These folk formed the Burgher's guild to represent their interests, and have considerable financial power.
History
After the ascension of High King Holm I Graelingard to sainthood in the Overhall, his son Ulric took the mortal throne. Looking to the southern realms enviously, he marched an army of 40,000 along the river Alchen and ravaged the countryside. He conquered the Middenheim Valmer and destroyed their capital of Veltharion. On the ruins, he founded a new city, named after his father: Holmgard. The route his army took from Drakenhelm was re-paved with the ground of bones of fallen Greenskins from the battle of Frostfang pass, and became known as the Path of Glory.
Being at the geographical center of Erden and surrounded by fertile plains, Holmgard quickly grew. By the time Ulric was a feeble old man, it had surpassed Drakenhelm in importance, and the capital was moved.
But the capital of a glorious and expanding Empire needed more than thatch huts and palisades. The Khazak were called from Arknthand to build an Imperial Palace, a Coliseum, and to send a detachment of architects and engineers to reside in Holmgard and be responsible for the cities further construction. Grudgingly, and with the payment of a great many shiny artifacts fashioned by the pointy-ears, they did so. A special quarter of Holmgard was reserved for the Khazak artisans, and they were given great honours.
These times of optimism are ancient history now. Though Holmgard still boasts many great structures and a stalwart wall, few fine buildings have been constructed in the last century. Dwarven expertise in stonecrafting is long gone, zealots and thieves have taken over the city, and guilds of magick users have been outlawed. The population too has slowly declined, and the city of granite and gold has become one of rust and iron. Yet the Emperor still rules over his domains from the Imperial Palace, and the Empire endures.
Being at the geographical center of Erden and surrounded by fertile plains, Holmgard quickly grew. By the time Ulric was a feeble old man, it had surpassed Drakenhelm in importance, and the capital was moved.
But the capital of a glorious and expanding Empire needed more than thatch huts and palisades. The Khazak were called from Arknthand to build an Imperial Palace, a Coliseum, and to send a detachment of architects and engineers to reside in Holmgard and be responsible for the cities further construction. Grudgingly, and with the payment of a great many shiny artifacts fashioned by the pointy-ears, they did so. A special quarter of Holmgard was reserved for the Khazak artisans, and they were given great honours.
These times of optimism are ancient history now. Though Holmgard still boasts many great structures and a stalwart wall, few fine buildings have been constructed in the last century. Dwarven expertise in stonecrafting is long gone, zealots and thieves have taken over the city, and guilds of magick users have been outlawed. The population too has slowly declined, and the city of granite and gold has become one of rust and iron. Yet the Emperor still rules over his domains from the Imperial Palace, and the Empire endures.
Geography
Holmgard sits at the convergence of the great rivers Alchen and Meve on a group of rocky hills and cliffs near the river. Surrounding it are rolling fields interspersed with hills and forests as far as the eye can see: the vast agricultural region of Middenheim. The cities location at the rough center of the Eastern Realms gives it strategic importance, as does its equal distance to the important cities of Velantir, Carovin, Drakenhelm, and Aldberg.
Alternative Name(s)
Veltharion
Type
Capital
Population
~100,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Holmgardian
Owner/Ruler
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