The Kingdom of Langharad
The Kingdom of Langharad was born from the liberated masses of enslaved peoples, brought to the Dales around eight hundred years ago by the Ithorylions. Over the centuries, eight settlements were able to grow and thrive in the western dales. These settlements are each ruled by a Lord Earl, but all are bound under the crowned monarch of Langharad. Under the crown, the lands of Langharad are farmed, taxed and defended from the myriad of dangers that inhabit Kordania. The major townships of Langharad are Sudenburgh, Gaellin, Reinvarden, Dunnlanoch, Rhisor, Sancte Calwick, Unbarrow and Ethanfields.
The people of Langharad are bound by common ties of friendship and shared past hardships. Early in their history, they developed a strong martial tradition and it was from the strongest of these early champions that the first earls arose. Generations later, the fertile land of Langharad has seen it grow into a wealthy agricultural nation and a great mercantile power; by far the greatest trading culture in the north of Gaio. Ships flow in and out of the capital city Sudenburgh every day, bringing in trade goods from across the globe.
Langharad has a highly multi-racial population, descended from displaced people from a myriad of lands. As such, Langharadians are generally a welcoming and hospitable people, though those with the heaviest coin purses can expect the warmest welcomes. Where there is gold to be spent, there must also be places to spend it. Theatres, arenas, gambling halls and business opportunities can be found in great number across Langharad.
Each lord earl governs their lands according to their own designs, as long as royal tithes and taxes are met and that they contribute to the crowns forces in times of war. The earls often grant parcels of lands to bands of loyal retainers called thegns, who govern and protect the people who farm and work there. The king or queen of Langharad serves as the ultimate seat of authority in the kingdom, and their word is final in settling disputes. The crown does not govern alone, however. A royal council known as the wittan, where every earl and thegn has the right to be heard, regularly meets to discuss matters of state with the crown. Also, if enough members of the wittan agree, the incumbent monarch can be stripped of their power and a replacement nominated.
Every earl is responsible for the defence of their lands from either marauding monsters, bandits or other insidious threats. The earls have the power to call their vassals to fight, and most Langharadians are eager to exchange their plowshare for a sword or spear. Every earl keeps a force of sworn soldiers in their entourage, headed by a close-knit group of retainers, the thegns. These are the warrior elite of Langharad, and most are regarded are living folk heroes.
While Langharad is ostensibly bound by bonds of shared heritage and common struggle, competition between the various regions of the kingdom is pervasive. The earls are constantly jostling for power and the crown must strike a careful balance to remain in the majorities good graces.
Trust in the stability and integrity of the monarchy of Langharad was shook to its core around a century ago. The greedy, cruel and incompetent king Gregori Hadradson became little more than a puppet-king under Mordred’s Rannasland’s influence. A number of earls and prominent thegns of the witan were likewise brought under his control and it was through them that Langharad became a beknighted vassal-state to Rilga, its wealth and dignity siphoned northwards. Yet after the rebellion that saw Mordred and Gregori ousted from power, the house of Icelwyn has ruled the monarchy for three generations. The current queen, Queen Aethelfled II, is regarded by most of her people to be the ruler of a golden age for Langharad.
Langharad is currently enjoying a period of cultural and political domination in the west of Kordania, especially over its northern rival, Rilga. The once supreme superpower on the continent, Rilga now resides under the hegemony of Langharad. Mone among the Langharadian elite are willing to see this state of affairs change anytime soon, and most enjoy the twist in fortune that has elevated them above the haughty northerners.
Just across the sea to the south is Askenhart, the remnants of the old enemy of practically every Langharadian. The elves help in the downfall of Gregori and Mordred may have gone a way to healing the old wounds with the nobles and ambitious merchants. But to the common folk of Langharad, most still spit at the mention of it.
Figures of Interest
Agtha Brudons
Female minotaur
The Horned Crown of Fennmoin, leader of the minotaur people of Kordania. Huge, blunt and intimidating, but with a strong sense of duty and responsibility to her people.
Loperig Herogurfoll
Male centaur
The Braided Crown of the Hjornoskoppi centaurs. Elderly, sagacious and patient. He has a fondness for composing poetry and the brewing of teas. Highly regarded elder in both Fennmoin and the court of Langharad. Even the elves of Askenhart respect his wisdom.
The people of Langharad are bound by common ties of friendship and shared past hardships. Early in their history, they developed a strong martial tradition and it was from the strongest of these early champions that the first earls arose. Generations later, the fertile land of Langharad has seen it grow into a wealthy agricultural nation and a great mercantile power; by far the greatest trading culture in the north of Gaio. Ships flow in and out of the capital city Sudenburgh every day, bringing in trade goods from across the globe.
Langharad has a highly multi-racial population, descended from displaced people from a myriad of lands. As such, Langharadians are generally a welcoming and hospitable people, though those with the heaviest coin purses can expect the warmest welcomes. Where there is gold to be spent, there must also be places to spend it. Theatres, arenas, gambling halls and business opportunities can be found in great number across Langharad.
Each lord earl governs their lands according to their own designs, as long as royal tithes and taxes are met and that they contribute to the crowns forces in times of war. The earls often grant parcels of lands to bands of loyal retainers called thegns, who govern and protect the people who farm and work there. The king or queen of Langharad serves as the ultimate seat of authority in the kingdom, and their word is final in settling disputes. The crown does not govern alone, however. A royal council known as the wittan, where every earl and thegn has the right to be heard, regularly meets to discuss matters of state with the crown. Also, if enough members of the wittan agree, the incumbent monarch can be stripped of their power and a replacement nominated.
Every earl is responsible for the defence of their lands from either marauding monsters, bandits or other insidious threats. The earls have the power to call their vassals to fight, and most Langharadians are eager to exchange their plowshare for a sword or spear. Every earl keeps a force of sworn soldiers in their entourage, headed by a close-knit group of retainers, the thegns. These are the warrior elite of Langharad, and most are regarded are living folk heroes.
While Langharad is ostensibly bound by bonds of shared heritage and common struggle, competition between the various regions of the kingdom is pervasive. The earls are constantly jostling for power and the crown must strike a careful balance to remain in the majorities good graces.
Trust in the stability and integrity of the monarchy of Langharad was shook to its core around a century ago. The greedy, cruel and incompetent king Gregori Hadradson became little more than a puppet-king under Mordred’s Rannasland’s influence. A number of earls and prominent thegns of the witan were likewise brought under his control and it was through them that Langharad became a beknighted vassal-state to Rilga, its wealth and dignity siphoned northwards. Yet after the rebellion that saw Mordred and Gregori ousted from power, the house of Icelwyn has ruled the monarchy for three generations. The current queen, Queen Aethelfled II, is regarded by most of her people to be the ruler of a golden age for Langharad.
Goals
The kingdom of Langharad is concerned with the continued flow of trade in and out of its borders, and the protection of its bountiful resources to grow and spread its influence in the world. Any threat to its trade lanes or its land or people is met with swift and fierce hostility. Sell-swords, adventurers and would-be heroes find plentiful employment in Langharad, given the terrifying numbers of monsters, fiends and marauding war bands that haunt the wildernesses and seas nearby.Relationships
Langharad is currently enjoying a period of cultural and political domination in the west of Kordania, especially over its northern rival, Rilga. The once supreme superpower on the continent, Rilga now resides under the hegemony of Langharad. Mone among the Langharadian elite are willing to see this state of affairs change anytime soon, and most enjoy the twist in fortune that has elevated them above the haughty northerners.
Just across the sea to the south is Askenhart, the remnants of the old enemy of practically every Langharadian. The elves help in the downfall of Gregori and Mordred may have gone a way to healing the old wounds with the nobles and ambitious merchants. But to the common folk of Langharad, most still spit at the mention of it.
Figures of Interest
Agtha Brudons
Female minotaur
The Horned Crown of Fennmoin, leader of the minotaur people of Kordania. Huge, blunt and intimidating, but with a strong sense of duty and responsibility to her people.
Loperig Herogurfoll
Male centaur
The Braided Crown of the Hjornoskoppi centaurs. Elderly, sagacious and patient. He has a fondness for composing poetry and the brewing of teas. Highly regarded elder in both Fennmoin and the court of Langharad. Even the elves of Askenhart respect his wisdom.
Symbol
A crimson kestrel carrying a crown, flying above eight swords
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Neighboring Nations
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