Realm of Forbin

Forbin is a kingdom in the Helerin Archipelago. It covers the islands of Great Forbin and Daros in addition to many smaller islands.

The ruler of the realm is the Golden King, Trybon Fane, who sits on the throne in the capital city, Holdras. Local power lies with the Lords Guardian of the Realm of Forbin, the nine nobles who each oversee one of Forbin's nine regions, and with various town and city councils.

History

Forbin's towns and regions grew and developed independently in the early years following the arrival of the Newcomers. As the forces of Tekkaron overran much of Forbin's southern lands its people united under the Golden King, Jalus I in 524. After Tekkaron's defeat, Forbin fought to maintain its freedom and growing prosperity. The Thalissian Empire became a major rival. Forbin was defeated in 670 by Varlonn I at the Battle of the Thalis Plains, but when the Thalissian Empire eventually crumbled in the 13th century, Forbin found itself once again the major power in the islands. The Lords Guardian were instituted in 653 when Rizal died, leaving the infant Jalus III as his heir. These lords became de facto regional rulers, with much personal power and autonomy. The Kingdom of Remon broke away in 985 following the death of Asandrin III. Dayn, Lord Guardian of Remon declared himself king of that land, and Forbin itself was left with no king. In 1264, Zarroth, Lord Guardian of Teros also broke away, declaring Teros an independant realm. Daros was lost to Marak III of Teros in 1377, but in 1722, Forbin reclaimed the island, and its chief town Callason was renamed Five Swords in honour of the war's heroes. Forbin remained a key power in the centuries that followed, but faced an existential threat when Yarivona invaded the realm in 2264. United once more under a new king, Trybon Fane, Forbin defeated Yarivona and occupied much of Teros, albeit at great cost. In the years that followed, Forbin consolidated its power in the region, maintaining a stranglehold on the economy of southern Teros. See also: History of Forbin

Geography

Physical geography

The Realm of Forbin is the largest of all Helerin's realms. The kingdom consists of Great Forbin and the smaller isle of Daros that lies off its eastern coast. Forbin is positioned in the midst of the Helerin Archipelago: to the northwest lies Remon, to the east across the Sea of Fair Winds lies Teros, while to the south sit the Seynan Islands and the isle of Mar Miskun. The north of the realm is rugged, featuring the wild expanse of the Dawnsreach, the Minark Mountains and the Forn Crags, as well as Forbin's great forests: the Nythran Forest of the Dharo in the northwest, and the Boswood in the east. The centre of the isle contains the barren Amber Plains and extensive grasslands. Although the land is quite arid, it has many rivers, particularly in the south of the realm. Along these lie fertile farmlands and pastures.

Regions

Forbin is made up of nine regions. These are:

The Northern Marches: The Northern Marches span the rugged northern reaches of Great Forbin, including the Northmarch Hills and the wild peninsula of the Dawnsreach. Known for its terrain of hills, forests, and rivers, it is a region of both natural beauty and strategic importance. Governed from the fortress of Northwatch by Lord Guardian Halla Shride, its people are fiercely independent, and the region has a history of rebellion against centralized rule. Key settlements include the ports of Lemnand and Eastharbour, and the inland town of Enton Tarls.
Whitevale: The smallest region in Forbin, Whitevale sits at the heart of the realm, bordered by the Minark Mountains, Forn Crags and the Nythran Forest,home to the enigmatic Dharo. Governed by Lord Guardian Jordis Marshan from Irnassa, this region is steeped in both cultural history and natural beauty.
Westrun: Westrun lies on Forbin's wild western coast, between the Minark Mountains and the sea. Known for its untamed forests, rolling grasslands, and sparse population, it is a haven for adventurers and reclusive settlers. Lord Guardian Crammor Lantisha governs from Westingholt, the region's only major settlement; the land remains largely untouched and is brimming with wildlife.
Midrun: Stretching across the fertile plains between the Misdorn and Pud rivers, Midrun is the agricultural heartland of Forbin. Governed by Lord Guardian Pel Highstaff from White Keep, it supports vibrant farming communities. Key towns like Misdorn and Manath serve as hubs for trade and culture.
Bostin: Bostin occupies the east shore of Forbin, where the rugged Forn Crags meet the dense Boswood and fertile valleys. It is governed by Lord Guardian Yan Ghernon from the coastal city of Mintrass, which serves as a critical naval stronghold. The town of Bachis, known for its smiths, and the Gardens of Allashoman, a legendary magical site, are notable locations. Bostin thrives on its natural resources, including timber, metals, and wild game.
Gilrim: The region of Gilrim forms the southwest corner of Forbin, stretching from Hapros on the west coast to the trading port of Gilrimmon at the mouth of the Misdorn River. Governed by Lord Guardian Seras Halfmoon from the fortress of Darkstone, Gilrim is a cultural and economic hub. The fertile river valleys support thriving agriculture, while the forests and meadows attract both settlers and traders. The wild Cape Gilia in the far south is a dangerous but beautiful frontier.
Parroc: Parroc lies along Forbin’s southern coast, between the rivers Misdorn and Pud. Known for its rolling hills and fertile river valleys, it plays a vital role in Forbin’s economy through its agricultural and fishing industries. The region is governed by Lord Guardian Rayna Tharnesta from Olbrint. Key settlements include the towns of Pudras and Selmana, while its picturesque hills and rivers are central to the livelihoods of its people.
Jalussan: Jalussan occupies Forbin’s southeastern corner, centered on the Bay of Jalus. It is home to the realm’s capital, Holdras, where the Golden King resides. The region is governed by Lord Guardian Kirra Frenmar from Fort Jalus. Known for its maritime trade, Jalussan also boasts lush river valleys and fertile plains. Towns like Bayon Point and Dortonar contribute to its vibrant economy.
The island of Daros: Daros is a large, forested island to the east of Great Forbin, known for its dramatic cliffs, fertile river valleys, and mystical forests. Governed by Lord Guardian Orzan Mestis from Fort Larn, the island balances rugged wilderness with small but resilient settlements like Five Swords and Troshinann. Its forests are rich in resources, while its cliffs and caves are home to both beauty and danger.

Major settlements

Holdras

Forbin's capital sits at the mouth of the Fahl where it meets the Bay of Jalus. Here the Golden King, Trybon Fane, resides in his mighty palace. The Golden Temple is the center of the cult of Balcosh.

Hapros

On the western coast of Gilrim lies Hapros, the City of Bells. The city's harbour is guarded by colossal statues of Jires and Treca. Hapros is home to Forbin's western naval fleet.

Olbrint

Olbrint lies on the southern coast in the region of Parroc. The city is a major port and is known for its shipbuilding. Olbrint is home to the Great Temple of Jires.

Gilrimmon

Nestled in Gilrim Bay at the mouth of the Misdorn River, Gilrimmon is a wealthy trading port. It is also known as a den of powerful criminal groups, and smuggling is rife in the city. The stunning Water Gardens are famed across Helerin.

Mintrass

Mintrass guards the eastern coast of Forbin, and its mighty harbour wall and High Keep are justly renowned. The bulk of Forbin's eastern fleet is stationed here.

Lemnand

The most northerly town in Forbin, Lemnand faces out to the Sea of Zarroth. Its harbour is built into caves in the rocky cliffs beneath the town.

Misdorn

Misdorn resides in a fertile valley on the river for which it is named. Farming is the lifeblood of the town, and the Temple of Girys is its beating heart.

Five Swords

The only large settlement on the island of Daros, Five Swords has a rather wild, frontier feel.

Irnassa

Famed for its healers at the Temple of Mavani, Irnassa draws pilgrims from across Forbin and beyond. The town is the seat of power for the region of Whitevale.

Westingholt

The region of Westrun is wild and sparsely-populated. Westingholt is its only significant town, and is a major exporter of timber.

Power and politics

Governance

Forbin's monarchy was restored in 2264 when Trybon Fane was crowned as the new Golden King in accordance with prophecy. Fane's Court is housed at the Palace of the Golden King in Holdras. See also: Court of the Golden King

In addition to the king's rule in Holdras, Forbin's nine regions each have their own ruler: the Lords Guardian. Local leaders in Forbin's towns and cities are appointed by the regional Lord Guardian; typically, these roles go to family members and favourites.

The current Lords Guardian are:

Military and defence

Miltary forces

Forbin's military forces primarily consist of a small standing force, regional forces under the Lords Guardian, the Navy, and the Peacekeeper. See also: Military of Forbin Forbin's standing army is led by the Commander of the King's Arms, Lord Velmarn from Holdras, while each region maintains a small local force in peacetime, typically garrisoned with the Lord Guardian of that region. Towns and cities also keep their own force of guards, with responsibility both for maintaining order internally and deterring attacks from outside. In time of war, Forbin will conscript fighters from its towns and cities. The monarch also has a small personal force, the Royal Guard, stationed in the royal palace. This is led by Commander Arnas.

Forbin maintains two naval fleets. The Western Fleet is based in Hapros, while the larger Eastern Fleet is headquartered in Mintrass. Both fleets were much reduced in the War of Salvation, and have not returned to earlier numbers. The Navy is commanded by Lord Barran.

Fortifications

Forbin has many castles, towers, and other strongholds. The most significant of these are listed below. See also: Castles and towers of Forbin

Fort Jalus

Fort Jalus is a great keep overlooking the Bay of Jalus. It is from here that Kirra Frenmar governs the region of Jalussan.

Castle Kamand

Castle Kamand is a fortress in Bostin on the eastern coast.

White Keep

Guarding the east-west road across Midrun, White Keep is home to the Lord Guardian of the region, Pel Highstaff.

Northwatch

Northwatch is a mighty fort in the Northern Marches. From here, Halla Shride strives to maintain her precarious rule over the region.

Darkstone

Darkstone lies on the west coast and is home to the Keeva Lord of Gilrim, Seras Halfmoon.

Palace of the Golden King

The Golden King, Trybon Fane, holds Court in his vast palace in Forbin's capital, Holdras.

Other powers

The High Wizard holds considerable personal power at Court as the most senior mage in the service of the Golden King.

Key religious powerbases include the cults of Balcosh (centered at the Golden Temple in Holdras), and Jires (with its Great Temple in Olbrint). Other cults may occasionally exercise real influence when working in unison, but this happens rarely.

Merchant families in Forbin's trading centres hold significant local influence. The great crime families of Gilrimmon have extended their reach across the southern towns and cities of Forbin, predominantly through smuggling operations. Separatists have long pushed for the Northern Marches to cede from the realm. Terrorist attacks and assassinations occur intermittently; these are largely confined to the north, but strikes elsewhere are not unheard of.

Diplomacy and foreign relations

Forbin has generally maintained good relations with Remon and the Seynan Islands. Relations with both the League of Mar Miskun and the Mar Mabon Townships are generally civil, although trade disputes occur frequently. Forbin still maintains its occupation of much of Teros, and this is widely resented by the Terosians. The Dharo of Nythralla and Norran of Forbin do not fall under the rule of the Golden King, and the Wizards of Asren Tes are largely autonomous.

People

Demographics

Urban population: 540k
Rural population: 324k
Total population: 863k

Culture

The culture of Forbin is deeply rooted in tradition, hierarchy, and a strong sense of national identity. The kingdom, led by the Golden King, is structured around a rigid social hierarchy where power is concentrated in the monarchy and the Lords Guardian who oversee the nine regions. Loyalty to the crown and regional leaders is paramount, and this loyalty extends to the military, which is highly respected and seen as a key protector of Forbin's stability and interests. The people of Forbin value order, discipline, and a clear social structure, which is reflected in their governance, military organization, and daily life. Social mobility is limited, with family lineage and connections playing a significant role in one’s status and opportunities. However, within these constraints, there is a strong sense of duty and honor, with individuals often placing the needs of the realm and their region above personal ambitions. Community and cooperation are important in Forbin, but these are often directed towards the collective good of the region or kingdom rather than individualistic pursuits. The culture leans towards collectivism, where group harmony and the maintenance of social order are prioritized. The people are pragmatic, with a focus on long-term stability and success, often preferring gradual progress and strategic planning over short-term gains. Forbin's people value restraint and moderation. While there are celebrations and festivals, these are typically tied to religious or state events and are marked by a sense of formality and respect for tradition. The people are cautious in their approach to uncertainty, preferring to avoid risks and maintain the status quo unless change is deemed necessary for the greater good. In Forbin, class distinctions are deeply entrenched, with a clear divide between the nobility and the common folk. The Lords Guardian and their families hold considerable power and wealth, governing the nine regions with authority granted by tradition and the Golden King. The nobility lives in grand castles and estates, while the common people, including farmers, artisans, and merchants, live far more modestly. Social mobility is rare, and the rigid class structure is maintained by strict customs and expectations of loyalty to one's lord. The people of Forbin hold a mixed view of their neighbours. They respect the discipline of Remon but often see them as overly aggressive. They regard the Mar Mabon Townships with disdain, viewing them as corrupt and lacking moral governance. Many of Forbin's people have memories of the War of Salvation, and view the people of Teros with contempt and disdain. The Seynan Islanders, with their resilience and independence, are admired by Forbin, though they are often seen as unruly and difficult to manage. The League of Mar Miskun, with its structured commerce and cooperative nature, is respected, though Forbin considers them somewhat soft and overly focused on trade.

Realm of Forbin

History

Geography

Physical geography

Regions

Major settlements

Power and politics

Governance

Military and defence

Miltary forces

Fortifications

Other powers

Diplomacy and foreign relations

People

Demographics

Culture

Economics

Comments

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