Royal Realm of Fleuvia
The Royal Realm of Fleuvia, a chivalric feudal monarchy, lies along the Onura's northern coast. Renowned for its militaristic ethos and rigidly stratified society, Fleuvia is a land where oaths of loyalty to the crown unite knights, lords, and vassals. At the heart of the realm is its capital, Sarbéliard, strategically positioned at the mouth of the River Fleuve. This bustling city serves as a centre of commerce and governance, embodying the kingdom's strength and influence.
Etymology
The name "Fleuvia" derives from the Old Fleuvian word fleuve, meaning "river." When the first settlers arrived in the region and established Sarbéliard at the mouth of the mighty River Fleuve, they were deeply impressed by its vastness and vitality. The river quickly became central to their survival, culture, and identity, influencing the name of the realm itself as a tribute to its significance.
Geography
Fleuvia stretches along the northern coast of Onura, with rolling plains and fertile river valleys dominating the eastern terrain and vast forests blanketing the western lands. The River Fleuve and River Dorée, which flow from the highlands in the southeast to the coast, are the kingdom's lifeblood, supporting agriculture and trade. These rivers serve as natural highways, connecting rural communities to the bustling capital of Sarbéliard and the cities of Drassonne and Orlet, where goods and resources are gathered for distribution.
The eastern plains are dotted with quaint villages and manorial estates, where serfs cultivate wheat, barley, and grapes for both sustenance and the production of the kingdom’s modest but cherished wines. In contrast, the western forests, teeming with wildlife, provide timber, game, and foraging opportunities, though they are also home to hidden dangers and untamed wilds.
To the south, Fleuvia meets the arid expanse of the northern Onura Desert, where the fertile lands of the kingdom give way to rocky foothills and sparse, sun-scorched terrain. This natural transition zone marks a stark boundary between the lush river valleys of Fleuvia and the harsh desert beyond. While largely inhospitable, this southern region is dotted with small settlements and outposts that serve as the kingdom’s first line of defense against incursions from the south.
Government
Fleuvia is a feudal monarchy, with power centralized in the monarch and distributed among a hierarchy of nobles, knights, and vassals. The monarch was traditionally crowned on the Lia Fàil before the 4rd era. Currently, the monarch is crowned in the Sarbéliard's Grand Cathedral. The Monarch holds supreme authority but is bound by custom to consult a council of high-ranking lords.
The realm is organized into fiefdoms, each ruled by a lord or lady who governs in the king's name. Below them, knights uphold the realm's martial traditions and serve as enforcers of law and protectors of the peasantry. Loyalty and honor are the cornerstones of society, with intricate codes of chivalry dictating conduct on and off the battlefield.
Economy
Fleuvia's economy is rooted in tradition, operating under a system heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture and the labour of serfs bound to the land. The fertile valleys of the River Fleuve and River Dorée yield vital crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, which sustain the local population. Economic activity largely occurs at the local level, with villages and fiefdoms exchanging goods through bartering and fulfilling feudal obligations.
Essential services are provided by artisans, blacksmiths, and millers, while luxury items like fine textiles and crafted armor are produced in limited quantities by skilled craftspeople under noble patronage. Though trade with neighbouring realms is modest, the City of Sarbéliard functions as the hub for exporting surplus goods. These transactions are tightly controlled by the crown and nobility, ensuring the kingdom’s resources remain secure.
Culture
Fleuvia’s culture is deeply rooted in its feudal traditions and values of honour, loyalty, and service. The chivalric ideals of knighthood influence both the nobility and the common folk, with courage, duty, and respect for tradition held in high regard. Festivals and tournaments celebrating martial skill and local heritage are central to the kingdom’s social life, drawing communities together in displays of pageantry and friendly competition.
Artisans and craftsmen are highly respected for their skills, producing fine goods such as intricately designed armour, weapons, and textiles that showcase Fleuvia's devotion to excellence. Storytelling, music, and dance are cherished forms of entertainment, with travelling minstrels and troubadours spreading tales of legendary heroes and historical events across the realm.
Life in Fleuvia is strongly tied to the land, with agricultural cycles dictating much of the rhythm of daily life. Seasonal fairs and harvest celebrations serve as both practical marketplaces and communal gatherings, reinforcing bonds among the kingdom’s people. The values of tradition, community, and pride in one’s heritage remain at the heart of Fleuvian identity.
Military
Fleuvia's military is deeply rooted in its feudal structure, reflecting a stark disparity between the ranks of peasant levies, men-at-arms, and the elite knights. The backbone of the army is made up of peasant levies, conscripted from villages during times of war. These soldiers are poorly equipped, often carrying little more than farming tools or crude spears, and receive minimal training. While they lack discipline and skill, their sheer numbers provide a valuable, if expendable, resource on the battlefield.
Above them are the men-at-arms, professional soldiers employed by noble houses. Better equipped with mail armour, shields, and swords or halberds, they form the core of Fleuvia’s infantry, providing a disciplined and reliable force. These soldiers are often veterans of local skirmishes or retainers who serve their lords year-round.
The pinnacle of Fleuvia’s military might lies with the knights, heavily armoured cavalry who embody the chivalric ideals of the realm. Trained from youth in the arts of war and mounted combat, knights are equipped with the finest weapons and armour, often crafted by the kingdom’s renowned blacksmiths. Their charges are decisive in battle, capable of breaking enemy lines and turning the tide of a conflict. The Chevaliers du Courage, an elite group of knights, serves as the kingdom’s vanguard in times of war and its ceremonial Crownguard in times of peace.
Fleuvia's armies are led by its nobles, whose leadership and resources determine the quality and readiness of their forces. However, the reliance on the feudal system often leads to inconsistencies in troop quality and coordination, as each noble is responsible for raising and maintaining their own contingent. Despite these challenges, the combination of sheer numbers, disciplined men-at-arms, and the might of the knightly class ensures Fleuvia’s ability to defend its lands and assert its influence when needed.
Diplomacy
Paroir-vos de la Flor du Corage!
"Adorn yourself with the Flower of Courage!"
Anthem: Les Terres Saintes
Comments