Summerson Queendom
Found within the Spine of Lost Giants, the Summerson Queendom has seen its fair share of conflict and change over the centuries its held the region. Now in the modern day, it has become a formidable player in the lower region of Corum .
Structure
The Summerson Queendom, ruled by an absolute monarch, is a structured and hierarchical realm where each tier of leadership is defined by its responsibility to uphold the stability, safety, and prosperity of the land. Here’s an expanded structure that outlines how the Queen’s authority flows through the ranks and ensures efficient governance:
Hand of the Queen: The Queen’s right hand and chief advisor, who oversees the general administration of the realm and ensures that royal decrees are carried out efficiently. They may represent the Queen in her absence and are highly trusted.
Royal Treasurer: Manages the economy, oversees the collection of taxes, and allocates funds for infrastructure, trade, and the upkeep of the military. Responsible for the Queen’s coffers and the financial stability of the queendom.
Lord/Lady of Law: Handles legal matters, including the interpretation of laws and organization of the judiciary system. This person also supervises noble courts to ensure fairness and adherence to the Queen’s justice.
Master/Mistress of Arms: Leads the royal army and coordinates with local forces. They are responsible for military defense, strategizing in times of conflict, and training the Queen’s guards.
High Priest/Priestess of the Temple of Light: The head of the Temple of Light, who acts as the queen’s closest advisor, especially on matters of faith, morality, and divine guidance. They may also serve as a voice for the common folk in court, being respected by the populace and thus entrusted with the people’s concerns.
Advisor of Commerce and Trade: Manages both internal trade routes and foreign trade relations. They work closely with the Royal Treasurer to promote economic growth and prosperity through strategic partnerships.
Voice of the People: An official who represents the general populace, often holding open forums to gather concerns from citizens and relay them to the council. This position aims to keep the Queen aware of her subjects’ needs and interests.
The Queen’s Small Council
The Small Council assists the Queen in making decisions that guide the entire country. Each councilor is appointed directly by the Queen and serves at her pleasure, representing various aspects of governance, justice, finance, military, and arcane interests. This council not only advises but also enacts the Queen’s will throughout the queendom. Council Positions:Nobility and Fiefdoms
Nobles in the Summerson Queendom are granted authority over specific regions or fiefdoms, where they act as extensions of the Queen’s rule. Each noble family is sworn to uphold the laws, collect taxes, and protect their people. Nobles serve as local judges, administrators, and defenders of the Queen’s peace, managing daily governance within their lands. Structure within Fiefdoms:- Lords/Ladies of the Fiefdoms: The ruling noble family of each fiefdom, tasked with managing all aspects of governance. They hold courts, preside over land disputes, and act as mediators in regional matters.
- Sheriffs and Bailiffs: Appointed by the nobility, sheriffs enforce the law in towns and villages, manage local watchmen, and oversee law enforcement across larger areas. Bailiffs assist in collecting taxes and ensuring the smooth running of agricultural lands.
- Stewards: Handle the day-to-day administration of the noble estates and territories, managing supplies, coordinating harvests, and making sure the needs of the citizens are met.
- Knights and Men-at-Arms: These trained warriors are responsible for defending the fiefdom, patrolling borders, and responding to threats. Many are sworn to the nobles directly and are often called upon to aid the Queen in times of war.
The Guild System
To supplement the noble structure, the Queen also oversees a guild system where different professions organize and self-regulate under royal charters. These guilds ensure that specific trades and services are held to high standards and are available to serve both the nobility and the general population. Types of Guilds:- Merchant’s Guild: Controls trade, regulates merchants, and maintains standards for imported and exported goods. Members are often taxed differently to support trade development.
- Artisan and Smith’s Guild: Includes blacksmiths, masons, carpenters, and other skilled trades. They are heavily involved in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, including castles, town buildings, and weaponry.
- Mage’s Guild: Overseen by the High Arcanist, this guild regulates magic users, ensuring they adhere to safe practices and serve the queendom’s interests. It also trains new practitioners and researches arcane phenomena.
- Healer’s Guild: Composed of apothecaries, herbalists, and medical practitioners who provide healthcare. They are often funded partially by the crown to ensure they can operate in poorer areas.
Local Councils and Village Elders
In rural areas and smaller towns, the Queen encourages local councils to support community decision-making and align the residents’ needs with the crown’s objectives. These councils often consist of elected village elders or respected community leaders. Structure and Duties:- Village Elders: Often elected or appointed by local councils, they oversee small towns and act as mediators, resolving minor disputes and helping manage local resources.
- Local Councils: Represent the interests of various community groups, like farmers, artisans, and fishermen. These councils provide a way for the people to participate in local governance and communicate their needs to the nobility or to the Voice of the People.
- Town Guards: Employed in larger towns to maintain order and protect against bandits or thieves. They are overseen by the town’s sheriff and may be called to serve in the larger fiefdom defense if needed.
Religious and Cultural Bodies
The Summerson Queendom respects religious and cultural organizations, with royal-sponsored temples and cultural groups operating across the land. Though they do not hold political power, these bodies are influential in maintaining social cohesion and morale.- Temples and Clergy: Religious institutions that provide spiritual guidance, perform ceremonies, and offer relief during hard times. They work closely with local councils to ensure the well-being of the populace.
- Royal Cultural Council: Promotes the arts, history, and culture of the queendom. It organizes festivals, supports bards, and funds historians and scholars who work to preserve the kingdom’s heritage and traditions.
Temple of Light
The Temple of Light holds immense influence within the Summerson Queendom, as it not only advises the queen but also maintains a significant presence among the people. Its teachings are woven into the cultural fabric, and it is deeply respected by nobility and commoners alike. The Temple hierarchy mirrors that of the queendom, with a focus on the spiritual well-being of the nation.- High Priest/Priestess of the Temple of Light: As both a religious and political figure, the High Priest or Priestess is entrusted with advising the queen and guiding the nation’s spiritual direction. Their sermons and teachings often reinforce loyalty to the crown and instill the values of compassion, duty, and unity.
- Clergy Council: A council of senior clergy members who govern the various temples and monasteries across the queendom. They coordinate religious festivals, maintain records of important events, and ensure that the teachings of the Temple are upheld by the lesser clergy.
- Monastic Orders: Various orders of monks and priests dedicated to different aspects of the faith, such as healing, meditation, or scholarship. Some monks serve as healers to both commoners and nobles, while others act as scribes, preserving ancient texts and knowledge.
- Temple Guardians: Warriors who have taken sacred vows to protect the Temple of Light, its artifacts, and its clergy. These guardians are well-trained and often work alongside the queen’s forces to provide security during religious gatherings or festivals.
Guilds and Sects of Arcane Study
While not central to the queendom, small guilds and societies are dedicated to specific trades and arcane arts. These guilds work under strict regulation by the crown and the Temple of Light to ensure that their practices align with the queendom’s religious and ethical values.- Guildmasters: Leaders of each guild, often highly respected craftsmen, merchants, or mages. They report to the regional noble and, when required, may attend audiences with the Small Council to advise on matters related to their trades.
- Sect Leaders: Arcane practitioners who study magic within the bounds of the Temple’s teachings. Forbidden from practicing magic considered “unholy” by the Temple, they study safer, socially accepted forms of magic, such as healing, divination, or alchemical crafting.
Culture
In the Summerson Queendom, the power of the crown is viewed not merely as an earthly rule, but as a mandate from the heavens, with the queen herself seen as an extension of the gods’ will. Her authority is revered as divinely given, and her judgments are considered sacred law. This reverence is rooted in the capital city, Kesh, the oldest continuous city in the world, founded in 5910 BCW. Kesh has stood as a beacon for centuries, its legacy woven into every citizen’s heart. To the people of Kesh and the greater queendom, Summerson is not merely a realm; it is a guiding light for the world, a reminder of order, honor, and piety.
Although Summerson’s people are steadfast followers of the Pantheon of Light, they live by a creed unique to their own lineage. The motto of the royal house—"Gold in Peace, Steel in War"—is a mantra whispered with pride in times of both calm and conflict. Diplomacy and trade are embraced, for prosperity through partnership is celebrated. But should another nation cross the Summerson Queendom, they will find themselves met with swift and decisive action. For to defend the queen’s honor and the queendom’s glory is to defend the gods themselves, and no adversary who challenges such a cause will be spared the wrath of Summerson steel.
History
In the annals of Summerson Queendom's history, the year 200 ACW stands as a pivotal moment, marked by the ambitious campaign led by Alexander Summerson and his loyal banner-men to forge. Their aim? To forge a new kingdom among the scattered noble families dwelling amidst the towering peaks of the Spine of Lost Giants. Rooted in the belief that they were the last vestiges of the Oranak Empire, often romanticized as The Lost Empire, Alexander and his kin embarked upon a mission that would shape the destiny of the realm.
For two hundred and fifty years, the Summerson lineage maintained dominion over the mountainous lands, laying the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the free cities of The Lost Empire. However, the tranquility of their rule was shattered in the fateful year of 450 ACW, when the Kingdom of Veaser launched a bold incursion, seeking to annex the coveted territories. The ensuing conflict, known as the Veaser-Summerson War, raged for eight long years, leaving both kingdoms embroiled in a bitter struggle for supremacy.
The turning point came with the intervention of a powerful mage known as the Timekeeper, who harnessed the energies of a ley line node to cast the warring factions out, leaving the land nearly inhabitable. In the aftermath, the Summerson Queendom found itself bereft of half its domain, its once-proud lineage now diminished in stature and influence.
The year 550 ACW marked the dawn of a new era, as the kingdom sought to chart its course amidst the shifting tides of fate. The seeds of transformation were sown, setting the stage for a period of upheaval and strife. Amidst internal dissent and external threats, rival noble families vied for control, igniting the flames of conflict in what would later be remembered as the War of Tribulation.
Led by the formidable houses of Hartsmith and Sainthall, along with their loyal adherents, the rebellion against Summerson rule erupted into a four-year-long struggle for supremacy. As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, many speculated that the era of Summerson hegemony was drawing to a close, with the kingdom teetering on the brink of fragmentation.
Yet, against all odds, hope emerged from the ashes of adversity. In the year 693 ACW, a young scion of the Summerson line ascended to the throne, his coronation heralding a new chapter in the saga of the White Rose Throne. At the tender age of twenty-one, he embarked upon a quest to restore stability and unity to the embattled realm, his reign destined to leave an indelible mark upon the annals of history.
William Summerson emerged as a beacon of unity within the fractured kingdom, employing shrewd political maneuvering to bridge the chasm between his own house and those who harbored enmity towards it. Through strategic marriages and deft negotiations, he cultivated alliances with erstwhile adversaries, securing positions of influence for his siblings and politically significant cousins. While accounts of his reign depict him as a paragon of justice and equity, whispered rumors spoke of a tempestuous temperament capable of unsettling even the divine.
During his rule, William endeavored to reclaim the territories lost in the conflict with Veaser, albeit with limited success due to the burgeoning settlements that had taken root in the region. By the time he reached the age of sixty, William had etched his name in the annals of history, yet the specter of an heirless throne loomed large over the kingdom. Desperate to ensure the survival of his lineage, William sought counsel from the enigmatic Servants of Fate, who foretold the kingdom's demise and the dawn of a new era born from its ashes. He interpreted their cryptic words as a mandate to forge an alliance with the rival Voslo family, despite their deep-seated animosity.
In the year 735 ACW, William wed Antonia Voslo, a woman forty-five years his junior, whose rumored arcane talents whispered of untold power. Their union bore fruit in the form of their firstborn, Alexandra, born amidst the warmth of summer in 737 ACW. Over the ensuing years, the couple welcomed four more daughters into the world, their hopes for a male heir remaining unfulfilled. Undeterred by the absence of a son, William remained steadfast in his commitment to the prophecy, nurturing the burgeoning talents of his daughters, especially Alexandra, whose burgeoning arcane gifts hinted at a divine lineage.
As Alexandra's powers began to manifest, William recognized her potential to shape the destiny of the realm. With unwavering resolve, he embarked upon a rigorous regimen of tutelage and training, ensuring that his daughter would be prepared to ascend to the throne when the time came. On her twelfth birthday, William imparted upon Alexandra the weight of her destiny, charging her with the task of earning the respect and allegiance of the realm's noble houses. Guided by her father's wisdom and fortified by her own indomitable spirit, Alexandra embarked upon a journey of self-discovery and leadership, poised to claim her rightful place as the future queen of Summerson.
As Alexandra reached the milestone of her sixteenth year, she stood poised on the precipice of destiny, her resolve steeled by years of preparation. On the eve of William's eightieth birthday, amidst the revelry of a grand celebration that echoed with the jubilation of his long and illustrious reign, the king made a momentous proclamation. With the noble houses of the realm assembled to witness the passing of the torch, William declared Alexandra his rightful heir, destined to ascend to the throne upon his eventual demise.
Despite murmurs of dissent from some quarters, who doubted the capacity of a woman—and one so young, at that—to govern the kingdom, their objections were swiftly quelled by the unwavering loyalty that Alexandra had diligently cultivated over the years. With oaths of allegiance sworn and fealty pledged to the heir apparent, the festivities resumed, albeit tinged with the somber realization of the king's impending passing.
Tragedy struck on the 17th of Camriel in the year 752 ACW, as King William of House Summerson, the venerable architect of unity, breathed his last, leaving behind a grieving widow and four daughters. It fell upon the eldest among them, Alexandra, to inherit the mantle of leadership and ascend the throne as the first queen of Summerson on the auspicious day of the 1st of Vardath in 753 ACW.
With the mantle of rulership firmly upon her shoulders, Alexandra embarked upon her reign with determination and vision, ushering in an era of unprecedented prosperity and enlightenment for the realm. Drawing upon her mastery of the arcane arts, she spearheaded initiatives of research and innovation, enacting laws that championed equality and justice for all. Faced with the prospect of an uncertain succession, Alexandra named her niece as her chosen successor, establishing a venerable tradition of queenship that would endure for two centuries.
Under Alexandra's wise and benevolent rule, the borders of Summerson expanded to the north, vast mines yielded bountiful treasures of gold, and the kingdom's naval prowess reached unparalleled heights. Beneath the fertile soil, archeological excavations unearthed tantalizing relics of the Oranak Empire, illuminating the ancient ties that bound the Summerson lineage to its storied past, ensuring that the legacy of the Summerson Queendom would endure for generations to come.
In the annals of history, the Summerson Queendom stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of its people. Now guided by the steady hand of Queen Antonia Summerson, the realm has weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, emerging stronger and more resolute than ever before. Crowned as the second of her name, Antonia embodies the very essence of sovereignty, commanding the seas and the mountains with equal prowess, and earning the title of Admiral of the Battle of Dragons through her valor and strategic acumen.
Throughout her reign, Queen Antonia has remained steadfast in her duty to safeguard the realm from all manner of threats, whether they lurk on the horizon or lie hidden in the shadows. With unwavering resolve, she has championed the cause of exploration and discovery, leading expeditions in search of lost gods and ancient relics that hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past. Moreover, she has worked tirelessly to forge new alliances and mend old wounds, spearheading diplomatic efforts to restore relations with the Kingdom of Veaser and other neighboring realms.
As the sun sets on Queen Antonia's illustrious reign, all eyes turn to the horizon, where the dawn of a new era beckons. For her daughter, Alexandra, stands poised to inherit the throne, her name echoing with the promise of greatness and destiny. Named after the first queen of Summerson, Alexandra possesses the same formidable powers that once defined her namesake, heralding the dawn of a new golden age for the queendom.
Thus, the legacy of the Summerson Queendom endures, an eternal beacon of hope and prosperity in a world fraught with uncertainty. As the realm stands on the threshold of a new chapter in its storied history, one thing remains certain: the spirit of Summerson will endure, unyielding and unbroken, for generations to come.
For two hundred and fifty years, the Summerson lineage maintained dominion over the mountainous lands, laying the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the free cities of The Lost Empire. However, the tranquility of their rule was shattered in the fateful year of 450 ACW, when the Kingdom of Veaser launched a bold incursion, seeking to annex the coveted territories. The ensuing conflict, known as the Veaser-Summerson War, raged for eight long years, leaving both kingdoms embroiled in a bitter struggle for supremacy.
The turning point came with the intervention of a powerful mage known as the Timekeeper, who harnessed the energies of a ley line node to cast the warring factions out, leaving the land nearly inhabitable. In the aftermath, the Summerson Queendom found itself bereft of half its domain, its once-proud lineage now diminished in stature and influence.
The year 550 ACW marked the dawn of a new era, as the kingdom sought to chart its course amidst the shifting tides of fate. The seeds of transformation were sown, setting the stage for a period of upheaval and strife. Amidst internal dissent and external threats, rival noble families vied for control, igniting the flames of conflict in what would later be remembered as the War of Tribulation.
Led by the formidable houses of Hartsmith and Sainthall, along with their loyal adherents, the rebellion against Summerson rule erupted into a four-year-long struggle for supremacy. As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, many speculated that the era of Summerson hegemony was drawing to a close, with the kingdom teetering on the brink of fragmentation.
Yet, against all odds, hope emerged from the ashes of adversity. In the year 693 ACW, a young scion of the Summerson line ascended to the throne, his coronation heralding a new chapter in the saga of the White Rose Throne. At the tender age of twenty-one, he embarked upon a quest to restore stability and unity to the embattled realm, his reign destined to leave an indelible mark upon the annals of history.
William Summerson emerged as a beacon of unity within the fractured kingdom, employing shrewd political maneuvering to bridge the chasm between his own house and those who harbored enmity towards it. Through strategic marriages and deft negotiations, he cultivated alliances with erstwhile adversaries, securing positions of influence for his siblings and politically significant cousins. While accounts of his reign depict him as a paragon of justice and equity, whispered rumors spoke of a tempestuous temperament capable of unsettling even the divine.
During his rule, William endeavored to reclaim the territories lost in the conflict with Veaser, albeit with limited success due to the burgeoning settlements that had taken root in the region. By the time he reached the age of sixty, William had etched his name in the annals of history, yet the specter of an heirless throne loomed large over the kingdom. Desperate to ensure the survival of his lineage, William sought counsel from the enigmatic Servants of Fate, who foretold the kingdom's demise and the dawn of a new era born from its ashes. He interpreted their cryptic words as a mandate to forge an alliance with the rival Voslo family, despite their deep-seated animosity.
In the year 735 ACW, William wed Antonia Voslo, a woman forty-five years his junior, whose rumored arcane talents whispered of untold power. Their union bore fruit in the form of their firstborn, Alexandra, born amidst the warmth of summer in 737 ACW. Over the ensuing years, the couple welcomed four more daughters into the world, their hopes for a male heir remaining unfulfilled. Undeterred by the absence of a son, William remained steadfast in his commitment to the prophecy, nurturing the burgeoning talents of his daughters, especially Alexandra, whose burgeoning arcane gifts hinted at a divine lineage.
As Alexandra's powers began to manifest, William recognized her potential to shape the destiny of the realm. With unwavering resolve, he embarked upon a rigorous regimen of tutelage and training, ensuring that his daughter would be prepared to ascend to the throne when the time came. On her twelfth birthday, William imparted upon Alexandra the weight of her destiny, charging her with the task of earning the respect and allegiance of the realm's noble houses. Guided by her father's wisdom and fortified by her own indomitable spirit, Alexandra embarked upon a journey of self-discovery and leadership, poised to claim her rightful place as the future queen of Summerson.
As Alexandra reached the milestone of her sixteenth year, she stood poised on the precipice of destiny, her resolve steeled by years of preparation. On the eve of William's eightieth birthday, amidst the revelry of a grand celebration that echoed with the jubilation of his long and illustrious reign, the king made a momentous proclamation. With the noble houses of the realm assembled to witness the passing of the torch, William declared Alexandra his rightful heir, destined to ascend to the throne upon his eventual demise.
Despite murmurs of dissent from some quarters, who doubted the capacity of a woman—and one so young, at that—to govern the kingdom, their objections were swiftly quelled by the unwavering loyalty that Alexandra had diligently cultivated over the years. With oaths of allegiance sworn and fealty pledged to the heir apparent, the festivities resumed, albeit tinged with the somber realization of the king's impending passing.
Tragedy struck on the 17th of Camriel in the year 752 ACW, as King William of House Summerson, the venerable architect of unity, breathed his last, leaving behind a grieving widow and four daughters. It fell upon the eldest among them, Alexandra, to inherit the mantle of leadership and ascend the throne as the first queen of Summerson on the auspicious day of the 1st of Vardath in 753 ACW.
With the mantle of rulership firmly upon her shoulders, Alexandra embarked upon her reign with determination and vision, ushering in an era of unprecedented prosperity and enlightenment for the realm. Drawing upon her mastery of the arcane arts, she spearheaded initiatives of research and innovation, enacting laws that championed equality and justice for all. Faced with the prospect of an uncertain succession, Alexandra named her niece as her chosen successor, establishing a venerable tradition of queenship that would endure for two centuries.
Under Alexandra's wise and benevolent rule, the borders of Summerson expanded to the north, vast mines yielded bountiful treasures of gold, and the kingdom's naval prowess reached unparalleled heights. Beneath the fertile soil, archeological excavations unearthed tantalizing relics of the Oranak Empire, illuminating the ancient ties that bound the Summerson lineage to its storied past, ensuring that the legacy of the Summerson Queendom would endure for generations to come.
In the annals of history, the Summerson Queendom stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of its people. Now guided by the steady hand of Queen Antonia Summerson, the realm has weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, emerging stronger and more resolute than ever before. Crowned as the second of her name, Antonia embodies the very essence of sovereignty, commanding the seas and the mountains with equal prowess, and earning the title of Admiral of the Battle of Dragons through her valor and strategic acumen.
Throughout her reign, Queen Antonia has remained steadfast in her duty to safeguard the realm from all manner of threats, whether they lurk on the horizon or lie hidden in the shadows. With unwavering resolve, she has championed the cause of exploration and discovery, leading expeditions in search of lost gods and ancient relics that hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past. Moreover, she has worked tirelessly to forge new alliances and mend old wounds, spearheading diplomatic efforts to restore relations with the Kingdom of Veaser and other neighboring realms.
As the sun sets on Queen Antonia's illustrious reign, all eyes turn to the horizon, where the dawn of a new era beckons. For her daughter, Alexandra, stands poised to inherit the throne, her name echoing with the promise of greatness and destiny. Named after the first queen of Summerson, Alexandra possesses the same formidable powers that once defined her namesake, heralding the dawn of a new golden age for the queendom.
Thus, the legacy of the Summerson Queendom endures, an eternal beacon of hope and prosperity in a world fraught with uncertainty. As the realm stands on the threshold of a new chapter in its storied history, one thing remains certain: the spirit of Summerson will endure, unyielding and unbroken, for generations to come.
Demography and Population
The country has a population of around 20,000 with 100 noble families. It is 40% human, 15% elven, 15% dwarven, 10% loxodon, and 20% other.
Foreign Relations
When it comes to diplomatic relations the queendom has had the most success with the city-states within the Lost Empire region. With open trade of goods and information along the Aster Road. When it comes to their relations with Veaser the two countries are fairly tense with things slowly easing, but trade routes have been reopened.
Gold in Peace, Steel in War
Founding Date
216 ACW
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Summersin
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Know colloquially as crescents and officially as Orans, the coins have the appearance of the phases of the moon. It breaks down as 1/4 moon coppers, 1/2 moon silvers, 3/4 moon golds, and full moon platinum. They are nicknamed quarters, halves, waxes, and fulls.
Location
Neighboring Nations
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