Lordhelm

As the seat of the Emperor, Lordhelm, and by extension the city of Kingsport, are the bastion of all those within the Empire. The Kyneshelm Dynasty have ruled for 7 generations of human lords for almost 450 years, and have done so with an efficient and calculating hand. Kyneshelm and its Emperor maintain stable relationships, for the most part, with other nations, but sees military pressure from the Free Cities of Aguatheim.

Kingsport is one of the most heavily populated cities in the world, and is protected by the Imperial Army and the Emperor’s personal military force, the Obsidian Guard. Every month, all the rulers of Kyneshelm travel into the capital for the Lordsmeet, where political and administrational matters are attended to by the council.

Emperor Tarwyn III, a strong-featured, 34 year old human man, has held the empire for around 20 years since his father passed. He is revered as a kind but strong leader, and, more than his father, has successfully pushed the Marshmen out of Lordhelm and kept them out for most of his reign. Emperor Tarwyn rules with his wife, Empress Arlywyn, a beautiful half-elf woman it is told he killed an Eili’an slaver for, and together they have a half-elven son, Archprince Cammon, who is being garnered to take the throne.

Tensions from the Kingdoms

As the Capital of the Empire, it is Lordhelm's imperative to maintain positive relationships with the other kingdoms. Not being its own state, but the seat of the empire itself, puts it in a precarious situation in fostering positive and fair trade relationships. There is particularly pressure from Southreach to provide in excess, and the Tooth demanding recompense for their mining production.

Political and Administrative Heart

Major Exports: Administrative services, cultural goods (art, literature), diplomacy.

Industries: Bureaucracy, trade regulation, governance, and cultural development.

Economic Connections:

• Acts as a central hub for coordinating trade between other kingdoms, leveraging its political authority.
• Facilitates large-scale trade agreements and diplomacy with external powers, particularly with Aguatheim and Eili’an.

Strengths:

• Strong central governance ensures efficient taxation and fair trade policies.
• High population density provides a robust internal market for goods from other kingdoms.
• The Lordsmeet ensures other kingdoms remain economically and politically accountable.

Weaknesses:

• Relies heavily on resources and goods from other kingdoms due to limited local production.
• The Free Cities of Aguatheim pose trade competition, occasionally undercutting agreements.

Imperial Authority and Central Command

Forces: The Imperial Army and Obsidian Guard

• Imperial Army (1.7 million): A centralised force under the emperor’s direct command, the Imperial Army is responsible for large-scale defence, responding to major threats across Kyneshelm, and enforcing imperial decrees.
• Obsidian Guard (30,000): The emperor’s elite personal guard. They also serve ceremonial roles in Kingsport and act as an investigative and enforcement unit for imperial law.

Recruitment:

• Soldiers come from across the empire, especially Southreach, due to its military culture.
• The Obsidian Guard recruits from veteran soldiers with a spotless service record, prioritising skill, loyalty, and discretion.

Roles:

• Enforces peace among the kingdoms and defends the empire’s borders.
• Protects the emperor and key imperial assets in Kingsport.

Strengths:

• Unrivalled resources and size.
• Acts as a unifying force, symbolising the empire’s strength.

Weaknesses:

• Dependent on the cooperation of kingdom-based forces for regional stability.
• Logistical challenges in deploying such a vast force quickly.

Ruler: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Tarwyn Kyneshelm III

Population: 2.3 million

Capital: The City of Kingsport (pop. 470,000)

Primary Function: Seat of the Kyneshelm Lordsmeet and Imperial Council

Major Cities: Owlbear Bridge (5,000), Eagle’s Crossing (7,000), Seawatch (35,000)

Disposition: Seat of the Emperor, welcoming of all people and races, however, relatively harsh against those who would defy the Imperial Crown.

Military: The Imperial Army (1.7 million) and Obsidian Guard (30,000)

Obsidian Guard