Aranthor

Cover image credit to Lee B from a discontinued ArtStation

"My feet and faith have led me far, bringing peace to every shore. But with every mile and passing star, I yearn for green hilled Aranthor."
-Excerpt from the diary of Gwendolyn Farrow, Cleric of Elethorn, 1650 C.C.

Structure

Aranthor is a kingdom operating as an absolute monarchy, with the head of state traditionally being a King or Queen and their partner being referred to as either the King or Queen Consort. The current Queen is Carrina Bellerin, the 14th monarch in the line of the Bellerin dynasty which has held power over the city for over four and a half centuries. The monarch maintains a Consultative Council which they personally appoint upon coronation which acts as a board of advisors. Council members can come from all walks of life and the monarch has traditionally been encouraged to choose representatives from throughout the province. The Council can be reformatted at any time by the monarch, and council's from throughout history have ranged in membership from five to over one hundred. The monarch combines legislative, executive, and judicial functions and royal decrees to form the basis of the country's legislation, with the royal family dominating the political system. The extended family's vast numbers allow it to control most of the kingdom's important posts and to have an involvement and presence at all levels of government. The key ministries are generally reserved for the royal family, as are the five regional governorships. Outside the royal family, politics are dominated by the merchant class and military influences, with reverence but not reliance on the Meladric religions, particularly the church of Darsith .

Culture

The culture of Aranthor can be described as extravagant simplicity. The Aranth people have historically enjoyed simple things and sparse aesthetic, but created through the finest means. A meal may be basic but the farmer took pride in growing the best quality food, and the cook makes every effort to make it perfect. A room may contain only a chair, but the chair is sure to be of the finest wood and carved with the utmost attention to detail. Attention to detail and dedication and pride in ones craft lead the Aranth to be seen as bland, prideful perfectionists. However, their quality is renowned and many would jump at the chance to possess a blade made in an Aranth forge, or a wine grown from Aranth soil. However the people of Aranthor aren't stodgy by any means, with regular celebrations, holidays, military parades, and festivals.

Public Agenda

Historically Aranthor has been a nation slow to grow through tribalism and conflict. After the formal founding of the nation in 914, unity and collectivism became the goal of the government. The city-state adopted the motto Action for Progress, Progress for Aranthor and encouraged a narrative of patriotism and contribution to the state, instilling a pride in the citizens reinforced by continuing conflicts with neighboring nations. Presently the Queen is pursuing foreign affairs aggressively and doing whatever possible to strengthen relations with their neighbors.

History

The land that would become Aranthor is built on the bones of fallen kingdoms. For centuries before its establishment, the country was fought over by self styled warlords and rulers struggling for supremacy against each other and against the Elvish clans to the north. During this settlement period the lands ruled by these warlords seem to have been fragmented into numerous tribal territories, but by the 7th century these had coalesced into roughly half a dozen kingdoms. Over the following centuries, this process of political consolidation continued and the various warlords coalesced into three distinct Kingdoms by 900 C.C. A short lived peace settled until political tensions exploded a decade later, and the Three Wolves War began. This culminated in 914 when King Rychen III, The Red Wolf, completed his conquest and brought the country under the one banner. He called the newly founded country Aranthor, naming himself King Regent.
Rychen's dynasty lasted for nearly three hundred years before being deposed and replaced by another noble house, who were themselves replaced by another. The Throne of Light is currently held by Queen Carrina Bellerin, fourteenth of her line. Carrina is considered a benevolent ruler and is much loved by the general populace. The noble houses jockey for influence in government and constantly squabble for the Queen’s attention while merchants and clergy are next on the power ladder. The city is a rich one, with an economy based on mining and industry from the nearby Mountains of Light, lumber from the northern forests, and a rich industry in agriculture.
Aranthor is a modest military power, having fought amongst themselves for centuries and also against their neighbors in Korrindor and Sharantil, and in the Dragon Wars after. They maintain a small standing army and have heavy defenses along their borders. The country's cavalry units are renowned, especially the vaunted Dire Wolf Brigade, and three Adventuring Companies call the city home: Silver Scale, Aranth Ride, and Fey's Call, which all function as hirable mercenary arms of the army.

Demography and Population

30,914 -  Human (50%), Elf(12%), Dwarf (15%), Halfling (7%), Tiefling (4%), Gnome (2%), Goblinoid (2%), Tabaxi (1%), Dragonborn (1%), Other (6%)

Action for Progress, Progress for Aranthor

Founding Date

914 C.C.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

Hilltown

Demonym

Aranth

Leader

Queen Carrina Bellerin

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Economic System

Mixed economy

Location

Faneshorn: The Center of the World