Goldsea
The kingdom of Goldsea is a coastal kingdom on the northern bank of the Starstone Bay. It is a monarchy currently ruled by their queen, Lady Catherine Calmbrook. Goldsea is composed of five large settlements and dozens of smaller ones along the bay’s coast and along the eastern and western banks of the Stonesthrow River.
Originating as a coastal fishing town, the capital of Saerin’s Shore grew rapidly as more settlers flocked to the region, fleeing the destruction of the old empire. As the area became more populated, it drew the attention of monsters and beasts in the region. When a green wyrm threatened the settler's new home, a spell-slinging warrior called Cuoir raised the locals to arms, and together they slew the great beast. Victorious, the people of Saerin’s Shore pledged themselves to Cuoir. In the years that followed, a castle was built and slowly expanded, walls were erected to defend the growing city, and the territory of the kingdom expanded as others pledged their allegiance to Cuoir.
In his passing, the crown was passed to his heir, and the kingdom was officially named Goldsea, a common translation of its founder’s name in the old tongue of the Divine Empire. Today, Goldsea is one of several kingdoms on the eastern peninsula and maintains at least friendly relations with these other regions. Enemies of Goldsea are the ogre and minotaur tribes of the western mountains who sometimes form raiding parties, and the Aphanzi raiders from across the glass plains on the south side of the bay.
To the north, Goldsea has access to rocky hill lands. Several mines for stone, quartz, and tin have been established, and although a small iron mine was discovered, most of their iron is imported from dwarvish caravans in the northeast.
To the east and west are forests that provide lumber and game, as well as truffles and rare forest growing herbs. Much of this comes from the western forest, where a unicorn roams the woods as guardian protector.
Originating as a coastal fishing town, the capital of Saerin’s Shore grew rapidly as more settlers flocked to the region, fleeing the destruction of the old empire. As the area became more populated, it drew the attention of monsters and beasts in the region. When a green wyrm threatened the settler's new home, a spell-slinging warrior called Cuoir raised the locals to arms, and together they slew the great beast. Victorious, the people of Saerin’s Shore pledged themselves to Cuoir. In the years that followed, a castle was built and slowly expanded, walls were erected to defend the growing city, and the territory of the kingdom expanded as others pledged their allegiance to Cuoir.
In his passing, the crown was passed to his heir, and the kingdom was officially named Goldsea, a common translation of its founder’s name in the old tongue of the Divine Empire. Today, Goldsea is one of several kingdoms on the eastern peninsula and maintains at least friendly relations with these other regions. Enemies of Goldsea are the ogre and minotaur tribes of the western mountains who sometimes form raiding parties, and the Aphanzi raiders from across the glass plains on the south side of the bay.
Geography
Goldsea is a small kingdom when compared to territories on other conti-nents, claiming roughly 2700 square miles (about 21 hexes on the local map). Most of Goldsea is hilly pasture and fertile farmland along the Stonesthrow River that runs south from the western mountains. Situated right at the mouth of the river where it opens into the bay, Goldsea has ready access not only to the freshwater bounties of the bay, but also has a direct route out into the eastern sea.To the north, Goldsea has access to rocky hill lands. Several mines for stone, quartz, and tin have been established, and although a small iron mine was discovered, most of their iron is imported from dwarvish caravans in the northeast.
To the east and west are forests that provide lumber and game, as well as truffles and rare forest growing herbs. Much of this comes from the western forest, where a unicorn roams the woods as guardian protector.
Towns and Cities
Aru's watch
A large coastal town set 50 feet above the sea, Aru's Watch is named for the devout priest of Aruna who kept vigil with shining lights during the diaspora from the destroyed Empire. The walled castle town features a large temple dedicated to Aruna. The temple features large stained-glass windows portraying religious scenes. On the edge of the town overlooking the bay is a tall lighthouse with a domed top. The lighthouse contains an ever-lit beacon, an enchantment laid upon a four-foot tall quartz crystal set into a steel frame. Docks are built along the cliff's edge below the town. The docks are small, only able to accomodate small ships such as fishing vessels and barges. A wooden crane is built at the top of the cliff to haul cargo up to the town. A tunnel with stone stairs was magically carved from the cliff face up to the town. The edges of the tunnel are smoothed stone, with notches every 15 feet for torches.High Hold
A small fortified town, the keep was built at the top of a steep cliff that peers down over the winding road below. The keep is a tall, jagged thing with many portholes and other deadly traps for invaders coming through the road. The lord of the keep is a master builder who constructed it by hand. The associated town is built behind the keep. It features a prominant temple to the Eleven Deva. The lord is a devout follower and gives generous tithes to the abbey who in turn offer blessings and protections to the townfolk.Sunnydale
A far flung town on the edge of Goldsea, the town has grown a scandalous reputation owing to several troubling farmers and their confrontations with the local bailiff.Thistlewhistle
A windy riverside town cursed by a wind elemental. The severe winds have blown away all of the thistle plants in the area, and the supernaturally strong winds also prevent the residents from speaking outdoors, much less whistle.Religion
For day-to-day life, serfs and commoners mostly worship the goddess Baba, or the goddess Azubebu. Funerals are often held in service by a priest of either Baba, or sometimes Halùdital for those near larger settlements where temples to Halùdital are more common. Sailors, who are fairly common in the most populous areas of Goldsea, say prayers to the Aruna, the god of the sea, and less commonly to Ešigiduan, goddess of travel.
The god of desire, Minsanan, and the god Zikshirammu have almost no presence in small settlements, such as villages and small towns. However, larger settlements usually have at least a small temple dedicated to one or the other. Priests of either god are called upon to bless weddings and festivals. Some citizens, however, view worship of of Minsanan as sacrilege, or even as obscene, as icons of Minsanan are common in brothels and the like.
The deities Kurusuka, Lugal-Uri, Mardushu, and Tiamagi, have an almost non-existant presence within Goldsea, although small temples to them do exist within Saerin's Shore.
The sea bequeaths
Founding Date
circa 150
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Goldsen, goldsens, "goldie"
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Goldsea has a royal mint, but they do not produce many coins. The people of Goldsea still mostly use coins of the old Divine Empire that were carried by fleeing refugees over 400 years ago. Additional coins have been minted to match the coin denominations of the Divine Empire, though this is rare as gold and silver are rare metals on the peninsula. Common coins used are copper and silver pennies, as well as gold coins.
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Common (Ussitum)
