Kingdom of Zargon

Structure

The royal family oversees the day-to-day administration of their kingdom, with the prime minister handling affairs of the capital, the royal treasurer overseeing tax revenue, and the generals of the royal army and captains of the Iron Guard advising on military matters. When the royal family is too busy, they may hand some administrative duties over to a noble courtier, naming them either a temporary or permanent minister. Various ministries have existed in the history of Zargon, rising and falling in prominence as needed by the royalty. Traditionally, a white wizard of the Order of Reu serves as counselor to the king or queen, though influential nobles and merchants/trade guildsmen often serve as advisers as well.

History

The kingdom of Zargon was founded by Zaru expatriates granted whatever lands they could conquer on the Kaian Plains. In exchange, their new kingdom would be responsible for the upkeep of any roads through taxation as well as paying monthly tithes to the empire. Even after the empire fell, the trade routes and roads established and built by the imperial Zargonese remain. Starting in 1190, with the founding of Bel-Zargon, the kingdom of Zargon began life as one of the many kingdoms which made up the Empire of Edinniae. Dardan the Great was their first king, succeeded by Dardan II, great city-builder. Dardan III had plans for a road system which his son Dardan IV completed after his father's untimely death on a hunting trip. Dardan IV also neogtiated peace with the wild-elves, so it became illegal to harm a buffalo on Zargonese soil, preserving wild-elf hunting. He also expanded Castle Dardan to include the two wings of the royal palace. When Dardan IV died without heirs, Dardan V came from a different noble house, saving the failing royal line. Dardan VI broke his treaties with the Kaians. Several peasant uprisings followed, the bloodiest of which ended with the Kaians' defeat at the Battle of Travellers Forest. Dardan VII, first known as Deucalus, took the name of his older brother, securing the line when Dardan VI took ill and died. Dardan VIII was king during the Battle of Travellers Forest, which ended the Kaian uprisings. Dardan IX ended persecution of changelings within the kingdom and strengthened trade with Hothir. Dardan X founded the elite order of Iron Guard, protectors of Bel-Zargon and the royal family. The eleventh and current ruler of Zargon is Queen Selene the Black, a wizard of some power. Much of Zargonese history has been a history of oppression, as the Zaru conquered the native Kaians, forcing them to work on their lands for meager wages or none at all. Today, the Kaians enjoy many more rights, due to the reforms of Queen Selene the Black. Unfortunately, these reforms have not been well-received by many of the nobles. The landed barons of the west, specifically, have banded together under Lord Thraxus of Elfsbridge to overthrow the queen. This period of strife has become known as the Zargonese Civil War. Here is a chronology of the kings and queens of Zargon: Dardan the Great, b. 1140, 1190-1216 Dardan II, b. 1186, 1216-1227 Dardan III, b. 1203, 1227-1228 Dardan IV, b. 1220, 1228-1252 Dardan V, b. 1236, 1252-1255 Dardan VI, b. 1207, 1255-1261 Dardan VII, b. 1232, 1261-1273 Dardan VIII, b. 1256, 1273-1300 Dardan IX, b. 1284, 1300-1365 Dardan X, b. 1300, 1365-1367 Selene the Black, b. 1340, 1367-1400

Demography and Population

Most everyday people are Kaian subsistence farmers, with another large percentage as manor farmers. The Zaru are as likely to be nobles as merchants or warriors. Until recently, Kaians were not allowed to serve in the regular army and were banned from the trade guilds. They still are not allowed in the Iron Guard. There are a few Edinu families in some of the northern cities, mostly employed as merchants or soldiers.

Territories

The Kingdom of Zargon controls all the territory north of the coast of Tal Ladon, from the Kaian River in the west to the Pyron Mountains in the east, effectively the whole of the Kaian Plains.

Military

The military is divided into four classes, each with its general: The archer class is composed of bowmen and siege experts. The knightly class is composed of noblemen who wage war on horseback. The footmen class is composed of Kaian, Zaru, and Edinu peasants who have enlisted to fight on foot for the glory of the kingdom. The Iron Guard is usually selected from among the elite of the knightly class. All soldiers, with the exception of the knights and Iron Guard, receive a stipend for their service. This usually includes a measure of salt, along with payment in the form of silver crowns.

Mythology & Lore

Vora created humanity during the First Age, when the world was young. She danced with her people on the shell of the World-Turtle Don. When the War of the Snake came, Vora fought for her people, striking a blow against Nathrach. Nathrach retaliated, however, and his bite poisoned Vora. Now the moon goddess waxes and wanes as her strength ebbs and flows, the venom still flowing in her immortal veins. When the moon cannot be seen in the sky, Vora walks the earth as a humble beggar. Milk and cookies and other gifts are often left outside for her, and bonfires are lit to light her way. These moonless nights happen four times a year, coinciding with the festivals of Kuri-Zul, Vera-Zul, Ori-Zul, and Tiri-Zul.

Worship

Like all humans, the Zargonese venerate the moon goddess Vora as creator of humanity. Her worship was first spread by Ayesha and the Empire of Edinniae. The cult of the moon goddess replaced many of the lesser cults of the hunter, the wise ones, fairykind, etc. Some humans still also venerate these ancient gods and goddesses, as well as keeping a shrine of Ayesha, as Daughter of the Moon.

Priesthood

Blue wizards, being trained in divination, most often serve as priests, though royal families can assume these duties as well.

Sects

There are a number of lesser cults which have been absorbed or ignored by the moon cult. These include the cults of the hunter, of fairies, and of ancestors, among others.

Founding Date

1190

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Bel-Zargon

Demonym

Zargonese

Leader

Queen Selene the Black

Head of State

Queen Selene the Black

Head of Government

Queen Selene the Black

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Currency

Official coinage is still the imperial silver mark, as well as the Zargonese silver crown. One hundred copper pennies equal one crown, while a mark is worth 50 crowns.

Deities