Acaria
Sweeping across the western plains of the Flussland is the feudal state of Acaria. It is the most populous of the Flussland states, despite the presence of just one major city - the capital Tecard. The land is largely agricultural, with many small market towns scattered across the landscape and along the Great West Road. There is a large conscripted standing military loyal to the Archduke of Tecard, who maintain peace between the many political rivals in the nobility.
Structure
Acaria presents itself as having a straightforward feudal system, but in fact the nobility hold no real power now unless they also have military rank. Most old manor houses still stand, but are simply family homes for the families of the military officers. Noble born sons conscript as Captains and hope to make their way up the ranks.
Culture
Acarians believe that life is hard and short, and the best one can hope for is a glorious death. Whether this is death by the sword, death by exhaustion through hard work, or death in childbirth, these are noble goals. Hard work and a serious demanour are encouraged in both military and civilian life, although beer is widely available and frequently consumed at all times of the day (mostly to numb the pain of their labour).
Public Agenda
The Archduke promises that his army will be there whenever Darstad needs it, and his mighty soldiers can ensure peace. Ironically, Acaria is one of the least peaceful areas of the Flussland.
Assets
Most of the noble houses of Acaria live in fortified castles, some single towers, others motte and baileys with complex defences. The city of Tecard is heavily fortified, with high walls and thick iron gates. Most wealth is now centrally owned, seized by the military or "inherited" from the nobility.
History
Acaria is the oldest state in the Flussland, with most of its georgraphic boundaries having been theoretically united from Tecard for around 500 years. At various times pockets of land have rebelled, or small areas across the rivers conquered, but border changes have rarely stuck for a long time.
Demography and Population
Acaria has a large population, almost entirely human, and mostly in serfdom with a low life expectancy. The birth rate is high, with most people aiming to have as many children as possible to help them in their work. Food is not scarce, as the lands are very fertile and produce large quantities of grain, but sanitation and education levels are very low, so disease is a common cause of early death. Furthermore, the family planning ritual is forbidden in Acaria and "healthcare" is considered an affront to their culture, so death in childbirth and infancy is commonplace.
There is always a high travelling population along the Great West Road. Merchants of other races are commonly seen travelling along the major roads, and many of the independent taverns and shops along those roads are owned by immigrants. Dragonborn from Amath-Ra, Hill Dwarves from the Greinar Chain, Halflings from Lasse or Offenland are the most common non-human visitors.
Territories
Acaria controls the majority of the central region of the Flussland. Everything north of the river Grein and south of the Nard and Dar is under their control. The land around Sturmin and some of the riverlands in that vicinity are part of Narland. All land within a 50 mile radius of the centre of Darstad is part of Kroningen. They also now occupy Mustoir, a previously independent city, and control some land south of the Grein and east of the Darine in that area.
Military
The Acarian Military consists of around 100,000 men, and is a common sight in daily life throughout the state. To survive training, become a member of the military, and then survive 20 years of service is considered a huge achievement, and what few veteran common soldiers that exist are treaded with great respect in the community.
Technological Level
Arcane magic is not unusual in Acaria. Many travelling Bards move along the trade routes and out into villages, there are trained wizards in the military as well.
Religion
The official religion of Acaria is that of Daizall, the god of strength. Some peasants do secretly follow Linchen, a goddess of life, but this is not officially permitted. Clerics and Paladins are rare, and are often tied to the service of the military.
Agriculture & Industry
Acaria is a wide flat plain, covered almost entirely in grain fields. Great strong horses are bred extensively as well, both for agricultural and military uses. In areas closer to Darstad, some have started to breed racehorses. Industry levels are low, with most necessary items imported from Sturmin.
Trade & Transport
The Great West Road brings goods of all kinds through Acaria. The major north-south road from Strumin to Mustoir through Tecard is also an important trade route, along with the road running down edge of the Greinar Chain into Lasse.
Education
The nobility are well educated in history and the means of war, but the general population is almost completely uneducated, illiteracy is rife. Soldiers are taught the basics of how to read and write as part of their basic training.
The Strength of Many
Maps
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Earldom of Kayallar
Northern region of Acaria, centered around the town of Kayallar, and including the trade road from Tecard to Sturmin.
Founding Date
At least 500 years ago
Type
Geopolitical, State
Capital
Demonym
Acarian
Government System
Stratocracy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
Grain
Major Imports
Finished goods of most kinds
Legislative Body
Archduke of Tecard
Judicial Body
Military
Parent Organization
Location
Notable Members
Comments