The people of Hawkmoon have always been pioneers and they know it. Founded in 2150, the province grew into a kingdom, equal in power to most of the southern kingdoms. Hawkmoon has become a melting pot of the southern kingdoms. Darcans mixed with Calastani, mixed with Gendeau, with a hefty dose of Jendarri thrown in for good measure. As such, there is no singular style or features in the kingdom. Most people wear practical outfits and displays of wealth are usually reserved for parties and events.
It was in Hawkmoon that the dream of the Northern Kingdom was concocted. Now Duke Raylorn Hawkmoon enthusiastically supports his brother, King Justarin, and his sister-in-law, Queen Rhonwen, as they seek to rebuild that which was lost.
Outlook
Hawkmooners value their freedom, their strength and their word. Many residents came to Hawkmoon from the other kingdoms of the empire to flee persecution and prejudice, or to start a new life. Most feel that a person has the right to aim high and follow their dreams, and class politics rarely gain any traction in the kingdom. The noble families that came north did so mainly because they were minor noble houses of their former kingdoms.
Life
Initially considered the frontier, that frontier spirit has influenced the culture of Hawkmoon. A man, or woman, is considered as good as their contributions to society. Whether someone is a smith, innkeeper, guardsman or mage, everyone is expected to "do their part". Having good relations with the nearby elven and dwarven communities has allowed the people of Hawkmoon access to technology and knowledge normally reserved for those races. Elven spells and rituals exist alongside dwarven clockworks and technology. Though those races still keep their own secrets, Hawkmoon has become a melting pot of many different cultures.
Magic is respected in Hawkmoon, but not universally loved. There are chapters of both the Arcanum and the Primsatic Order in the City, with the Arcanum building a ziggurat just west of Caer Greycastle. The Hawkmoon ziggurat is one of the few built by the order outside of the main ziggurat in Theopolis. Those who are wary of magic wonder the purpose of such a structure here in the northernmost kingdom of Arvanor. The Prismatic Order built three towers just east of the city. Called the Three Spires, these structures have never filled with apprentices and seem out of line with the magical population of the city considering the Arcanum's ziggurat attracts just as many applicants.
Society
Hawkmoon has continued the spirit of Enlightenment found in its neighbor Brineven. While the Duke is considered the ultimate authority in the Duchy, the average citizen has what Hawkmooners call the "Rights of Man". The Duke may be in charge of the domain, but each community is governed by a mayor and a council of representatives. How the community elects its representatives is up to the town. In the city of Hawkmoon, each district elects two representatives to the council and that council elects a mayor from their ranks. Normally one of the Duke's sons or daughters (normally not the heir) represents Caer Greycastle on the city council and the family member's words tend to hold great sway at council meetings.
The duke has a final say in the laws passed by the council, a ducal veto that cannot be overturned. The duke (or his heir) also sit in judgement of cases appealed through the magisterial system to the throne. Not many cases make their way through the courts all the way up to the king. The duke also holds open court once per month, here any citizen may bring an issue or dispute to the king's attention directly.
Religion
Through the Jendarri, Hawkmooners have developed a respect for nature and natural forces, including the primal spirits. Hawkmoon has more druids than any other kingdom except Brineven. That being said, Hawkmooners tend to be a religious lot. While the city boasts one pantheistic temple, many gods have their own temples in the city.
Economy
Hawmoon is a gateway kingdom and its proximity to the dwarven empire of Draglamor, Jendarri lands, and the Faded Forest and it's Feyspire, Ilminaris, makes it a trader's paradise. In addition, Petrovian ships now stop in Hawkmoon where they once sailed directly to Tarnauld. Trade routes to Brineven and Tarnauld are relatively free from humanoid and bandit raids, although no merchant is foolish enough to make such a trip without a large armed escort. In addition, Hawkmoon is rich in resources and has an abundance of arable land and no small amount of mineral wealth.
Relations with Others
Hawkmoon has always maintained good relations with the rest of the southern kingdoms, mainly because it was too small to matter before the war. After the war, refugees from all over flocked to the new kingdom, swelling its population and allowing it to grow quickly. Now equal in strength to any southern kingdom, Hawkmoon finds itself in a position to take a leading role in the politics of the northern empire.
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