The World Of Khoras - Civilization - Nations
"A citizen lives knowing that honor is the foundation
of all character. He protects the weak and helpless, aids and comforts the less fortunate.
He upholds the rights of others while defending his own."
- Calum Theoric, First Knight of Barrinor.
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| Proper Name | The Kingdom of Arkalia |
| Ruler | His Most Noble Majesty, Defender of the Western Realms, Right Hand of the Church of Barrinor, Protector of the True Faith, Commander of the High Guard, King Hosric III |
| Population | 9,187,500 |
| Population Density | 20 people per square kilometer |
| Demographics | Human 50%, Elven 20%, Dwarven 8%, Grum 8%, Avarian 7%, Saurian 6%, Ogre 1% |
| Languages | Northern 80%, Corven 20% |
| Capital City | Strathon (Population: 72,000) |
| National Colors | Blue and silver or white and silver. |
| Year Founded | 385 |
| Currency | Northern |
| Natural Resources and Manufactured Goods | Iron, copper, silver, finely crafted metal products especially armor and blades, foodstuffs, freshwater fish, pigs, sheep, cabbage, potatoes |
| Wealth | Above Average |
| Government Type | Monarchy |
| Government Stability | Very stable. |
| Allies | Normidia, Corvenia, Uthran |
| Enemies | Vorrik, Borrell |
| Technology Level | Middle Ages |
| Primary Religion | Barrinor |
| Other Religions | Sorrath, Strath, Glavon |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Total Land Area | 475,000 square kilometers |
| Arable Land | 33% |
| Terrain | Grassland, Forest, Rolling Hills |
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Arkalia is a small but prosperous kingdom renowned for chivalry and honor. It is based on the traditional feudal system with a strict system of titles and territories. The government of Arkalia is intertwined with the church of Barrinor and this religion is the official church of the state. Holy knights and warrior priests are found in great numbers in Arkalia. Arkalia is mostly human, but enjoys a great deal of dwarven influence in metalcraft.
Arkalia is mostly grassy plains and gently rolling hills with marshlands in the southeast and forested hills in the southwest where the Grand Wood begins. It is bordered on the north by the Captured Sea, on the east by Cauldron Lake and on the south by the Trackless Mire and the Grand Wood Forest. A single road passes between these two regions heading south toward Ithell.
Arkalia is relatively free from wandering monsters and nasty predators. The only nearby threat are the occasional beasts that roam out of the Trackless Mire. Pigs are an important livestock in Arkalia and Arkalian farmers breed a rather hefty variety of hog that grows to over 1000 pounds.
Arkalia was founded upon the ruined Irenni League. It has rebuilt and restored many of the original Irenni structures. Many of the buildings in the capital city of Strathon are ancient and exhibit the distinctive Irenni style of architecture. Overall, Arkalia is a wealth of Irenni archeological finds. In addition to fragments found throughout the country side and the restored halls in Strathon, the ruins of a large Irenni city can be found on Mountaintop Isle. Although these ruins have been explored thoroughly, no attempt at restoration has yet been made.
Arkalia is a traditional monarchy currently ruled by King Ivan Hosric III. King Hosric is of the same bloodline that has ruled Arkalia for the last 800 years. The government of Arkalia is closely tied to the official state religion, the church of Barrinor. The king traditionally relies on numerous councils and advisors. Chief of these is the Grand Bishop of Barrinor, his Holiness, Lord John Tenral. Serving both High Priest and King are a miscellany of low ranking priests and military officers serving in administrative roles. Legal matters are resolved by the Chief Magistrate who is assisted by a number of magistrates throughout Arkalia.
Arkalia is fairly strict with regard to fighting within the cities, the possession of weapons and armor, etc. Large, heavy weapons are discouraged and will be confiscated by the city guards. Heavy armor is likewise discouraged. Crimes against the state are dealt with severely. Criminals are brought before and tried by a council of Barrinor priests who sit in judgment with very few restrictions on their authority. Although church and state are intertwined, as in Carrikos, Arkalia is surprisingly fair. Servitude to the Church, heavy fines and banishment are typical forms of punishment. The Church of Barrinor tends to shy away from execution except for the most horrid criminals.
The Arkalian military is divided up into four main groups:
The High Guard serves the King and Church of Barrinor directly. They are often on hand at diplomatic ceremonies, guarding the palace grounds and serving at religious holidays. Once each year, at the King's Festival, the Grand Bishop of Barrinor chooses one of the High Guard, whomever he deems most worthy, to be Praemus Nuchet (First Knight). This high honor is held for a year. During that time, the First Knight is given the privilege to carry the Church's most holy artifact, the Hammer of Barrinor, a massive silver and adamantine hammer which is ensorcelled with the most powerful magic.
Arkalia's economy is based heavily on agriculture, fishing, mining and the production of crafted ironwork. Arkalia trades regularly with Normidia, Corvenia, Vorrik, River Gate and Jannerus. As in all other social concerns, Arkalia strives to be a model of culture and nobility. Its thriving and stable economy based on centuries old craftsmanship is example of this.
A strong tradition of knightly honor exists among the warrior class, akin to the Garrison. Each knight is a skilled and noble warrior - a fighter, a scholar and a gentlemen all in one. This is most apparent in the High Guard, who embody the very essence of knightly virtue. Clad in the finest armor and riding the best steeds, these men are sworn to uphold justice throughout Arkalia. The citizenry love the High Guard and will offer them free meals and free lodging whenever necessary. Such acts find favor with the Church. This tradition of honor saturates the culture. Every blacksmith, brewer and cobbler takes pride in his craft and puts in an honest day's work.
Perhaps to show off its noble culture and virtuous ways, Arkalia holds a number of large and elaborate fairs, festivals and tournaments.
King Ivan Hosric III,
Ruler of Arkalia
A noble leader and fierce warrior with dark reddish brown hair, neatly
trimmed beard and steel grey eyes. His valor and honesty
and legendary. He wears upon his brow the legendary Crown of Kings.
This magnificent headpiece is part helm and part crown. It is steel, adamantite
and mithril. It bears the likeness of two great wings outstretched and is
adorned with 27 precious stones with a huge sapphire at the center. This crown
is heavily enchanted and the central sapphire glows.
Queen Daelyn Hosric
A proud and headstrong noblewoman who is as skilled with steel and steed as
she is with the pomp and civility of the throne
room. She is a young queen, twenty seven years old, much younger than her king.
She is renowned for her beauty - an exquisitely sculpted face, athletic body and
a mane of flowing brown hair.
Prince Ivan Hosric IV, Heir Apparent
He is five years old. He is being trained in the basics of swordplay by the
House Guard. He has already shown an aptitude for martial discipline. This young
lad will one day rule Arkalia.
Grand Bishop Jon Tenral, Supreme Religious
Authority of the
Church of Barrinor
A heavy man with coal black eyes and a mane of snow white hair. He
has the blazing eyes of a zealot during some of his more impassioned sermons. He
is a fanatic believer in the martial strength of the Church and the higher
purpose of the High Guard.
Calum Theoric, First Knight of Arkalia
Calum Theoric is the pride of Arkalia and something of a prodigy. He is the
embodiment of everything that Arkalia stands for: young, handsome, intelligent,
honorable, just, well-schooled, virtuous and a terror on the battle field. He
was born the privileged son of a former High Guard
knight and now follows in his father's footsteps. He has surpassed all
expectations by becoming the youngest First Knight in Arkalia's history.
Ayger Berrok, Earl of Korrington
Pronounced AYE-ger Ba-ROCK.. A giant of a man with a rotund
frame, short trimmed gray beard and a voice as deep as thunder. He is a former
High Guard knight and longs for the glory days of his youth. His blade is
proudly hung above the fireplace in his office in the town hall. He dons his
armor for special occasions (though lately he has trouble fitting into it).
Ayger has a great many tales from his High Guard days and is a master story
teller. He often entertains with fabulous tales at the various festivals which
Korrington is famous for.
Sven Bolvar, Earl of Newcastle
A tall, powerfully built warrior with long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes
and a handsome, rugged, clean shaven face. He is a man who takes his
responsibilities seriously and sometimes shows little humor. He is deeply
respected by all of his soldiers and citizens. He commands the soldiers of
Newcastle himself, leading the charge onto the battle field. He is a great
warrior, but also an intelligent man and a cunning military tactician. His soldiers patrol
eastern Arkalia in regular sweeps, but when a tribe of orcs ventures out from
the Trackless Mire, Lord Bolvar will gather a massive force and ride far south
to the very edge of that great swamp to wipe out the orcish threat. Lord Bolvar
is more warrior than diplomat and wears the title of earl uncomfortably. He does
not like the "courtly" functions of his station and often sends his
herald to Strathon on political matters in his stead.
Erin Finley, Earl of
Lakeshore
An effeminate, frail man of a fastidious and
timid nature. He has short, blonde hair, a thin frame and a clean shaven face.
He allows his military officers to run the military and his herald to see to the
day-to-day affairs of the town. Lord Finley is more concerned with
fashionable clothes from Vogue, high society parties and such things than with
ruling his lands. He is not an evil man, just one who prefers to leave the less
pleasant duties of his station to subordinates.
Albert Merkalsa, Earl of Bronzedale
A big man with thick red hair and a bushy red beard who likes
to dress in black. In battle, he dons black lacquered plate armor. Lord Merkalsa
is very proud of the Bronzedale smiths. He realizes that there is a subtle
competition between Bronzedale and Stirling. In truth, Merkalsa is somewhat
envious of Stirling's position as the supplier of arms and armor to the High
Guard, but he would never admit it. Secretly, Lord Merkalsa hopes to usurp that
position one day.
Calbert Shreidar, Earl of Edgewood
A respected community leader and a man of quiet dignity and intelligence. He
is well liked by all and deeply concerned with his land and his people. He has a
trace of elven blood and works hard to maintain cordial relations with the elves
of the Grandwood.
Malcolm Teroth, Earl of Stirling
A haughty, arrogant man who looks down upon the common man
with contempt and disdain. Lord Teroth is quite proud of the "Stirling
tradition" of quality and has no doubt of the superiority of Stirling
metalwork over all others. He smugly looks down on the smiths of Bronzedale with
disdain.
Jerran Alden, Lord Marshall of the King's Guard
The highest ranking military officer outside of the High Guard is the Lord
Marshall of the King's Guard, a post currently occupied by Jerran Alden. A slim
man of curly dark hair and neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard. He is quick
with a blade and is a good teacher. He is also a skilled brawler and
often engages in sparring duels of unarmed combat.
Bernard Aldrich, Chief Magistrate of
Arkalia
The Chief Magistrate is the highest ranking judge in the nation. He
is responsible for the interpretation of the King's Laws and determines fines,
punishments and legal policies. He is assisted by a number of lesser magistrates
scattered throughout the nation in every town.
Conlan Vinnar, Captain of the Flagship and Fleet
Commander of Arkalian Royal Navy
Conlan Vinnar is a short man with short red hair and beard, a
pug-nosed unpleasant face and three small parallel scars across his right cheek
(from a fight with a phellysian). Fleet Commander Vinnar is a harsh commander
with an abrasive confrontational personality and a sharp tongue. However, he is
also a master mariner, a skilled navigator and a cunning tactician. He commands
the entire Arkalian fleet with an iron hand and unswerving confidence.
Tayen Kendrick, General of the Arkalian Mounted Regiment
Lord Kendrick is the leader of the Arkalian Mounted Regiment (the
common knights of Arkalia). Some jealousy of the High Guard is perhaps
unavoidable. What the King's Guard lack in quality, they make up for in numbers.
Taven Kendrick is a skilled leader who manages the herculean logistics of this
unwieldy group with ease all the while keeping an eye on the High Guard and
seeking any opportunity for improvement in his own men.
Lothar Roalyn, Jousting Champion of Arkalia
Sir Roalyn is a frequent competitor in various contests in
Korrington and Strathon. He is particularly good at jousting and currently holds
the title. He is a member of the High Guard and probably one of the finest
combatants of that group, but his magical skills are lacking, some say.
Matriach Jesari Hon, Leader of the Golconda
Jesari Hon is a handsome older woman of long brown hair and shapely figure.
She has a throaty voice and serious demeanor which give a slight edge to her
otherwise maternal nature. Having arisen through the ranks of this sisterhood,
she cares deeply for the women under her charge and has seen the organization
from all levels. No one is more aware than she of the prejudice women face in a
man's world. She is a headstrong woman who hopes to provide the example that her
followers need.
Master Voshni, Leader of the Sarshang
Brotherhood
An ancient man of boundless wisdom. Notable by his snow white hair, watery gray
eyes and quiet smile. Master Voshni has been a member of the Sar'shang his
entire life and it is whispered that he is over 150 years old. Voshni speaks 14
languages, is a master of martial arts despite his advanced years and has traveled
the continent from end to end. He has studied all topics and is a student of many philosophies, particularly
ancient Ranyku and Yntharian lore. Master Voshni is deeply respected by all
members of the Sar'shang Brotherhood. Should anyone harm this old man they would
find themselves hunted by hundreds of his students. Master Voshni makes his home
at the central home of the Sar'shang, a remote monastery in the wilderness along
the northeastern edge of the Grand Wood in southern Arkalia.
| Name | Population | Notes |
| Korrington | 11,700 | Korrington is a medium sized city 160 kilometers southwest of Strathon and considered by many to be the cultural center of Arkalia. Each year Korrington holds the Baron's Fair (which holds some of the best tournaments to be found anywhere), the Autumn Festival and the Winter Parade. |
| Newcastle | 8,700 | Newcastle refers both to the fortified castle which lies east of Strathon on the lakeshore and the city which has grown up around it. Newcastle guards eastern Arkalia, monitors Corvenian activity, operates patrols as far south as the Trackless Mire and maintains a well equipped harbor for the Arkalian fleet. |
| Lakeshore | 7,200 | A beautiful city of towering spires made of white marble and mansions on the beach. This small city is home to the cultural elite and playground for the wealthy. Many of Arkalia's highest ranking citizens have second homes here. Lakeshore conducts exploration of local ruins and is also officially responsible for the protection and development of Mountain Top Isle. |
| Bronzedale | 5,500 | This small city is the mining center of Arkalia and produces most of the armor and weapons for Arkalian soldiers. Within 40 kilometers of the city, Bronzedale operates a quarry, a huge iron mining operation and a smaller copper mining site. Bronzedale lies 256 kilometers due west of Strathon. |
| Edgewood | 4,600 | Named for its location, Edgewood lies some 370 kilometers southwest of Strathon just outside the Grand Wood forest. Edgewood has a small school, a good library and decent wizard's guild. |
| Stirling | 3,900 | Some 240 kilometers south of Strathon lies another smithing and metal working center. This small city is home to many of the finest smiths and produces hammers for Barrinor priests and full plate armor for the High Guard. Stirling, along with Newcastle, helps guard against creatures that occasionally roam out of the Trackless Mire. |
Arington, Bailey, Blackwell, Bright Lake, Castle-on-Sea, Commons, Farigun, Garvey, Greaves, Hadrun, Joust, Knight, Lestreanne, Orick, Prymar, Rienart, Silvervale, Trask, Vicker
This page last updated Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David M. Roomes.
