Kingdom of Raechin
Descending through the Needlewood along the eastern coast of Durol, one will notice a change in climate, and in the colors around you, as the white and grey stone of the Fell Crags gives way to the blacker tones, lacking snow and ice on all but the peaks, of the the Smokestacks. This range rides alongside the Needlewood south and east, as one enters the highlands of Raechin, a landscape dominated by the eastern most fringes of the Depen, which give way to the notably large presence of Lake Bearwood, so named for the other large forest that dominates Raechin's landscape, that of the Bearwood, which extends east and south at first, though angling north, to meet the Smokestacks. Resource and industry towns and cities dominate the landscape, surrounded by wilderness untamed on all sides, the frontiers of Raechin holding wealth, resources and value to those bold enough to harvest it. However the kingdom of Wylde Frontiers hold many a danger as well.
Structure
The Kingdom of Raechin stands as a bit of a throwback of sorts to an era that is actively ending, and many would argue has ended. They are the last nation embracing such a system, a feudal power structure with an absolute monarchy overseeing it. The kingdom is split currently into seven counties with the Count and Countesses of these lands divvying them up further still into smaller estates overseen by nobility a step below. The intercomplexity of such a feudal system, where the monarch controls all via these liege lords and ladies, whom have sworn a sacred oath to serve. The Anvilstone monarchy is the last bastion of such a structure, and despite the march of progress which would seem to be moving in directions that would render such a structure foolish and obsolete, somehow in Raechin it not only survives but thrives, in a manner of speaking. The truth of the matter is this structure has the power lying mostly in the hands of the counties. Jarlessa Scarlet Anvilstone has absolute governmental power, this is true, however like those before her, she is savvy enough to understand that she needs to balance and keep support of her banners, always keeping her decisions and decrees effects and potential benefits and negatives those decisions could have upon their interests in mind.
Bearwood County: The central county, the territory wherein sits the seat of the monarchy, Longreach, this county remains the holding of House Anvilstone, and is the centre of their authority and territory. It is notably the largest county by geography, and the most populated, housing the majority of the farming across the Whispering Plains as well.
Thornwood County: Encompassing several islands off the western and southwestern coasts of the nation, as well as a notable region of the mainland along the Thorn River. Dalereach is the largest community, the city the home and seat of House Karnith. The Tantur family are amongst the most loyal of banners to the Anvilstone monarchy, hence their position near one of the nation's borders, as well as their dominant role within naval affairs, their territory and holdings already suited to task, given their control and trust of care with the various islands off the coast of Raechin.
Millwood County: The county of Millwood, though geographically small, is a keystone county, a place of industry and agriculture, a region of great import to the country of Raechin. The corn and wheat fields that dominate the western regions of the Whispering Plains though small, are fertile and the soil rich, producing regular bumper crops that provide plentiful grain for the country, insuring they keep prices manageable, even whilst importing across the sea from Rohara. The lumber and paper industries are strong in the northern reaches of the county as well, this part of the Depen not under the conclave's dominion and not subject to the same rules. Salmon's Run provides the necessary water as well as plentiful fishing and access to the sea. Vant, the largest settlement and seat of power in the county, is well known for her industrial piers, with mills of a wide variety spread along the river bank. The Anvilstone monarchy entrusts overseeing of these holdings to the noble Turmill family, a fellow Koltani family of deep heritage and heavy honor.
Goldhead County: Covering much of the Bearwood, on both sides of the Coalhead River, and nestling right up against the Forgehead Range this industrious county, so named for the large gold mine that lends its name to the city that provides its labor, Goldbridge. The name is no misnomer, however gold is not the only mineral mined frequently and with volume from the edges of this mountain range. Silver is also plentiful, and these mines are one of the two dominant economic boons this region provides, and arguably the most vital and strategically important. The other, naturally is the vast and spread out lumber industry all throughout the Bearwood, as one might expect. Oversight and governance of this county is entrusted by the Anvilstone Monarchy to the Rolsten family, another prestigious and long serving Koltani family with deep roots and a prestidigious family history.
Stonewood County: Encompassing the territory at the eastern end of the Bearwood, as well as a small, but notable chunk of the Smokestacks mountain range, this region is known and named for the Ironwood Oaks, their fine timber difficult to fell, but valuable and a major economic boon. The trees are somewhat rare, and a bonus within the larger lumber industry in the region. Besides this, the stone within the mountains known as the Smokestacks, primarily granite and marble, though with some limestone shelves and cliffs present closer to the ocean, is a valuable resource in and of itself. As such many quarries dominate the mountains in these eastern regions. Cliffveld, the largest settlement in the county, acts as a processing center for much of the quarrying industry, much of the raw materials shipping into the city to be processed and eventually shipped all throughout the region, and even further, some across all of Raechin and a bit even beyond that. The Cliffveld Railyards are perhaps the busiest in the country outside Longreach. This county is entrusted and overseen by the Rockwell family. A relatively newly established and recognized member of the nobility, this being but the second generation of such a position and trust. They are generally less than favorably viewed by the fellow ruling families due to this 'new money' position they now hold.
Smoke-Stone County: This county gets its name from the Smoke-Stacks range that dominates most of its mainland holdings. Coal mining and charcoal production are the dominate industries here, the forested island of Blackwood well known for this secondary industry. Furthermore the north eastern oceans have a heavy crab and lobster fishing industry, mostly run off Blackwood isle. The coal mines are the dominate industry here however with Blackridge being the shipping point, as well as a key refueling point for locomotives across all of Durol, never mind just Raechin. Blackridge earns its name as one might guess from this valuable resource that dominates the county. This region is entrusted in alliance and allegiance to a small dwarven clan, whom are officially bannermen of the Anvilstone Monarchy, the Barimac Clan, whoms expertise guides the largest coal mining operations all across the county.
The Counties and their ruling Nobility
Bearwood County: The central county, the territory wherein sits the seat of the monarchy, Longreach, this county remains the holding of House Anvilstone, and is the centre of their authority and territory. It is notably the largest county by geography, and the most populated, housing the majority of the farming across the Whispering Plains as well.
Thornwood County: Encompassing several islands off the western and southwestern coasts of the nation, as well as a notable region of the mainland along the Thorn River. Dalereach is the largest community, the city the home and seat of House Karnith. The Tantur family are amongst the most loyal of banners to the Anvilstone monarchy, hence their position near one of the nation's borders, as well as their dominant role within naval affairs, their territory and holdings already suited to task, given their control and trust of care with the various islands off the coast of Raechin.
Millwood County: The county of Millwood, though geographically small, is a keystone county, a place of industry and agriculture, a region of great import to the country of Raechin. The corn and wheat fields that dominate the western regions of the Whispering Plains though small, are fertile and the soil rich, producing regular bumper crops that provide plentiful grain for the country, insuring they keep prices manageable, even whilst importing across the sea from Rohara. The lumber and paper industries are strong in the northern reaches of the county as well, this part of the Depen not under the conclave's dominion and not subject to the same rules. Salmon's Run provides the necessary water as well as plentiful fishing and access to the sea. Vant, the largest settlement and seat of power in the county, is well known for her industrial piers, with mills of a wide variety spread along the river bank. The Anvilstone monarchy entrusts overseeing of these holdings to the noble Turmill family, a fellow Koltani family of deep heritage and heavy honor.
Goldhead County: Covering much of the Bearwood, on both sides of the Coalhead River, and nestling right up against the Forgehead Range this industrious county, so named for the large gold mine that lends its name to the city that provides its labor, Goldbridge. The name is no misnomer, however gold is not the only mineral mined frequently and with volume from the edges of this mountain range. Silver is also plentiful, and these mines are one of the two dominant economic boons this region provides, and arguably the most vital and strategically important. The other, naturally is the vast and spread out lumber industry all throughout the Bearwood, as one might expect. Oversight and governance of this county is entrusted by the Anvilstone Monarchy to the Rolsten family, another prestigious and long serving Koltani family with deep roots and a prestidigious family history.
Stonewood County: Encompassing the territory at the eastern end of the Bearwood, as well as a small, but notable chunk of the Smokestacks mountain range, this region is known and named for the Ironwood Oaks, their fine timber difficult to fell, but valuable and a major economic boon. The trees are somewhat rare, and a bonus within the larger lumber industry in the region. Besides this, the stone within the mountains known as the Smokestacks, primarily granite and marble, though with some limestone shelves and cliffs present closer to the ocean, is a valuable resource in and of itself. As such many quarries dominate the mountains in these eastern regions. Cliffveld, the largest settlement in the county, acts as a processing center for much of the quarrying industry, much of the raw materials shipping into the city to be processed and eventually shipped all throughout the region, and even further, some across all of Raechin and a bit even beyond that. The Cliffveld Railyards are perhaps the busiest in the country outside Longreach. This county is entrusted and overseen by the Rockwell family. A relatively newly established and recognized member of the nobility, this being but the second generation of such a position and trust. They are generally less than favorably viewed by the fellow ruling families due to this 'new money' position they now hold.
Smoke-Stone County: This county gets its name from the Smoke-Stacks range that dominates most of its mainland holdings. Coal mining and charcoal production are the dominate industries here, the forested island of Blackwood well known for this secondary industry. Furthermore the north eastern oceans have a heavy crab and lobster fishing industry, mostly run off Blackwood isle. The coal mines are the dominate industry here however with Blackridge being the shipping point, as well as a key refueling point for locomotives across all of Durol, never mind just Raechin. Blackridge earns its name as one might guess from this valuable resource that dominates the county. This region is entrusted in alliance and allegiance to a small dwarven clan, whom are officially bannermen of the Anvilstone Monarchy, the Barimac Clan, whoms expertise guides the largest coal mining operations all across the county.
Culture
A Modernizing Feudalism
The nation of Raechin is one resistant to change, and a strange one by all metrics. The peoples here, predominantly humans of Koltani bloodline and heritage, as well as dwarves and Woad Elves, are strong believers in a feudal system, in the idea of a supreme monarchy and entrusting nobility, men and women of wealth, stature and education, to rule and oversee large swathes of land and the people on it. Culturally the trust for this structure is quite deeply rooted, almost counterintuitively so, for as transit and travel become more common, become easier and more accessible, culturally regular folk within the nation of Raechin do not travel far beyond where they are born very often still to this day. However we are seeing this be challenged more and more by the newer generations as they reach adulthood, as they begin to figure out their own life path. Whether it be through joining the military, hiding their desires to leave beyond the 'honor' and 'sacrifice' of pledging military service, or seeking employment on the rails, or aboard Sky-Ships where such is an option, or even aboard and within the naval trade industry. Or it be simply packing up and moving on, simply leaving their family home, and families behind. Some may simply move to a new county, staying within the larger culture of group they know and understand, others still may take more drastic measures and end up in Suranth, Depenwood, or even crossing the Sea of Sails to lands beyond. However this is forcing a modernizing of the feudal system, though it is a slow process, as the nobility naturally do not truly wish to give up the ownership, power and control of these large swathes of land, or even disperse that power more than the little they already do with the lesser houses that answer to each of the entrenched ruling families, and govern smaller slices of their county holdings under their authority.
The Koltani Crown Game
Raechin is a feudal state in every sense. Though the Anvilstone Monarchy holds the largest swath of land directly, and the largest piece of the military individually, they could be overpowered by any three of the banner families and the forces they command. Such is the nature of the country's decentralized power structure. Jarlessa Scarlet Anvilstone plays the game well, knowing she must keep careful balance in her policies and decisions, to insure she does not seem to favor any one to heavily, whilst keeping the most powerful of her banners economically and militarily well and truly placated. Such is the nature of the game of Koltani politics. So though she is the monarh, the Wylde Jarlessa, the Apex of Raechin, the truth of the structure shows the nature of being the alpha or the apex, as she must balance and feed the needs of her most powerful allies to insure they remain as such. Such is the nature of true leadership, the true game of the Koltani. Such is what it meanst to lead.
Military Flexibility
Her military is not one piece, but many smaller armies united under the monarchy. Each count can call their own oathsworn houses, minor nobilities overseeing smaller slices of their county, whom each have small personal forces of men at arms, true military forces/units and militia that they will provide to any such effort. Raechin's standing army, such as it is, is instead six much smaller forces united by nationality and common cause, but under mostly seperate command structures. As such, they have a defensive flexibility, though a convoluted and complex hierarchy structure within their armed forces. Yet this flexible structure has proven very effective, allowing swifter reaction to issues such as raiding monsters from the northern regions, such as the Fell Crags and Nor'wood Basin, as well as the rare but dangerous raids of the Dark Elves or Norvii upon the seas. This is not of course counting the only true 'national' force such as it is, the Wolfsguard, sworn to the service of the Hunter's Throne, as the very seat of the Koltani kingdom is seen as a religous one, for their first 'king' or Jarl by all stories and scripture was Boran the Bloodhound himself, and as such, it is seen as divine providence and doctorine that the Anvilstone family is directly blood relatives to that most divine figure. However it is important to note the Wolfsguard's oath is to the seat, not the individual seated upon it. As such they are another faction that Jarlessa Anvilstone, and any before or after her will and have been careful to keep well provided for and well entrenched, as well as properly paid.
Upward Movement
Despite the nature of feudal structures to say there is no room to shift from one's social position would be a lie. The truth of Raechin culture is simple. It is predatory. The hunter and the hunted. The shepards and the sheep. However one can shift between these easily enough, if one is truly committed to the task. It is a nation that honors the circle of life beyond all else, the cycle of prey and predator, of hunter and hunted. Martial prowess is one of the fastest ways to ascend the ranks of Raechin society. Skill at arms, at battle, at war, skills of leadership, all these can help one gain swift noteriety and rise through the ranks of Raechin Society, and even beyond military and into political and noble circles as well. There is even a sanctioned culture of combat at arms. Civilian dueling is culturally acceptable, the structures and legal codex for it existing both as a form of addressing percieved slights, or even for settling land, contract, financial or personal disputes.
Assets
Raechin, like much of Durol, is rich in a handful of natural resources, different from its neighbours, allowing the three nations on the continent to have a level of autonomy and self sufficiency between them via trade, insuring that oceanic trade, which is by far the most dangerous, is not necessary for them to survive. Raechin dominates the timber industry by far, and provides a deep boost to the agricultural field, given the whispering plains hold sway over a few large cattle ranches and other such farming endeavors, as well as corn and grain fields. They provide a notable boost to the earth minerals and stone industries as well, these raw resources holding value, though in truth they merely suppliment the market when compared to their neighbors in Suranth, whom dominate the earth resources market. Raechin's greatest asset is her self sustaining nature. Though she would struggle, given her variety of biomes, her variety of natural resources is such that should she ever find herself on the outs with Depenwood or Suranth over some dispute or conflict, she would not find herself economically crippled for the experience. She would struggle, however she would manage.
Raechin's terrain, her geography is also a natural asset, providing dangers of raiding beasts and monsters, however the Nor'wood Basin and the Fell Crags also provide natural barriers that make the concept of any disagreement or political fracas with Suranth or to a lesser extent Depenwood erupting into an all out war of total conquest unlikely. The regions over land through which either of those nations could move troops are very restricted, with Suranth having the heaviest restriction, having no choice but to navigate the narrow passage through the Needlewood and along Blackstone Gully, passing the narrow wooded lowland between the edge of the Crags and the foothills that mark the Smoke-Stacks, with their forces bottle-necked and pressed against the Nor-Westor Sea. This of course is a double edged border that both nations see as a boon, and unsurprisingly perhaps, both nations fortify, despite their strong diplomatic relationship.
Similarly, though less extreme, the mighty Thorn River provides this security at the border with Depenwood, with the narrowest part of that river bridged, both nations having a large and heavily fortifed city, sister cities, on their side of the many bridged crossing. Again, this border crossing is heavily fortified, guarded and policed by both sides, even with their healthy and strong diplomatic relationship. All three nations on the Durolian continent share a belief that strong borders, as well as strong diplomatic relations, help keep the peace between them all, as well as insure they can work together when needed to quell threats near their shared interests and borderlands (such as goblin war bands or the like).
Raechin's terrain, her geography is also a natural asset, providing dangers of raiding beasts and monsters, however the Nor'wood Basin and the Fell Crags also provide natural barriers that make the concept of any disagreement or political fracas with Suranth or to a lesser extent Depenwood erupting into an all out war of total conquest unlikely. The regions over land through which either of those nations could move troops are very restricted, with Suranth having the heaviest restriction, having no choice but to navigate the narrow passage through the Needlewood and along Blackstone Gully, passing the narrow wooded lowland between the edge of the Crags and the foothills that mark the Smoke-Stacks, with their forces bottle-necked and pressed against the Nor-Westor Sea. This of course is a double edged border that both nations see as a boon, and unsurprisingly perhaps, both nations fortify, despite their strong diplomatic relationship.
Similarly, though less extreme, the mighty Thorn River provides this security at the border with Depenwood, with the narrowest part of that river bridged, both nations having a large and heavily fortifed city, sister cities, on their side of the many bridged crossing. Again, this border crossing is heavily fortified, guarded and policed by both sides, even with their healthy and strong diplomatic relationship. All three nations on the Durolian continent share a belief that strong borders, as well as strong diplomatic relations, help keep the peace between them all, as well as insure they can work together when needed to quell threats near their shared interests and borderlands (such as goblin war bands or the like).
Demography and Population
Raechin has a population of about 2.53 million people, at least according to the last attempt at a census some five years ago. However there are a few important things to note about this census. The first being this does not count children (14 years of age is the line for humans, equivalent ages based on life span for other races). It counts tax paying adults, so there is one other group distinctly absent at the time a census is counted. Beggars or homeless folk, so because of this, one should take these numbers as a rough guideline more than an ironset proper population count. In Raechin, a census is done every ten years, and there is already much discussion about changing the rules as to how it is counted to try and get a more accurate number the next time it is done. The rough demographics by race are noted and shown in the table below;
| Race | Rough % of the Population | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | 11% | 278300 |
| Gnomes | 4% | 101200 |
| Halfmen | 6% | 151800 |
| Human, Koltani | 29% | 733700 |
| Human, Mogol | 12% | 303600 |
| Human, Renarii | 8% | 202400 |
| Human, Mixed | 3% | 75900 |
| Skye Elves | 2% | 50600 |
| Woad Elves | 7% | 177100 |
| Mixed Elves | 1% | 25300 |
| Tanturs | 17% | 430100 |
Territories
The Kingdom of Raechin lays claim to much of the land north of their current borders and holding, up to the Fell Crags, however at current what they hold and control fully stretches from the edge of the Nor'wood Basin down to the southern coasts, and runs from the east banks of the Thorn River all the way to the eastern most coasts of the Shimmering Sea and encompasses roughly nine hundred thousand square kilometers, not including their unstaked claims to the strip of the Nor'wood Basin within this region as well. The large majority of this land is forests and hill-lands as one might expect from a nation who's timber industry makes up such a significant amount of their economic power. However the Whispering Plains, making up just over some eighty thousand square kilometers is noteworthy, a true breadbasket at the southwestern edge of the country, cannot be understated in its significance economically to the nation, allowing them some level of market exertion on prices of grain, corn and other important crops within their own borders, insuring they are not completely beholden to imports from their neighbors in Depenwood and their trade partner Rohara across the Shimmering Sea.
Military
Raechin's full military might, if fully fielded, would number some 145600 or so, though these are rough numbers. In truth the military of Raechin is largely split into factions, its structure a feudal one in nature, each county, each fielding their own military in a sense, sworn to the crown and throne ultimately, but sworn to serve their liege lord or lady directly. The different counties also field fundamentally varied forces, some having a heavier presence of cavalry or infantry. Heavy formation based troops or more lightly armored and armed skirmishers. However within that, the Anvilstone forces are generally first and foremost viewed as truly national forces. Within that, the elite of the nation, the private guard of the throne and the monarchy, as well as the holy knights, such as they are, of the church of Boran the Bloodhound, count as part of that army. However at the peak, if calling all the banners and lords and all their forces, Raechin could field an army of 145649 at last documented counts;
46903 Regulars: The 'regulars' represent your standard military infantry member. Simple spearmen, pikemen, archers, crossbowmen, riflemen and their ilk. Wind-Sailers and their ilk are counted within this as well, as aeronautic combat and forces are a relatively new branch and concept within military tactics.
21860 Sea Hounds: These are the regular sailers and marines that make up and crew naval military vessels both upon the rivers and lakes as well as the oceans of Raechin. They embrace shock and awe tactics, heavy firepower, cannons, many guns, and vicious close quarters combat tactics.
23211 War Striders: These are the light skirmisher cavalry, riders of spear, pistol and sabre. Lightly armored, meant to be swift, manuevorable, flexible troops. Acting as scouts, skirmishers, and quick strike troops.
5803 War Hounds: These troops are the men at arms, the heavy cavalry, the stereotypical knights, though they have embraced modern armaments and tactics, utilizing rifles, artillery and more. The thunderous cavalry charge is rarely used, yet still practiced and kept for use on rare appropriate occasions.
4352 Wolfsguard: These troops are the elite warriors of Raechin, the holy templars of the Church of the Hunt, followers of Boran the Bloodhound, sworn in eternity to church and the monarchy, the seat of Raechin's power. They serve as the elite and primary force of the Anvilstone Monarchy.
2901 Ravens: These numbers are far from guaranteed to be accurate and are generally seen as an incorrect guess, however the Ravens are the crown, and by extension, the nation of Raechin's intelligence apparatus. They are not military troops, per say, however they are much like an interesting blend of secret police, intelligence apparatus and diplomatic agency.
5803 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians/Engineers/Artisans: These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all troops, brigades and services.
8704 Pathfinders: These troops are light scouting troops, favoring archery, gunmanship, and indirect combat if they are forced to fight. They are support troops, meant to aid in directing movements and troop routes, establishing and scouting out supply lines.
46903 Regulars: The 'regulars' represent your standard military infantry member. Simple spearmen, pikemen, archers, crossbowmen, riflemen and their ilk. Wind-Sailers and their ilk are counted within this as well, as aeronautic combat and forces are a relatively new branch and concept within military tactics.
21860 Sea Hounds: These are the regular sailers and marines that make up and crew naval military vessels both upon the rivers and lakes as well as the oceans of Raechin. They embrace shock and awe tactics, heavy firepower, cannons, many guns, and vicious close quarters combat tactics.
23211 War Striders: These are the light skirmisher cavalry, riders of spear, pistol and sabre. Lightly armored, meant to be swift, manuevorable, flexible troops. Acting as scouts, skirmishers, and quick strike troops.
5803 War Hounds: These troops are the men at arms, the heavy cavalry, the stereotypical knights, though they have embraced modern armaments and tactics, utilizing rifles, artillery and more. The thunderous cavalry charge is rarely used, yet still practiced and kept for use on rare appropriate occasions.
4352 Wolfsguard: These troops are the elite warriors of Raechin, the holy templars of the Church of the Hunt, followers of Boran the Bloodhound, sworn in eternity to church and the monarchy, the seat of Raechin's power. They serve as the elite and primary force of the Anvilstone Monarchy.
Show spoiler
The Wolfsguard do not have a simple formation and tactical structure or 'standard' issue armament. They operate in 'packs' within their own structure. The Wolfsguard do share a standard within their oath. Part of what makes them the elite warriors that they are. They are sworn to secrecy and sworn to an oath before god and through many magicks. Then...they go through the blooding. At the end of it they will either cease to be. Or they will be a Wolfsguard. They will be a lycanthrope.
2901 Ravens: These numbers are far from guaranteed to be accurate and are generally seen as an incorrect guess, however the Ravens are the crown, and by extension, the nation of Raechin's intelligence apparatus. They are not military troops, per say, however they are much like an interesting blend of secret police, intelligence apparatus and diplomatic agency.
5803 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians/Engineers/Artisans: These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all troops, brigades and services.
8704 Pathfinders: These troops are light scouting troops, favoring archery, gunmanship, and indirect combat if they are forced to fight. They are support troops, meant to aid in directing movements and troop routes, establishing and scouting out supply lines.
Technological Level
Raechin, much like Depenwood, due to their close proximity to Suranth, are having to embrace modern technologies and new equipment and industrialization. They are resistant to this of course, hence the slow fading of feudalism and the, in concept, absolute monarchy that the country is run under. However it is unavoidable, progress marches ever forward, and Raechin is being brought that way whether they wish to or not.
Religion
Raechin is the birthplace of the Huntmaster's faith, and as such it should come as no surprise that of all the Ascended, the worship and following of Boran the Bloodhound's faith and creed are by far the most common. The next closest would naturally be Talia, lady of the Leaves, and this speaks to the tight tie between Depenwood and Raechin, given their two most holy figures are said to have been wed. As such, one would be unsurprised to learn that the two nations have a strong sense of allegiance to one and another.
Agriculture & Industry
Raechin is a generalist nation, with different regions of its territory specializing in different fields. Resource production, agriculture, logging, mining, it is all present. They are a powerhouse of none but have the means for all, and as such they can control market flucuations within their borders quite well with domestic production. In truth however the timber and logging industry is a dominant one, Raechin filling the role that Depenwood refuses to.
Trade & Transport
Much of Raechin's trade moves by rail now, though a notable percentage still travels by ship or by river barge as well as by cart and merchant caravan. It is a further showing of the evolution of the nation's political situation, for railroads inevitably allow a greater freedom of movement for the common folk, the peasants or serfs, and inevitably help break down traditional feudal structures, which is something Raechin is beginning to struggle with, digging their heels in and actively resisting.
Education
There is a massive disparity in education availability and averages between urban and rural areas, a holdover that one would hope will slowly change, however as it stands, those in more rural regions by and large have less opportunity and less availability of education, less opportunity to learn skilled trades outside family lines, less flexibility in their status and station because of this. There is even a noted disparity in literacy rates, with the more rural areas seeing a noted 15-20% drop in literacy.
Infrastructure
The road system of Raechin is notable, with its road networks one of the most well patrolled and well maintained across all of Valerick potentially and most certainly across all of Durol. Jarlessa Anvilstone insures this by keeping the roads under the direct authority of her and her military, allowing her forces to be spread about the country, constantly enforcing national law and order, keeping trade flowing and the roads safe, clear of debris and of monsters and ambushes, or at the very least drastically reducing such activity. It is a point of national pride, one sold very well by the powers that be of Raechin. The cities and towns infrastructures are normally a sort of blend of inspirations, as humans are want to do, but keeping to the functional and effective, with only small bits of flair or excessive design elements. At least this is true generally for private dwelllings, businesses and shops. For public works such as churches, government facilities and other things of that ilk, there is generally far more done in the way of flair and artistry, a sort of public bragging culture within and amongst skilled tradesfolk across Raechin.
Men Cower when Wolves Howl!
Maps
-
Raechin, The Wylde Frontiers
Founding Date
744 SuD
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Alternative Names
The Wylde Frontiers
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
The Highline Mark, the currency of Raechin, uses the denominations one would be used to; that of copper, silver and gold. Similarly to other nations they've moved away from using those precious metals for actual currency and represent things with special inked parchment notes and simple coins of lesser valued metals. The coins are brass for copper and iron for silver. Copper are known as Pins, silver are known as Checks, and Gold are known as Marks.
Mark notes come in six denominations, much like their neighbors. A one Mark note, a two Mark note, a five Mark note, a ten Mark note, a twenty Mark note and a fifty Mark note. The coins come in a variety of denominations as well; 1 check, 2.5 check (known as a quarter-mark), 5 check (known as a half-mark), and 7.5 check (known as a tripence). Brass coins have similiar denominations; 1 Pin, 2.5 pin (known as a prick), 5 pin (known as a half-check) and 7.5 pin (known as a pincushion).
As the world modernizes and a burgeoning global trade market, recognizing a universal trade and a currency as the standard, the Highline Mark finds itself in a position of stability and balance, with its exchange rate being about 1.13 to the Wastonian Shailling.
Mark notes come in six denominations, much like their neighbors. A one Mark note, a two Mark note, a five Mark note, a ten Mark note, a twenty Mark note and a fifty Mark note. The coins come in a variety of denominations as well; 1 check, 2.5 check (known as a quarter-mark), 5 check (known as a half-mark), and 7.5 check (known as a tripence). Brass coins have similiar denominations; 1 Pin, 2.5 pin (known as a prick), 5 pin (known as a half-check) and 7.5 pin (known as a pincushion).
As the world modernizes and a burgeoning global trade market, recognizing a universal trade and a currency as the standard, the Highline Mark finds itself in a position of stability and balance, with its exchange rate being about 1.13 to the Wastonian Shailling.
Major Exports
Timber is by far their leading export, with leathers and hides being a notable secondary export, as well as coal. However even both those combined cannot hold sway over her timber and paper industries, which account for almost 1/6th her economic volume every year.
Major Imports
The nation of Raechin imports a variety of goods, among the most common are Iron and Salt, both of which naturally come from Suranth their northern neighbor. They also import a fairly notable volume and variety of food from Depenwood and even from across the sea, from the bread basket that is Rohara. Other stone and minerals, as well as metals are also imported with some regularity.
Legislative Body
In Raechin, Jarlessa Scarlet Anvilstone has absolute rule, so far as such can be understood. Now the unspoken nature of this tenure, and the power balance between the monarch, their family, and the sworn banners that holds the feudal state together do indicate such an absolute power structure is not as simple as it seems. Though she has absolute power, Jarlessa Anvilstone naturally considers the implications and effects of any legislative decree she would put her name to and sign into law quite carefully, thinking through how it could effect her supporters and banners. She must, for that is how the Crown game is played. She holds absolute power, so long as she keeps the balance of power between her banners healthy and reasonable and is careful not to show any sort of favoritism to any of them overtly, as well as insuring the peoples of Raechin can enjoy some notable level of peace and prosperity and safety.
Judicial Body
In a clash of culture, given the feudal nature of Raechin, law enforcement and the idea of courts are...unique. The recent wave and birth of the idea of seperation between law enforcement and military across Durol has started to creep into Raechin as well. Her more rural areas still see military and militia standing sway, holding the powers of law enforcement, with local ranking nobility or secular figures holding role and sway as 'judges' or justices. However in larger towns and cities, the push for that seperation has been unavoidable, and thus, most larger towns and all the cities within Raechin's borders have their own police force and appointed judges, seperate from the feudal power structure, appointed by Jarlessa Scarlet Anvilstone herself, or agents she has trusted and appointed to represent her.
Executive Body
Similarly to the clashing of culture within the Judicial aspects, these executive aspects are also mixed. In more rural regions they will be privately paid militia/baliff type individuals. Folk who's authority comes directly from the nobility in charge of that estate, of that region. They will be granted more or less carte blanche, holding sway without much in way of recourse unless one can beseech and make a case to perhaps the a church, or to the ruling nobility themselves. Alternatively if one has the means, one can attempt to reach out and engage the ranking nobility above their local officials in the feudal hierarchy, but such requests and pleas are not often swiftly responded to, if they are at all. Yet for all of this, urban areas have seen a forced shift in this that is sweeping the country slowly but surely. In larger towns and cities, such archaic practices are simply no longer welcome, and risk riots and rebellion. As such, the ruling caste, the upper tier, the nobility, have had to give sway to a more modernized system. Within Raechins largest cities and towns, visitors will find a structure more recognizable and comparable to modern day. With modern recognizable contabularies and a court system complete with judges whom hold their positions at the behest of a local governing authority, such as a town or city counsel. This new system is recognized all the way to the top, even by the monarchy itself, which as one might imagine, creates a unique and messy situation, creating an interesting divide in how rule of law is handled and enforced in urban and population dense areas versus more rural areas.
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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