Kingdom of Korma

Kingdom of Korma Government and Social Structure Absolute Monarchy:
Monarch's Authority: The Kingdom of Korma is ruled by an absolute monarch whose word is law. The King exercises supreme control over all aspects of governance, with local lords administering their respective regions under the King’s authority. Nobility: Nobles hold significant power and privilege, with rigid social classes making upward mobility extremely difficult. While commoners can rise through merit, the chances are slim, and the upper classes remain largely insular. Indelible Nobility: By tradition, nobles cannot lose their status, no matter how disgraced they might become. Instead, they may face social shunning, which can severely limit their influence and opportunities within noble circles. Feudal System:
Vassals and Lords: The Kingdom operates under a feudal system, where local lords control lands and owe military service and allegiance to the King. These lords, in turn, have vassals who manage smaller portions of their lands. Serfs and Commoners: Common folk, including serfs, work the land and pay taxes or provide labor to their lords. Social mobility is limited, with most people living and dying within the same social strata they were born into. Legal System Judicial Authority: Royal and Local Courts: In legal matters, the King or local lords act as judges. They determine guilt and dispense justice based on the "Guilty until proven innocent" philosophy, often leading to harsh and swift judgments. Punishments by Class: Nobles: Typically face reparations or fines when found guilty of a crime. Commoners: Punishments range from terms of servitude to outright enslavement, particularly for severe crimes. Slavery Practice of Slavery: Enslavement of Saamni: Korma is infamous for enslaving the entire population of the former halfling nation of Saamni. This has marked Korma as the only nation in the Greatlands to practice slavery, leading to significant tension with neighboring countries and beyond. Social Tension and Fortifications: The practice of slavery has not only isolated Korma diplomatically but also led neighboring states—Soukara, Kraylor, Carraya, and Cuellar—to fortify their borders to protect against potential aggression and the spread of Korma's practices. Geography Mountainous Region: Location: Korma is located in the southeastern mountain range of the Greatlands, providing a natural fortress and resource-rich area that supports the kingdom's economy. Controlled Territories: Beyond the mountains, Korma has expanded its control to the lightly forested grasslands north of the mountains, an area that once belonged to the halfling nation of Saamni. Economy Resource Exploitation: Mining and Forestry: The mountainous terrain is rich in minerals and metals, which are heavily mined. The grasslands and forests provide timber and agricultural products that support both the local population and the enslaved labor force. Slavery-Driven Economy: The enslavement of the Saamni halflings has bolstered Korma's economy, with slaves working in mines, fields, and various industries, creating a dependence on forced labor that complicates any potential reforms or diplomatic negotiations. Military and Diplomacy Militarization:
Fortifications: Korma has fortified its borders heavily, preparing for potential conflicts with its neighbors due to the widespread disapproval of its slavery practices and expansionist policies. Standing Army: The kingdom maintains a formidable standing army, drawn from both noble-born knights and conscripted commoners, to defend its territories and enforce its laws. Diplomatic Isolation:
Tensions with Neighbors: Korma's actions have led to strained relations with its neighboring nations. Diplomatic efforts are often focused on mitigating the threat posed by Korma's military might and oppressive policies. Trade and Sanctions: Many neighboring countries have imposed trade sanctions or restrictions on Korma, seeking to pressure the kingdom into abandoning its slavery practices. However, Korma's self-sufficient economy and control over key resources make it resilient to such pressures. Cultural Aspects Traditions and Customs:
Noble Privilege: Nobles in Korma live lavishly, often engaging in grand feasts, tournaments, and other displays of wealth and power. This opulence is starkly contrasted by the harsh conditions faced by commoners and slaves. Festivals and Rituals: Despite its rigid social structure, Korma has a rich cultural heritage with festivals, religious ceremonies, and traditional practices that bind its people together, albeit within their respective social classes. Religion:
State Religion: Korma has a state-endorsed religion that often reinforces the divine right of the King and the social hierarchy. Religious leaders hold significant influence and often collaborate with the monarchy to maintain social order. Conclusion The Kingdom of Korma stands as a powerful but isolated nation, marked by its rigid social hierarchy, feudal system, and controversial practice of slavery. While its mountainous terrain provides natural defenses and abundant resources, its aggressive expansion and oppressive policies have alienated it from its neighbors, leading to fortified borders and tense diplomatic relations. The legacy of Saamni’s fall and the presence of enslaved halflings serve as a constant reminder of the kingdom’s dark side, even as it strives to maintain its sovereignty and power in the ever-changing landscape of the Greatlands.

History

The Mountain Dwarves of Korma established their nation in the mountains of the southern peninsula and gradually expanded their territory to cover most of the mountain range. Their home is rich in mineral wealth, but lacks other natural resources. When they reached the forests at the base of the mountains, they encountered the halfling nation of Saamni, who inhabited a land with plentiful natural resources. Rather than wiping out the halflings, one of them convinced the dwarves to take possession of the Saamni instead. The dwarves forced the halflings to cultivate crops, gather wood, and provide medicinal herbs, exploiting their labor for the dwarves' benefit.

Territories

The Kingdom of Korma is divided into five holds, each ruled by their own King, with the exception of Ironhold, which is ruled by High King Thalric Ironblood, along with the rest of the kingdom.

Ironhold

Ironhold makes up the central region of the Korman Mountains. Its capital of Ironkeep serves as the central administrative hub of the kingdom and home of the High King. Ironkeep is a grand fortress carved into the mountain's stone. The region of Ironhold is rich in iron and other base metals.

Stonehold

Stonehold makes up the eastern region of the Korman Mountains and is the smallest hold of Korma. Its capital of Stonehelm is home to Queen Thora Stonebreaker. Stonehold is known for its variety of fancy stones, including marble, schist, quartzite, and soapstone, among others. Stonehold is also home to one of the two major ports in Korma, making it an important economic hub.

Goldhold

Goldhold makes up the western region of the Korman Mountains as well as holding the southern portion of the Saamni woodlands. Its capital is Goldcrest and is ruled by King Eldric Goldvein. Goldhold is named for its abundance of gold mines and is agruably the primary source of wealth for the kingdom. King Goldvein has the most direct influence over the enslaved halfling population.

Silverhold

Silverhold makes up the southern region of the Korman Mountains. Its capital is Silvershard and is ruled by Queen Elara Silverstream. Silverhold is a region abundant with silver veins and precious gemstones, as well as being home two one of the kingdom's two major ports, making the hold a contender for the being the most economically important and greatest source of wealth for the kingdom.

Northhold

Northhold is unique among the holds of Korma as being the only one consisting entirely of former Saamni lands, holding the nothern portion of the Saamni woodlands. The capital of Northhold is Northwall, a massive stone fortress that spans the northern border against Kraylor. Northhold is ruled by Lord-Commander Thrain Copperforge, who commands the Northwatch. While Northhold is the primary supplier of grains and timber for the kingdom, it is considered to be the economically poorest hold and primarily exists for defensive purposes. Northhold has the largest standing military of all holds in order to efficiently man the Northwall.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Korman

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Palace economy

Related Traditions

• Coliseums of Korma

Notable Members

• Thalric Ironblood