Breland

Breland is one of the Five Nations of central Khorvaire. It lies in the southwest of the continent, enjoying one of the largest areas of the nations and territories. Breland is a mix of open farmland, woodland, and sprawling metropolises, the largest and most famous of which is Sharn. The Lightning Rail originates out of Sharn and from there travels across Breland and out to the other nations of Khorvaire, while House Orien roadways branch out to more remote locations among the countryside.

Geography

Breland occupies a large swath of land nestled between Zilargo to the east and Droaam to the west while sharing its northern border with the Eldeen Reaches and Aundair, and even touches Darguun and The Mournland in its far eastern area. The Straits of Shargon stab into Breland with the Dagger River, while the Graywall Mountains in the west prevent monstrous invasions from Droaam. Other geographic boundaries are Lake Brey, Silver Lake, Lake Galifar and the Blackcap Mountains to the north, and the Howling Peaks and the King's Forest to the east.

History

Breland’s position on old Galifar’s frontier led the nation to develop in distinctive ways. Rather than embracing the old governmental institutions upheld in its neighboring realms, Breland afforded its citizens greater freedoms, instilling a fierce independence and a loyalty to Breland’s regents. Taking advantage of vast resources and the freedom to become rich, Breland’s population swelled, forming sprawling cities and cultivating lands across the nation. Size is a large factor in Breland’s increasing power. Although the nation lost territory during the Last War, most Brelish folk escaped the worst fighting— the nation’s front lines stayed in the north and northeast, far from Sharn and Wroat. Breland’s infrastructure also escaped the war’s ravages, allowing it to recover more quickly than its rivals.

Territories

Breland is a large nation, bounded on the west by the steep Graywall Mountains, beyond which lie Droaam’s savage lands. To the north lie Silver Lake and the Blackcaps, across which are the Eldeen Reaches and Aundair respectively. Farther east, the Brey River forms the border with Thrane, and the Howling Peaks stand between Breland and Zilargo. Breland bursts at the seams with peoples of all races and cultures. Humans have always been numerous, but other races threaten to eclipse their numbers. Gnomes are drawn by new opportunity and prosperity, and half-elves forge lives far from the haunts of their ancestors. Elves, dwarves, and halflings have respectable populations. Changelings, goblins, orcs, warforged, and other peoples fill the nation’s cities.

Religion

Self-reliance and faith in the king trumps the gods for most Brelish folk. Despite general religious skepticism, the Church of the Silver Flame and the Sovereign Host have modest followings, with shrines spread across the countryside and larger temples in Breland’s cities.

Agriculture & Industry

Breland’s agricultural output ranks it among the top cropproducing nations. It doesn’t export many of its crops, however; much of what it produces goes to feed its growing population. The northern half of the country consists of rich farmland, while the southern climate is perfect for cultivating a diverse selection of tropical crops. The rest of Khorvaire knows Breland for its manufactured goods and heavy industry. The smelts and forges of Sharn, for example, produce relatively inexpensive weapons and armour. While these aren’t as well made and ornate as those turned out by the Mror Holds or Karrnath, they work just fine and cost significantly less. Sharn also turns ore and other raw materials into processed goods; House Cannith and the shipwrights of Zilargo purchase much of Sharn’s output for use in the construction of ships and vehicles. Other industrial centers can be found in Wroat, Galethspyre, and Starilaskur. All of the dragonmarked houses maintain emporiums and outposts throughout Breland, and all of them have extensive operations in Sharn, the City of Towers. House Medani, House Phiarlan, and one branch of House Cannith all maintain headquarters in Breland; House Vadalis has an important enclave here as well.