Schwartzzenwald

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History of Schwartzzenwald

• Schwartzzenwald was first settled by humans during the middle years of the Vallantis Empire, some 3,500 years ago. It is a land of deep rivers, dense forests, and breathtaking mountains. Schwartzzenwald has always been sparsely populated. Prior to the arrival of humans and elves, there were several small settlements of Firbolg, Centaurs, Forrest Gnomes, and Satyrs.
• Scholars are unsure of the exact location of the first Vallantis settlements, as little permanent infrastructure was created.
• Although the land was rich with resources, Schwartzzenwald was never considered a productive realm of the Vallantis Empire. There are two main reasons that this is the case:
• Schwartzzenwald is densely forested & Schwartzzenwald was never heavily populated or exploited for resources.

• Some scholars have argued that the reason for this is because the forests of Schartzzenwald were thickly populated by a vast array of dangerous beasts and were never hunted to the point of extinction by the Legions as in other areas. Legions had a minor presence in Schwartzzenwald because the indigenous populations never orchestrated any serious rebellions.

• Approximately 500 years ago, the human inhabitants of Schwartzzenwald founded a small town. The settlers named the town Konig’s Hollow, after the leader of the settlement expedition. Konig erected a palisade and was crowned king for his achievements. The town continued to grow under the burgeoning monarchy until it became a city of nearly 50,000 people.
• Approximately 300 years ago, settlers from northeastern Schwartzzenwald migrated north and wrested control of what is now Nortland, from the Goblins and House Elves there; enslaving both races.

Politics of Schwartzzenwald

• Approximately 200 years ago, under significant political pressure, the queen of Konig’s Hollow ceded half of her power to a council-like entity which is called the Rat. Shortly thereafter, the government of Konig’s Hollow was converted from a Monarchy to a Parliamentarian Monarchy. In this form of government:

1. The Rat consists of 9 highly educated and popularly elected aristocrats who preside for terms of 10 years. They serve both as a legislative and as a judicial branch of government.
2. Each member of the Rat must have completed an advanced education.
3. Each member of the Rat is elected by and serves the interests of a number of guilds.
4. Each member of the Rat may be removed from power with a ‘vote of no confidence’ from 66% of the popular vote of the guilds he or she represents.
5. No member of the Rat may serve more than one term.

• The Kaiser (elected Monarch) is elected for a term of 15 years and serves as the chief executive of the country.

1. The Kaiser may be removed from power with a vote of 7 members of the Rat followed by a popular vote of 66% of the population.
2. There is no limit to terms the Kaiser may serve.

• During the period from 100-200 years ago, the dozens of villages and small towns nearest Konig’s Hollow joined their governments to Konig’s Hollow, thereby becoming a federation. This ultimately led to the foundation of Schwartzzenwald as its own realm or country. Schwartzzenwald was first recognized as an independent country approximately 100 years ago.
• 16 years ago Kaiser Isentrud was elected to the post of Kaiser as a young woman. Upon assuming office, Kaiser Isentrud immediately enacted several reforms which were popular among the people. One of Kaiser Isentrud’s most important reforms was the foundation of a wizard academy known as Magihauser. Magihauser, though much smaller than Akademie der Zaubereye, was patterned after it.

Links to the Feywild and the Shadowfell

• Schwartzzenwald is an ancient land with deep links to the Feywild. Within the lands of Schwartzzenwald, there are hundreds of naturally occurring gates to the Feywild. Most of the gates are fixed, but some open, shift, or close periodically. Occasionally, a gate to the Shadowfell is also found in Schwartzzenwald. The capital, and the only true city of Schwartzzenwald is Konig’s Hollow.

Konig’s Hollow Size and Population

• Konig’s Hollow is now a significant city with approximately – 50,000 Inhabitants. In addition, there are hundreds of small villages and dozens of towns in Schwartzzenwald. All told, the population is around 250,000. The population of Schwartzzenwald is made up as follows:

• 70% Human • 9% Centaur • 9% Satyr • 9% Firbolg • 3% Other

Magihauser

As a wizarding academy, Magihauser is still in its infancy. It is roughly half the size of Akadamie der Zaubereye and is set in a modest stone university, overlooking the small timbered and the thatched town of Rothenburg which straddles the vast Wicklung river and lies just 10 miles from Konig’s Hollow. Magihauser and the practice of magic have been well received by many of the people of Schwartzzenwald. Indeed, most of the affluent families of the country have their children tested for inherent magical ability around the age of 10, seeking possible entry to Magihauser.

The Bestienmorder and Hexenjager Guilds

Two notable guilds within Schwartzzenwald are the Bestienmorder and the Hexenjager guilds. Both of the guilds are met with a mix of suspicion, awe, fear, and respect.