Rethem

Kingdom of Rethem

The “black-souled and evil” Kingdom.
The Kingdom of Rethem is dominated by the churches of Agrik and Morgath which is ruled by King Chafin III from his seat in Castle Shostim.
Rethem is less than 100 years old, is unstable and has a violent history. Treachery, intrigue, and assassination are commonplace with only lip service paid to the institutions of fealty, loyalty, and honor.
The kingdom's largest settlement is the City of Golotha, a chartered Freetown dominated by the Church of Morgath, a cesspit of corruption and villainy.
Chafin III seized power in 715TR and through various means has affirmed the fealty of the Earls of Ithiko and Techen as well as the fighting Orders of the Warriors of Mameka, the Companions of Roving Doom, and the Red Shadows of Hepra.
The powerful Earl of Tormau may be planning a rebellion, and the Company of the Copper Hook is always causing trouble on the Border with the Kingdom of Kanday which may result in war.
If Chafin III, ever unites his kingdom it is expected he will eventually launch a war against the hated Kanday.

Structure

The positions in the royal government of Rethem are filled with those beholden and theoretically loyal to the King. The organization is much simpler than the other major kingdoms.

Key government officials

Marshal of Rethem leads the army and the royal guard. This office is traditionally and currently held by the King.
Royal Chamberlain is responsible for the operation of the royal household and all royal castles. He has daily access to the king, which makes him one of the most influential men in the realm.
Chancellor of Justice oversees the judiciary of the kingdom and the appointment of the Sheriffs.
Chancellor of the Exchequer is the chief financial officer. He collects royal revenues through the sheriffs and advises the king on budgetary matters. He also presides over the royal mint.
High Sheriffs (3), These enforce with law and order. However, most of their efforts are directed towards tax collection.

Public Agenda

• Unify the Kingdom under the rule of King Chafin III Araku.
• Grow the Kingdom into a regional military powerhouse.
• Promote the Agrikan Religion and suppress all other except that of Morgath.
• Conquest and destruction of the Kingdom of Kanday.
• Conquest and exploitation of the Northern Forests. This will require the subjugation or destruction of the Kubora tribal nation.
  
  

  Territories

• Rethem is a disorganised subinfeudation consisting of;

• The Royal domain with 4 baronies and 1 vassal barony.

• The "Free" City of Golotha.

• The Earldom of Tormau with 3 baronies and 3 vassal baronies.

• The Earldom of Techen with 2 baronies and 2 vassal baronies.

• The Earldom of Ithiko with 1 vassal barony.

• The Domain of Menekai held by the Order of the Red Shadows of Hepra.

• The Domain of Arketh held by the Companions of Roving Doom.

• The Domain of Bedenes held by the Warriors of Mameka.

• The Domain of Hyen held by the Company of the Copper Hook.

• The kingdom is divided into 3 Shires.
  
  

Fighting Orders

Fighting Orders capable of mustering large armies:

• Order of Mamaka Master of Steel
• Red Shadows of Hepra
• Companions of Roving Doom
• Company of the Copper Hook

Mercenary companies of various size can also bolster the Kingdoms defenses. An unknown factor is the Military assets of the Church of Morgath. Some say vast armies of undead are at their disposal, although more likely that they fund large mercenary companies.

Religion

Rethem is dominated by two churches.

• Agrik
• Morgath, popular among the ruling classes

Other religions have much less influence:

• Save-K'nor, wields some subtle political influence, but is not popular
• Sarajin has a growing number of followers, mostly from mercenary immigrants.
• Halea has some worshipers among the merchant class.
• Ilvar has a few covert, rural worshipers, but is generally discouraged.
• Peoni worship is illegal in most settlements, but is otherwise generally ignored.
• Larani worship is enthusiastically punishable by death.
• Naveh worship is punishable by death. It is rumored that there is a covert temple in the City Golotha
  
  

Foreign Relations

• Thardic Republic - Improving. Territorial disputes have been resolved in return for a defensive alliance.

• Kanday - Bad. Hated enemies, Kanday's enlightened and peaceful principles are in direct opposition to the Rethemi way. War is considered inevitable.
• Orbaal - Minor threat, the Vikings are seen as potential raiders and mercenaries.
• Kubora - Hostile. Considered a minor threat as nearby tribes are subject to constant crusading by the Order of the Red Shadows of Hepra and Warriors of Mameka. If the tribes were to ever unify, then the kingdom would be in serious threat.
  
  

Agriculture & Industry

The northern forests are rich in timber, furs, wild beasts and a source of slaves. Leatherwares are a major export. Access to the sea supplies good fishery and access to whaling resources such as Oil. Minerals are abundant and are extensively mined. Metal craft industry is strong. The River Valleys are densely populated and has a robust economy due to its fertile grain fields.

Where of Harn

Location: Western Hârn
Atlas Maps: C6, D6–7, E6–7
Government: Monarchy
King: Chafin III, Clan Araku
Culture: Feudal
Population: 95,000
Royal Seat: Shostim
Largest City: Golotha (pop. 6,200)
Exports: Wild beasts, leatherwares, oils
Religion: Church of Agrik dominates, Morgathians influential in Golotha

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Neighboring Nations

• Company of the Copper Hook
• Kubora
• Thardic Republic
• Urdu

Harn Kingdoms

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