Impiltur
Impiltur is a kingdom of friendly merchants, preferring peace but capable of calculated acts of war when necessary. While the Impilturans vigorously defend their own borders, the government traditionally remains neutral and leaves neighboring lands to defend themselves. Impilturans see all sorts of raw valuables come from their northern neighbors and exotic goods arrive in their ports.
Among Faerûnians elsewhere, Impiltur is often “the Forgotten Kingdom.” It has the mines and pines of the northern realms, but lacks witches or tyrants who send armies to attack neighboring countries. Its shipborne trade passes through the hands of either Sembia or Telflamm, so the Impilturran origin of the copper-work, silver, and iron bars is lost to purchasers. Impiltur is also the gateway to the riches of Damara, and a land fast growing in farmers now beginning to export smoked meats, cheeses, and fireslake (strong, sour wine of poor quality but great potency).
Impiltur is at peace with its neighbors, but persistent brigands, orc and hobgoblin raids out of the Earthspur Mountains, monsters aroused by the ongoing mining and prospecting, and intrigues hatched in the cities of Impiltur by agents of Thay, the newly energetic clergies of Shar, and other dark powers keep the armies of Impiltur war-ready.
Demography and Population
Population: 1,205,280 (humans 90%, dwarves 5%, halflings 4%)
Humans (Damarans (65%), Chondathans (30%), Nars (4%))
LIFE AND SOCIETY
Impiltur has grown wealthy from trade passing through it, for it is the gateway between the Cold Lands and the nations on the Sea of Fallen Stars. Its people are ready and willing to fight to defend themselves, but enjoy their peaceful lives. The strong militia is capable of fighting on the land, in the mountain lowlands, or on the water. Typical patrols of the Warswords of Impiltur consist of twenty or more chainmail-clad, mounted warriors, armed with lances and crossbows. A meeting with formidable monsters or strong foes leads to the summoning of additional patrols, or the hiring of adventurers to serve as “swordpoints.” Adventurers on swordpoint duty are allowed some measure of freedom from the usual laws of the land. Given their country’s role as a major trading state, Impilturans aren’t surprised by different sorts of people, although elves and half-elves are still uncommon in this area. They are proud of the Council of Lords and the widowed Queen Sambryl. The queen herself finds governing boring and prefers to let the council direct matters.Territories
MAJOR GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
Impiltur stretches between the Sea of Fallen Stars and the Earthspur Mountains.- The Gray Forest
IMPORTANT SITES
Impiltur today is a land of opportunity for the hard-working and the adventurous. With each passing month the inhabitants improve the roads, clear land for farms, and push back the frontier.- Lyrabar (Capital)
- Dilpur
- Hlammach
Foreign Relations
Impiltur's official stance toward Damara continues to be "wait-and-see," at least officially. The War-Captains say little of their feelings about Gareth Dragonsbane in Bloodstone, or about his potential conflict with Dimian Ree in Heliogabalus.
After the fall of Zhengyi, Dimian Ree secretly pleaded for Impiltur to furnish him the men he would need to put things aright in Damara. But on unanimous advice from her War-Captains, Sambryl politely refused. Her statement wished Dimian Ree the best, but firmly reminded him that Damara's business was Damara's alone.
Outraged, Dimian Ree saw the refusal as another nail driven into his coffin, even though his closest advisors had told him to expect no help from Impiltur.
But Dimian Ree won't give up easily. Using his elaborate underground network, the Baron of Morov spreads promises of wealth and trading benefits to the merchants of Lyrabar and Sarshel, but only if he is on Damara's throne. Ree hopes that this will encourage them to appeal on his behalf to the leaders of their cities.
In fact, Impiltur's neutrality is still more official than real. One of Impiltur's War-Captains, Haelimbrar, is secretly riding with the Twilight Riders, hoping to learn more of the methods and ambitions of Bloodstone's new baron. Emelyn the Gray denies it—with a wink.
Just like Dimian Ree, Gareth actively hopes to sway Impiltur's opinion into his own camp. To embellish his reputation in the southern kingdom, he has laid the foundations of his own communications network. Furthermore, the new king is taking advantage of his relationship with the Monastery of the Yellow Rose. Long respected by the Lords of Imphras II, the Monastery supplied emissaries to speak on Gareth's behalf.
It seems logical that Gareth would be the Lords' first choice. Though from a different order, he too is a paladin and above reproach. Paladins understand and trust fellow paladins, and it is doubtful that cries of anguish would be heard on the streets of Impiltur's cities if Gareth were named the first Bloodstone king.
The people's feelings about Gareth are certainly colored by the parallels with their own hero. But more importantly, the powers of Impiltur want what is best for their neighbor. The recovery of the northern kingdom will restore the traffic of profitable merchant caravans.
Capital: Lyrabar
Language: Damaran (Dethek Alphabet)
Government: Monarchy
Religions: Ilmater, Selûne, Tymora, Valkur, Waukeen
Imports: Exotic goods, fruit, shipbuilders, tea, vegetables, wood products
Exports: Gems, gold, iron, silver, trade goods from the Cold Lands
Alignment: LG, LN, CG
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