Ek’Kasel
Ek’Kasel (population 412,500) is a small kingdom bordered by
Pekal and the Kalalali Forest to the east, Ek’Gakel to the north, Korak
to the west and Norga-Krangrel to the southwest. Ek’Kasel was the
last of the Young Kingdoms to declare its independence from
Kalamar. In reality, Ek’Kasel never fully seceded from Kalamar. They
claimed their independence, but Kalamar secretly supplies arms and
horses to help Ek’Kasel in its wars with Norga-Krangrel. On the
throne in Bet Kasel, the capital, is King Erasar II, a distant cousin of
the Emperor. The two keep in close contact and it is rumored that if
Korak can be persuaded to help, Erasar will reunite the Young
Kingdoms and pledge them to Kalamar.
As might be expected, Ek’Kasel and Korak are close allies. Through
joint efforts, they put down three enormous hobgoblin attacks.
Without Korak and Ek’Kasel, these advances would have surely
overrun the other Young Kingdoms. Lately, the hobgoblin assaults
have been less frequent. Erasar fears the hobgoblins are amassing
their strength for a major offensive.
The people of Ek’Kasel have become accustomed to the constant
state of war. Upon reaching fifteen years of age, every male enters the
military to serve a minimum of three years before re-joining society.
The Kasite army numbers over 2,200 mixed infantry and cavalry.
Women also serve a vital role in Ek’Kasel society. They have taken
the responsibility of tending to the crops and livestock. Nearly all
Ek’Kasel food is produced by women. As might be expected, Ek’Kasel
is home to many widows of war. Many childless women enter the
medical or alchemical fields. Women hold many offices within the
local governments and in the business district.
Ek’Kasel claims the northwest quarter of the Kalokopeli Forest.
From the rare herbs and mosses that flourish within this ancient
wood, the Kasite herbalists develop a salve that allows wounds to heal
at twice their normal rate. Additionally, Kasite alchemists have a
treatment for wood that petrifies it as hard as stone, so Ek’Kasel is
renowned for siege equipment of superior quality.
Most human and humanoid races and religions are tolerated in
Ek’Kasel. The Temple of Armed Conflict and the Way of the Berserk
have tremendous followings within Ek’Kasel. The Founder’s
Creation, the Halls of the Valiant, the Hall of Oaths and the Church of
the Life’s Fire also have a sizable number of worshippers. The Vicelord
has a considerable underground following here as well.