The Kingdom of Olthambria

A new beginning for the freed slaves of the Dead Empire.

All too often, I hear the people of this great nation grieve over this and that - a man sentenced to death, a soldier left unemployed, a woman dwelling in the finest apartments one could hope for. It may surprise those across the mountains that some consider the latter a tragedy - but this is not a condemnation of Olthambria. In fact, it is a ringing endorsement. Only in such a beautiful country as this, would one see a woman draped in lace and silk, and believe it a problem worth fixing.

— Unknown

Structure

Olthambria's hierarchy stems from two primary organisations - the aristocracy, and the Ministers of Parliament.

THE ARISTOCRACY

The hierarchy of Olthambria's nobility is as follows: King and Queen These are the sovereign rulers of the land, working in coalition with the Prime Minister to govern the nation. While restricted by law in regards to how they may exercise their power, the ruling monarchs are granted several discretionary powers in the event of a national emergency. In such a situation, the King and Queen's power is considered to be absolute.
Grand Prince/Grand Princess The first-in-line to the throne, this is considered to be the second-most powerful position in the country's nobility. While this title is typically granted to the eldest child of the current ruling monarch with direct relation to the royal family, in rare cases, the right has been reserved to name a specific Grand Prince or Princess besides the default. While this often results in some form of public confrontation between parent and child, it is often done with good reason. For example, the monarch may worry that their heir is simply a poor fit for the throne, lacks the compassion necessary to lead a nation and its people, or would fail to stand up to Olthambria's enemies in its time of need.
Prince/Princess This is the title granted to all sons and daughters of the ruling monarchs who did not have the good fortune to be named Grand Prince or Princess. Essentially meaning "child of the King", the title is not exactly prestigious, but deemed worthy of a great amount of respect - even if that respect is more for the King's benefit than for their own. Most folk holding this title spend their days seeking a suitor - and after this, making a home and family for themselves in the lands bequeathed to them.
Duke/Duchess The highest title that does not require blood relation to the King or Queen. The Dukes and Duchesses of Olthambria are few, and rule over their far-reaching provinces in the different corners of the country. One modern example would be Duke Theophilus Fitzwater II, who presides over the southern duchy known as The Brassgarde Downs.
Margrave While not in control of more land than, say, a Count, the Margrave's words carry much more weight in the royal court. Granted large estates on the borders of Olthambria, these individuals are highly-respected military leaders, expected to head up the first line of defence, should an invasion come to pass. In recent years, more and more Margraves have been granted lands in that elevated marshland bordering the Lunar Scar - a mere precaution, in case of yet another war.
Count/Countess Counts are considered to be the middling rank in the nobility, answering to the Dukes and often possessing a fraction of their respective liege's duchy. These smaller provinces - called counties - often consist of one or two towns and a few villages. Serving as the go-between for the Duke and his people, Counts are empowered to establish local laws in-conjunction with their respective members of parliament, and can take on executive powers in times of emergency in their demesne.
Baron/Baroness A Baron typically controls those areas deemed too remote and quiet to be worth the Count's time. These individuals normally make their home in a pleasant estate just outside of an isolated village or two, overseeing the work done here to ensure law and order maintains. Having something of a reputation for getting ideas above their station, the kindest Barons will implement laws in the service of their people that would have taken decades to pass through parliament. The worst swiftly discover that the boundaries of their power are nowhere to be seen, and exploit this to the fullest.

PARLIAMENT

The power structure of Olthambria's houses of parliament is far simpler, and can be boiled down to three roles:
The Prime Minister This is the highest-ranking official in the elected half of the Olthamite government. Residing within the Houses of Parliament themselves, the man - or woman - who holds this position is considered the liaison between the people and their King, and is expected to negotiate the terms of all acts and mandates with the presiding monarch before signing them into law.
The Leader of the Opposition Perhaps the most exhilarating position in parliament, this title is held by the leader of Olthambria's second-most popular political party, whoever that may be. It is considered their responsibility to challenge the Prime Minister on their policies, and force them to answer the questions that are on the lips of Olthambria's people. This, naturally, leads to some rather heated debate, if you wish to put it lightly, and one can often tell when the Prime Minister is taking questions from the volume of the yelling in and around the Ministerial Chamber.
Minister for Parliament The most common title held in Olthambria's elected representatives, these individuals are all, on paper, equal in power. Of course, with so many different people, from such various walks of life, all sharing this authority with one another... Needless to say, it is difficult to control them at the best of times, and a veritable nightmare on every other day. Thanks to the lenient restrictions on who may run for this position in local elections, a man capable of tracing his lineage back to the first lords and ladies of this great nation may find himself sat alongside a former beggar, who dragged himself from the gutter and found his way into the Ministerial Chamber through sheer talent and force of charisma. This can make it a challenge for certain folk in parliament to work together, and it is not uncommon for certain Ministers to harbour a genuine, burning hatred for their peers.

by Cedric Peyravernay

Public Agenda

On the world stage, Olthambria has the same mission as all of its neighbouring states - namely, the unification of the continent under the flag of Central Varen, and the continuous revival of the world's lost civilisation. Lately, the King and Parliament have been outwardly advocating for the exploration of lands beyond this one, and the search for other people who might yet have survived the Cataclysm. While Olthambria's supporters deem these motions to be deeply progressive, there are others with a more critical eye, who see nothing more than the return of the Dead Empire - in a larger, greener package, of course - allowing their relentless pursuit of knowledge and power to bring the world toppling down all over again.

Demography and Population

In terms of race, Olthambria grows into a more and more diverse nation by the day, with immigration in full swing. At present, roughly seventy-five percent of the country's population are native Olthamites, and twenty-four percent are made up of Dorozi and Sylvar migrating from the south and north. The final, small amount consists of those races that are not often eager to move to The Metal State - the Khords and Arenians, to be precise.
Another notable fact about the country's population is the disparity between the genders. Ever since the country's foundation, there has been a significantly lower number of women born than their male counterparts, leading to something of a population crisis. While the number of women living in Olthambria is steadily increasing, this has more to do with the country's immigration program, that encourages the ladies of Sylmaneth and Dorozar to make their home here.

Technological Level

Olthambria is perhaps the most technologically advanced state in all of Varen. Television, radio and engineered cars all have their origins in the Land of Steel. All households are equipped with modern appliances such as a fridge and a radio, and Televisions and home phones are becoming more and more accessible each year.
The crowning jewel of the state is the Trans Varenian Railway. The system of travel that can get an individual from one point on the continent to the complete other side of the world in a comfortable and prompt manner. It is a jewel of the Olthamite society and will probably remain so for the foreseeable future.

Foreign Relations

Both the King and Members of Parliament share an exceptionally friendly (bordering on obsessive, if you ask some) relationship with the Sisterhood of Shards and Lady Zuzanna Jaleńska II. It is of great importance to the Olthambrian government that these relations stay as harmonious as possible for one reason: The migration programme put in place between the two states has improved the ratio of women born into Olthambrian society, not only through interbreeding, but also through an introduction of Sylvar medicine.
Since Dorozar has no singular leader or group of leaders, the relationship between the nation and Olthambria is measured largely in terms of trade. When it is good, there is nothing to worry about; after all, if one was to concern themselves with making all the Lords and Ladies of Dorozar happy, the only friend they would truly hold would be insanity.
Relations with Khordepi are one sided at best. Trade is made mostly through the proxy of Varen Central, and diplomatic visits are scarce. Thanks to the view of Olthamites as large brutes with machines of war, any attempt at diplomacy and softening relations is hard work, in no way helped by the distance between the land.

Agriculture & Industry

The mountainous land of Olthambria provides all that its people need for technological advancement. Coal and iron mining are by far the largest industries of Olthambria with oil production as a close second. It provides thousands of jobs in the mining and manufacturing sector, as well as all the things that stem from it, such as car and train manufacturers, mechanics, dealers, public and private transport hires etc.
Thanks to the various gem deposits scattered around the country, it is also common to find folks working within the jewel crafting industry; whether as miners, gem cutters or jewellers. Engineering and mechanical trades also fare rather well in Olthambria, with government funded apprenticeship programmes and business relief schemes put in place to help the industry grow.

Trade & Transport

Most of trade and movement of goods (both domestic and international) happens through the use of trains. Domestically, Olthambria moves goods through the use of the National Railway for the Transport of Goods (or the NRTG) , and internationally, through the Trans Varenian Railway System. This way, goods can be delivered from one of of Olthambria to the next within the space of a working week.
For the transportation of people, there are a few more options. The national and Trans Varenian Railway for longer distances of travel, with cars and buses available for travel within cities, with Blackstead City having introduced its first 'monorail' for convenient travel from one part of the city to the next.

Education

The level of ones education is heavily dependent on class. Education is mandatory until the age of 15, providing basic literacy and numeracy skills to all citizens. From there, most working class folk will head straight into work, or perhaps an apprenticeship if one is lucky. If a working class student does particularly well in academics, they may receive a scholarship that will pay for a university course. Customarily, a potential student will take five years to save up money for living expenses and study material, and then enrol at the age of 18.
For the middle and upper class, education continues after the age of 15 tutoring or "interim schools." Interim schools normally specialise heavily in one field, taking in students who wish to pursue the subject at a university level. Whilst not all students who attend an interim school will go on to a university, it is still a good place to send a child as a way of proving academic capability and provide prospects for better employment in the future.

Official Currency

While the Central Varenian Gold Piece is accepted as legal tender in the country's larger cities, citizens of Olthambria are more commonly expected to trade in diamonds - or rather, coins fashioned out of the precious stone. The mines of Olthambria produce so much diamond ore on a daily basis that the civilisation attributes a significantly smaller value to it than, say, the Fallen Empire of Aren once did. The denominations of diamond are as follows:

One Tenth-Diamond More commonly referred to as a Tenth - or Tenny, colloquially speaking - this is the lowest denomination of Olthambria's currency. This takes the form of a small, flat disc - about the circumference of an Olthamite's pinky finger - made of chiselled gemstone. The Tenth can buy small amounts of the cheapest produce in Olthambria, such as a loaf of bread, a child's bus fare, or a day's supply of mutton.

One Quarter-Diamond The Olthamite Quarter-Diamond - or the Quart - is useful to possess when perusing markets or out for your master's weekly bit of shopping. Equivalent to two Gold and five Silver Pieces, this hexagonal coin is twice the size of the Tenny, and is able to buy you, say, a large sack of rice, or a pint of beer at the local pub.

One Half-Diamond Equivalent to five Central Varenian Gold Pieces, the Half is a square coin identical in size to the Quart, but higher in value. With one of these, you might pay for a night in the theatre's back seats, or a second-hand button-up.

One Diamond Coin The most common denomination of Olthamite currency, the Single Diamond is exchangeable for ten Central Varenian Gold. Many economists in the country find this particular coin to highlight the glaring issues in the country's society. This neatly-engraved coin might be considered pocket change to the lords and ladies of Blackstead City, yet its value is immeasurable to those poorest and most vulnerable. To the lower classes, this coin is a night's rest in a comfortable bed, and a hot meal the next day. It is the difference between full bellies and starving children at the worst of times. In the pearlescent streets of high society, however, it is hardly worth mentioning - a meagre tip for this evening's waiter, left behind without a second thought.

by flaviobolla

Two-Diamond Coin Those without more pressing matters on their mind might find this denomination to be the most beautiful. Lined with a silver ring and engraved with some important scene from Olthamite history, the fact that these coins are no longer produced make them extremely valuable collectors' items. Heed these words - if you live within the coal-stained districts of the city, and luck drops this rare treasure into your lap, hide it with great care. There are many who would knife you in the back for a chance at presenting such a thing to the right person.

Ten-Diamond Note Past a point, it becomes far more convenient to hold paper on one's person than weighty diamond coins. Here is where this begins. This bank note has been tinted green, and emblazoned with an image of John Redgate - the first King of Olthambria. Black text denotes its value. The font is unique - known as Messingham - and all printing presses possessing it are government-owned. Possession of even a single letter of this font is punishable by anything from a hefty fine to imprisonment. With one of these notes, you might buy a good quality suit and shoes to match, or perhaps an expertly-crafted knife, if that takes your fancy

Twenty-Diamond Note Coloured a light shade of blue, this bank note depicts the recently-departed Queen Marjorie Ainsworth I, and also possesses the telltale Messingham font. This note could be exchanged for two-hundred Gold Pieces, and as such, possesses great value. In Olthambria, this note would buy you a top-quality radio, or perhaps pay a month's rent for the lower classes. This would be the weekly pay packet of your average janitor or dock worker.

Fifty-Diamond Note Coloured a regal purple, this is the highest denomination of currency in common circulation. Still possessing the signature black text, this note depicts the current reigning king - one Howard Ainsworth IV - but is expected to change in the coming years to a portrait of his eldest son, Michael. A true windfall for the lower class, this note could pay off rent for a couple of months and still leave a decent amount to save. It could let a family eat like kings; three meals a day, for a month! Of course, it could also buy you a brand-new revolver, and the ammo to match.

The Diamond Cube Exchanged only by members of the nobility and the multitude of crime bosses throughout the country, these sought-after blocks measure roughly three cubic inches, and amount to five-hundred Olthamite diamond coins per unit. Often used to pay illicit contractors and purchase property, this small, translucent box could buy you a car fresh out of the factory, an exceptional bolt-action rifle, or even some of the more impressive magic items the Sylvar export to this bustling kingdom.

Onwards to glory

Founding Date

1st of January, 0 N.D.

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Blackstead City

Alternative Names

The Free Kingdom (Out of Date), The Metal State, Olthambria

Demonym

Olthamite

Leader

King Howard Ainsworth IV

Head of State

King Howard Ainsworth IV

Head of Government

Dr. Vincent Turner

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Market economy

Major Exports

Primary exports from Olthambria are precious metals, diamonds, and the most advanced weaponry permitted in the continent.

Major Imports

Due to the high-up, rocky terrain in which the majority of Olthambria resides, common imports are lumber and crops. Furthermore, the preference of engineering over the arcane has led to those hard-to-replicate magical items of Sylmaneth being rather sought-after by the upper class.

Legislative Body

While the country's nobility reserve the right to pass local laws in times of emergency, all other pieces of legislation pass through Olthambria's parliament, often being debated and rewritten for months - or even years - before being passed into law.

Judicial Body

The legal system in Olthambria is headed up by two organisations - the Capital Court, who deal with the trials and sentencing of all criminal cases, and the Civil Judiciary, whose authority resides in the resolution of civil disputes, such as outstanding debt and matters of inheritance.

Official State Religion

The Stone

Official Languages

• Olthambrian

Controlled Territories

• Blackstead City
• Goldsmile

Neighboring Nations

• The Fellowship of Brokerage
• The Theocratic State of Sylmaneth

Further Reading

by Bram Sels