Liberator of Mitric, Hereditary ruler of his Empire. Son of Emperor Kentur the Magnificent, grandson of Emperor Carromdinel the Victorious, who first forged the Empire from a squabbling group of kingdoms in the twenty year campaign known as The Great Unification. Our Illustrious Emperor personally led the mighty Imperial Legions that crushed the Archimage Vulmeas and his limitless hordes of dragon-like Atluck warriors. Any other army in the Empire would surely have been destroyed by these nearly invulnerable creatures of darkness. Only the might of our Legions and the wise and resolute leadership of Emperor Thonum could have prevented the loss of a province in the Empire. Let all citizens of the Empire rejoice at the safety and stability loyalty to his majesty, The Emperor, affords them.
Great Sultan of Arir. Farouk was, until recently, unheard of in the Empire. As his desert nation has gained in power so has his name become more familiar. The Arir is a huge desert south of the Empire's southern boundary of mountains (known as the Jevvels). This kingdom has been of little concern or interest to the Emperors because of its apparent lack of leadership, but with the rise of Farouk has come a new age in the Arir. The nation appears to have direction and purpose. It is unknown how the Emperor plans to protect his people from this new menace but there is no doubt that they would be foolish indeed to test the strength of the Empire of Thonum the Protector.
The sovereign ruler of the Southern "continent". Fortunately the Emperor has no interest in territory so far from the Empire proper, or at least this is the popular explanation as to why conquest has not been undertaken. This large island is completely covered in thick rain forest and some valuable woods and rare spices occasionally show up in Imperial markets from this region. Malahman does not seem to have a powerful hold over the people of this large island and so is considered to be of little potential threat.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Ahrdin. Ammeria is a close relative of the Imperial line itself and so there is little wonder why her family gained control of this province after Duke Hergut was stripped of his holdings. She is surely the most charming of all ladies in the Empire with a subtle sense of style and decorum that other courtiers strive to match. Her dealings with the Elves are sure to be more skillful than Hergut's ineffectual blusterings. Her appointment to this delicate task is one of the most cunning moves made by our Emperor.
Duke of Ermid Province. Also known as the Iron Triangle. Mathas I was the first ruler to swear fealty to Emperor Carromdinel the Victorious. He joined forces with the Emperor only two years after he had begun his campaign. Ermid is one of the few eastern provinces that suffered no damage in The Great Unification. Their combined forces toppled many of the petty kingdoms from Strandeng to Lessarnia until many others surrendered before even seeing the mighty army. Mathas III, like his two predecessors, has had a remarkably long life. Many wise sages say that this is a blessing bestowed upon the line of Mathas for their service to the first Emperor. There are but three cities in this province, Iarvenn (the capital), Dasa, and Soerk. The three cities compete against one another with their teams of gladiators. They are known as the Iron Triangle because of their fierce warriors and their ability to defend each other in case of siege. They export raw glass, fighting slaves, small quantities of coffee, hardy cattle, and weapons. They import sheep, grains, wine, and beer. Shipments of these products have almost completely stopped due to the unusually heavy activity of the province's desert marauders.
Baron Xavih
The Merciless. Xavih maintains his barony with an iron grip. There are extreme punishments for anyone breaking the simplest laws. Hangings and other public executions are common events in this province. The Baron is responsible for the collection of taxes, maintaining order within his domain, as well as training and recruitment of army personnel for Duke Mathas III. The fighters and men-at-arms which come from the Xavih's training camps are some of the best; elements of these trained personnel are found as personal bodyguards for many leaders in the Empire. The Baron holds personal combat games weekly. All visiting fighters are required to register with the local officials and any that spend more than a month in the area are required either to pay a sword tax or participate in the games. The Barony imports large quantities of weapons, many trainers in new or unusual weapons, and spirits for the troops in training here.
Duke of Borune, Master of The Hidden Art, He Who Granted Ten Thousand Pardons. Verim came to power suddenly about sixty years ago when his predecessor Duke Olpredon died. Borune has always been fiercely loyal to the Emperor and follows his edicts unerringly. This is rewarded by the Emperor in the form of favored trading status. Verim personally has not been seen at any Imperial functions in over thirty years but he always sends dignitaries in his place. Borune is known for its steel, weaponry, and coal. It produces several brands (literally) of weapons, each of a different quality from inexpensive standard goods to the costlier collectors items. Iron, copper, tin, lead, and highly trained slaves are all secondary exports. Borune buys wood, grain, and small amounts of beef, pork, and fish. Some unscrupulous sorts have claimed that many of the dangerous drugs available have come from this law abiding province. There is a sort of uneasiness between Borune and Mitric, their neighbor to the south. Verim is trying to alleviate this tension and has sent one of his most experienced ambassadors, Lord Adros, and a team of advisors to his traditional rival's capital city. Borune is currently known to be engaging in massive troop movements within its borders but is trying desperately to convince its neighbors that they are in no danger from these exercises.
Duke of Kahlom, Victor of the Nhordian Disputes, Northwatch Warden. Hanrick is recognized as one of the greatest military leaders in the Empire. He commands one of the best equipped and trained fighting forces anywhere. His cavalry are the standard by which all others are measured. His personal unit, the Knights of Kahlom, is undefeated in battle and is known to hold the highest standards of honor and duty. Hanrick himself is a bold, courageous man with an impassioned spirit and unyielding resolve. He demands much from his people but repays their loyalty with his tireless leadership.
Duke of the province of Rheeven, Demonslayer. Kalmton's somewhat whimsical second title is not one that the Duke uses. Only his people refer to him by this title as he is reported to have slain the demon Ndulu and driven back his demon horde in the eruption of Mt. Galaam in the south of the province 28 years ago. Kalmton is said to be a skilled swordsman, an unparalleled gentleman, a discriminating gourmet, a patron of all arts, and a confirmed bachelor. Rheeven Province is recognized as the leader in wine production both for quality and quantity producing the finest wines in the Empire. The fish catches off the long sandy coasts of this province are of high quality and are found in moderate variety. Many shipbuilding facilities are found here and almost any type of waterborne vessel can be seen leaving the ports of this area. It is thought that the skill of Rheeven sailors may be second only to that of the Gaiss Tribesmen of the Northern Reaches. Metal armors are rare here and fetch higher prices than in most other provinces of the Empire. Duke Kalmton seems to encourage this situation and is known to levy prohibitive tariffs against the merchants who deal in foreign-made armor.
Duke of Draemeer. Reputed to be a powerful Warlock, known to his people as Duke Terhew the Compendious. The duchy's main exports are intricate mechanisms of great craftsmanship and alchemical components. The Gnomish people of this unique province are skilled craftsmen and the caretakers of the Imperial Zoo a large tract of land on which many different rare creatures are allowed to roam relatively unhindered. These populations are sometimes thinned if they begin to do overly well and the excess can be used for spell/scroll components. The inhabitants of this zoo are protected by the Duke's troops and a special contingent of 200 Imperial troops. The area is rich in the rare minerals found in many chemists' shops and engages in some mining but the Duke carefully monitors such activities. He is concerned more for the future of his province than for any short term gains. Terhew's people are respected for their precision work on clever devices such as tools for measurement and models of astrological phenomenon. The Duchy will purchase many types of monsters and will pay handsomely for the rarer ones.
Duchess of Strandeng. This northwestern seacoast province is not, as one might expect, a great fishing province. This is because of its exceedingly rocky shoreline. As many cliffs as villages dot the coast and only a few small towns make their living by bringing in the shellfish found offshore. Even these moderate efforts generate a generous profit as these products are prized in other parts of the Empire. Most are shipped from the single seaport city of Kilnah. The majority of the sparse population raises sheep in the grassy hills of the province. The Duchess is the single ruler of the province and has only two barons beneath her to rule the area. She relies mainly on her staff, advisors, and the goodwill of the people who are guided by the careful hand of Borimond. Zalain is the grieving mother of Dithwin the Betrayer. She publicly apologized to the Emperor for her son's activities and has been pardoned of responsibility. Zalain has no other successors. Many an ogre has been sighted in this district, several wild areas are still under their control, and this has led to the Ogre Banner, Zalain's standard, of which these stoic people are quite proud. Recently there have been numerous dragon sightings in some of the uninhabited northern hills.
Rulers of the province of Skou'rn. These young rulers have made their province one of the most successful trading provinces in the Empire. It is said that they are even now attempting to enter into the lucrative fur market by selling expensive pelts in the Capital. Their cheeses are still what they are renown for and we will have to wait and see how their diversification is successful. Over one hundred varieties of their cheeses, some requiring magicks to produce, are made here. The whole of their dairy industry is under the care of Tyves the Industrious. Skou'rnian trade ambassadors are known for their tireless efforts to promote their province's wares. In the Capital a new variety, Conduicheddar is bringing them great profits.
Duke of Taunarr, Windrider. Eurav'ton is the leader of the strange nomads of this province. Few villages exist here as permanent settlements. Most of the folk here travel about following the herds of grazing beasts that wander this plain. Some of these odd people can can found even in the plains of Lessarnia and seem not to recognize the border between these provinces. They swear allegiance to neither and so are not granted much in the way of protection. Slavers are known to take many of these people for the markets in the Capital even though they are difficult to train. Eurav'ton has the unseemly habit of decorating his face with pigments to express various states of emotional turmoil. The Emperor seems to find this an amusing trait. Some of these people are known for their use of short bows, others are reckless riders of fast mounts (not all of which are horses), some even live in the Hithril Wood. Eurav'ton's family was granted their royal standing for the help they have given Emperors in the many battles waged on these plains. Many old battlefields can still be found across this province, evidenced by the bleached bones sticking out of dry grasses.
Duchess of Mitric, sole heir to the throne of Veluna, widowed wife of Duke Thrommel. Two years ago Jolene's valiant husband was killed at the hands of the evil Archmage Vulmeas and their only heir, Kinehn, was born. Thrommel was treacherously slain by the Vulmeas when he attempted to conquer all of Mitric with his Atluck hordes. Jolene's Mitric is, "peaceful but vigilant," as her husband used to say. They have a sizeable well-run militia that is regularly inspected by Jolene's most trusted advisors. Mitric is known for its fine grain products. It has many thousands of acres devoted to wheat, barley, rye, and corn. Therefore its pigs and cattle are well-fed beasts suitable for preparation in the most demanding kitchens. Its breads are some of the finest made and may be enjoyed in the smallest taverns. The beers, ales, and meads are as numerous as the distilleries, each with its own label and distinctive taste. Lake Strume is responsible for the best freshwater fish catches in the Empire. In addition small amounts of cheese are produced here (relative to the centrally located province of Skou'rn). The diet of Mitricites is, as one can see, generally of high quality and inexpensive variety.
Viscount Tiselius
Provost Marshall of Mitric. Traditionally it has been the role of the Tiselius family to be the military leaders of the defensive forces of Mitric even though the family is from Furyondy. This treaty also explains why a son of Mitric, Duke Thrommel, was the Provost of Veluna. To show their mutual trust this arrangement was made during the reign of His Most Excellent Majesty Emperor Carromdinel and it has served to tie these regions together since that time. After Duke Thrommel married The Right Honourable Lady Jolene and the two nations became one, the directorship of the fortress city of Verbobonc and all its troops became the permanent role of this family. The current Viscount is an elderly man but it is known that he is an amazing strategist with an unequalled knowledge of Mitric's forces and those of their potential enemies. At present, Tiselius is known to be rebuilding his forces after their costly victory at Lealville. Tiselius seems much older now than before this conflict began and many think he may not recover the loss of his beloved liege.
Dukeling L'or
Ruler of the Isle of Storms, Lord of Kahlom, Knight of Mitric. Born the 5th son of the Duke Hanrick of Kahlom, he now resides in eastern Mitric. L'or is, according to rumor, trying to build "the biggest castle anywhere." When asked why he would attempt this monumental task he responded, "Because that's what I figure I should do." Many think this is just modesty on his part and that he is trying to provide Mitric with a powerful Eastern stronghold in case of war, and helping them maintain an iron grip over Lake Strume by creating a sizeable flotilla. Duke Thrommel granted L'or admittance to the august Knights of Mitric because it was largely the efforts of this mighty warrior that rescued him from the depths of the Temple of Elemental Evil several years ago. L'or's allies are said to be a motley band but are all considered to be of significant power and of great use to this remarkable hero. They include: the Knight Creel, Benefactor of Quay, also responsible for Thrommel's return to power (see below); the Elder of the Land, The Most Reverend, Melanie Neth, L'or's lovely and powerful wife; the Knight Tirest of the Black Tower, a mage of unusual talents; the Elder of the Land Zo; the Elder of the Land Syth, The Demonrider, dark mage of the Underworld; Thurgar, Dwarven Champion; and a large entourage of loyal underlings. Recently L'or and many of his comrades helped return the body of fallen Thrommel to his family and were instrumental in the defeat of the Archimage Vulmeas. Duchess Jolene herself proclaimed that all who entered Vulmeas' keep, Fivespires, were thereby knighted if not already members of the Knights of Mitric.
Baron Bhepor
Bhepor is the overseer of Quay and its immediate environs. He is responsible for the collection of taxes, the protection of the inhabitants, and the general well-being of this area of the Bounty. Due to their mutual goals Sir Creel is known to often visit the Baron, possibly to give advice on the well being of their city. Bhepor lives in a small keep north of Quay but well within visual range of the city's new wall. Bhepor is mostly a recluse, seldom venturing outside of his home where he lives with his wife of 25 years, Terecia of Aarnhave, said to have mystic powers. It is thought unwise to approach Bhepor without first going through his two sons Maerk and Josef who are of the same birth. They are responsible for most of the work that is carried out within this barony and are often seen outside the keep. Quay itself is the city of about 7,500 residents that produces most of the larger vessels found on the Great Lake Strume. Quay was recently the staging area for the battle that took place at Lealville. Almost all of the mercenaries have now departed and the city is trying to get back to its normal existence.
Sir Creel
Benefactor of Quay, Knight of Mitric. Creel is one of the most trusted men in Mitric. Other than Lord L'or he is the only other person in Mitric to be given Thrommel's seal before the ill-fated Duke's attempt to avoid war with the Archimage Vulmeas cost Thrommel his life. Sir Creel single-handedly paid for the new fortifications around the city of Quay. In addition he armed and trained their militia. His altruism is thought to be bringing this otherwise quiet man unwanted renown. Other townships are said to be sending emmisaries to him with requests for donations.
Duke of the Isle of Lendoor. His Family bought their royalty several generations ago with what many believe was a powerful magical item. The island is renown for its fine seafood, thriving trade centers, superb shipwrights, abundant olive crop, and fine wine production. The island is unseasonably warm due to the sea currents that flow up the coast from the south.
Duke of Chelet. Gansenan and his family are responsible for the clearing of thousands of acres of forest to provide the rest of the Empire with the finest timber on the market. Rare woods, timber, and timber products are all exported from the capital city of Pinehold and the eight other settlements of this area to the rest of the Empire. Attacks upon all these frontier towns are common. To combat some of the disturbances mages have been hired and emplaced in the villages. Outside the palisades of these towns is mostly wild forest. Few trails are maintained and travellers are cautioned to only travel through the Cheletian Forest in a well-armed caravan or along the one Impirial road in this province. Gansenan's light footmen are trying to open some safe areas, but they are experiencing great difficulty. Goblins, unfriendly wood-elves, large spiders, and even some orcs are known to live in this massive wood. Those who desire to avoid the problems of ground travel and have the resources to afford it might attempt flying across this area. The Gansenan family themselves have lost relatives this way as several flying beasts roam these wilderlands and treetop archers of unknown races seem to find airborne objects challenging targets...
Duke of Stoak, known to his peers as Duke Hayse the Practic. Stoak is a farming province. The people here do little else and make uncommonly bad soldiers. Whole units have been known to desert around harvesting and planting time. Small farming villages are the rule here, even the capital is only about 4,000 people many of whom farm the Duke's personal lands. Many crops can be grown here in this richly soiled temperate province. They produce a delicious peach and plum crop, good apples and cherries, and all types of vegetables. Their grain is of high quality and they also produce a fair number of nuts which are easily exported. Hayse is known to be a highly proficient farmer but knows little else. He has no understanding of the important matters of the Empire and many think a Governor will be placed here to advise his rule. As a warning to travellers, if you are going to travel through Stoak it is recommended that you purchase horses before entering this province. Draft horses are the only type readily available, all others are rare and very expensive. (Even in Duke Hayse's home "city" of Obton.)
Emir of Lessarnia. The family of Buryat is descended from a royal family that fled the Erg of Arir at the end of the reign of the Seventh Dynasty of Sultans. They brought with them their servants, wealth, and customs to this backward province. They quickly established a stronghold on the northern edge of the Jevvel mountains near the source of the river Khaud. This city grew and prospered due to its unique location virtually all trade between the Empire and the Arir flows through Baraka. The population of Lessarnia has not increased much though. The nomadic tribesmen indigenous to this area as well as Taunarr are left mostly undisturbed except for an occasional slave raid. Buryat's light horsemen patrol the area from three to eight leagues out from Baraka while his eunuch soldiery maintains order close to the capital city. Outside this region travellers are cautioned to stay alert for the creatures of these dangerous plains. The Duke is known to have several wives and many children in his household. It is rumored that some of his more enterprising children may have attempted to start a new settlement further north on the Khaud. Lessarnia does purchase some products from other dukedoms, but on the whole this province is fairly self-sufficient and deals little with the rest of the Empire.
Duke of Fahlrum. This small province is the gourd capital of the Empire. Situated immediately outside the Capital to the southwest, this area produces an amazing variety of pumpkins, melons, squash, honeycrusts, and other gourds. These are sold all over the Empire and many are a great delight to eat while others are exceedingly useful in other capacities. This old duke seems to be somewhat disaffected. He is regularly snubbed by the nearby dukes and ignored by the Emperor. His little-known wife is thought to have died some nineteen years ago and he has not taken another.
Baron Fesnor
Loyal subject of Duke Whistian. Fesnor is an odd man who happens to produce the greatest part of the gourds grown in Fahlrum. He is unwed and considered very eligible if one ignores some of the rumors of his eccentricities. Fesnor has finally gotten revenge for the heinous crimes committed against him a few years ago. He was present recently at the hanging of the eleven bandits that robbed his castle. A huge celebration was held afterwards and all inhabitants of his Barony were so overjoyed that they are said to have actually requested a tax increase to make up for his years of suffering. Baron fesnor culminated the evening by proudly displaying his fabulous walking-stick (a magical heirloom) which he finally recovered. His devoted people finished rebuilding his estate last year and are returning to their previous level of prosperity.
Former ruler of Nhordia (see Duke Hanrick). Gartal was the leader of the barbaric northern tribesmen that survive in the cold plains north of Kahlom. It is not precisely understood how these people choose their leaders but it is thought that they have not yet discovered the benefits of hereditary rule and rely on some wasteful system of competitions! Gartal has not been seen in 20 years. The Emperor fears him dead but continues to offer rewards to any who have knowledge of his whereabouts. Since the disappearance of most of these people few of their fine horses have been successfully bred in the Empire. For this reason the Emperor has required Duke Hanrick to be forbearing in his governorship of this area in case of their return. Many realize that these savage clans could be very useful in the event of some northern attack. The remaining people in this province (mostly the old and sick of the clans) say that Gartal can shake the sky with his war cry. They claim that if one listens to the storms in the north his voice can be heard proclaiming that he will return when a son of Hanrick lies dead on Nhordian soil and the ground of Kahlom turns black with the blood of ridicule.
Ruler of the Eastern Peaks. Dell is an outlaw duke who is descended from a group of traitors who fled the young Empire at the close of the Great Unification. He calls himself King Dell and claims a large area of mountains on the easternmost border of the Empire. He has also laid claims to vast tracts of land near the border of Mitric and Borune but this ridiculous jest has been ignored by the Emperor. He is only a minor nuisance and will be dealt with eventually, by force if necessary, if he oversteps his bounds (regardless of his claims to be in league with the legendary Mage of the Unending Valley).