King: Fenris Rogear
Location
The Free State of Landfall sits south of the Varencian Empire, on the northern edge of Falco Bay. A jagged chain of mountains called the Rampart Ridges form the eastern boundary and the northern boundary of the free state. The northern Rampart Ridges form a barrier between Landfall and the Varencian Empire, while the eastern Rampart Ridges separate Landfall from the unexplored wilderness beyond. The western edge of the Free State of Landfall is another slightly lower chain of mountains called the Thundyre Mountains, beyond which lies the dreaded Trollfen Forest, the Blasted Plateau, and the long dangerous road to Sunaria. The climate of Landfall has the standard four seasons, with the occasional extremes in summer and winter.
History
Landfall grew from a single city outpost of a vanished kingdom to a country with a resilient and strong populace, fiercely protective of their right to self-rule. Once ruled by the Wensharian empire at the height of it’s decadence, Landfall threw off the yoke of oppression during the Wensharian civil war. Many years later, the newly formed Varencian empire eventually annexed the kingdom of Landfall during it’s war with the Anguis Imperium (evil survivors of the Wensharian civil war). After the goblin wars of recent history, Landfall was officially designated a free state by the Varencian Empire in recognition of their contributions to multiple wars and years of foreign rule.
Culture
The culture of the Free State of Landfall is a mixture of medieval and middle ages. Most older buildings are built of granite and rock that is abundant throughout the area, with wooden or tile roofing, while newer buildings tend to be made of wood. People in Landfall wear clothing of all types, with cloaks and hoods being fairly popular in the countryside. The most popular clothing colors in Landfall are blue, yellow, and white.
Citizens in Landfall are considered free people. There is no system of slavery allowed in Landfall, although a form of contract servitude exists, where services and labor can be promised for a period of years in return for land, housing, or things like an apprenticeship. There is an upper class of nobility composed of old families and newer merchant types. The middle class is the largest class, while some of the larger towns and cities have a poor lower class living in slums.
Weapons favored in Landfall are the longsword and the broadsword. The longsword is the most popular as the broadsword is considered an archaic style weapon. Most common weapons can be found for sale, in addition to some locally unique weapons, such as the two-bladed sword, the sword-axe, and the sword-staff. Shortbows and crossbows are also common. The most common armor is leather, with scale and chain mail the next most popular. Shields of all types are fairly common.
The most common deities in the rustic/countryside areas of Landfall are the “Old Faith” a nature/wind based group of deities that tend to the natural order of the world. Unique to Landfall is the Temple of Light, a church built upon the worship of the god Pelor. Pelor is considered a lost or dead god throughout the rest of the continent of Alyndrica, and Landfall is the sole remaining center of worship for his faith. The Romian Temple (official religion of the Varencian Empire) has semi-common temples throughout Landfall, but is nowhere near as popular as the Old Faith or the Temple of Light.
The King of Landfall (King Fenris Rogear) is the hereditary ruler. As king he is the leader of the House of Lords, and commander of the armies. The House of Lords is made up nobility, merchant, and craft representatives. These representatives are not elected, they are appointed by the existing House when there is a vacancy after showing they have the support of an important segment of the populace. House members are normally appointed for life, unless impeached by unanimous vote of the council, or removed by the king and a majority of the House. The House of Lords consists of 12 members and the king.
Wizard Guilds
The Stellar Guild is a magic guild of wizards that have their academy in the city of Landfall. These wizards are normally scholarly in nature and specialize in astronomy and using the stars to discern patterns in the world. They normally dress in gray-blue robes and can be seen throughout the city of Landfall especially the nighttime and early morning. It is estimated that there are as many as seven full members, with a various number of apprentices and servants.
The Council of Magic is a loose organization of magic users headed by the court wizard Tazannir. The council was developed to advise the king and the House of Lords on magical matters, but does not answer to them any more than any other free citizen of Landfall.
Fighter Organizations
The Knights of Pelor are a group of paladins that follow Pelor and the Temple of Light. They work closely with the armies of Landfall as needed.
The Landsguard are elite fighters and soldiers tasked with the day to day policing and protecting the city of Landfall, separate from the armies.
The Highguard are promoted from the ranks of the army and the Landsguard and are the personal legion of the king and his family.
Current Events
The Free State of Landfall is currently at peace and hopes to have things stay that way. The goblin wars of their grandfathers are long over, and no new enemies are apparent. There is a concern about the rise of piracy in and around Falco Bay. In addition, trolls from the Trollfen forest have made the overland route to Sunaria increasingly dangerous. Merchants and explorers have returned from beyond the Jevveled forest and the wilderness to the east with riches and tall tales, while some have not returned at all. Mysterious ruins have been found near the headwaters of the Nepthys river. And as usual, stories abound about undead and witches near Valhingin graveyard. The elves of the town of Canticle send tales of abnormally large snakes, and an increase in wyvern activity in the eastern Wyvern forest. But for the average Landfall citizen there is really nothing to worry about except the occasional bad weather, and the rumors of the governor of Tarno’s increasing independence. All is well in the Free State of Landfall.