Kingdom of Rugney
From Greatelementrpg
The Kingdom of Rugney is one of the 7 main regions on the continent of Iesra.
Contents |
History
Rugney is an old and powerful country, though it has undoubtedly undergone many changes throughout its history. The City of Baldera was the seat of the Ancient Gramm Empire. Except for the city of Baldera itself though, the rest of the country did not suffer much upon the Empire's collapse. Indeed, the Kingdom of Rugney could be considered to merely be the succesor to the Gramm Empire - they share many cultural similarities, and the King of Rugney is said to come from the last surviving member of the Gramm family.
Ever since its founding 1200 years ago, the Kingdom has been ruled by the Rugney line. The Kings of Rugney wear a silver circlet instead of the golden crown of Gramm; however, this silver circlet houses the dormant Sovereign Rune.
Rugney has also been a relatively prosperous and peaceful country, not being involved in any wars since it's founding. The independent city of Melphy, home of the Dragon Knights, has taken sides in many wars however.
Historically, Audvera has been Rugney's closest ally, though they interact much more with denizens of Nephtys' Isles. Unlike Audvera though, the citizens of Rugney do not get along with the grassland tribes, and regard them as savages and barbarians.
Culture
Rugney has a simple culture, resembling that of 18th century Britain. The Nobility is rich and well educated in the arts of war and literature, while the peasant class is concerned for little more then their daily routine to make their meager living. The two distinct classes rarely mix. The peasants of Rugney are generally happy however, and truly are better off than peasantry elsewhere on the continent.
Rugney has a very much male dominated society; women cannot technically own any property. This rule is pretty lax when it comes to older widowed women, but younger women have trouble doing anything besides raising children.
Business in Rugney is slow for the lower classes, who don't have any potch to spare. They gain their entertainment from festivals hosted by the local nobility, such as jousting competitions and and the yearly festival in the beginning of the year celebrating yet another year under the Rugney flag. Otherwise, for the lower classes, farming and common work are the everyday routine.
The Nobility does like to participate in these festivals, and indeed it is the only time when the lower classes and the nobility get together. However, the nobility often hosts fancy and expensive dances all year round. The nobility rarely needs to do much work, and thus has much spare time and money for such gatherings.
Rugney tends to be pretty conservative; marriage is between a man and a woman, and nothing else. Women also tend to stay at home and raise children, as there is not much else for them to do; women who do not fulfill their roles as mothers are regarded with suspicion. Males on the other hand are expected to work to provide for their families.
Government
While the people of Rugney resemble 18th century Britain in their minds, the government resembles 18th century France much more. That is, the government is run by absolute rule of the crowned monarch. The monarch is advised by a small council, consisting of a representative from the Melphy Dragon Knights, as well as a representative from the Lords of North-Forest and Rivercrest.
Geography
Rugney has a temperate climate with four seasons. The southern and western part of the country is covered by gently rolling grassy hills, perfect for herding cattle and sheep. The eastern and northern part of the country are covered by thick temperate forests, full of deer and other wild game. The forests are quite harmless until you approach the mountains, and then they become quite dangerous and full of monsters.
Cities
1) Adigratt - The City of Adigratt is a grand city of palaces; there is said to be no city more beautiful, and this is perhaps true. The city of Adigratt stands where the ancient city of Baldera once stood, though no traces of Baldera remain. The City of Adigratt is the country's capitol, and the home of the Royal family of Rugney. The City of Adigratt itself is rich and vibrant, with many shops tailored for the rich nobles.
2) Melphy - The independent city of Melphy is technically autonomous from the country of Rugney, though it is closely tied to it's government and swears allegiance to to the King. It is the home of the Dragon Knights. The city does have a few civilian citizens who run small businesses but 70% of the population are members of the Dragon Knights.
3) Rivercrest - The City of Rivercrest is one of the two cities of Rugney besides Adigratt. It's a quiet, serene town, close to the Ruby River. The Lords of Rivercrest have always been known to support the arts, and as such Rivercrest is a destination for artists from all over the world. The Nobility of Rivercrest tends to intermingle with commoners more than is normal elsewhere in Rugney. Many rich merchants have even been able to marry into the Rivercrest line.
4)North-Forest - North-Forest is a vibrant and crowded city, full of life. It stands close to the Hiam Forest, and makes full use of its resources. It couldn't be anything more unlike Rivercrest; it's a loud city that never sleeps. While Rivercrest is known for it's fine arts, North-Forest is known for holding wild festivals full of street performers. The nobility of North-Forest is known to be rather stuck up, but generous, and always holding jousting tournaments and other competitions. There is a large Kobold population in this city.
Sub-Cultures Present
Rugney is a surprisingly homogeneous land. Kobolds are more common here than anywhere else, and are regarded no different than humans. They tend to take up either simple roles as common workers, or join the military. North-Forest is especially full of Kobolds.
