Tarven
Tarven: A Feudal Kingdom in the North of the Windy Isle
Geography:
The kingdom of Tarven occupies the northern region of the Windy Isle, characterized by a rugged, hilly terrain, deep forests, and a solitary river that serves as the lifeblood of the land.
The River of Tarven: The kingdom's primary waterway runs from the hills in the center of the country, flowing eastward and gradually widening as it reaches the coastal plains. This river is crucial for transportation, trade, and agriculture, particularly for the fertile farmlands near its banks. The river also serves as the main source of fresh water for the cities and villages that dot the land.
The Hills and Forests: Central Tarven is dominated by a series of rolling hills, crisscrossed with narrow valleys and deep ravines. These hills are rich in minerals, and small mining communities dot the landscape, extracting iron, copper, and other metals that are vital to the kingdom’s economy. The forests surrounding the hills are dense and vast, known for towering trees of oak and pine, with thick underbrush. These woods are both a resource and a barrier, creating a natural defense around the kingdom. They are also home to numerous wild animals, including bears, wolves, and elk, and are rumored to hide ancient ruins and secret places of power.
The Borderlands: To the southwest, Tarven borders Lumban, a neighboring region known for its vast plains and trade routes. To the southeast, it borders Olm, a land chaotic patterns of growth and destruction caused by the winds from the East. Tarven's position to the North these two regions has made it a historically strategic area, with occasional skirmishes for control over trade routes and resources. The people of Olm fluctuate between years of starvation as their land is stripped bare to sand, or lush, fertile land that provides crops for the entire island.
Climate: As the Northern most country of the Windy Isle, Tarven has a temperate climate with cool winters and mild, breezy summers. The presence of the river and the large forests create a moderate microclimate, with fog often rolling down from the hills in the early mornings, giving the landscape a mysterious and sometimes foreboding atmosphere. One of the only major year-round ports exists within the shadow of Castle Tempest.
History of Tarven: The Kingdom and its Ancient Castle
Feudal Monarchy: Tarven has long been ruled by a feudal monarchy, with power concentrated in the hands of a king or queen who sits at the ancient Castle Tempest, located at the heart of the kingdom. The monarchy’s lineage is said to stretch back centuries, with the current rulers claiming descent from an ancient line of kings who established Tarven as a unified kingdom, defending it from invaders and consolidating power in the central hills. The Castle, perched atop a steep cliff overlooking the ocean to the North, has been both a symbol of strength and a point of great pride for the people of Tarven.
The political structure of the kingdom is feudal, with the monarch delegating authority to a series of noble families who control vast estates scattered across the kingdom. These nobles act as regional lords and answer directly to the monarch, but in return, they maintain loyalty to the crown, manage local law enforcement, and provide military service in times of conflict. Local peasants and serfs work the land under the rule of these nobles, bound by longstanding traditions and customs.
The Castle of Tarven: Castle Tempest, an imposing stone fortress, is more than just the seat of the monarchy. It is a symbol of the kingdom's power and history, built upon the ruins of ancient fortifications. Over the centuries, the castle has expanded, with towering walls and imposing towers, and serves as a center of government, military strategy, and cultural identity. Its halls are filled with centuries-old tapestries, ancestral armor, and relics from the kingdom's past wars and achievements.
It is here that the monarch holds court, surrounded by their trusted advisors, knights, and nobles. The ruling monarch is often selected from among the direct descendants of the founding royal family, though noble houses sometimes challenge the throne, leading to political intrigue and occasional rebellion.
Lifestyles and Culture: The people of Tarven are primarily human, and their culture and way of life are heavily influenced by a Germanic style of living, marked by strong traditions, a focus on family and clan ties, and a deep reverence for nature. The society places a strong emphasis on honor, duty, and martial prowess, with a rich tradition of warriors, blacksmiths, and hunters.
Agriculture: The fertile river valleys support crops such as barley, oats, rye, and flax, which are staples of the Tarven diet. Livestock farming is also common, particularly for cattle, sheep, and goats. Villages along the river are self-sufficient but also engage in trade with neighboring countries, exporting goods like timber, metalwork, and textiles.
Architecture: Buildings in Tarven are constructed from timber, stone, and thatch, often with high-pitched roofs and intricate woodwork. The feudal lords reside in large manorial homes or small castles, while commoners live in simpler farmhouses and village huts. The craftsmanship of the people is highly respected, especially in the making of weapons, armor, and tools, which are vital to their livelihood.
Clothing: The people of Tarven wear layered clothing suited to the cool climate. Men typically wear tunics with leather belts, thick woolen cloaks, and sturdy boots. Women wear long dresses with belts and fur-lined cloaks. Fur and leather are common materials for warmer garments, especially during the harsh winters.
Relations with Neighboring Countries:
Lumban: Tarven shares a tenuous relationship with the horse clans of Lumban to the southwest. Though there is mutual respect between the two nations, trade and border disputes occasionally lead to tensions. Lumban shares the Daggerfrost Mountains with Tarven, while the mountain range is split by the Tek River there are still disputes over mineral rights. However, the two kingdoms share a common interest in maintaining peace to ensure safe passage for traders along the major roads.
Olm: The border with Olm shows a stark contrast as the thick forests of Tarven slowly dwindle down to shrubs and trees stripped bare by the sandy winds that blast Olm frequently. Disputes with the Burgomasters of Olm come more from immigration and the needs of its people to ilk out an existence during the hard times, which they gladly pay for when their lands bounty is plentiful.
Current Challenges: In recent years, Tarven has faced internal challenges due to political intrigue among the noble houses, occasional rebellions from disenfranchised peasants, and external threats from bandits or dealing with the harassment from the horse lords, or the influx of needing Olmites. The ruling monarch must navigate these issues carefully to maintain the kingdom’s stability and ensure that the legacy of the ancient castle remains unbroken.