Terasonia

A strategically important nation situated along the length of the River Terusil. Trade of exotic goods from Tiel finds its way through the mountain passes from the Apanala Desert in the South West, as well as rich minerals and refined metals from the Rimeal Mountains in the North.

Terasonia is made up of seven small princedoms, each ruled by its own Duath (Duke), with their own laws, taxes, and economy. A council made up of these Duaths provides stability between the princedoms.

In addition to the land’s natural defences of the mountains that surround it, the seven armies form a formidable protective force.

Historically

In its early history, shortly after the formation of  the ancient Kiessan Empire by the hero Kils, the River Terusil became an important trade route to the Castelon Sea. Rich mineral deposits were also discovered in the mountains which surrounded the river valley. Tearasu, as the Kiessans called the land, became one of the richest regions of the Empire.

After the Empire Wars the land fell into anarchy, with numerous small warlords fighting to control even small portions of the land. Eventually a powerful warlord called Enderin consolidated the Eastern regions of the Terusil and declared himself king of Terasonia. It wasn’t long after this that King Tarith of Cormalon mounted a similar campaign and conquered the Western end of th eriver before offering an alliance between his new kingdom of Cormalonia and Terasonia. This alliance proved successful and eventually the two kingdoms were consolidated through the marriage of their respective children.

With the heir-less death of King Larat in 32.23, the kingdom was ruled by a council of its seven Duaths. This council meets before each Yearsend at a different Duathar (Princedom) each year. The land has prospered under this rulership for nearly three hundred years.

The Seven Princedoms

These princedoms known as Duathar consist of:

Cormalonia: Currently ruled by Aduath Entrach IV. Capital city: Cormalon.

The Aduath (Arch Duke) resides in the royal palace and is chairman of the council of dukes.
 Aduath Entrach is quite elderly but was married late in life. As a result his eldest son Prince Kiris is still only a youth. There are doubts amongst the other Duaths as to Kiris’s ability to chair the council should his father die in the next few years. Those close to him however have no doubts.

Malisia: Currently ruled by Duath Rikarn. Capital City: Malisit

This is a region with a large coastal area backing onto the Ilocos mountains. The main economy is supported through it’s vineyards, farming and fishing.

Amilia: Currently ruled by Duatha Sobant. Capital City: Amil

Amilia is mostly forested. The capital city is located high in the mountains and often becomes snowbound in winter. The previous Duath died leaving no heir and his wife, the daughter of Duath Illiam of Terasia, took the responsibility of rulership. After initial resistance (particularly by her own father) she was accepted as a capable and even significant member of the council. Being still relatively young she is considered one of the most eligible brides for many young nobles throughout the Castelon Sea area, although as yet she has shown no particular preference to any of the suitors who have tried for her affection.
The economy is supported by the vast reserves of timber which are floated down river for trade and building purposes. There are numerous mining operations in the mountains and hills which produce copper, iron and tin for the most part. The foothills also support livestock, fruit and olive production.

Kilristia: Currently ruled by Duath Connor. Capital City: Kilrist

The Duath of Kilristia is a generous man with a large family of five daughters and three sons. He is also one of the order of holy bardic knights and thus provides alliance and trade between Terasonia and Shelis.
The economy is supported by crop farming in the lowland areas and mining in the Rimeal mountains. The region also produces fine wines and brandy.

Mentura: Currently ruled by Duath Cabal. Capital City: Menturasil

The Duath of Mentura, having only recently come to his title after the death of his father, is rumoured to be favoured by Duatha Sobant (some rumours say that he is already her lover). However a marriage between them is forbidden under the council constitution. The only course of action which might enable him to marry Sobant would be to abdicate in favour of his brother Darvian. As yet there has been no real evidence to substantiate these rumours and the Duath is known for overstatement and hyperbole.
Mentura is supported by farming and it’s mines in the Rimeal mountains producing precious metals and gems.

Alvia: Currently ruled by Duath Aban. Capital city: Loabis

The Duath resides with his wife and children in Loabis he is known for his intelligence and scholarship (Alvians have a reputation for their precision especially when it comes to keep- ing track of money). The capital of Alvia was based at Alva for many years but was eventually relocated at Loabis due to repeated spring flooding.
The lowlands are famed for the fruit that is grown in it’s orchards, which in turn produce fine wines and brandies; however, it’s main industry comes from the cattle and boarth reared in the arid southern hills.

Terasia: Currently ruled by Duath Illiam. Capital city: Terasu

The Duath of Terasia is renowned for his dogmatic and often intractable nature. A particular itch which he is unable to scratch is having to  find good positions for his six squabbling adult sons who all resent their sister Sobant’s (Now Duatha Sobant) unexpected rise in power.
Terasia does a great deal of trade with Tiel and gets a good cut on goods brought through the mountain passes to the desert. It also supports mines and the dry hilly areas support cattle and the growing of spices native to the desert.

Notes Regarding The Desolation

This is an area of barren land in the western Rimeal mountains bordering Kilristia and Menturasil. Many rumours of evil spirits and souls of the damned haunting the area exist and locals are unlikely to support any venture within. The borders begin with a thinning of healthy vegetation leading after less than a mille to no vegetation or animal life whatsoever. Further in, a traveller will get a feeling of disquiet; companions will become short with each other or fall into sullen silence. At night those more sensitive will see strange shapes in the darkness. In the coldness of day the long sighted may see a dark temple or fortress somewhere near the centre. Users of magic will soon discover that this is a place in the world where keydoes not regenerate, a place of ancient upheaval and lasting bitterness. Rumour says that it is the place where Asatal was killed by Kils at the end of the Great war, or a place where a great star fell to earth. Its real origins are lost in the wreck of time.