The Tilth
Overview
Capital: Col Tilth
Ruler: King Edmund XII and Royal Council
Population:
1,500,000 - 1,750,000
Races: 75% human, 15% elves, 10% other
The Tilth is the largest, and most important Kingdom on the Western Continent. It is bounded to the north and northwest by the Laine River. The new western boundaries split the Iron Mountains in two. The southern border is currnetly in flux, but is generally no further south than the Rast river.
Halfred recently ratified treaties (see Recent History) with the demi-human population of the Silver Forest, officially granting rights that tradition had granted them for centuries. There is a small, sovereign, Elven population living with the Silver Forest.
Major Cities
Col Tilth
The Capital City, and by far the most heaviliy populated. Within the walls of Col Tilth are a large garrison of royal troops, the Royal Residence, and the Tower, the traditional meeting place for the Royal Council.
Col Tilth is a very cosmopolitan city, and almost any race in the known worlds can be encountered there. Exotic goods from all over the world arrive, and agricultural products, fish, and metal are the chief exports.
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Southkeep
Southkeep is traditionally the seat for the crown prince, and, traditionally, has always been the most strategic city in the kingdom. Of the five major cities (Col Tilth, Westkeep, Muldive, Southkeep, Dran Mir) it is the smallest. It's population numbers about 49,000 -50,000. In the summer, these numbers can swell with caravan travel, both to the Iron Mountains, and from the mountains to the sea.
Southkeep has been ravished by recent events in the Tilth (see History) and it is currently in the hands of a regent, awaiting the Crown Prince Rupert's 16th birthday. Edmund's uncle, Grellus, is the Prince Regent of Southkeep, leaving Westkeep -- his home for the past 50 years-- in the hands of Edmund's cousin, Britus Quellor.
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Westkeep
Westkeep enjoys the reputation of being the most prosperous city in the realm. The second largest of the major cities, it has a rich history. Founded three centuries ago by the famous explorer, Restin, it guarded the realm's western border. Since the expansion of the Kingdom, Westkeep has been a major trading capital, with access to the Restin River, and the Shining Sea.
The city is split into two parts --a North and South Warf-- by the Restin River as it empties into the Shining Sea. South Warf is the Foreigner's Quarter, and the fishing docks. Most of the major trading companies in the Tilth have a warehouse here. North Warf is at the base of a steep cliff, and the city proper overlooks the river, and the sea. The land gates in the north quadrant of the city are always the scene of much activity, with caravans and trading companies arriving and departing from all over the world.
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Muldive
The largest city in the north, Muldive has seen its share of troubles. Once the center of rebellion, the current Grand Duke is a loyal supporter of Edmund. Acrimonious relations among the minor nobility in the north are smoothing out.
The recent peace in muldive, coupled with the invasion impending invasion of the dragon armies in the northwest, have given the citizens of Muldive an unprecidented period of prosperity. Weapons, food stuffs, textiles and wood are bringing all-time high prices. And since the region is not under direct threat at this point in time, Muldive's militia has been able to stand down to bring in a harvest.
