Akudrim is the third largest land mass in the realm. It is divided into two kingdoms which are seperated by a natural border. The two mountain ranges, called simply Hope and Glory, mark the end of the Kingdom of Isiria of the north and the beginning of the Menava Kingdom of the south.
Isiria prospers on its lumber industry. It has been doing so for generations. Though they cut the forest down, it will never deplete. The kings of this land long ago realized that their livelihood depended on the forest and that it would eventually run out, so they contacted the elven kingdoms of Nepana as well as the guild school of mages there. Together they showed the Isirians how to maintain their lumber industry without permanently damaging the forest. The elven high priests were impressed with these humans and their concern for the forest and its future. As a result, they prayed to Gaea to bless these people. Gaea, herself impressed, went one step better. She gave the forest a sped up growth rate. Now the lumber industry's actions are more that of a cleaning crew, rather than a cutting crew. Ever since Gaea's involvement, the Isirians enjoy prosperity and peace.
The southern kingdom of Menava has a different stock in trade. They deal in religion. Its kings rely heavily on advice from the high priests of the Kalame. They influence all of the major decisions of the land. Amongst other groups based in this kingdom are the Knights of Dawn. They provide the major military power of the kingdom. They are also influenced by the Kalame, but they are not so influenced as to be controlled.
The third power holding sway on Akudrim is the Joizian mages. These mages study the forces of light and holy magics. Masters of what is called "good" magic by most common folk, they are only one of two guild schools that is visible and readily accessable to the public. They work with the kingdoms to better relations with the world. They are, however, leery of the Kalame, which preaches against non-godly-given magic and the people who use it. They will not act against the church unless ordered to by a higher authority, namely Izneria, god of magic.
Finally, there is the Kalame, themselves. They secretly have been usurping the rule of the Menava kings since settling here. They view any who do not believe as they do to be blasphemors and should be destroyed. The Joizian mages, who they have no influence over, are their main target. It may be only a matter of time before the Kalame takes full control of Akudrim. |
