Political Information

Political Structure

The King:

The King has complete control over every affair in The Kingdom. He has the ability to over-rule ever person in the Kingdom. The King doesn't make decisions that will only effect one duchy, he makes decisions for the whole of The Kingdom. He rules by decree, assuming his decrees leave the palace. The King has three advisers, one from each duchy. These advisers advise him on how a particular decision could affect their duchy, allowing him to weigh up the options and consequences.

The Dukes:

Control the Duchy's. Even though the King technically has the final say, tradition and custom allow them to make all decisions in their duchy. With a handful of advisers, the Duke has almost as much power as the King, just over a smaller area.

The Lords:

The Lords run the major settlements. They deal with the day to day happenings in their town and make decisions according to the Dukes orders. Minor power but considered nobility, they command some respect.

Current Politics

The Crown

Current King: King Arcle the 3rd (see concept pic here.)

Political State: King Arcle the 3rd is in his 40's. Unmarried, but with 2 twin bastards sons, he waits on the woman who will steal his heart and give him a legitimate heir. He rules The Kingdom with a velvet glove, he is known amongst the people of The Kingdom as "Arcle the Benevolent".

King Arcle is worried about rumblings from the Jurash. Rumours have been floating around that the new Empress is looking to their old lands, modern day Rentolthan.

The kings court is worried that he will die before he marries and before there is a legitimate heir.

Duchy of Rentolthan

Current Duke: Duke Miras Hathia, Lord of the Eastern Realm.

Political State: The current Duke is obsessed with the idea that his duchy is the greatest in The Kingdom and that Ren Hathion is more beautiful than Glyferie.

As the closest territory to the Jurash Empire, there is a lot of Jurash workers in his duchy. The Jurash workers get paid less and are treated worse than regular kingdomites but it's the fact that they will do jobs that normal people won't that makes them indispensable. The Jurash Ambassador has the Duke ear and almost runs the duchy. He is convincing the duke that he should be king and it is only a matter of time before the duke challenges the King.

The arrogance of the Duke has filtered down to the populace, with most of Rentolthan's subjects believing that they are superior to everyone else.

Duchy of Toldia

Current Duke: Duke...

Political State: The oldest duke in The Kingdom has died and the whole duchy is in mourning. The former duke had been kind and benevolent, increasing wages and decreasing crime. This put him offside with many of his noble as they saw their fortunes going to the commoners.

The duke had no sons to automatically assume the dukedom. The former Dukes advisor is the logical replacement for the Duke but there is a substantial selection process before he can become Duke. He is seen by the nobles as someone who will get their fortunes back off the unworthy peasants.

Duchy of Bordael

Current Duke: Duke...

Political State: The Duke of Bordael has only just come into the Dukedom when his father was tragically killed while out hunting only 3 months previous. The Bordael diamond runs have proven to be a boon for the duchy, as the Edrien Gold Fields begin to peter out. The new Duke doesn't want to run the duchy, preferring to spend his time with his lover. As she is a commoner they cannot be married. Many petitions have been sent to the King but to no avail.

The populace is worried that he may stand down, because his younger brother is seen as reckless and dangerous. A common frequenter of ale houses, he would be no stranger to a jail if was able to be arrested. and it is thought that if he becomes duke that Bordael will suffer.

Jurash Empire

Current Empress: Empress...

Political State: The Jurash Empress is a vicious, psychotic woman who had ascended the imperial throne only 6 years before. Unfortunately, Jurash custom and tradition stay the hands and minds of any assassins. To kill the semi-divine leader is seen to damn your spirit to hell.

It is felt that it is time to claim back the lands that were stolen from them years ago. The current Empress might just provide them with the manic spark they need.

Bandits

The Bandit Lords are in a lull currently. Recent raids by the Kings men have reduced their numbers to a mere shadow their former glory. The Kingdom, with its strong economy and many highway, is a fertile place for any would be highwayman.