The self-proclaimed god-king of this sparsley populated but sprawling kingdom promises land and opportunity as enticement to anyone willing to settle in this frontier region on the southern coast of the continent.
Ruler: Immortal God-King and Majestic Ruler of Are-Arda, Slayer of the Hundred Dragon Horde, Protector of the Redrake Isle, Paternal Superior of Humanity, Master of the Arts and Illustrious Personage, Roland Legolas Roland (Bard/14); Bishop Blackbear (Priest/8) Capital: Legola (1,000); Major Cities: Sid Arth (2,000), Moon Mine (1,200), Farngelii (900); Human Pop.: 70,000; Demihumans: Elves (7,000), Dwarves (2,000), Gnomes, Kenku, Halflings; Humanoids: Orcs (5,000+), others Resources: Wine, Fish, Gems, Iron.
The sparsely populated Kingdom of Are-Arda has few organized settlements. Most of its inhabitants make their living through mining, farming, and fishing. The few existing towns serve as centers of trade. The majority of the population lives in manor houses dotting the countryside, with an average population of 100. Grapes are the main crop raised because the hill country environment and climate is ideal for this crop. Are-Ardian wines are famous throughout Fälgorna. Many other citizens live in single family dwellings, making their living prospecting in the Black Hills. Roland Legolas Roland, the immortal elfin ruler of the kingdom actively recruits settlers to come to his kingdom and establish homesteads on lands "donated" by the crown. However, his rule has been somewhat chaotic, but despite the often incomprehensible bureaucratic red-tape that must be overcome to get a land grant, settlers are rapidly coming to Are-Arda to get a chance at becoming a landowner. King Roland only rules his kingdom in name. He leaves most of the administration of the country to his right-hand-man, Bishop Blackbear, while he travels the continent adventuring and posing as a travelling troubadour. Many nobles have found, to their chagrin, that the bard who played in their court the night before had been none other than the King of Are-Arda. Despite his seemingly unconcerned attitude regarding rulership, King Roland does take some interest in his domain, but in most matters he leaves the decisions to his trusted friend Bishop Blackbear. The principle religions of Are-Arda are the Temple of Omega, the Temple of the Elf Gods and the Temple of Roland (King Roland has established himself as a god, his right is recognized by few beings. Roland does not really consider himself a true god, but likes the attention that his few loyal followers give him. Recently however he has found that he has been able to grant low-level spells to his high priest just by thinking about it.) The armies of Are-Arda consist of about 1,500 mixed troops. They are a well trained and formable force (all 1st level). In addition to these regulars, the king also maintains a personal bodyguard (detailed following). The kingdom's navy includes 7 warships, 4 large galleys, and 10 small galleys. King Roland's Personal Bodyguard 1st battalion: 50 heavy cavalry*, plate mail and shield, lance, broad sword, mace 50 light cavalry*, studded leather and shield, light crossbow, axe 20 heavy infantry*, chain mail, polearm, axe 30 light mountain troops*, padded armor (furs), long composite bow, hand axe, broad sword 30 archeres*, scale mail, 15 with long composite bow and hand axe, 15 with short composite bow and short sword. 30 light infantry*, padded shield, mace, 3 javelins 20 medium infantry*, (special): F2, studded leather, bastard sword, mace, sling 2nd battalion: 25 heavy cavalry*, chain mail, two-handed sword, mace 30 light cavalry*, studded leather, heavy crossbow, mace, 15 with hand axe, 15 with short sword 50 heavy infantry*, plate mail, battle axe, short flail, heavy crossbow 3rd battalion: 30 light cavalry*, ring mail, shield, 3 javelins, long sword, hand axe 25 heavy infantry* (special) F3, chain mail, two-handed sword, flail, sling 4th battalion: 20 heavy infantry*, banded mail, morning star, hand axe 30 elvish longbowmen, chain mail, long sword, long bow 50 heavy cavalry, lance, long sword, scale mail and shield, plate barding 5th battalion: 100 pikemen, plate mail and shield, pike (trained in phalanx) 6th battalion: 5 ballistas 5 light catapults 2 heavy catapults 1 trebuchet 2 mortars 100 artillerists Support personnel: 25 long bow, chain mail & shield, long bow, short sword 60 light foot, scale mail & shield, 15 long sword, 30 battle axe, 15 (5) javelins and long sword 25 light cavalry, scale mail and shield, chain barding, 15 mace, 10 flail Celethrat: Silver Dragon, 14 years, 3 months old. Citizens are required to pay a tax of 2 g.p. a year on income and property. Slaying of any dragon save those showing hostile actions or evil intent is punishable by death. Murder, except in self defense or under provocation is punishable by death, unless their is good cause. Attempted assassination of the king or any other high ranking official of state is punishable by death by torture. Desecration of temples in Are-Arda is punishable by death. Citizens of Are-Arda may voice their opinions in any way that does not overly irritate their king. All accused victims of any crime are given the right to a trial by a jury of five and may have an attorney to speak for them as long as the attorney is paid for out of their pocket. Attorneys are a scourge on the world and therefor must wear peasant clothing in court. The king himself has the final say in all government affairs, he is always right. If the king is ever wrong see law IX. The king may ignore all laws at his discretion. Rape is punishable by death. Perceived treason is punishable by death. Disturbing the peace is punishable by 1 day to 6 months in jail or a 1-6,000 g.p. fine. Robbery may be punishable by one month to life in prison or by death. Any foreigner is eligible to become a citizen. It will take six months of residence in Are-Arda and a 1 g.p. tax upon registration for citizenship in Legola.