Blacklam
Blacklam lies to the west of Rahgmara's Belt. On its northeastern border lies the Burning Plains, and on its southern border is the Tuca Wilds. Similar to the Kingdom of Hodrana, the region has four distinct seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer. The southern region's climate is more subtropical due to its proximity to the Tuca Wilds, but the majority of the region has a temperate climate.
Structure
Blacklam is currently presided over by Matriarch Calliope Anemos of the esteemed Sonis House, Anemos. Because of Blacklam’s matriarchal society, the kingdom has only ever been ruled by women.
The matriarch also has two advisors that serve as her sword and shield. Only women serve as the shield known as the Hand of Cultivation, and only men serve as the sword known as the Hand of Protection.
History
Centuries before Blacklam became the kingdom it is known as today, clans that had seceded from the Sentis roamed the land that then was known as Nosilva. They lived within their own communities but traded and communed with other tribes. It was in 1034 that the Shaedalites tried to expand their territory north. The clans banded together to stop their invasion but were unsuccessful. The Shaedalites occupied Nosilva for 13 years before Arch Aeromancer Anca led a rebellion against their occupation after years of oppression.
Anca successfully drove out the Shaedalites with the united clans and understood that together they were stronger to stop any future external threats. They formed the Realm of Blacklam in 1047 named for their fortitude against the Shaedalites and named Anca as their first sovereign.
Territories
Ansdorf, Blacklam’s capital city, lies in the central region of the Kingdom with Haerford Bay on its’ western border. The city is known as the trade capital of the world. Many people from all over visit to do business.
House Anemos has ruled over Blacklam since its founding. Noble families preside over different duchies within the kingdom. Although the duchies lead under one banner, their past cultural identities remain.
Duchy of Duffield: House Harlow, the ruling family of the Duchy of Duffield, has held power for over seven centuries. They are one of the oldest families known for producing Geomancers, and one of the original clans to separate from the Sentis and move to Nosilva.
- Martuna- Presided by House Brandt
- Rheifeld- Presided by House Rheinhardt
- Haerford- Presided by House Olafir
Military
Blacklam’s military has mostly served to protect the kingdom’s borders. Because of its location, the kingdom has always been a target location for constant attacks from the north and the south. It was Matriarch Anca, then Arch Aeromancer Anca, who formed the first militia against the Shaedal Invasion. Over the years, the militia has since grown into the military it is known as today.
Blacklam's navy is the most feared in the world, and their military is comparable to Hodrana's military. They also have a special force known as The Harpy. Consisting of only three women and holding the title of Arch Aeromancer, they are the strongest Aeromancers in all of Vanori.
The Harpy (current members)
- Lady Viorica Stellato, Arch Aeromancer
- Lady Thalia Anemos, Arch Aeromancer
- Lady Anna Gaile, Arch Aeromancer
- Rheifeld Keep: After Matriarch Anca united Blacklam and succeeded in pushing out the Shaedalites during their occupation, she ordered the construction of Rheifeld Keep to protect Blacklam’s southern borders in 1062. Its formidable walls are built of thourhil to withstand multiple sieges, and it serves as a critical stronghold for the kingdom’s southern borders.
- Ulfast and Chariden Keep: Blacklam was also affected by the Smaustanian raids the same as Hodrana and built both Chariden Keep and Ulfast Keep in the early 12th century. Because of Chariden Keep’s close proximity to the Burning Plains, it was built of granite to withstand any potential attacks from phoenixes. Chariden and Ulfast Keep serve as critical strongholds for the kingdom's northern borders.
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Demonym
Blacklamites
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Gazetteer
- Burning Plains
- Cadasha River
- Duffield
- Flasland
- Haerford
- Haerford Bay
- Martuna
- Rahgmara's Belt
- Rheifeld
- Tivermouth Sea
- Tuca Wilds
- Ulfast
- Violaceous Ocean
Official State Religion
Location
Comments