Region of Zarubain
Grand Duchy
Seat: Alzdorf
The Grand Duchy of Almania, ruled by the Durkheim family for as long as any can remember, lies in the far east of Zarubain, bordered by Dorenzia on its southeast and Gallia on its northeast. It is practically self-governing, with an extremely strong military and a location far from Zarubad. The grand duke has a reputation as bellicose, having engaged in warfare with the state of Kav for many centuries. He has never succeeded in bringing Kav’s grand prince to heel.
SIGHTS
The Wald: A great forest in the south of Almania. Legend has it that a great hag sorceress lives here, the Witch of the Wald. White Wolves are known to prowl through it.
The Goldlands: A large plain, home to numerous farms — mostly wheat and barley.
The White Mountains: Though not as tall as the Dragonteeth or the Easthorns, these mountains are treacherous in the winter and home to many White Wolves.
Beergarden: A three-day long festival in late summer, considered the highlight of the year.
MILITARY
Landswehr are the heavily-armored, heavily knights of Almania. They disdain fighting from horseback, going into battle on foot. They wear greathelms with thin visors over their heads and green capes over their backs, often wielding flails and spiked clubs. They worship Heron, Lord of Justice and are in full communion with the Magisterium. However, their prime loyalty is to the Grand Duke. They are his greatest asset.
At other times, a mustering may be called of peasant soldiers, professional knights and men-at-arms. The landswehr are vowed to protect Almania, but in offensive wars they occasionally withhold support. As such, the landswehr retain their independence, though they are sworn to protect the grand duke’s fief.
OTHER TOWNS
- Freeburg — A town, population 10,000, in the Goldlands. It has a charter of self-rule from the king and is sometimes called the Queen of the Plain.
- Maidenburg — A town, population 7,000, on the edge of the Wald. It also has a charter of self-rule from the king. It is known for its hot springs and healing spas.
