Solthania
From World of Kralis
| Regional Information | |
| Population: | 985,000 (90% Human, 5% Firbog, 3% Elven, 2% Dwarf) |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Thorinar |
| Government: | Monastic Order of Elal |
| Major Religions: | Elal, Gishra, and Hadak |
| Imports/Exports: | Iron, Steel, Horses, Cattle, Books |
Solthania's history is long at times bright with hope and other times dark and miserable. Solthania is the oldest kingdom in the Western Realms, and rivals Ta'Kanasit for age for kingdoms north of the Sea of Dragons. It was founded in 1,285 B.F.A. by the Great Grandson of Solthan Kur Ashur, Khulthar Ashur, and is based upon the ideals that Solthan established in his writings "The Way".
Often called the Realm of Elal or the Realm of Knights, Solthania is the most prosperous and enlightened realms in the Western Realms. It is known for its tolerance of all goodly races, its knightly culture, and its numerous monastic enclaves. To call the realm holy would be a verily accurate description.
Solthania is best known for the Knights of Elal, the largest and most organized group for good in Kralis. The whole of Solthania is ruled over by the Monastic Order of Elal. The order is based in the capital city of Solcrist, which lies directly in the center of the realm. Collectively, this order rules the realm by decree and example, tending toward strict structure of the knightly order for the Knights, but a leniency and tolerance towards the general population.
There are many large cities and towns in Solthania, each of which is governed by a merit bureaucracy as appointed by the Order of Elal. The greatest of these cities other than Solcrist are: Ergoth (along the western shore of the Vidar River), Fair Forks (where Vidar and Loikar River join), Sijahn (near Izalik border), and Mishtal (head waters of Loikar).
Solthania is dominated by low rolling hills as well as the Forest of Ergath. Its western border is often in dispute with people of Talica, but the Order of Elal understands that it must not be seen as on invading force and thus is often in long negations with the various villages and small towns along the border. Presently, Solthania marks the western border 30 miles west of the head waters of the Iron Snake River. Its northern border ends where the black ice of Iztalik begins its long cold stretch northward. While the mountains of Bayreesh offer an natural border, and Solthania considers most of the mountain range within its territory. This includes the lands of Ji-lak, the jakara homeland. As most jakara see Solthania as a valuable ally, they accept that their lands are within the declared lands of Solthania. Their southern border is the most well defined with the Loikar River stretching between the barbarians of Malthuran Empire.
While Solthania is overseen by the Monastic Order of Elal and is home to the Knights of Elal, most of Solthania lies in the hands of the common folk. Most civilization lies within a few days travel of each of the four great cities. Despite the vast Forest of Ergath, Soltania is dominated by numerous roads, which are stone paved and are maintained by regularly by groups of Knight Squares, known as the Road Keepers.
Travel through Solthania is relatively safe, as very few groups of monsters or bandits last very long once they bring the attention of Knights of Elal to themselves. Yet, there are always the occasional rampaging monster or monsters that make their way from either DeepEarth, Iztalik or the Bayreesh Mountains.
