Dungeons & Dragons Group The Hague
Baruszia
Capital: Westermar
Population: 973,035 (humans 76%, dwarves 21%, gnomes 1%, halflings 1%, others 1%)
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Imports: Manufactured goods, grain, finished goods, pottery, magic items, glass.
Exports: Armor, weapons, furs, dwarven craftwork, precious metals.
Languages: Nornosian, Dwarven
Life and Society: The people of Baruszia always had a hard live, but during the reign of King Selestian the quality of live decreased to the lowest in history. The King cares little for his people; actually he cares little for everything but his own live. King Selestian has been obsessed with his life for years and always fears someone wants to hurt him. This state of mind of the king has had a bad effect on his land. The King increases taxes, gives land to rich nobles who support him, provides little protection or help for the weak, old or the poor. Most people in Baruszia need to make a living from their own crops or illegal trade with neighbors and friends – risking their freedom or even life with such activities. Criticism or disfavor of the regime is impossible and seen as a crime against the crown. People are displeasured but too afraid to show any form of opposition. Land in Baruszia is owned by noble’s and local lords, the poor people lease the land from the rich and have to pay yearly contributions in the form of a percentage of their crops.
ns are proud and confident people. Wealth, status or any other form of authority should and is always displayed. This is especially the case with men; women have little authority in this land. Instead a wife is expected to stay at home and take care of the household. In rich families women simply have to look properly and not interfere with men business. Baruszians usually wear warm fur clothes; thick expensive fur is popular with the rich. Worse quality fur is good enough for the poor; and every village has a hunter and a skinner to supply them with the proper materials. For men it’s customary to grow long well trimmed beards and mustaches. Baruszians prefer to fight with big weapons; it is not uncommon for a noble lord to use a great axe as his weapon of choice. While other cultures see the use of such weapons as barbaric, in Baruszia it is viewed as a skill and a feat of strength to wield such a powerful weapon.
Geographical Features: Baruszia is a snow covered land located in the north-east of Tilea. Its border is edged in the north and east by the Ironpeaks; a long stretching range of mountains rich with metals. The lands of Baruszia are almost always covered with white thick snow, only during the summer, the snow occasionally melts. Baruszians claim their lands edge by as far as the snow lies. The lands between the Ironpeaks and the city of Snowedge, which traditionally marks the snow rim, are full with green forests, blue frozen lakes and rich but dangerous wildlife.
Harpy Hill: This floating plateau in mid air in west Baruszia has been called after the flock of Harpies that lived there. The creatures hunted on travelers and collected many items of great value in the dungeons hidden in the rocks. Harpy Hill is a floating plateau on approximately 20 meter height with one large and several smaller rocks. The rumor is that there are great wealth’s hidden in Harpy Hill’s dungeons, however no one ever managed to retrieve them. The area is rumored to be plagued by ghosts and other monsters.
Blackwoods
These woods lie halfway between Zedarr and Snowedge. The town of Overhill is located along the border of the words and is a frequent stop for travelers between the two earlier mentioned cities. Overhill is a town that lives from the woods; it has many lumberjacks, skinners, hunters and trackers. Next to those professions, Overhill provides services and shelter to all travelers passing the town. The Black wood is famous for its large population of animals especially the Black Lions is popular for their fur and tasty meat. However many hunters end up dieing on the hunt, killed by the large and dangerous animals.
Important Sites:
Snowedge (Large City: 17,910): This might very well be the friendliest city to visitors in all of Baruszia. Since, Snowedge lies close to the lands borders it’s the first city visitors enter while in Baruszia. Snowedge is known for trade, dozens of shops, merchants and traders dot the city streets every day to sell their goods for the best possible price. Most races are welcome here.
Ironhold (Large City: 24,299): This dwarven city, located in the caverns of the Ironpeaks is the biggest dwarven citadel in the area. Scholars are unsure if the city has its name from the Ironpeaks or vice versa. Whatever is the case, Ironhold is a very old, traditional home of the dwarves. All races are welcome in the city, but not many non-dwarves visit the place. Ironhold is well known for its specialized weapon and armor smiths and many adventurers visit the place in search for a new mighty weapon or a formidable armor.
Westermar (Metropolis: 34,100): The capitol of Baruszia is a large stone city located in the middle of the country. Visitors, if any, should not expect a warm welcome in the city. Upon arrival they have to register with the local militia and they can expect to be followed by them during the entire visit. The palace of the King, official ruler of Baruszia, is located in the middle of the city. The enormous stone like construction stands static amid the already motionless city.
Zedarr (Large City: 15,109): This city located in the north-west of the Baruszia in the most desolate place in the region. Zedarr is a cold place, surrounded by icy mountains, frozen lakes and deep everlasting snow. The city is located on the verge of a frozen lake, and is known for its beautiful white frozen structures. The stronghold of the local lord resembles an ice palace and is the symbol of power and wealth. From Zedarr many metals and other minerals, found by dwarves in the mountains around the city, are transported for trade to the south.
Hust (Thorp: 75): Small village located halfway between the Ironpeaks and Snowedge is mostly used as a stop for trading caravans moving various metals from dwarven strongholds into Baruszia.
Overhill (Small Town: 1209): Overhill lies halfway between Zedarr and Snowedge on the borders of the Black Lion Wood. The town is known for its many hunters and trappers that hunt the woods for the exclusive fur of the Black Lion’s which brings up around 50gp on the market a piece.
Organizations and Institutions:
Knights of the Great White North: These holy warriors swore to defend Baruszia and its monarch a few hundred years ago. They take orders from the King and nobody else, their duty is to defend the monarch and the land against all costs. Their numbers are unknown, however the current King has been actively recruiting new members, and the ranks of the Knight has swollen the recent years. At any time dozens of knights are traveling the lands and fighting monsters, traitors and criminals; their status is undisputed and they stand above the law. It’s easy to recognize a Knight of the Great White North, since they are known to ride on great white bears and mostly grow long, well trimmed beards.
The White Front: This secret group already exists for many years. Their history can be tracked back until the beginning of the monarchy in Baruszia. The White Front resists and fights against the current dominion of the Odur Thiesson bloodline. The resistance was trashed and destroyed several times however in the recent years, thanks to the support of half-elves from Antavia, the organization regained in numbers and power. The group has the strongest ties in Zedarr and in the regions around the city. The ultimate goal of the group is make an end on the Odur Thiesson reign and install a democratic government working for and serving the people.
Regional Facts and History: The history of Kings in Baruszia has been an unfortunate one. For already many decades there rests a curse on the Royal Family of Baruszia. Long time ago when King Marculus Odur Thiesson sentenced an innocent sorceress to death, she managed to curse the King and his entirely bloodline. No one has ever been able to find a cure against the magic. From then on, every King miraculously disappeared on his 40th birthday. This has led to madness and schizophrenia in many Kings of the Odur Thiesson bloodline. Currently King Selestian thinks that the Lords of Wyvernhorn are formulating a plan to seize the crown, his allegation based on nothing but speculations are another sign of his madness. The strong state of Wyvernhorn, has been currently completely denying all allegation from Beluzzia. This however, did not stop King Selestian from tripling his military strength alongside the border with Wyvernhorn. The King also introduced various strict laws which will make trade with the neighbor state even more difficult as it already was.
Important Characters:
Lord Harwid Strongbeard (LG, male shield dwarf, fighter 16): The lord of Old Ironhold and effectively the leader of all dwarves in the Ironpeaks is a typical dwarven ruler. Harwid is strong and wise, excels in rulership and diplomacy, he dislikes King Selestian, but knows he needs to keep the relationship with the King of Baruszia friendly.
Ambald Siegebert (male human ranger 9): This young and energetic half-elf has strong ties with the rulers of Antavia. Thanks to his efforts the White Front has grown in the recent years. King Selestian has been unaware of the growing support for the resistance.
King Selestian Odur Thiesson (N, male human, fighter 6): The paranoid king of Baruszia is in his mid thirties and rules his land with an iron fist. The common people should not expect much generosity or kindness from the king; instead he awards those who support him and punishes the ones that criticize him.
Population: 973,035 (humans 76%, dwarves 21%, gnomes 1%, halflings 1%, others 1%)
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Imports: Manufactured goods, grain, finished goods, pottery, magic items, glass.
Exports: Armor, weapons, furs, dwarven craftwork, precious metals.
Languages: Nornosian, Dwarven
Life and Society: The people of Baruszia always had a hard live, but during the reign of King Selestian the quality of live decreased to the lowest in history. The King cares little for his people; actually he cares little for everything but his own live. King Selestian has been obsessed with his life for years and always fears someone wants to hurt him. This state of mind of the king has had a bad effect on his land. The King increases taxes, gives land to rich nobles who support him, provides little protection or help for the weak, old or the poor. Most people in Baruszia need to make a living from their own crops or illegal trade with neighbors and friends – risking their freedom or even life with such activities. Criticism or disfavor of the regime is impossible and seen as a crime against the crown. People are displeasured but too afraid to show any form of opposition. Land in Baruszia is owned by noble’s and local lords, the poor people lease the land from the rich and have to pay yearly contributions in the form of a percentage of their crops.
ns are proud and confident people. Wealth, status or any other form of authority should and is always displayed. This is especially the case with men; women have little authority in this land. Instead a wife is expected to stay at home and take care of the household. In rich families women simply have to look properly and not interfere with men business. Baruszians usually wear warm fur clothes; thick expensive fur is popular with the rich. Worse quality fur is good enough for the poor; and every village has a hunter and a skinner to supply them with the proper materials. For men it’s customary to grow long well trimmed beards and mustaches. Baruszians prefer to fight with big weapons; it is not uncommon for a noble lord to use a great axe as his weapon of choice. While other cultures see the use of such weapons as barbaric, in Baruszia it is viewed as a skill and a feat of strength to wield such a powerful weapon.
Geographical Features: Baruszia is a snow covered land located in the north-east of Tilea. Its border is edged in the north and east by the Ironpeaks; a long stretching range of mountains rich with metals. The lands of Baruszia are almost always covered with white thick snow, only during the summer, the snow occasionally melts. Baruszians claim their lands edge by as far as the snow lies. The lands between the Ironpeaks and the city of Snowedge, which traditionally marks the snow rim, are full with green forests, blue frozen lakes and rich but dangerous wildlife.
Harpy Hill: This floating plateau in mid air in west Baruszia has been called after the flock of Harpies that lived there. The creatures hunted on travelers and collected many items of great value in the dungeons hidden in the rocks. Harpy Hill is a floating plateau on approximately 20 meter height with one large and several smaller rocks. The rumor is that there are great wealth’s hidden in Harpy Hill’s dungeons, however no one ever managed to retrieve them. The area is rumored to be plagued by ghosts and other monsters.
Blackwoods
These woods lie halfway between Zedarr and Snowedge. The town of Overhill is located along the border of the words and is a frequent stop for travelers between the two earlier mentioned cities. Overhill is a town that lives from the woods; it has many lumberjacks, skinners, hunters and trackers. Next to those professions, Overhill provides services and shelter to all travelers passing the town. The Black wood is famous for its large population of animals especially the Black Lions is popular for their fur and tasty meat. However many hunters end up dieing on the hunt, killed by the large and dangerous animals.
Important Sites:
Snowedge (Large City: 17,910): This might very well be the friendliest city to visitors in all of Baruszia. Since, Snowedge lies close to the lands borders it’s the first city visitors enter while in Baruszia. Snowedge is known for trade, dozens of shops, merchants and traders dot the city streets every day to sell their goods for the best possible price. Most races are welcome here.
Ironhold (Large City: 24,299): This dwarven city, located in the caverns of the Ironpeaks is the biggest dwarven citadel in the area. Scholars are unsure if the city has its name from the Ironpeaks or vice versa. Whatever is the case, Ironhold is a very old, traditional home of the dwarves. All races are welcome in the city, but not many non-dwarves visit the place. Ironhold is well known for its specialized weapon and armor smiths and many adventurers visit the place in search for a new mighty weapon or a formidable armor.
Westermar (Metropolis: 34,100): The capitol of Baruszia is a large stone city located in the middle of the country. Visitors, if any, should not expect a warm welcome in the city. Upon arrival they have to register with the local militia and they can expect to be followed by them during the entire visit. The palace of the King, official ruler of Baruszia, is located in the middle of the city. The enormous stone like construction stands static amid the already motionless city.
Zedarr (Large City: 15,109): This city located in the north-west of the Baruszia in the most desolate place in the region. Zedarr is a cold place, surrounded by icy mountains, frozen lakes and deep everlasting snow. The city is located on the verge of a frozen lake, and is known for its beautiful white frozen structures. The stronghold of the local lord resembles an ice palace and is the symbol of power and wealth. From Zedarr many metals and other minerals, found by dwarves in the mountains around the city, are transported for trade to the south.
Hust (Thorp: 75): Small village located halfway between the Ironpeaks and Snowedge is mostly used as a stop for trading caravans moving various metals from dwarven strongholds into Baruszia.
Overhill (Small Town: 1209): Overhill lies halfway between Zedarr and Snowedge on the borders of the Black Lion Wood. The town is known for its many hunters and trappers that hunt the woods for the exclusive fur of the Black Lion’s which brings up around 50gp on the market a piece.
Organizations and Institutions:
Knights of the Great White North: These holy warriors swore to defend Baruszia and its monarch a few hundred years ago. They take orders from the King and nobody else, their duty is to defend the monarch and the land against all costs. Their numbers are unknown, however the current King has been actively recruiting new members, and the ranks of the Knight has swollen the recent years. At any time dozens of knights are traveling the lands and fighting monsters, traitors and criminals; their status is undisputed and they stand above the law. It’s easy to recognize a Knight of the Great White North, since they are known to ride on great white bears and mostly grow long, well trimmed beards.
The White Front: This secret group already exists for many years. Their history can be tracked back until the beginning of the monarchy in Baruszia. The White Front resists and fights against the current dominion of the Odur Thiesson bloodline. The resistance was trashed and destroyed several times however in the recent years, thanks to the support of half-elves from Antavia, the organization regained in numbers and power. The group has the strongest ties in Zedarr and in the regions around the city. The ultimate goal of the group is make an end on the Odur Thiesson reign and install a democratic government working for and serving the people.
Regional Facts and History: The history of Kings in Baruszia has been an unfortunate one. For already many decades there rests a curse on the Royal Family of Baruszia. Long time ago when King Marculus Odur Thiesson sentenced an innocent sorceress to death, she managed to curse the King and his entirely bloodline. No one has ever been able to find a cure against the magic. From then on, every King miraculously disappeared on his 40th birthday. This has led to madness and schizophrenia in many Kings of the Odur Thiesson bloodline. Currently King Selestian thinks that the Lords of Wyvernhorn are formulating a plan to seize the crown, his allegation based on nothing but speculations are another sign of his madness. The strong state of Wyvernhorn, has been currently completely denying all allegation from Beluzzia. This however, did not stop King Selestian from tripling his military strength alongside the border with Wyvernhorn. The King also introduced various strict laws which will make trade with the neighbor state even more difficult as it already was.
Important Characters:
Lord Harwid Strongbeard (LG, male shield dwarf, fighter 16): The lord of Old Ironhold and effectively the leader of all dwarves in the Ironpeaks is a typical dwarven ruler. Harwid is strong and wise, excels in rulership and diplomacy, he dislikes King Selestian, but knows he needs to keep the relationship with the King of Baruszia friendly.
Ambald Siegebert (male human ranger 9): This young and energetic half-elf has strong ties with the rulers of Antavia. Thanks to his efforts the White Front has grown in the recent years. King Selestian has been unaware of the growing support for the resistance.
King Selestian Odur Thiesson (N, male human, fighter 6): The paranoid king of Baruszia is in his mid thirties and rules his land with an iron fist. The common people should not expect much generosity or kindness from the king; instead he awards those who support him and punishes the ones that criticize him.
