Biesen: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:18, 18 July 2020

Official Name	Kingdom of Biesen
Capital	Biesen
Government	Monarchy
Population	3,016,000
Dominant Race	human
Dominant Culture	Shwazen
Dominant religion	Faith of Nesra
Flag

Biesen is the 2nd largest realm in Auseka, and the only one still formally at war with Vericum. It has a short border with the empire, which has been frozen in a standoff for years now.

The realm is a double-monarchy with two kings of equal authority, represented by the two two crowns on its flag.

Biesen is also famous for having completely outlawed the use of magic by private citizens or foreigners. Only mages sworn to the king may legally use magic in Biesen, and the penalties for even the smallest unsanctioned spells are harsh.

These are not the only things that Biesen has in common with its eastern neighbour, the theocracy of Schap. Both are of the same cultural heritage, the Shwazen culture, with Biesen having a slightly stronger northern influence. Like Grasalia to the west, Biesen is a northern country with long and cold winters, and especially its northern coast is relatively cold even in summer.

Population

The humans of Biesen are a rough, northern but very friendly type of people, and welcoming of most outsiders. With borders towards both elven Afarwaha and dwarven Alheimia realms, the people of Biesen are considerably less racistic than most humans, and considerable minorities of both elves and dwarves as well as gnomes have settled within the realm. In fact, these foreign races even get seats in guilds and city councils as if they were humans, something not common in all realms of Auseka.

The standing of elves in Biesen is somewhat dependent on the current diplomatic relations to Afarwaha, and the recent century has been one of warfare and standoffs, greatly reducing both the number and reputation of elves within Biesen in consequence. This is most clearly felt in the western regions, but even in the south and east, elves are viewed with some suspicion at the current time. This has not always been the case, and historic records, folk songs and tales are all evidence of a more friendly general attitude towards the pointy-eared.

Economy

Biesen is a prosperous realm, and what it does not have on its own territory, it imports. Especially high-quality metal from its dwarven neighbours in Alheimia is very common in Biesen, and along the border are many villages with excellent blacksmiths.

Only the north-west of Biesen is a poor, backwater and mostly rural area, as the treacherous seas do not allow for large trading ships and the distance by land is considerable, with the roads frozen in winter and muddy throughout most of the rest of the year.

One unusual fact of economy within Biesen is that for reasons lost to history, anything related to fish enjoys a reduced tax rate. This has led to a few unusual trade practices - for example, almost every ship made is officially a fishing boat, even if it has three masts and a compartment for soldiers and horses.

History

This page is still incomplete and missing content or details that are planned, but have not been added yet.

Foreign Relations

Biesen has a long-standing feud with its western neighbour, the elven realm of Afarwaha, and for centuries there have been wars between the realms. With the elven insistance on magic and traditional elven ways, it is unlikely that a reconciliation is in the near future. At the moment, the relations are cold, with troops stationed along the borders and minor battles, but few large-scale engagements. The elves are especially fond of launching raids into Biesen territory, and they are feared for their cruelty among the population.