The Kingdom of Baron

The kingdom of Baron is by far the largest and most powerful of the kingdoms of the Earth. Long ruled by wise, powerful monarchs in succession, Baron is also perhaps the most prosperous of the kingdoms of the Earth. This great success is in no small part due to the influence of the Lunarians, whose technological prowess led to the creation of the Serpent Road and, more importantly, the fleet of military ships that, seemingly by magic, fly through the air. This fleet of airships, known as the Red Wings, is the single-most powerful military force ever created, and guarantees that the kingdom of Baron will have a major influence upon the Earth for years to come.

1. The City of Baron

Size: City (35,000)

Government: Monarchy

Affiliation: Kingdom of Baron

Trade & Industries: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Mining, Trade

Crime Level: Moderate

Situated at the terminus of the River Rushing into Silver Bay, the city of Baron is one of the largest and oldest cities in the known world. Lush forests, verdant hills, and rolling plains are the backdrop for this great city. However, this natural beauty stands in sharp contrast to the strict, martial quality that pervades the city of Baron. Although the populace of the town is supported by acres of surrounding farmland, the focus of the city's industry is upon its powerful military, which rivals that of any other nation upon Earth. Generally speaking, the citizens of Baron are middle to upper class, comprised of wealthy merchants, a sizable city watch, and skilled craftsmen, in addition to those who serve and command Baron's martial forces. Although this city has its share of criminal activity, the presence of the well-trained city watch and a significant military presence force such activity to be conducted with great stealth and ability. In general, most of the populace live in a comfortable contentment, secure in the wise leadership of their beloved monarch and the remarkable power at his command.

History

The earliest records suggest that the city of Baron predates most of the other settlements across the known world, having already been firmly established by the turn of the seventh century. Isolated from the rest of the world by the Misty Mountains to the north and the Great Ocean to the south, it would appear the city was established at first simply as a tradepost for the various groups that lived within the region. Eventually, the tradepost became a permanent dwelling for one of the smaller tribes, who in turn expanded it and fortified it against attack. Over the next three hundred years, the town's population grew significantly, and it was not long before it became a fledgling city-state, controlling much of the area between the Misty Mountains and the Great Ocean. Battles were fought and won as independent groups were assimilated into the city-state, and thus the kingdom of Baron came to be.

In the early eighth century, agents from Baron first made contact with a powerful group of mages that dwelt within a large valley within the Misty Mountains. This group was hostile to all outsiders, leading to several tragic encounters. In response, the King of Baron ordered a massive military buildup for the entire city in order combat this hostile presence. Three years later, Baron invaded the valley, and despite heavy losses fought its way to a magnificent towered city. Though the defenders inflicting increasing casualties through powerful magic, they proved to be little match for the sheer numbers and ferocity of Baron's military. Eventually, the mages surrendered to Baron, but only after their beautiful city of Mist had all but been reduced to ashes. Thus the War of the Mists was fought.

Although Baron and Mist eventually made peace between them, Baron continued to increase its military power. The small keep at the center of town was completely renovated, eventually converting it into a large stone castle complete with a deeply trenched moat. A military academy was also established, specializing in two elite orders: the Dragoons, who call upon the mystical powers of dragons, and the Dark Knights, who overcome the dark nature of their blades to wield great power. Although only the best and brightest of Baron's soldiers were trained in these two orders, their prowess was soon known across the world. By the end of the eighth century, Baron was already rumored to be one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world.

Around the middle of the tenth century, two major technological breakthroughs further escalated Baron's rise to prominence. First, a mysterious portal between Baron and the mystical town of Mysidia was created, known as the Serpent Road. For the first time, mages were welcomed into the kingdom, and eventually would even be given limited roles within Baron's military. Second, a brilliant young engineer unveiled an amazing new device known as the steam engine, which used boiled water to generate power. This technology allowed Baron to increase the speed of their naval vessels, giving them a significant edge in trade and a clear naval superiority. Over the next eight years, this same engineer enhanced this discovery further, using these steam engines to give Baron's navy the power of flight through a concept similar to a gyroplane. The King was awestruck at the potential of such airships, and ordered most of the kingdom's navy retrofitted immediately. The result was a fleet of flying galleons that would be dubbed the Red Wings.

Recently, dark rumors have begun surfacing within the town. The guard has been noticeably increased around the castle perimeter, and the King is often closeted with his most trusted advisors. Over the last few months, many have remarked that the King seems a changed man. Although renown for his kindness, generosity, and honor as a knight, it is whispered that the King is preparing for war. The airship hangars resound day and night with the sounds of construction, and all the weapon and armor smiths in town have been closed to all non-military personnel. For the first time in its history, there is growing dissent against Baron's powerful monarchy...

Key Landmarks

Castle Baron - Built during the military buildup following the War of the Mists, Castle Baron is the center of the kingdom's political power. It is the largest and most fortified castle in the world, and one of Baron's greatest achievements. The castle contains housing for all of Baron's armed forces, a large industrial workshop connected to the underground airship hangars, an ornately designed throne room, and spacious quarters for Baron's elite. It is also rumored that an extensive network of secret passages can be accessed from various points throughout the fortress.

Underground Waterway - Around the midpoint of the seventh century, it was discovered that an underground river had formed a series of natural caverns. These existing passages under the city of Baron had been expanded at some point in the past, but had since fallen into disuse. A tunnel was then excavated to run from these passages up to the city itself, and the underground river became a makeshift sewer system for the city. However, what is virtually unknown to all but a privileged few is that these same caverns were connected to the moat that surrounded Castle Baron, creating a viable escape route should the need ever arise.

The Inn of Baron - Although Baron hosts several inns, the largest and most frequented inn is simply known as the Inn of Baron. Located near the North Gate along the city wall, the Inn of Baron is one of the largest and most distinctive buildings in all of Baron. A large sign, portraying a graceful female dancer, hangs near the main entrance as the only needed advertisement of its presence. Day and night, the inn is a boisterous place, filled with lively music, excellent food and drink, and performances by the inn's renown dancers. Merchants and nobles frequent the inn as well, conducting the business of the kingdom as much here as in the Marketplace or within Castle Baron.

The Marketplace - Located along the main thoroughfare between the two city gates and Castle Baron is a stretch of several blocks simply known as the Marketplace. Although not exclusive to this section of the city, the majority of all commerce that takes place within the kingdom of Baron can be found here. Second only to the bazaars of Damcyan, the Marketplace is the premiere shopping experience, offering goods and merchandise from across the world. Once, the arms and armor sold here was among the most sought out in the world, but recent orders from the King have forbidden the sale of weapons or armor to anyone except those in Baron's growing military force.

Stone Hill - Stone Hill, located in the northwest of the city, is Baron's most prosperous district. Large manors and multileveled homes are found throughout the district, which winds it way along a small hilltop that gives the district its name. Although many of Baron's elite have quarters within Castle Baron, most also maintain a home within Stone Hill. The city watch patrols this area frequently, as the concentration of wealth and prestige might otherwise make a very tempting target for thieves. Commoners found wandering around are often questioned by these patrols, and most quickly escorted back down the hill.

Important People

The King of Baron

Human male age 50

Job: High level Knight

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Low)

Skills: Command (Trained), Etiquette (Talented), Negotiation (Trained), Riding (Trained), Swords (Talented)

Equipment: Very Good

Since the early years of the kingdom, it is customary for the new king of Baron to set aside his name, becoming known only as the King of Baron. The current monarch is no exception, and those few who know his former name never speak it. In his youth, the King was renown as a valiant and honorable knight, and even now bards still sing of his many daring deeds. His wisdom and honor brought him to the throne at an early age, and most would agree that the kingdom has prospered under his leadership. Throughout his reign, he has showed uncommon compassion, taking a personal interest in the lives of several young men who he believed were destined for greatness. The King is an eloquent, well-spoken man, and until recently beloved by most in Baron.

Captain Cecil Harvey

Human male age 20

Job: Average level Dark Knight

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (Avg), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (High)

Skills: Command (Trained), Intimidation (Low), Negotiation (Trained), Riding (Low), Swords (Trained), Vehicles: Airship (Trained), Weapon Systems (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Orphaned at an early age, and of unknown birth, Cecil came to the kingdom of Baron under somewhat mysterious circumstances. He was adopted into the King's personal family, and was groomed from early childhood as an officer within Baron's army. During this time he became acquainted with Kain Highwind, and the two soon became close friends. After graduation from the Military Academy, Cecil was one of the few young men selected to join the ranks of the prestigious Dark Knights. Very few are selected for such a position, as those who wield these dark blades must overcome the dark power that resides within them. Cecil excelled as a Dark Knight, and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the commander of Baron's elite military force: the Red Wings airship fleet. Cecil is a strong, courageous, and serious young man, but is also often seen as somewhat reclusive and shy to those who don't know him well. His serious and shy nature has recently been somewhat tempered by his growing affection for a young white mage of Baron named Rosa Farrell.

Captain Baigan Galvalis

Human male age 32

Job: Average level Fighter

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Low)

Skills: Awareness (Low), Command (Trained), Etiquette (Trained), Intimidate (Trained), Pole Arms (Trained)

Equipment: Average

Baigan has served within the Royal Guard for as long as most can remember, being chosen for the post upon his graduation from the Military Academy. Since that time, he has moved his way up through the ranks, eventually being raised to Captain of the Guard and overseeing both the Royal Guards and the city watch. Although a skilled fighter, many whisper that Baigan has achieved his rank more through guile than skill. He certainly seems to have a knack for making himself invaluable to those in position over him. Recently, he has become one of the King's closest and most trusted advisors, and is often closeted alone with the King.

Captain Kain Highwind

Human male age 21

Job: Average level Dragoon

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Low)

Skills: Acrobatics (Trained), Command (Trained), Etiquette (Trained),

Pole Arms (Trained), Riding (Low), (Trained), Swords (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Born into the noble family of Highwind, Kain was also groomed from an early age to assume leadership within Baron's armed forces. His father, a well-respected Dragoon, passed away early in Kain's childhood, and had a profound impact upon the young man. After his father's death, the King of Baron took a special interest in the lad, often acting as a surrogate father for him. He graduated from the Military Academy with top honors, and was selected to enter into the ranks of the Dark Knights. He refused this honor, however, choosing instead to follow in his father's footsteps as a Dragoon. His strong sense of honor, courage, and skill with both spear and blade served him well in this capacity, and recently he became the youngest man ever to be promoted to Captain of the Dragoons. Kain is a valiant and compassionate young man, and seems passionately driven to be the best in whatever he does. He greatly esteems Cecil Harvey, placing great value upon their friendship. However, Cecil's relationship with a young white mage named Rosa Farrell has created tension between them, for Kain has loved her since childhood.

Cid Pollendina

Human male age 54

Job: Average level Engineer

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (Avg), AGI (Avg), SPD (Low), MAG (High), SPR (Low)

Skills: Axes (Low), Invent (Talented), Repair (Talented), Systems (Trained),

Vehicles: Airship (Trained), Weapon Systems (Trained)

Equipment: Average

Son of a poor, undistinguished family, Cid grew up within Baron much as any other youth. However, his parents sacrificed for their only son, eventually scraping together enough gold to afford private tutoring for him. Cid excelled in his studies, and from an early age showed an amazing knack for all things mechanical. Upon reaching adulthood at sixteen, he began service as an engineer, working on several building projects, and eventually was commissioned by the King of Baron himself to work on several undisclosed projects. He married young, was graced with a single daughter, and then lost his wife unexpectedly to a tragic illness. He responded to his loss by refocusing most of his time upon his work. In time, Cid's genius led to the creation of the first steam engine, and eventually the technology to bring flight to Baron's navy. Cid is a gruff, easygoing, hands-on individual, and has a well known propensity for foul language. His continued presence in Castle Baron allowed him to know Cecil Harvey and Kain Highwind from an early age, and he treats these two young men like the sons he never had.

2. The Misty Valley

To the north of Baron, nestled deep within the Misty Mountains, is a lush valley simply known as the Misty Valley. Both the valley and the surrounding mountain get their name from the abundant mists that seems to perpetually hang over this region. It is speculated that this phenomena is the result of an abundance of underground springs and rivers. Other whisper that they are instead the result of dark magic wielded by the mysterious inhabitants of the small village within the valley that shares its name. Although the valley is open at its eastern terminus to the outskirts of the Great Desert, the valley is virtually inaccessible from the kingdom of Baron save for either a treacherous trek through several mountain passes or an equally dangerous journey through a series of natural caverns that run from the northwest border of Baron to the western edge of the Misty Valley.

Of these two alternatives, it is the caverns that pose the greatest danger. In addition to a perpetual mist that fills them, dangerous creatures inhabit these dark tunnels. It is widely rumored that these creatures are bound in service to the mysterious mages of the village of Mist, and that only those who come at their bidding may pass safely through the treacherous depths. Not surprisingly, what little trade passes overland between Baron and Mist travels through the mountain passes rather than chancing the dangers of these caverns.

3. The Village of Mist

Size: Village (500)

Government: Town Council

Affiliation: Independent

Trade & Industries: Agriculture, Mining

Crime Level: Very Low

Secluded deep within the Misty Valley, the village of Mist is one of the smallest and most mysterious settlements anywhere in the known world. When spoken of, few fail to mention its connection to mysterious magical powers, which are a favorite source of tales retold by bards throughout the region. Still, those few who have actually traveled to the small village speak of the relative simplicity of the village and its inhabitants. Due to its diminutive size, most of its citizens are farmers, eking out a basic living from the earth. Although very few of these villagers possess any of the material wealth that most would use to judge prosperity or success, they instead experience the tranquility of living within a peaceful, simple, caring community. Neither walls nor weapons protect the people of Mist, relying instead upon the legends of their mysterious powers and relative isolation from the rest of the world to maintain their peaceful existence.

History

What little is known of the history of Mist comes from the accounts of the War of the Mists that raged between the kingdom of Baron and the people of Mist during the early part of the eighth century. At that time, it would appear that Mist was a prosperous and magnificent city, possessing an elegance and majesty brought about through the magic of its skilled artisans. But, this prosperity was protected by a fierce distrust for outsiders, turning back any who approached the Misty Valley through an impressive show of force. Tragically, this philosophy led to five years of war initiated by Baron.

For the first three years of the war, the magnificent towered city of Mist was virtually unaffected. Although unaccustomed to utilizing their magical prowess in battle, the mages of Mist inflicted heavy casualties upon the armies of Baron, turning them back again and again whenever any incursion into the valley was discovered. Nonetheless, each wizard slain in these battles was a terrible loss to the people of Mist, and no doubt much of their arcane lore was lost as the mightiest of these arcane practitioners perished at the hands of Baron's military forces. In the end, Baron's resolve proved to be the downfall of Mist, and with great sorrow the remaining mages led their people into exile, deserting their beautiful city. Not long afterwards, Baron's forces reached the city, and proceeded to loot the city and burn it to the ground.

Thus, five years after the War of the Mists began, the remnant of Mist's mages traveled to the city of Baron, formally acknowledging their surrender and accepting the terms laid out by the King. Never again could their people rebuild their beautiful city or wield their powerful magic against any citizen of Baron. Mist was also forbidden to assemble a military force or to cut off any of the mountain passes between Baron and Mist. In return, the King of Baron promised to respect the isolation of the people of Mist and allow them to govern their own affairs. Bitter indeed were such terms, but in light of Baron's military might, there was little else to be done but accept.

After this, knowledge of the people of Mist once again passed out of recorded history. Those who passed through the region spoke of a small village built upon the still smoldering ruins of their city. Farms were rebuilt, homes were reconstructed, and life returned to the Misty Valley. But, by the end of the seventh century, rumors began to circulate throughout the region of mysterious events involving the small village. Some even spoke of powerful monsters seen in the region under the apparent control of mages from Mist. These rumors were never confirmed, and most simply believed them to be nothing else but fanciful tales spun by bards.

Over the next two hundreds and fifty years, little change came to the people of Mist. Life settled into a dependable routine. Both Baron and Mist abided by the terms of their agreement, with very little conflict between the two peoples. Still, outsiders were strongly discouraged from settling anywhere within the Misty Valley, and what little trade that passed through the village of Mist was by those native to the village. This isolation protected the people from the rest of the world, and what little change came to the people of Mist came very slowly.

Key Landmarks

The Tradepost - Known simply as the Tradepost, this building stands at the center of the village. The largest building within the village, the Tradepost serves as Mist's only store and inn, serving a small clientele of merchants and travelers that occasionally pass through the village. However, only the most basic of wares are readily available for sale, with virtually no arms or armor available anywhere within this humble village. The Tradepost is also a good place to converse with the locals after a long day in the fields, swapping tales and gossip over a well-earned drink.

The Manor - As the second largest building in the village, the Manor is the only other remarkable structure in Mist. Dubbed the Manor by the local inhabitants, it is the home of the Timernda family, who provide leadership for the people of Mist. The home is the only two-storied house within the village, with a spacious living area and even a separate bedroom for the beloved only child of Micael and Lora Timernda. The Manor also serves in the role of a town hall, hosting the seasonal councils where decisions for the upcoming months are decided.

Important People

Micael Timernda

Human male age 30

Job: none

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (Avg), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Avg)

Skills: Crafting: Carpentry (Trained), Etiquette (Low), Negotiation (Trained)

Trade (Low)

Equipment: Poor

Lora Timernda

Human female age 29

Job: Average level Summoner

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Awareness (Low), Etiquette (Trained), Intimidation (Trained),

Lore: Arcane (Trained), Negotiation (Trained), Staves (Low), Teaching (Trained)

Equipment: Poor

The Timernda family has provided leadership for the village of Mist for the past decade or so. They are well loved by the people of Mist, and are generally considered to be two of the greatest leaders to ever grace their village. In addition to their roles as leaders within the village, Micael also works as a carpenter, and personally helped to build several of the newer buildings within the village. Lora, on the other hand, is the most powerful summoner within the humble village, although this is not well known even within the village. What is known is that she spends much of her time instructing those children within the city who show talent in the arcane arts, refining their skills and teaching them the lore handed down from generation to generation. Micael and Lora have one daughter named Rydia, who at the age of seven already shows great promise to follow in her mother's footsteps.

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