Central Mercia

This is a pleasant country of rolling grasslands and forests, with much fertile farmland. Aside from the area around Aven, the capital city (which is fairly centrally-placed), the rest of the country is divided into four 'ridings', each of which is commanded by one of the High Lords. Life here is pretty pleasant for most inhabitants. Two other major cities can also be found in this kingdom; the northern city of Persimmon, near the banks of the River Icebreaker; and Garrobad, far to the south in the forest of Noslarr.

Good King Garan rules here; a feudal domain with a system of many Mayors and Barons. Often referred to as the "Land of Summer". The city of Aven has a great lake (the Ta'stear) outside its walls with numerous fishing fleets and a healthy river trade.

Within the city can be found Summer Castle. Along with being the royal home, the Knights of Truelight are resident within these walls. These knights worship the Holy Taris, and his teaching of understanding means that non-worshippers are not persecuted for their differing beliefs. The Knights of Truelight, although relatively small in number, are an elite force, sworn to destroy evil. Summer Castle is also the resting place of the Throne of Destiny, carved from an ancient rock. Far into the past, this was used to choose the High King over all of Mercia. Unsuccessful candidates were destroyed by the magic of the throne. King Garan has not yet felt worthy enough to sit on the throne himself, and the people wait for the High King to make Mercia whole once again.

The Aven Mages Guild is also found in the capital. Here people with a talent for magic are taught to use their powers in the defence of the realm, and as a result, arcane magic is more common here than in many other countries. The Guild building is quite large (nearly a fortress in itself!), and has been rumoured to contain all sorts of strange and arcane things.

One of the legends about this land concerns the Grey Mountains. These peaks are rumoured to have once been the ancient home of the mysterious Grey Elves, long since abandoned. Their cities are said to lie untouched, hidden deep within the mountains, since before the time of Ragnarok. It is not known what lives there now, but other tales tell of a Black Dragon that now resides in one the many caves to be found here.


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