Ernhalt

Before Imperial rule, before even the rule by the High Kingdom of  Idar-Morbach , Ernhalt was an independent kingdom of the  Men of the Forest . To its west lies a great forest, unblighted, and to its east are vast plains and pastures. Since time immemorial, Ernhalt has been one of the most productive regions in the land; raising great fields of wheat in its temperate climate, breeding the finest horses, and producing massive amounts of lumber. However, Ernhalt lacks the sheer population of the southern regions, as well as the political organization- for their society is traditional, and distrusts what is foreign. Furthermore, the country has no natural barriers to prevent invasion. It has thus been conquered three times; firstly by the old High Kingdom, again by  Altan the Terror , and once more by the  Alvyrnian Empire . When Idar-Morbach invaded, they did so for their great god of storms, and all but destroyed the old religious practices of the region, which now only survive in its farther, more southern neighbor of  Simmern .

In the wake of the Empire’s conquest, Ernhalt’s old kings have been reduced to Archdukes, vassals to a greater power once more. And yet, life in Ernhalt goes on.