Landlocked Kingdom of intrigue with badlands
Score: 212 | 9/16/20 |
Entrance to the kingdom is difficult. From the north, you must pass through Silong Canyon, a winding river passage with cliffs 100 feet high on each side. If you manage to get through without being attacked by the Impuniti, a ruthless gang of bandits, then you must still pass through the greedy Baron Imoldo, who imposes a heavy toll on all who pass through.
Before the Battle of Tamal, an alternate way in was to land on the Feral Coast and smuggle goods in through the Badlands, northwest of Umerus. The Badlands are a lifeless wasteland filled with crags. Most merchants who brought goods this way enlisted the aid of the Mercati, a group of local smugglers. if you get caught smuggling by the Royal Mounted Rangers (often called 'Roamers'), the penalty is death, and your head will be prominently displayed on Invidia's Traitor's Gate.
You could also try your luck from the south, where the holy paladins of Elendahar guard against orcs and savage barbarians.
To the east and west are mountains which are difficult to cross.
Despite the difficulty getting in, the kingdom itself is very pleasant. There are rolling grassy hills, and farmers till the well-watered countryside in relative peace.
Stone and metal are plentiful in Umerus, but wood is hard to come by. The few forests left are well protected. As a result metallic items are 25% cheaper, and wooden items are 100% more expensive. Most buildings are made of stone. Imported items are about 5 times as expensive, due to Baron Imoldo's heavy tariffs. Ask me what category something is in before buying.