The fair nation of Llael is blessed in a great many ways. Located along the busiest trade routes in Western Immoren, Llael is a nexus of commerce, culture, and politics. Rhul borders to the North, Khador to the West, and Cygnar to the South. Ample coal and sulfur deposits lend stability to this kingdom’s economy, which is otherwise subject to the ebbs and flows of international commerce. As the home of the international monetary exchange and the headquarters for the Order of the Golden Crucible, a great deal of wealth passes through Llael.
The government is a monarchy advised by a Council of Nobles in the capital of Merywyn. The noble class traditionally wields a great deal of influence on all matters of state, especially since the passing of king Rynnard di la Martyn in 595 AR, who left no less than sixteen heirs. While the line of ascension is being sorted out by the Council of Nobles, Prime Minister Lord Deyar Glabryn IX (Archduke of Southryne) acts as temporary head of state. The deliberations of the Council of Nobles being as prone to delay and maneuvering as they are, he may well hold this position for a long time to come.
Llael, being the home of the Leryn Bullion Exchange, issues high-quality, utterly-reliable coinage:
- The Kettle is a copper coin equivalent to the Cygnaran Farthing
- The Keep is minted in silver, and is equivalent to the Cygnaran Shield
- The Goldbust (sometimes referred to as a “goldhead”) is minted in gold, and is equivalent to the Cygnaran Crown
- A series of platinum coins struck with motifs related to the various Ascendants of Morrow were minted for a limited time, but were discontinued. They are largely sought out as collector’s items rather than currency for trade
When visiting Llael, several notable locales are sure to draw the attention of the educated and well-heeled, including the great library and the reliquary of Ascendant Angellia (both in Elsinberg), the imposing Thunderhead Fortress in Leryn, and the Great Cathedral of Ascendant Rowan and the Royal Palace in Merywyn. Numerous restaurants, gambling halls, and cabarets are available in Llael’s major cities, showcasing the refined, sophisticated traditions of this great nation.
The people of Llael are primarily of Rynnish descent, though a large minority of Umbreans are prominent throughout, especially in Laedry. Under the government of Merywyn, Llael’s capitol, the Umbreans are far better treated than their kin across the border in Khador.
Obviously Burrowowl has things right, as he rights about FREE Llael and not smelly Khadoran occupied Llael!
Let’s not get carried away; this entry reflects the state of affairs at the beginning of a new campaing in my play group. The people of Llael are clearly better off with the freedoms and privileges of Khadoran citizenship, shepherded by strong Khardic leadership. Under the leadership of skilled statemen such as Simonyev Blaustavya and Kommandant Idvanovich, Llael may finally reach its great potential as a Volozkya of Khador.
Bah!
I just like how on our podcast a few weeks ago we referred to “Extreme South Umbrey” and in Superiority there is even reference to New Umbrey.
I seem to recall some mention of New Umbrey previously, perhaps from Escalation, but I’d have to dig through my books to be certain. Anyhow, as a Khadoran partisan I like Llael. I like it so much, in fact, that I don’t think Khador should relinquish it. Prime Minister Glabryn did his people a far greater favor than many of them realize. Would they rather have fallen to the Skorne?
A really nice article. I am looking for every scrap of background I am able to find about Llael, so this is all very welcome.
Thanks for this. I couldn’t find much on Llael. And, for the other articles you wrote about IK. They’ve really helped fill in some blanks.