The Matriarchy of Vackendour
A densely forested kingdom, Vackendour sits between the Grimmoor and Skara mountain ranges. The land is split in half by the River Dour, which feeds into the Sea of Gale. On the west side of the river is the Highland, a majority of which is covered by the Forest Tam. On the East side is the Lowland, consisting of barren plains ravaged by the last war with Lufton. Far to the north is Grimmoor Mire, a wet swampland home to vicious creatures, and strong lumber.
The Country is ruled in part by its people but also by the therian creatures that live in the Forest Tam known as the Tamlin. These god-like beastmen have guided the lands around their forest since the Mage Wars, but they have only recently shown themselves and begun to take a visual role.
Cities
Vacken Castle – The Capital of Vackendour is a stone wrought fortress that lies in a clearing atop Vacken hill and the town of Vacken lies around it spreading out beyond the upper and lower Dour rivers which fork and merge around the hill. The castle has been home to the queens of Vackendour for almost a century, but with the last war with Lufton the Queen has disappeared into the Forest of Tam leaving the throne in control of the Prince Regent.
Natha Academy – Established as one of the 5 Orders of the Tamlin, under the Matron of Magic, Nathair, the Mage Order of Natha is made up of only men. It lies at the head of the Dour Delta pouring into the Sea of Gale, and is now the only crutch of a shipbuilding community on a sea which has long been a threat to the kingdom.
Fael Castle – Women claiming fealty to the Matron of War, Faelchu, take residence in the fortress of Fael Castle a day's ride to the Mithran Wall town of Lacon. While fighting has died since the Mithran revolution, the Knight Order of Fael continues to practice masterful techniques of combat and tactics. While only women are able to rise in the ranks of the Order, men are just as common as footmen or archers.
Damha Encampment – The Assassin's Order of Damha idolizes stealth and the Matron Damhan above all else. Nestled deep within the Forest of Tam, the single path to the encampment is known only to the Queen and the women of the Order. This is also the gateway to the Nurvie Court, home of the Tamlin, and its last line of defense. Many foresters and farmers live in the outlying areas and are given directions to the encampment when supplies are required, but these directions never seem to work a second time.
Lain Keep - The Watch Order of Lain established themselves atop the peaks of Skara. With the help of the Matron Lainnir they tame Rocs to quickly travel the land and keep watch on the borders. Scouts and messengers ride long and hard to spread news and trade secrets with the different Vacken cities.
Magh Circle - A small society of Mages who spend their time deciding policy for the Kingdom. The Matron Maghan bestows her wisdom upon them in their village close to Grimmoor Mire, a place ravaged by Veil rifts. Quarterly, a procession of Magh Warlocks travel south along the river dispensing fortunes and trinkets of magical value to the faithful citizens before arriving in Vacken Castle to discuss politics with the Prince Regent.
Organizations
Queen's Guard – A selection of ten women representing the soldiers who survived the Tamlin War in the Queen's personal guard. While throughout the years since, many different women have served on the Guard, with the Queen's disappearance the ten women guard an empty throne and protect the Prince Regent instead.
Moormen - Derived from the boatsmen born in Grimmoor Mire, the term is now used for anyone who travels along the River Dour for a living.
Lowland Riders – The cavalry protectors of the Lufton and Rilgalen boarders. They are renowned as expert aurochsmen and archers.
