Ascad

The Kingdom of Ascad is one of the two major nations on the northern continent of Raethal. Originally known as an empire with its ruler Lukas Granzus I, an uprising lead by the emperor's own son, along with a foreign group of mercenaries, would eventually lead to the forming of the new kingdom of Ascad, now joined by the four duchies of Langdale, Colmhelm, Garla and later Lyonhall, with the new royal family residing in the capital, Aston.

However, the true heir, Cyrus Granzus I would refuse the throne for himself and his second in command during the revolt rose to be the new king. That man was lord Blue Reinwald, a former sea captain, who found himself and his travelling companions joining the revolt against the old emperor. While his beginnings were slow and sloppy, the new king would manage to bring Ascad to prosperity with its natural resources, while negotiating with the neighboring kingdom of Gaelia, who still bear deep grudges towards the actions of the Granzus family.

Culture
Ascadians are a proud people of artisans, craftsmen, scholars, poets and soldiers. History and knowledge play a big part of their culture, whether it be interperting relics and texts of the past, or creating history with fine arts, architecture and writing. With their homes built and carved onto the moutains in their heartlands, many find work in the mines and forges, while those on the coast commonly find work on merchant ships that provide a steady supply of funds from selling their produce overseas.

Those of strong arm and will may find themselves a position in one of the orders of knights, the guards, who protect and serve the various dukedoms of the lands. The sunguard, ironguard, lionguard, astral guard, seaguard, each have their own codes of honour and their own styles of fighting and the sight of a colorful, decorated warrior of the dukedom is a sight to behold.

Religion plays a very small role in their culture. The role of priests and clerics for the most part is to upkeep the various houses of healing around Ascad, tending to the sick and injured. It is not that deities and gods were shunned, there simply isn't a greater common one to unite the people.

Present Day
So far, only the occasional merchant would find their way from Ascad to The Hales, but around the year 40 NA, a member of the royal family, running from home, would find themselves in Ascad. His actions there would lead to rumors finding their way back to his homeland, with many a man curious of this new land and it's people.

Ascad mainl