Lands of The Four Circles: Futro

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Futro is recognised as an empire for everyone. This land has the most diverse population, since it covers such a large area. However, the spirit-blood people of the Etherealm are often treated with fear and loathing in Futro.

As mentioned before, Futro covers a large area. Since completely governing such a vast country alone would be impossible, Futro has been split into ten counties, each ruled by a Baron or Baroness. These take their orders from the Council of Magi. The Council are meant to be a democracy, and all rulings are then placed before the Emperor for a final decision, but what with the Civil War, the Emperor has gone into hiding and the Council is split, causing the Barons and Baronesses to choose which side to take.

The Council itself is split into three Houses; Ignus, Vantrus, and Caninus. These are the names of the founders, who each had specific powers that were said to have been granted to them by the Gods themselves. The Magi are the controllers of magik, and though only some are members of the actual Council, all Magi follow their Houses, and in turn the Council keeps track of every single Magi and how they use their magik.

Nordshire
The most Northern of the counties, bordering with Skavvin and partially with Inkroz. Since there is peace between Futro and Skavvin, and the passes leading to Inkroz are extremely perilous, the people of Nordshire are neglecting the borders during the civil unrest. The ruler, Baron Orthra, is taking the side of Arch-mage Yurion. However, the county has inhabitants who wish to stay apart from the whole Council's mess.
The majority of trade in this county is from animal pelts and meat, hunted from the mountain regions that dominate most of this land. Other trades that are common here are mercenary warriors. The people born in this land are often tall, broad, and strong, with dark hair and pale skin.
The largest settlement of the county is Wolfbane, the home of Baron Orthra and his warrior family. This also the only settlement in the county to have a Magihall. Even though Wolfbane is the capital of Nordshire, it is merely a larger village, with a specially built wooden wall around itself. Other notable settlements are the North border village of Icetower, and the village Firscent, near the South of the county.
91% of the population is Human, and 8% are Ogar. Less than 1% is made up from Brovanni, since the forests here are harsh, sparse, and too cold for most of the forest folk. Very few Magi are born in Nordshire, as it seems that magik does not naturally run in the blood of the families that settled here.

Storm Coast
Bordering the South-west of Nordshire, Storm Coast lives up to its name. The bitter Northern winds whip up the seas here throughout the year. Although a slightly warmer climate than Nordshire, the indigenous people are a lot like those of their neighbours, if not more rugged. Baroness Von Ditre sides with Baron Orthra and Arch-mage Yurion. However, in comparison to Nordshire, the people seem more settled with their ruler's political choice; war with Etherealm is not in their interests.
Inland, Storm Coast hosts the Northern reaches of the Great Forest that stretches right down to the Southern counties. Before the civil war, trade was rich along the merchant roads that passed through the woods, but since the Brovanni have been limiting traffic and making trade dangerous, the inland areas of Storm Coast have suffered financially. Yet on the actual coastline, trade and fishing has been going on as it has done for centuries. Here merchants from Southern lands come to exchange spices and rich fabrics, as well as crops and vegetables now, with the South Coast and Nordshire furs. South Coast is also marked for the only county to supply Kraken goods, and a Kraken trader is recognised as almost nobility.
The main places to note in this county are the coastal towns. With the harsh sea to deal with, the docks and harbours that make up most of the county's homesteads are built from strong rock, and the houses in these towns are often built further back from the tide-line than the businesses. The county capital Thunder Cove is the second largest port in the whole country of Futro. A week's ride South is the town of Blacken, where most of the Kraken trade is made, with the Kraken trenches closest to this port. From here, heading East along the coast, you can reach the border town of Firstport. Even though it has a nautical name, the town itself sits more than ten miles inland, and is the first warning of any dealings from Moonshire. Inland, near the Great Forest, stands what was once the majestic town of Firfort. However, with trade low and minimal supplies coming in, many have abandoned the place, and Baroness Von Ditre has declared the town a no-go zone.
80% of the population here is Human, with 1% Ogar in the Northern areas. Within the Great Forest area, the Brovanni make up the other 19%. Magi aren't a common sight here, but some families do hold magik within their blood, so a Storm Coast Magi is not unheard of.

Moonshire
Moonshire is recognised as the bloody county. The rulers here have waged war on other counties more than any other in history, and as such, Baroness Oveci has the political standing of supporting Lord Werian in war against the Etherealm.
Moonshire itself covers some of the best farming ground in the country, and makes a pretty penny selling off its fertile vegetables, fruit and grain, to the Northern lands where farming is difficult, or to Midshire where the Magi strong population are disinterested in cultivating their land. The Humans of Moonshire are of a mild skin colour, with ruddy faces and the bodies of people brought up to work manual labour.
The capital, Moonseye, sits in the Northern curve of the county, and a road runs from it directly to the country capital in Midshire. Another notable location is Fort Starstrike, in the South, sitting between the borders of Elfisle and Woodland. Here is where Moonshire's forces have been pushing South, trying to grasp at more land.
Only 50% of Moonshire are Human, as a large amount of The Great Forest runs through the county, and the Brovanni take great pleasure in disturbing the trade of the bloody Baroness. As such, 50% of the population is of Brovanni heritage.

Ignian
The home county of the House Ignus of the Magi. The Baron of Ignian is none other than Lord Werian's brother, Baron Malicant. A Magi himself, he follows his brother's political lead as well. The county, oppressed by the Baron's Ignus supremacy policy, are in a full uprising against him.
Trade in Ignian used to be in the rare stones and gems that were found in the mines here, but all trade has come to a stand still in this turbulent county. Other than from stealing and looting, some people try to make an honest living as bodyguards for people trying to move through or out of the county. Ignian people have slightly darker skin, often with dark hair, and are above average height.
The only place worth noting here is the capital, Trueflame. This castle in the center of the county was, as legend goes, built by Ignus himself, using a thousand magikal sprites to create his magnificent fortress. The city surrounding the castle has been reduced to a battlefield, where the Baron's Battlemagi try and hold back the waves of assailant's who wish to dethrone Baron Malicant.
The entire population of Ignian is Human, and almost every family have magik in their bloodline. The majority of House Ignus Magi come from here, yet also many neutral Magi with no political ideals.

Midshire
The home of the Council of Magi, and where the Emperor's Palace resides. Sitting in the center of Futro, from here the laws and judgements are passed to all the Barons and Baronesses. The official ruling of the county comes to the Emperor, but with him in hiding, the control seems to simply lie with the Magi. Any rulings or official business is left to any High Magi with some spare time, and so the dealings in the county have become disorganised and confused.
Midshire has never had to rely on farming or other simple trade, as any goods they require are brought in from other counties. Goods they trade in return are the magikal artifacts and items that are created in the Spellforges underneath the Council buildings of Silverton. Midshire-born folk are often of average height with lighter hair, golden-brown or blonde, and light skin.
Silverton is the capital of Midshire and all of Futro. It takes its name from the great buildings that tower above the rest of the city, created by the earliest Magi. These silver giants include the Council Chambers of the Magi, and the Emperor's Palace. The rest of the city is made from stone, but the simplest homes are still recognised as some of the best built in the land. Another settlement of importance is the village of Jeweller, built on the edge of the Great Forest. Here, the Magi send their secretive agents to attempt to break through the defenses of the Brovanni.
The population in Midshire is made of almost 75% Human, and 25% Brovanni. Almost every single child born in Midshire is born with magikal talent, but also the Brovanni here are some of the richest in the world of their kind. Stopping the convoys that carry the famous Midshire magikal artifacts gives them huge scope in trading with their own people.

Elfisle
This county on the West coast of Futro is the point of the country closest to the mystical Whitefield Island, home of the Great Elves. Baron Trubador is recognised as an Elf-friend, and is known to take council with the strange visitors from the far-off island. The Elves strongly oppose the Etherealm beings, and as such Baron Trubador made the decision to support Lord Werian in his push for war. However, the people of the county are split in their thoughts on the Council, and Civil War is strong in Elfisle.
Much of the trade from here is in the rich fishing from the warmer waters, which they share with Woodland. Also, goods and unique items come from trading with the Elves, which the merchants of Elfisle sell on for a small fortune. The Humans born here are often tall, lithe, pale, and beautiful people, with a slight point to their ears. This comes from Elfblood running through families here.
Golden Harbour is the capital of Elfisle, and is so called due to the rich goods traded here, and the wealth that the merchants here flaunt. The largest city, however, is Redeemer, home of the Vantrus Magi House, residing in the center of the county. Here is where some of the most powerful healing spells are researched and created, as well as the famous healing potions that are recognised across the world.
99% of Elfisle are Human, with the traits of their county's Elfblood showing in their appearance, with the other 1% made of Great Elves living on the coast as traders with the Humans. No Brovanni live in Elfisle since there are no woodlands to talk of here.

Woodland
Woodland is named simply due to it being half covered by the Great Forest. This used to be a higher percentage, but the Brovanni couldn't hold back the Woodland Humans from taking their trees until recently. Baroness Wingtip is a ruthless woman, whose only care is the wood and carpentry trade that her county is famous for. As such, she supports Arch-magi Yurion in his bid to hold back from war, but she isn't interested in putting financial backing into building the defenses of Futro. The Woodland people are slightly concerned, especially those in the South-East of the county closest to Etherguard and the threat of invasion, by the Baroness' relaxed attitude.
The major trading in Woodland comes from the Great Forest's trees. Either these are shipped to other counties for building, or are carved by the master carpenters into some of the most beautiful furniture in Futro. But with the Brovanni holding most of the trade-routes out of the county, people also make their money here as caravan and convoy guards. The people of woodland are often slightly below average height, dark-haired and tanned.
Many settlements are spaced around the edges of the Great Forest, trying to fight their way into the Brovanni's land long enough to take down a tree. The largest of these is the capital Logging Alpha. Rumoured to be the first logging settlement, here the Baroness oversees some of the most successful excursions, backed by well-paid guards who fight off any Brovanni who get too close to a logging crew. Another profitable city is the major port of Harbour Gamma. Here, the furniture trade took off, and this is the largest merchant harbour in the county, with other coastal towns focussing mainly on fishing.
Only 40% of Woodland is Human, with a massive 60% made from Brovanni, who gather here to fight off those who would attempt to cut down the sacred trees of the Great Forest. Magik is not common in families here, but some are born to be Magi.

Varleria
A hugely diverse county, with lands in the cold North and also borders in the warm South, including coastal lines where you can see Etherealm from. Baron Julius supports Arch-magi Yurion in building up border defenses, as he sees no profit in war against the Etherians, predicting the wealth the county gathers from its sea-trade with Skavvin would be disrupted terribly. The people back him in his decision, and the county is fairly at rest.
Trade in Varleria comes from its Eastern coastline, and has a monopoly on the Skavvin goods that come from the hulking Ogar trading barges. These include Ogar-made armour and weapons, precious jewels only attainable from Skavvin, and also whale meat that the Ogar catch with ease. The Humans of Varleria are born with appearances suited to where they live in the county, the Northerners often being darker haired and pale, while the Southern people are tanned with pale hair.
In the North, within the low mountain areas, stands Cragpeak, a fortress from times of war with the Ogar, that now exists as a trading post for the other Northern counties, and also as an army camp, where those who wish to learn the ways of knighthood come to train. About halfway down the coast is the capital, Easterly, which is also the largest port in all of Futro. The harbours here are built much wider to account for the Ogar barges that come in. Baron Julius lives near the harbour-side, often coming down to the docks to talk with the Ogar traders. In the far South of the county, Etherwatch was placed as originally a lookout in case of attacks from Etherealm, but now is a military encampment, where both civilians and knights work on building up defenses at this most vulnerable part of the coast.
70% of Varleria's population is Human, 8% Brovanni in the small amount of the Great Forest that is in the South of the county, and the other 22% made of Ogar, who live in the North of the county. Magi are born in this county, and those who go off to train in Midshire often come back to become Paladins (knight magi).

Juvuno
A county that is only still existing due to pride, this land is sparsely populated by Humans, with its Great Forest area dominated by plenty of Brovanni. Baron Ricardo is a proud and regal man, who heads the Juvuno Shooting School. The people and Baron have no interest in starting war, or even defending realms that are not their own. As such, disgruntled neighbours send rebels into the county to stir up havoc, trying to sway Baron Ricardo to their side with threats and violence, none of which works.
Trade in Juvuno comes from either selling the muskets and other firearms that are made here, or by hiring out their specialist sharpshooters to armies. These soldiers bring skills that have been developed in the county for over a century, since the creation of powder weapons. The Humans in this county are olive-skinned with blonde or brown hair, and it is the style of men here to grow their moustaches long.
The only established settlement in the county, is the capital Juvuno City, which is nothing more than a large town where Baron Ricardo lives and the Juvuno Shooting School stands. It lies in the North of the county in the shelter of a valley, with lookout towers placed on the hills above the town.
20% of the population is Human, with there being a large area of the county controlled by the 80% Brovanni population, who are expanding the Great Forest out here by planting new trees.

Etherguard
The county that was built as a defense against Etherealm, this land has been ravaged by war with the Etherians for thousands of years. Even though Futro and Etherealm are technically at peace, tension has been growing between the two countries for years, with both expecting an attack at any time. One thing is for sure, Baroness Stryker will be at the front of the battle line either in defense or attack. As was expected, she is the strongest supporter of Lord Werian. She rides about at Battlepoint in her armour, ready for the fight as soon as it happens.
Etherguard does not trade like the other counties. Instead it receives financial backing from the taxes of other counties and grants from the Council of Magi, which is then traded for foods, arms and armour, troops, and other items for living. The tanned skin and white hair marks an Etherguard Human, as well as their passion to fight, for almost everyone is trained as a soldier, apart from the Caninus Magi who live in their own settlements and train in the ways of their animalistic magik.
The settlements of Etherguard are all run as military establishments. At the North border is the town of Bloodrun. So-named from the refugees who fled the county through there in times of war, the town is a long road with a stone bridge crossing the wide river Shimmer. Here the goods that the county relies on come in, as well as the tough foreigners that they use to bulk out their own forces. Fortresses and camps are placed at strategic points all across the county, but none are more important than Battlepoint. Standing on the top of the Cliffs of Hate, at the point closest to Etherealm, here the strongest and hardiest soldiers await the time of war, to either ride down to the beaches and cross the shallow waters of the sea here, or to man the battlements when the Etherians strike.
98% of Etherguard is made from a Human populace, with 2% Brovanni in the small area of the Great Foresr that reaches in to the county. Unknownst to the Humans, the Brovanni keep an eye out here for the first signs of war with the Etherians. The House of Caninus Magi come from here, the magik they use revolving around the control of animals, which they utilise in Etherguard as a powerful weapon.

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