The following is a brief historical record, about the Kingdoms surrounding Valcanne and has been written by King Raughn's first Master of knowledge Rickharton.
This historical record has been edited by King Raughn's current Master of Knowledge Eligeah, it has only been adjusted to correct any errors found and to add new information discovered.
Location and Land:
Almain is located to the North West of Valcanne, the two kingdoms are separated by a branch of the four tides. Almain is the largest kingdom out of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy, in both size and population.
The lands in Almain vary greatly in different regions, they have great farming lands, multiple rivers for fishing and access to the mountains that extend into Kurtah.
They have beautiful lands and lush green fields in areas usually held by the wealthy, whereas the poor tend to live in the less fertile lands where the roads are muddied from travellers and trees are sparse.
Basic History:
Out of all of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy Almain has the most colourful and somewhat bloody history, most of which is treated in one of two ways, complete denial or to be regarded with honour.
They revel in their bloody victories and deny any losses or circumstances in general, that may make others view Almain in a less than favourable light.
Whilst Almain is a kingdom in its own right it has many lords who also wield immense wealth and power, allowing them to control armies of their own that can rival many of the different kingdom's forces of Keltorin.
This has led to no end of bloody battles both within and around Almain, the kingdom has united as a single force on many occasions to wage war with other countries like Irahdah and Kurtah.
Prior to the establishment of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy Almain raided and killed thousands of Valcanne's people, this was many generations ago but it is a fact Valcanne won't soon forget.
They also had multiple incursions with Fentone, Ralteith, Imporo and it is said they even waged war on the Empire of Jantel - but little is known of the details of this war.
Almain like Fentone and Ralteith only joined the Great War efforts after the Battle of Four Tides, though unlike the other kingdoms they supplied Valcanne with men and weapons for fighting - they provided the most tangible support in our efforts to drive out the Blue Banners.
Social Structure:
Like all of those included in the Five Kingdoms of Balamy, Almain is run by a royal family with a King and Queen and Princes and Princesses - the extended royal family are known by the titles Lord or Lady.
There are large number of independently wealthy merchants, traders, landlords that also demand a certain level of respect.
They have such immense wealth and power, they often rule over massive forces of men to defend their lands, wears and wealth.
Partially due to their size Almain has a very large impoverished community and a massive lower class, murder and rape is commonplace and accepted as a part of life.
Travelling alone through Almain is ill advised, the people tend to be isolated from one and other only interacting when absolutely necessary - and it is rare for a stranger to come to your defence.
Relationships and Trade:
Almain is one of the largest traders in Keltorin, given their massive population and the large number of merchants Almain is the trading capital of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy - even prior to the alliance.
Irahdah and Almain started with war over countless generations, then at some point they seemed to decide trade would suit them both better - since then they have become Almains largest trading partner in Keltorin.
Their relationship with Kurtah was also troubled at first, whilst never in all out war with each other hundreds if not thousands gave their lives before they decided to trade with one and other.
Almain has fought with every kingdom and country within their reach, that is if you search back through history far enough.
Though it appears time has settled their once hostile motives in favour of peaceful but greedy trade deals, for the time being at least.
Since Almain joined the Five Kingdoms of Balamy they have been fierce with negotiations but have always honoured the final terms of all agreements.
The People and their Skills:
Out of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy Almain is the only one, whose people's skills are as widely varied as Valcanne's.
The people are known for not only their fighting skills but manufacturing weapons and armour, they have skilled shipwrights and sailors as well.
The merchants of Almain sell some of the finest cloths and silks, pottery and even art for the more refined and wealthy buyers.
They are also known for their miners and masons, they provided the obsidian for the Great Water Gate as well as the three smaller gates.
Almainian merchants are reputed to be fierce traders often pushing deals to the edge of their limits, this has at times led to bloodshed and lives lost though this is not the prefered method - in most situations at least.
The city is so large and has such a large population of impoverished people, it is not uncommon for people to kill and steal so they get to live and eat for another day - some sell themselves for simple survival.
Those who attempt to raise to a higher station and achieve wealth and power can succeed, most fall victim to the Fentonian money lenders and the harsh terms they set before they manage to make a profit - often ending up in a worse situation than when they started or dead.
Almains relationship with the Gods:
Almains people respect some of the gods, curse others and fear the rest, well at least that's what they say.
Their actions however speak a different story, they appear to worship gods that suit their purposes at that time - the remainder of their lives they ignore them and hope they go ignored in return.
They do have large beautiful temples like Fentone, though they are only frequented by the devout and poor seeking aid.
Unlike Fentone most of the gods priests and priestesses have little real world power - though the odd family of wealth will place great favour on specific temples, it is in the hopes of gaining rewards from the gods in the future.
Summary:
Almain is massive and home to the largest number of people in any of the Five Kingdoms of Balamy, Irahdah's own population is the only one on Keltorin large enough to rival them in all out war - this may be why they choose peace with each other.
Almain has many people some of great wealth while others are starving in the streets, anyone can make their way to wealth in Almain though the process is more than treacherous and claims many lives.
The people have a great variety of skills, and their traders are the most fierce found on Keltorin. They make their way through trade though if that fails war is always considered an option.
They have some of the best trained soldiers in Keltorin, even the independently wealthy often command large forces capable of combatting independent countries and kingdoms.
Since Almian joined the Five Kingdoms of Balamy, they have honoured all terms and conditions that were set out in it - though they often come back to the table, to request new negotiations of the terms set out in the treaty.
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