"The king of Bartravia, Vlad von Sadryx, rules with an iron hand. He is known for his fits of rage and summary justice. Despite his failings he is usually a conscientious ruler, if for the wrong reasons, and one who is careful to keep his people happy because, 'A happy people are a prosperous people.'"
Ruler: King Vlad von Sadryx (Fighter 15); Prince Karl von Sadryx (Paladin of Erus 16); Princess Carina von Sadryx (Enchantress 10); Duke Otto Spiekerschön (Fighter 20); Duke Rolf Dieter (Cavalier 12). Capital: Lärmendflut (40,000); Major Settlements: Koln (21,000), Würzstadt (14,000), Nurfurt (5,500), Ilf Schloss (2,000); Human pop.: 1,680,000; Demihumans: Gnomes (15,000), Dwarves (Hestlegartle: 4,000), Paladian elves (1,000); Humanoids: Orcs (Black Skull: 20,000); Hobgoblins (Dogsofstrife: 11,000), Stone giants (3,000). Resources: Agriculture, Beer, Iron, Silver, Copper.
The Kingdom of Bartravia depends on agriculture, limited mining and beer production to fuel its economy. Its limited exports and the legendary work ethic of its people have kept Bartravia afloat in a sea of kingdoms with greater natural resources. The people of Bartravia are prosperous, so most don’t seem to mind an occasional arrest by King Vlad’s secret police or the closing of a business because the owner is accused of speaking ill against his king. The aristocracy has learned – through extremely effective and visible examples made of a few of their more rebellious peers – to support the king’s will. They, after all, wish nothing more than to be secure in their lands and properties. The king is fully aware of this and goes for the jugular when a noble dares to oppose him – forcibly seizing his property and lands. He has seldom gone so far as to execute those who have not committed outright treason, preferring to leave rebels alive as examples to others of the fate that could befall them, which to many of the nobles is a fate far worse than death. Of course, the king’s policies serve a dual purpose. Each time he seizes land or property he increases his own power while decreasing the power of the nobility, thus making it easier for him to rule (and in his opinion protect the best interests of the kingdom). Despite his hard hand at home, King Vlad has little desire to expand the borders of his kingdom. He believes that his heavy hand is necessary to maintain the security of his people. His philosophy is one of paternalism: “Spare the rod, spoil the child”. The rod, in this case, being his scepter and the child the people of Bartravia. He believes that while his decisions might not always be appreciated, like a good parent he must do what is best for his children, regardless of their wishes or protests. The king is one with the land and therefor only the king can make the decisions necessary to keep that land healthy and prosperous. King Vlad’s intellect at least equally matches his hold on domestic power. He fully realizes the goals of the Urssians and why they have chosen not to attack his small kingdom. Bartravia’s military forces would be no match for the forces of Urssia if he should choose to attack his neighbor, but the combination of the advantage of being the defender and the remarkably well trained fighting force under his control keeps the Urssians at bay. He has no desire to marry his daughter off to a royal Urssian at this time and has set his sites instead on the Royal family of Eirbron. Also to his advantage are strong family ties with the Knights of Erus in Dolan. His youngest son is a ranking member in the order and his kingdom has ratified a formal treaty of alliance with the knights. Bartravia maintains 14 standing legions, including three under the direct control of the royal family. Roughly 60 warships make up the navy, 15 of these vessels are under control of the royal family.