Flag & Heraldry
A white Thunderift Hawk with wings outstretched on an orange field. (Representing safe passage from a world of destruction)
Geography
Regimantis is set in the heavily mountained north/eastern regions of Narenfel, south of the Frost Rush and Thell, northwest of the Maugholdings, and north of Bramm. It is rich in metal deposits (iron and copper), livestock and grains. There are many unusual and very visual magic-tainted areas (such as the Valley of the Holy Boulder), probably caused as a ripple effect of the Shadowglyph. Such visual reminders of the power of misused magic have shaped the national identity of Regimantians to a great degree. Regimantis also has a number of salt mines and timbered regions.
Culture & Society
Regimantis is a community-based society, in which lineage, family and background are very important. Armor is often associated with this, and is passed down from generation to generation; chainmail haulberks are often updated with a next column or pattern of rings to represent the lineage.
As a people (and a government) Regimantians tend to believe more strongly in the power of religion and put their faith in Sheysun. Perhaps as a result, they tend to see things in terms of strong dichotomies: good/evil, right/wrong, etc. Their morality, while having its particular gray areas, is very logica and far more strictly defined than other nations.
Both men and women are generally pious and conservative; both men and women train and serve in the Regimantian military.
The Law of Regimantis
Each city has the right to make and enforce its own laws, so long as they do not supercede or contradict those set by Lord Edward Alabaster, High Lord of Regimantis, the current king. Lord Edward Alabaster has been king for a little over a decade, being installed when he was but 15. His father, the very elderly Lord Hugh Alabaster was killed during the Shadow War. When Edward was very young, both of his older brothers were killed by Darkfangs, commonly believed to be sent from Bramm.
Regimantis holds to the Code of Law, a treatise written by Archerus the White in 2 PW. The Code of Law seeks to create a system of equality to which all Regimen and those who travel their lands will be judged. The Code provides a court framework, under which most disputes may be settled; it also provides for “swyft justyce” if the need arises– any dispute can be settled by a Paladin (or commonly by a cavalier) if the parties agree before the judgement is pronounced. After such a pronouncement, the Paladin’s word is legally binding, and cannot be reversed by a court. Only the Paladin’s lord or the king may reverse such a decision.
The Code of Law is also very specific concerning “the evyls of majic, spawned from the bryth of Ashblack.” Any magic user found within the confines of Regimantis must be “judged.” This “judgement” varies from town to town, but guilt (which is generally assumed) can result in death by burning, death by stoning, dismemberment, or beheading. Less serious offenses (ie, heresay) may result in a less serious punishment, such as the cutting off of a hand or fingers, public whipping, or imprisonment.
Magic items are frowned upon, and many towns require all such items to be “checked in” with the local authorities. Items checked in may be returned to their owner when he leaves the town. It may go without saying that magic items for sale in Regimantis are an exceeding rarity, and a dangerous undertaking.
The “legal” definition of “magic item” is thus: An item that behaves or that can behave in a way contrary to basic nature. This means that Regimen do not have a problem with +1 swords, since they behave normally. +1 Swords that glow, however, are a different matter, as are swords that have charges, etc. Regimen do not consider potions magic. Alchemists are relatively common, at least in larger cities.
Dress
For nobles or the wealthy, Regimantian fashion is prim and austere, with dark brown and russet velvets being favored. Many wear embroidered ruffs around the neck. It is fashionable to wear padded silks with light (generally ornate or costume quality) chainmail shirts, belts or tabards on the top. Overall, there is a slightly militaristic slant to Regimantian fashion.
Arts & Entertainment
Regimantians are fond of the theater, though most productions have a slightly moralistic tone, in keeping with the heavily pervasive religious tenor of Society. Traveling productions go from town to town, and are often accompanied by merchant trains. Regimantians are also known for their superior craftmanship, particularly in woodworking and metalurgy. Since the Shadow War, King Alabaster has commissioned several museums to showcase Regimantian arts.
Festivals
Regimantian celebrate a range of festivals. Many are excuses to take a break from their daily routines, others are religious in nature.
Ambyrlee’s Embrace
The Festival of Ambrylee’s Embrace is celebrated in the western provinces of Regimantis during the Spring. On the evening of Efferlect, each woman is inspected by the town Priest for fertility. All men and women in the village of age then put their name in to the legal recording. Starting with the youngest female, a random male is randomly chosen for the evening. This festival goes back to the early days of Regimantian life, when the people had made the arduous journey from Callen Moor and Everlock following the Shadowglyph and there were problems with fertility. Villages needed to ensure more children, so the concept of marriages was temporarily suspended during the festival days. Eligible women were shared with the men of the village, so as to ensure that there were as many chances as possible for fertility.
Foods
Regimantian cuisine includes cheeses, potatoes, lie-breads (puffed pastries), puddings, and thick stews. Many favor the strict Valshemic dietary laws, for those who do not, hog, daircat and thunderrift eagle are commonly consumed.
Politics
Regimantis has the largest and most well-trained/equipped standing army. This, in conjunction with its size, resources, and stable economy has afforded it considerable power. However, under the rule of the Hugh Alabaster (the current ruler’s father), the country mostly withdrew from continental concerns, and adopted a more isolated position. Since the Shadow War and the death of his father, King Edward has largely continued on his father’s policies.