Videk Umbra

About: The history of Videk Umbra is one enrobed in shadow, of that there is no doubt. Legends and certain long lived elves speak of a kingdom cursed, a place where the very earth itself animates dead flesh back to some mockery of life. Today, superstitions abound amid a fearful population who concerns itself with surviving the long dark of the year until summer’s light dispels the baleful weather, rather than mind the goings on beyond their borders. Most of the populace lives in the south near the great lake, for the deep forests and mountains are feared as places of horror few of which return from. Those who don’t believe in the veracity of accounts of the undead often espouse the idea that if conditions in the kingdom were so frightful, why would anyone live there? Some who study aspects of heretical and vile magic believe that the dark enchantment of the place compels those who live there to remain, theorizing that even those who manage to summon the will to leave may one day feel the need to return. Despite this, Umbrans are very tight knit and even perfect strangers will watch out for each others’ well-being, and this preoccupation with community and surviving the cold months has made crime, especially violent crime,  surprisingly rare. A thief will quickly find themselves cold and hungry in the town pillory, murderers and worse would be lucky to see the inside of a royal courthouse as ‘mob justice’ is the common response, particularly in smaller towns.

Capital: Vânt Gol Cetate

Government: Monarchy

State Religion: Pharasman

Rulers: King Vladislav Romanescu & Queen Theodora

Chief Exports: Indigo Dye, Lumber, Root Vegetables, Premium Incense, Votive Candles, Unprocessed Ore, Obsidian

Climate Type: Humid Continental
 * One of the northernmost kingdoms, Videk Umbra is known for cool wet springs and summers, cold foggy autumns, and bitter snowy winters. During the spring and summer months are when the sun shines the most, marking yearly periods of celebration by the citizens who languish beneath overcast skies and banks of eerie fog for much of the year. Vast evergreen forests carpet ⅔ of the country while the southern third is rocky mountainous terrain.

Castles:  
 * Razgrad
 * Törcsavár
 * Rákoczi Vár
 * Amade Vár
 * Mila Vár (Cathedral of Wailing)
 * Zrinyiúj Vár
 * Réka Vár
 * Čachtice Vár
 * Roznovanu Vár
 * Bethlen-Haller Vár
 * Veres Vár

Notable Settlements:
 * Ambra Stei
 * Lilek Ves
 * Buharepaus
 * Nord Lespede
 * Lupesc Luna
 * Pristav Costanta
 * Letni Zavoj