The Kingdom of Cathu

The Kingdom of Cathu
Copyright 1998, F. S.

Cathu is the 3rd largest kingdom in the Alliance. It is ruled by the city of Cathain.

History
In its time, Cathu did a lot of trade with the North, and held a relationship with the North similiar to Garm's realationship with the South. It was a civilized kingdom with well debelopod land, open towns and cities, and few fortifications, except on the main passes. Relations with the North were excellent and a number of her people chose to move and live there.
It came as a great shock when the change in the North started, and the kingdom went through a period of denial. It was only when the South brokered an alliance that Cathu finally accepeted the fact that the North could no longer be seen as a friend. There then followed a great deal turmoil when the main pass to the North was fortified and a legion of Southern troops was moved into the land in preparation for war.
Meanwhile, in the countryside, those of Northern heritage were outraged at this turn of events, and for a time, the kingdom was on the brink of a revolution. Only the Southern legion prevented anarchy from enveloping the land. Many of Northern heritage were 'expelled' back to their homeland. It looked at one time as if this would give the North just the reason that it needed to attack.
It may have only been the Rock Brotherhood's speed in building fortifications that saved the kingdom....

Quick Facts
Since then, the kingdom has settled back to relative normality. The threat is always felt here more than elsewhere in the alliance, though. The land still has areas that were deserted by the outgoing Northerners, and it has been slow to fill. It is hard to attract new people when there is a siege-mentality amongst the population, and martial law is in effect. Although this has now faded and the kingdom operated normally agian, this has make the people very welcoming of any newcomers, especially those that can fight.
Cathunians (??) are very laid back people who don't work as hard as some others....
The population is human dominated, which is unusual for kingdoms in the Caladon Mountains, and remains more open and civilized than most others.
Law & Order
It is a feudal government ruled by King Pallifore.
King Pallifore (human) has only ruled for 7 years. He is still young and a bit impetuous. He is well liked by the people and epitomizes the Cathunian 'lay-back-and-enjoy-life' attitude. He is generous and kind.
He also has 3 prefects that advise him and rule parts of the kingdom.

Derval (human) -- A close compaion to the king. He is wealthy but rather mean. He is of Northern descent and his loyalty is doubtful. Unfortunately, the king can not see it. Derval is always opposed by Tannebor.
He rules over the north from Caerwick.
Tannebor (human) -- He is also a close companion to the king. Quieter, but definitely nicer, he is the stuff that paladins are made of. He has suspicions about Derval, but needs proof.
He rules over the west from Earlwick.
Nevil (human) -- Of the older generation, Nevil is loyal and steadfast. He has the job of chamberlain and is to ensure that the king does not make too many mistakes in his early years. He seems not to get involved in the politics of the other two.
He rules over the south from Southwick, and spends a lot of time in Cathain with the king.

Economy
The kingdom has one major attraction: Adamanitite. It is mined only in the eastern mountains and generates a great deal of wealth for the kingdom. Its value to iron alloys and magical properties are well known.
Cities, Towns and Places of the Kingdom
Cathain, the capital
Southwick, Adamantite trading center
Earlwick
Caerwick