The Republic of Darokin

Ruler:: Chancellor Corwyn Mauntea
Government:: Plutocracy
Capital:: Darokin City
Languages:: Darokinian

Rumors, Lore and Places of Interest

The Kingdom of Alfheim lies completely within the borders of the Republic of Darokin, but is not under Darokin rule.
The citizens choose their officials in elections. Eligibility for office is determined by the candidate’s wealth.
Itheldown Island, in Lake Amsorak, is the site of Itheldown Castle. The ruins of the castle are rumored to be the source of a curse that plagues shipping from time to time.

History

Early on, this region was settled primarily by orcs and human tribes. Not surprising, the orcs were a constant nuisance. With the help of the Alfheim elves, a human clan called Eastwind came to begin uniting the humans while claiming territory from the orcs. In the first century AC, Ansel Darokin became the first of the Eastwind kings. His dynasty was to end with the death of his grandson in 87 AC. With no heir to the throne, the humans were too disorganized to fend off the vengeful orc hordes.

Again the elves of Alfheim aided the humans by backing one of the three candidates for rulership of Darokin, and offering aid if the humans would acknowledge their choice. Corwyn Attleson was able to quickly unite the bickering factions under his banner with the help of his elvish backers, and succeeded in driving the orcs back. Over the next few centuries, the Attleson dynasty purged Darokin of all orc threats.

Eventually, the era of Darokin kings came to an end when Santhral II died without an heir. For the next two centuries, most towns and villages governed themselves. The people began to look to wealthy landowners for leadership, as it was they who maintained roads and such, even if only in their own best interests. Thus, wealthy businessmen began to gain much power. In 927 AC, merchants and businessmen founded the Republic of Darokin for mutual economic gain.

Notes from the Dungeon Master

Merchants from Darokin dominate the field of overland trade. Trade is conducted all across the continent, and Darokin tries to ensure friendly ties with all prospective customers.

Because of it’s unique situation, Darokin often serves as a diplomatic force when it’s neighbors begin to threaten one another with war. War, according to Darokin, is bad for business: dead people don’t buy anything.

For more information see GAZ 11: The Republic of Darokin.