Kingdom of Balduren

Name: The Dictatorial Reaches of Balduren, commonly called the Kingdom of Balduren

Ruler: Marksmarshall Phero Belasarus III, commonly called "King"

Government: A stratocracy -- rule by the current and retired members of the military of Balduren.

Population:

Description: This kingdom is one of the three Southern Kingdoms of Westrun, and in typical Southern fashion, a non-traditional monarchy. Balduren is a military limited dictatorship in which the highest ranking military official is also the king. He is closely advised and sometimes directed by a council of retired military officers, who are also the highest judicial and administrative power in the land.

The Reaches of Balduren are vast expanses of grassy coastal plains which stretch from the Goblin Kingdoms to the Eight Kingdoms. These so-called Southern Reaches have long been protected by the horseman of the plains who have kept the maurading goblins from reaching civilization for many centuries.

The cavalry culture of Balduren is without peer. Everything is built on the relationship between the horse a rider. The Marksmarshal has six Brigades to command for a total of nearly 10,000 horses and riders -- a formidable and self-sufficient force. Eventually, these veterans return to civilian life, though they maintain their emeritus rank for the rest of their days. These retirees make up the government officials in each of the cities. It is they that vote on laws, serve as juries and can even censure the King (March Marshal), if it becomes necessary.

Note that there are residents of Balduren who are not, and never have been, members of the military. These people are the metics. They have rights of residency, but not of citizenship. Theirs is a second class existence, but one that many are very comfortable sustaining. Though they will never serve on a jury or hold public office, they can bring suits of law against others and have prosperous businesses.

The Reaches are known for its thick sod turf which is inhospitable to the plow, but readily able to support vast herds of bison and the many herds of wild horses. The chief exports of Balduren include fur blankets and other fur garments, hides which are prized by leathermen the world over, and of course, war horses widely sought by knights across the Eight Kingdoms.