Druma - Profit and Prophecy

1. The Philosophy of Profit

Druma is guided by a secular economic philosophy known as the Prophecies of Kalistrade. Its followers, the Kalistocrats, believe that the accumulation of personal wealth, physical purity, and the total avoidance of unprofitable behaviors pave the path to true success. Adherents wear distinguished white garments, abstain from casual contact, and operate within the 'Blood Price'—a strict legal framework that codifies all civil transgressions in terms of monetary compensation. In Druma, profit is viewed as a spiritual discipline, and wasting time or resources is considered the ultimate failure.

2. Government and Society

The nation functions as an economic oligarchy. The Resplendent Bureaucracy oversees day-to-day administrative affairs, staffed by civil servants who manage trade ledgers and legal audits. Above them, High Prophet Kelldor rules from the capital city of Kerse. Society maintains a practical, class-based hierarchy defined by financial net worth and adherence to the Prophecies.

Major Social Strata

3. A History Forged in Gold

The region's history stretches back millennia to the ancient Macridi Blade culture, a Kellid society that crafted serrated flint weapons and raised clay barrows. Following Earthfall, dwarven rule from Tar Taargadth governed the region for centuries. Human independence was eventually secured in the Kerse Accord of 2332 AR through diplomatic negotiation and massive financial settlement. Modern Druma stands as a powerhouse of trade, balancing sprawling urban commerce with frontier timber industries.

Key Eras

4. The Land and Fey

Druma is anchored by Lake Encarthan to the north and the Five Kings Mountains to the east. At its heart lies the primeval Palakar Forest, divided by Profit's Flow and the Great Goldpan rivers, which meet at the settlement of Macridi. Deep within the canopy dwell three distinct fey courts: the Court of Endless Revelry, the Cedar Court, and the Court of Seasons. Historical agreements allow loggers to harvest darkwood under strict boundaries, but any breach of fey territory risks swift retaliation.

Locations of Note

5. Military and Defense

Rather than maintaining a traditional standing army, Druma relies heavily on specialized mercenary contracts funded through the Bureaucracy. The most prominent force is the Blackjackets—highly trained soldiers serving as corporate security, high-level bodyguards, and enforcers of official contracts. Local town watch units secure municipal gates, while specialized river garrisons safeguard high-value trade barges along major waterways.

6. Spiritual Practices

While official civil administration is secular, citizens hold varied personal beliefs. The Prophecies of Kalistrade serve as the primary guide for commercial conduct and daily discipline. Some residents privately venerate Abadar for urban stability, Sarenrae for healing, or other traditional deities, provided private practice does not interfere with legal obligations or commercial productivity.

7. Economics and Exports

Druma serves as a major economic engine in Avistan. The Palakar Forest supplies darkwood prized for lightweight construction, while regional mines yield precious metals. Trade flows along Profit's Flow through Macridi's intake bays toward regional markets. Merchant houses maintain strict quality standards, auditing timber shipments and trade ledgers to ensure maximum yield.

Key Regional Exports

8. Interregional Relations

Druma maintains pragmatic, highly structured trade relationships with neighboring regions. Commerce with dwarven settlements along the Five Kings Mountains remains steady, while river trade along Lake Encarthan links Druma to distant ports. Diplomacy focuses heavily on contract enforcement, clear borders, and mutually beneficial trade agreements.

9. Factions and Local Groups

A variety of distinct organizations operate across the region, ranging from official civil authorities to wild wilderness powers.

Active Groups

10. Frontier Opportunities

The combination of expanding trade and untamed wilderness creates numerous opportunities for capable investigators and adventurers. From auditing stalled darkwood shipments to navigating complex wilderness boundaries, independent contracts offer substantial rewards for those willing to brave the frontier.

Investigative Avenues