5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/10

Founded in 635, the Kingdom of Rethem is the latest stage in a bloody evolution that started with Corani imperialism and has gone through Morgathian revolt and theocracy, barbarian conquest, Agrikan ascendancy, and a brutal attempt at feudalism by force. The political situation is far from settled and the threat of civil war looms over the kingdom.

Unlike other Hârnic kingdoms, Rethem is dominated by the churches of Agrik and Morgath, giving it a reputation as “the black-souled and evil” kingdom. Religious freedom and tolerance are not a part of Rethemi culture. Rethem is bounded by the Kingdom of Kanday to the south, the Peran wilderness to the north, and the Thardic Republic to the east. With a long history of violence, a rulership built on cunning and strength, and a shaky political structure, Rethem is viewed warily by its neighbors.

Peran is home to the Kubora, a fierce and numerous tribal nation. Rethem was created by the conquests of a Kuboran chieftain, something that neither the tribesmen nor the Rethemi are likely to forget. The Kuboran influence is still significant in Rethem and most Rethemi nobility are of Kuboran descent, although it is not currently fashionable to admit to it.

Rethem’s northern forests are rich in timber and furs and the abundant minerals of the lowlands have been extensively mined since Corani times. The fertile Thard Valley has long been one of the most densely populated regions of Hârn and boasts the strongest economy in the west.

Rethem’s eighth and current ruler, King Chafin III, is not the product of a long and respected dynasty, his clan having seized the throne a mere 40 years ago. He has constructed a network of allegiances that relies upon the careful placement of kin and the manipulation of competing loyalties that he himself may not fully command. Chafin often uses the threat of invasion from the kingdom’s neighbors to keep his rivals off guard.

Chafin III keeps his seat at Shostim and spends little time at the royal castle in Golotha. He is aware that five of Rethem’s seven monarchs have died violently. Few expect the current uneasy bout of peace in Rethem to last long. If Chafin can live long enough and unite his chronically rebellious kingdom, it is likely he will again attack hated Kanday. Chafin is more secure and shrewd than his predecessors but suspicion of his many rivals may cripple his state-building efforts. It is certain that both internal strife and external wars will reshape the kingdom in the coming years.

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