User blog:Knight of Londor/The Runa Protectorate

The Runa Protectorate
Location- Between the border of the Order and the Demon realms nestled in a mountain range.

Holdings- 1 city (Runa) and 4 outlying villages.

Population- 80,000+

Demographics- Majority human, minority Mamono

Alligence- None, independent city state

Ruler- Lord Protector Gabriel of Runa/ Runian city council

Date of founding- 99 years ago

Location
The city of Runa is situated between the border of the Order and the Demon realms acting somewhat as a buffer zone between the two. The city itself is nestled in a mountain range, specifically the montain known as "Mount Rune" which is home to a long abandoned Dwarven city and gem mine, (access to which has been closed off to the general public by the city council) hence the city's name "Runa". It's location between borders and access to the mineral rich mountians makes Runa a prime trading hub in the region resulting in the city growing very rapidly in a seemingly short amount of time.

The People
The majority of the people living in Runa are the decendents of slaves freed by the founder of the Protectorate as a result the people there are fiercely independent and take their freedom and sovereignty very seriously, any attempts to take away a Runian native's freedom will be meet with Immense aggresion and great resistance, this goes for the human and mamono natives alike. All residents of the city are also required by the city council to recieve militia training in the event conscription is enacted during an emergency.

Defences
Runa is surrounded halfway by mountains and the other half by a large stone wall, the wall has three main gates spread along the perimeter, turrets and ballistas manned by the city's militia also dot the walls. Its army consists of a few thousand Militia troopers that are use to keep the peace and defend the city in times of conflict. However If the mililtia are not enough there are the Runian Honor Guard, these are the elite soldiers sworn to defend the city and it's people to their last breath giving no quarter to any enemy whether the threat be from the Order or the Demon Realms. The Militia currently is led by Master Sergeant Tarken and the Honor Guard are currently being led by Master Captain Rho, both of these men are also on the city council.

The Ruler
The Runa Protectorate is ruled by the city council and by Gabriel of Runa It's current Lord Protector. Gabriel has ruled over Runa for a large chunk of time going so far as to know the original founder, a wise and dependable (and somewhat sarcastic) man Gabriel is strong, charismatic, Jovial, and loved by his people but hated by the Order and Demon realm's nobles. Some would call Gabriel a "great and honorable man" others a "smug prick who relishes in outwitting his enemies". But as of late Gabriel has been more reclusive and not leaving his castle and interacting with his people as he once did, something is obviously wrong but nobody knows for certain what it is.

Culture
Runian culture is very focused on individualism and meritocracy, the people understand that if they want to succed at life then they need to work hard for it. however they also understand the benifits of a strong community and If people sense weakness In someone (phyiscal or mental) they will not think twice about pointing it out, this is not done out of malice though but out of a desire to see their community prosper, someone pointing out someone elses weakness will usually come with the statement "you are weak, but you don't have to be".

Runian food is often described by the outside world as being "unappealing" or "bland" but a better way to describe It would be "utilitarian", the food may not look good but it will fill you up and keep you going throughout the day.

Runian music would definitely not be considered elegant or peaceful by any means. Runian music relies heavily on intruments like trumpets, heavy drum beats, and large choirs. The music is big, loud, inspiring, and something everyone can take part in.

Some quotes from Lord Protector Gabriel of Runa
"My Honor Guard make Order "heroes" look like malnourished bards."

"To hell with the gods we'll find our own destiny!"

"In all my years I've never fought a dragon, I'm still holding out hope though!"