The Kingdom of Laernhein

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

The land of the clock men, renowned for its towering spires and many small rivers flowing over flat land. It's the land of invention and the patrons of ingenuity, while politically a little more archaic than their neighbours - the Golden court of Laernhein and the Eisenhouse family have always been good for the people. It is the oldest 'Kingdom' in the region - with a proud history, stretching back to it's conception two thousand years ago; when the former Axon superpower fell apart with the end of the Pendrake line. For the past three hundred years Laernhein has been led by the previously mentioned Eisenhouse dynasty, the current ruler being Todrick Eisenhouse - eldest son of the late King Eisel Eisenhouse. (Who donated the entirety of his Automatons to the four Heroes of Light in order to aid them in their battle against the Dread.) Todrick Eisenhouse has ruled Laernhein in the fashion all of his ancestors have - a benevolent hands off fashion; often taking to the streets with his royal guard in order to survey the people of Sweinhein, what they would like him to do. (Sweinhein being Laernheins capital.) Unfortunately, Todrick is getting older and is infertile; so was unable to bear any children - leaving the fate of both Laernhein and the Eisenhouse dynasty unknown.

The Kingdoms borders stretch far into the North, touching Axony and down into the south - just at the base of Chavlarus mountains in the west by the Western Sea and in the East the Republic of the Vale. They are one of the few powers in Norse-Fend to have retained most of their territory; as barbarian incursions were primarily focused upon Axony; however, with the declaration of independence from the Vale - they've lost the key city of Headriver. Not much notable geography can be found within the expanse of flat land of Laernhein, save perhaps the many many criss crossing small rivers; from which a good portion of the non-urban population make their living fishing.

The nations capital is Sweinhein, the technological capital of the world; the city is known in their native tongue literally as "Pig town." because centuries before the industrialization, the previously small town was known for it's many butcheries and liveries. Of course Sweinheins legacy for pork still remains and a butchers shop each selling their own unique twist to classic sausage delights, can be found on almost every street corner. Sweinhein boasts a diverse population twenty percent of which is Dwarven. The city itself boasts that it has more inventors and scientists than some other cities do people - which when taking its rather small population into account is saying something. Through the city stretch three rivers, cutting it into a pattern similar to a tic-tac toe board, the river Funde, Kali and finally the river Oppe. Due to industrial run off however, they're filthy and their conditions toxic - however, with the innovation of plumbing and sewer systems, the denizens of Sweinhein are constantly supplied with running water; just don't try and eat the local fish. In the centre of town is the famous Reichkrieg Artillery School, where soldiers from all across Laernhein are trained in the art of warfare. The housing around the academy is rather cheap, as the sound of gunfire can be heard within its walls, nearly all night long. Another important building is the Eisenhouse Tower - a massive clock tower that soars above the shingled roofs, one hundred and eighty feet high; the tower was built using blue prints drafted by Harmen Eisenhouse, first king of the Eisenhouse line. It was originally constructed to rival the Mage tower of Redshire; but today has the practical use as the Engineers guild. The lower floors of the tower are used to construct and design Automatons, or new flying machines and on the upper floors one can even purchase some! Last but most certainly not least is the Royal Palace which stands on what is said to be the only hill in all of Laernhein, it was built originally as a fortress for the previous Kunnig dynasty but has been gutted and replaced with halls of gold; the doors of the palace are all made with innovative new technology and open upon approach - or lock and reinforce if the guard need to. It is debated that Sweinhein has the highest quality of living in the world - while others say that the constant smog which clings to the air of the industrial marvel shorten lives; either way it is still magnificent and advanced.




The Royal Army of Laernhein is the only army in the world to almost fully utilise firearms, save of course for the Iron vanguard. With the invention of the musket, the Royal Army has gone to great lengths to acquire a massive stock pile of firearms - and the bulk of their infantry are armed with a musket and a sabre; forming shock regiments and devastating firing lines. While the Royal Army is the most technologically advanced army in the world - it is the smallest and very rarely are the musketeers sent out to requisition for Laernhein; after all they're a technological super power not a military one.
The main stay of the Laernhein army isn't their advanced musketeers but their elite organisation known as the Iron Vanguard. The Iron Vanguard is made up of loyal Knights, Warriors, Assasins, Spies - anything you name it. Their missions are given to them directly by the King and they're free to arm themselves however they choose; Todderick is the first King to employ their uses and he is quoted with saying: "The smallest army of Heroes will forever emerge victorious against the largest army of cowards." In decades past the Iron Vanguard was simply the name given to the elite infantry regiments and cavalry regiments of Laernhein - but with the success of the four 'Heroes of Light', Laernhein has turned its military interests to more unconventional means.



Laernhein, the homeland of invention and the capital of industry - no country exists that can boast their mastery of machinery, while it has always been a land to prosper and its services constantly sought out. The nation has been slower than most to recover from the dread wars and is doing its best to once more get back onto its feet.