Seraphina (archthane)

Part of the Queendom of Harnia, the Seraphina Archthane is virtually a fiefdom directly attached to the Illusionist-Warrior ruler, traditionally ruled directly by the Princess next in line for the throne. While a productive part of the queendom, the principle business of the archthane is in the illusionist academy of Seraphis (perhaps the most notable in the world) and the two colleges in Durrin and Bodumis. Humans as well as gnomes come from many parts of the world to train here.

The archthane has a total of 27.5 hexes. Only the hex around Seraphis is intensely cultivated, being mixed crop and hinterland. It is bounded on the south by the Thane of Harn; on the west, north and east by the Grand Duchy of Moscovy (Ryazan, Nizhne-Novgorod and Chuvashia); and on the southeast by the Orkhanate of Inzaria, part of the Jagatai Empire. It has a population of 65,957.

Seraphis is the largest town, though it possesses a small population of only 2,185.

History

Seraphis was founded as a school for illusionists in 776 by Gunilda Garnnin, sister of the Vepsian Emperor Ruinin II, the Devout, seeking an quiet recluse in which to teach her arts to others. While both males and females have been willingly invited to attend the school, it has been observed that gnomish women have a greater aptitude for illusion at a young age; males tend to require 2-5 years longer to master the art.

The Garnnin School quickly gained a reputation during the next two centuries, as it became clear that humans (also able to learn illusion) would also be welcome. Since that time, students have come from Europe and the Near East, even the Moghul Empire and China. It is noted that elves, half-elves, dwarves, halflings and half-orcs simple do not have the mental acuity necessary to be illusionists. Each year, select gnomes are chosen to attend the military school in Harn to round out their educations.

The Durrin School was founded in 1209 (after the town was founded) by gnomes returning from universities in Paris and Florence. Physical sciences and medicinal arts are important studied. The Bodumis School is an art & music campus, founded in 1393.

Population

Production

Much of Seraphina's products are produced in small rural villages or hamlets. These are traded at the market in Harn. References for goods produced are as follows:

See sheet map C 04 ~ Upper Volga.

World