Firegem Duchy

I. Geography & Civilization: The Duchy of Fetekiir

The Duchy of Fetekiir (translated as "Fire Gem") is a primary economic engine of Tayon, defined by its vertical duality and specialized magmatic industry.

• The Southern Half: Dominated by the Titan-Sequoias, these trees stand between 1 and 2 miles tall and serve as the primary habitat for the Elven population and artisan guilds.

• The Northern Half: Characterized by tall foothills and volcanic mountains where Dwarven clans mine the treasures of the earth.

• Capital City - Gemset: Located on the western side of the nation, Gemset is an architectural bridge between the mountains and the forest.

• The Magma Flows: The Duchy's wealth is drawn from the magma flows visible within the subterranean caverns, which produce a vast variety of gemstones.

II. The Mercenary Model of Fetekiir

The Duchy of Fetekiir operates under a unique, privatized security charter designed to eliminate state overhead while fostering a competitive martial culture.

1. The Charter of Outsourced Defense

• Equipment Incentives: The government of Fetekiir does not maintain a state army. Instead, it sells raw steel, Mithral, and Fire Gems to registered mercenary companies at a reduced rate.

• Cost Efficiency: By selling materials at a discount, the Duchy avoids the massive costs of equipment maintenance and upgrades, while ensuring their protectors are geared with the highest-quality equipment produced in Gemset.

• Competition: Approximately six major firms compete for "Magma Guard" and "Caravan Escort" contracts, with Aedrent’s Efforts currently holding the highest prestige.

2. Legal Constraints and International Contracts

The Fetekiir Mercenary Charter is strictly regulated by the Office of the Ducal High-Steward.

• Foreign Vows: Companies are permitted to take contracts from foreign nations like Astra, provided they do not conflict with Fetekiir's interests.

• The Conflict Clause: A "Single-Vow Clause" prevents any company from being on both sides of a war. If Tayon and Astra went to war, companies like Aedrent's Efforts would be legally obligated to withdraw from foreign soil or face seizure of their Fetekiir assets.

• The Onyx Precedent: Current high-value contracts, such as the Onyx order for Valerius Vane, are classified as "State Interest," granting the mercenaries diplomatic leeway.

III. Ilidithas Aedrent: The Authorized Recruiter

As a lieutenant in Aedrent’s Efforts, Ilidithas represents the martial and commercial interests of his mother, Inatris Aedrent.

• Operational Status: He is currently in Astra to verify the double-rate payment for a massive Onyx shipment and remain there to establish a permanent company branch.

• Recruitment Authority: Ilidithas is authorized to vet and hire Astra veterans, using his Charisma (18) and Expert Insight to detect fraudulent claims of combat experience.

• Mithral Mastery: In accordance with the Fetekiir standard, he wears a Mithral Breastplate, which functions as Light Armor and can be worn discreetly under his civilian clothing.

Category Details

Civilization Name The Duchy of Fetekiir

Capital City Fetekiir Prime (Subterranean/Mountain Fortress)

Ruler(s) The Duke and Duchess of Fetekiir

Government System Oligarchic Feudalism (Ruled by a noble line with deep ties to the mining guilds)

Social Alignment Lawful Neutral (Heavily focused on contracts, trade, and administrative proof)

Primary Industries Onyx Quarrying, High-Value Mineral Export, Stone Trade

Economic Power Extreme (Capable of $3.2$ million GP single-commodity transactions)

Military Force Aedrent’s Efforts (Primary Mercenary Contractor/Escort)

Key Relationships Major supplier of Master-Cut stone to Valerius Vane and Arwonia

Cultural Archetype Industrial Sophistication (A society where logistics and "Man's Mark" are sacred)

Technology Level High Medieval / Magically Assisted Industry (Specialized tools for master-cutting stone)

Geography Located in the vertical environments of the Titan-Sequoias and foothills