🧙‍♂️(Georic Gazetteer) The Arcane Dominions of Hermetus

The Arcane Dominions of Hermetus

Pantheon: None

Ruler: Grand Duchess Bella Tokikeol II of Tingus Mures
Capital: Tingus Mures (25,000)

Other cities: Uberwald (65,000), Kostova (15,000), Mechitbayeva
Language: Ferasean, with heavy Vlach influence

Flag/Emblem:  A pair of white wings, vilant on a red estruceon bordered ermine.

Coinage:  Ferasean, although other coinages are accepted 1:1, heavy barter system amongst the peasantry

Persons of Note: Thalindra Windwhisper, Druid of Hermetus, Ch'lvendn, The Bandit Sorceress, and about three dozen powerful wizards, their apprentices, and numerous powerful underlings. as well as liches, vampires, and other experiments into immortality. 

Intrigues: Multiple ongoing
Alliances: Vlachia
Hostilities: None at present
Demi-Humans: A safe haven for powerful elves,   A scattering of dwarves in the Thacarian Mountains, although at least one known dwarf rules from their tower.  
Magic Items: The Talisman of Darkforce, the Writings of Monglos, and the Staraxe are publicly noted in the possession of the Grand Duchess of Tingus Mures for the defense of the countryside, but each wizard in Hermetus has a magical arsenal which could dissuade most armies from attacking, and if the armies should persist, the wizard could eliminate/disintegrate them all. 

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Hermetus is a desolate landscape ruled by a collection of Witchlords, Sorcerers, Vampires, evil Wizards and warriors so sadistic, they were run out of their own countries. Despite this, the commoners of Hermetus live a decent existence, if by decent you mean two steps from starvation.

While most eek out a subsistence level, those in the numerous wizard towers that dot the landscape, and those living within their shadows, live a life of a relative luxury.  Common magicks and cantrips are regularly used to make life enjoyable.  

The Thacarian Mountains come up from western Vlachia, and turn east, encompassing much of the territory.  It makes poor farmland, but there are some riches deep below, and the peaks of the mountains make perfect locations for intimidating towers for individuals who don't wish to be bothered.  

While the Principalities of Emron are the best current example of a magocracy, Hermetus is the best example of a government run by wizards, who largely do not care.   Most wish to study, experiment, and research their craft in relative isolation, defending the communities that have sprung up around their towers, only when needed.  

Between wizards who don't wish to be bothered, lawless stretches, and a heavy influence of gypsies, it is not the land for a casual traveler.  Add to this that some of the prominent brigands and thieves are wizards themselves who are on the lookout for artifacts first, gold second, and a warning should given out to all but the stoutest adventurers with the largest entourages.

Points of Interest: 

The Academy of Shadows: The once foreboding castle of the most powerful vampire lords, the ancestors of Grand Duchess Bella transformed it into the Academy of Shadows. It is not a magic school of any sort, rather a site the enclave of wizards can meet in to discuss pressing issues, resolves conflicts, and allow the Dukes and Duchesses of Tingus Mures to administer the needs of the land.  The exterior, while still retaining its gothic architecture, has been meticulously restored and now exudes an aura of mysterious elegance rather than dread. The dark spires are now capped with glowing arcane runes, and the stone walls have been reinforced with enchanted materials, giving them an ethereal glow at night.

The Ruins of Tirgoviste:  An ancient ruin of a once-great city, possible pre-Ferasean, it is nothing more than crumbling towers, broken walls, all overgrown with vines and moss.  Legend has it that the city was  destroyed in a cataclysmic event involving powerful magic. In spite of well-documented tales that the city has been cleared of great treasures and ancient artifacts protected by powerful curses, foolish mortals still attempt to search the ruins. 

The Silver Lake of Luminara:  A serene, mirror-like lake surrounded by rolling hills and weeping willows. The water glows with a soft, silvery light, especially under the moon.  The lake is said to blessed by the moon goddess Celene, and it has healing properties. On full moon nights, ghostly apparitions of ancient warriors and maidens are seen dancing on its shores.

The Obsidian Tower of Arkhaz: A dark, towering structure made entirely of black obsidian, standing alone in the desolate wastes of Arkhaz. The tower's surface is smooth and cold, reflecting no light.   Said to be the home of an ancient and powerful lich, the tower is a place of necromantic power. It is filled with undead minions and dark artifacts.

Mentions of Hermetus in the Blog:

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #40: Describing the Hermetus commoner's penchant for protective talismans, pendants, broaches, and other decorative wards.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #41-44:  Adventures of the floating cloud Castle of Avesta, hovering over Hermetus.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #50:  Andrei Krasimir investigating purchasing land in Hermetus.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #51-55: The Curse of Enerk Tower

Enerk, then Krasimir, finally Wandsregal Tower

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #56:  Reference to Thendara Wandsregal, one of the Great Wizards of Hermetus.

Burning Trogs Rule! #37:  Cecelia Darkspruce and a caravan travel across Hermetus and encounter a monastery of ant-monks.

Burning Trogs Rule! #50:  The Tomb of Halfling King Alivar is on the Stronghome/Hermetus border.  The surrounding forest is extremely enchanted. 

Burning Trogs Rule! #52:  Hermetus was unofficially allied with Yarbay during the War of the Master, but even upon Yarbay's surrender, Hermetus was plunged into political and physical chaos.

Burning Trogs Redux #0.2: Mention of the Druid of Hermetus, serving under the Druid of the Steppe Border.

GM Notes: For a country I've never really ran a game in, I was shocked by the information I pulled from the journals/actual plays.  Everything seems to border Hermetus, or I inserted it after the fact (The Tower of Enerk, then the drama with Andrei in the Lost Dispatches.

I also realized that, after 35 years of this world, I had never created a Ferasean deity for the moon.  Thanks to a little ChatGPT/NightCafe actions, and apparently that omission has been corrected.