Abbatia occupies the eastern edge of Overhill. The land is the windiest and also the most fertile. To the east, the land rises steeply, eventually becoming the uplands of the western Sori desert. The kingdom is primarily a collection of farmers and herdsmen. The lands of Abbatia cover a huge, open area and so the patrols, while well meaning, are not always consistent. The local authorities expect travelers to be able to take care of themselves and to lend a hand with the repair and removal of hazards. This has led to the establishment of several religious orders of knighthood dedicated to the protection of travelers and such. These orders are sanctioned, and often partially funded by, the King, Lord Aranor Silverhair. The small section of coastline owned by Abbatia is known for its sheltered, often hidden harbors and for the quality of vessels produced therein.
The major characteristic of Abbatia is the gales of wind that constantly whip across the wide-open spaces that dominate it. The wind has given rise to one of Abbatia’s defining features, the huge windmills that dot the upland plains of the Kingdom’s eastern border. The area is prone to normal extremes of temperature, but no more. Rainfall averages 35 inches per year. Mild earth tremors and the occasional tornado menace the populace.
All races are generally welcome in Abbatia, though humanoids are treated with significant suspicions. Humans make up the bulk of the population but Halflings, half elves, and Dwarves are fairly common. Elves rarely visit this far from Evaria. The Dwarves are mostly clustered in several craft holds located on the eastern fringes of the Kingdom. Since these craft holds claim very little land above the ground, they exist as islands of sovereignty within the kingdom and are treated as neighbors and allies instead of subjects.
Abbatian towns and villages are expected to take care of themselves. Those that face unusual perils are garrisoned by royal troops or one of the orders of knights prevalent within the kingdom. As a consequence, adventurers are a common commodity in Abbatia, since local militias often have farms to tend as well as laws to enforce. When the King’s justice is served by his knights and warriors it is swift and fair. Abbatia has no prison sentence longer than a month. After that, the criminal is either branded, tattooed, hung, or banished. The king is not fond of death sentences, but neither is he afraid to pronounce them.
Religions and Knighthoods of Abbatia