Floating Ar (Kingdom of)
Location: New Alphatian Sea, then above the Yannivey Islands.
Capital: Skyreach (population 25,000).
Area: 100 sq. mi., plus the 33,920 sq. mi. of the Yanniveys.
Population: 50,000 (95% human, 5% elvish), plus the 5,000 of the Yanniveys.
Language: Alphatian, Elvish (Shiye-Lawr dialect).
Coinage: Alphatian Standard.
Taxes: King Qissling imposes the standard income tax of 15% on everyone of servant status or higher and an import tax of 1% (this tax only concerns goods coming from outside the Confederation and does not concern goods from Karameikos due to a trade agreement between that nation and the Confederation). 10% of it goes to the Imperial Treasury. The Air Navy, that was once a mercenary force that could be hired out, is now under Broderick's command and doesn't bring any more income but this accounts for the 10% the country should spend on an army.
Government type: Semiautonomous monarchy owing loyalty to the New Alphatian Confederate Empire since Vatermont 28, AC 1013.
Industries, Description, Notable Sites, History, Flora and Fauna: See the PWAs.
Important Figures: Qissling (King of Floating Ar), Qirklin (Prince), Tanaran Keltander (General), Haldemar of Haaken (Adventurer).
Updates for the years 1013 and 1014 AC: With the Council's
approval, King Qissling and the mages of Floating Ar, as well
as wizards from all around the NACE-especially Aeria-interested
in air magic, embarked on an ambitious project: To move the levitating
islands of their kingdom 350 miles to the northeast, over the
Yannivey Islands. That incredible feat took six months, but by
Ambyrmont 3, 1013, the islands graced the skies above the Yanniveys.
Then began the difficult task of magically altering the islands
themselves, to increase the land mass and make the islands more
hospitable. There was some conflict with the islands' original
inhabitants, but no organized resistance. To speed up the process
of colonization of the Yanniveys, the king has granted land to
anyone who could cleared it, be they natives from Floating Ar
or adventurers. Those that were spellcasters also received noble
status (Floating Ar still generally uses the old Alphatian laws),
although the older nobles that own estates on the floating islands
regard them as of lesser status. Floating Ar also received help
from the Council in the form of troops dispatched by Broderick.
The first harvest was a mixed success, as the land hadn't been
settled for a long enough time (part of it was still in chaos),
but the country hopes to have a good harvest in 1015.
The government has finally accepted to recognize the pegataurs-winged
centaurs-as full citizens of Floating Ar, after many strikes that
prevented most transportation between the floating isles or with
the other nations-skyships and magic do not suffice. The life
of most pegataurs has not changed, however, since most of them
continue to serve as transports for hire. Those few that are wizards
are now nobles, and some adventurous fighters have enlisted in
the so far nearly-nonexistent army. One of them has even been
appointed general, since no humans or elves were interested in
the job.
See Also: DotE, PWAs (esp. PWA3 for latest information), nace, nace1314.