Welcome to the immersive lore of the Splinterlands. In this series of articles, we present a comprehensive exploration of the major splinters of Praetoria. Each week, you’ll learn about a new splinter: its governance, economy, races, religions, culture, and more. Gain a deeper understanding of the Splinterlands and the splinters that shape it so the next time you see Eternan Brune or an Imperial Knight on the battlefield, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against.
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Kingdom of Khymia

"Strength in faith."

Overview

Hailing from the continent of Khymeria, the Kingdom of Khymia has claimed much of the Pristine Northwest’s northern area and continues to expand south. On the west coast of the Northwest Lowlands, its capital of New Dawn stands as a testament to the kingdom’s resilience. The bustling Port Pristine, located at the mouth of the Crystal River in the north, serves a major trading port. Several Silver Shield garrisons fortify the kingdom’s frontier as well.

The Kingdom of Khymia is a stratocracy headed by the Grand Prior and priory of the Order of the Silver Shield, who oversee all matters of governance, including administrative, judicial, and legislative affairs.

Governance

Order of the Silver Shield

The Order of the Silver Shield is accountable not only for responsibilities typical of a knighthood, but also the governance of the kingdom and affairs of its church. It is comprised of both the knighthood and the priesthood.

Its organization is as follows:

Priory

The priory consists of leaders of both the knighthood and priesthood, who oversee all matters of governance within the kingdom.

• The Grand Prior is the highest ranking member of the Order and the de facto head of state.
• The Grand Seneschal is the second in command and assumes the role of head of state when the Grand Prior is unavailable.
• The Grand Marshal is the head of the knighthood.
• The Grand Bishop is the head of the priesthood.
• The High Inquisitor is the head of judicial affairs.
• The High Magistrate is the head of legislative affairs.
• The High Archon is the head of administrative affairs.

Knighthood

The knighthood is responsible for the law, order, and protection of the lands of the Kingdom of Khymia. Led by the Grand Marshal, it is organized as follows:

• Provincial commanders are charged with representing the Order within their area of responsibility. They command two or more regiments totaling 1,600 or more knights and archers.
• Regimental commanders command a regiment of eight to ten companies totaling 800 to 1,000 knights and archers.
• Knight captains lead companies of four platoons totaling 100 knights and archers.
• Knight lieutenants lead platoons of 25 knights and archers.
• Knight sergeants lead smaller formations, either subordinate to or independent of a company or platoon, typically consisting of five to ten knights and archers.
• Knights are the main fighting force of the Order of the Silver Shield. They fight either dismounted or as cavalry.
• Archers fill a crucial role within the Order. A group of skilled archers can kill or injure hundreds of enemies before martial combat even begins.
• Squires are knights in training.
• Conscripts are generally untrained infantry enlisted into the Order as part of a levy in times of crisis.

Priesthood

The priesthood is responsible for all affairs of the church of Khymia. Led by the Grand Bishop, it is organized as follows:

• Bishops have authority to ordain and confirm priests and typically govern a diocese.
• Priests act as heads of churches and spiritual leaders within their communities, performing the sacred rites of the goddess.
• Deacons assist bishops and priests in the governance of their diocese or church.
• Acolytes assist deacons by performing minor duties.

Economy

The Kingdom of Khymia is a hub of commerce and productivity. Extensive trade routes span its domain and flow through its capital of New Dawn. Here, gilded halls and trade houses bustle with activity as deals are made and trade agreements negotiated. Meanwhile, Port Pristine’s docks teem with ships laden with exotic imports from far-off lands and exports from the kingdom’s own agricultural and mining trades.

The fertile plains of the Northwest Lowlands are dotted with Khymian farms, hamlets, and vast fields of golden grain, nourished by the area’s rivers and streams. Its rich agricultural trade sustains the kingdom’s populace and keeps its granaries filled.

The kingdom's mining trade further enhances its dynamic economy. Artisans and blacksmiths transform precious metals and minerals into magnificent works of art, tools, weapons, and armor, often ornately decorated and widely coveted.

Demographics

Races

Khymerian humans comprise the majority of the kingdom’s citizenry. The rest is composed primarily of:

• Halflings
• Pale orcs
• Crystal goblins
• Whitehair minotaurs
• Royal leonines

Religions

Khymia, Goddess of Life and the Upper Planes, is the kingdom’s patron deity, and nearly all of its citizens are members of her church.

Culture

The Order of the Silver Shield significantly influences the Kingdom of Khymia's culture, blending military discipline with spiritual devotion to foster a society unified by its common values and beliefs.

The knighthood's influence permeates society, and bravery, discipline, and selflessness are its cornerstone values. Knights are revered as more than just warriors; they are considered paragons of these values. Martial prowess is not just a skill, but a cultural hallmark and a matter of immense pride. The knighthood’s exploits are immortalized in song and tales, and those of the Order are celebrated in grand festivals, tournaments, and parades.

Likewise, the priesthood shapes religious doctrine and, through it, the rhythm of daily life. The clergy of the Silver Shield interprets the divine word and acts as the spiritual guides of the kingdom. Its bishops and priests are seen as the voice of Khymia herself. Churches serve as community hubs and centers of higher learning and spiritual guidance, infusing the kingdom with the values of respect, wisdom, and reverence for life. The influence of the priesthood ensures these values are intricately woven into Khymian society.

In this unique culture shaped by the Order of the Silver Shield, martial might stands in harmony with spiritual wisdom. The Kingdom of Khymia is thus both unyielding in its convictions and steadfast in its faith.

However, beneath the Order's vision of a disciplined and faithful society, an undercurrent of unease persists. There are whispers that the knighthood applies its authority unfairly and inequitably, and the priesthood twists the divine word for its own ends and the personal gain of its clergy.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Splinterlands!

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