RotGules

RotGules is a fictional medieval principality that appears in a number of contemporary fantasy role‑playing games and novels. It is usually presented as a small, self‑contained realm on the eastern edge of the world’s known continents, bordered by the harsh Red Peaks to the south and the Verdant Forests to the north. The capital city, Glinthelm, is known for its fortified walls made of reddish stone and a luminous crystal that is said to glow with an inner fire, hence the name "RotGules" – an old term meaning "red and scarlet."

The terrain of RotGules is terraced, with rolling hills and narrow valleys that support a mix of orchards, vineyards, and iron mines. The climate is temperate, with long summers that favor the cultivation of wild berries and herbs used throughout the realm for medicine and alchemy. Rivers run through the western part of the principality, providing water for irrigation and a reliable source of fish.

Historically, RotGules began as a hunting ground for neighboring kingdoms before being settled by a group of mercenaries turned farmers in the 12th century. A brief period of rule by the House of Crimson ended in the early 14th century when the principality declared its independence, adopting a confederacy of local chieftains that cooperated under a council system. Over the centuries it survived several sieges, largely due to the strategic use of its mountainous terrain and fortified cities.

The economy of RotGules centers on artisanal metalwork, textile production, and the export of high‑quality crystals. Trade routes cross the northern forests to the trade hubs of the Great Hall. The people of RotGules are known for their festivals, which combine music, dance, and the display of fire‑lamps that symbolize the hot heart of their land. The principality maintains a small standing army, his farmers double as militia, and it keeps a network of spies to protect the region’s isolationist stance against larger empires. The current ruler, Countess Livia Varr, has overseen a period of relative peace, fostering alliances with neighboring states while preserving the cultural heritage that defines RotGules.