“By the blood of the old gods, we defend what is ours and fight for those who cannot.”
Belmere is the northernmost kingdom in Annmar. It resides in the northeast part of Annmar and has the coldest climate in Annmar. The kingdom is made up of Humans, although some Dwarves do reside in Belmere. Belmere has seven minor kingdoms made up of 7 royal houses. Belmere also has the second-largest army in Annmar. The citizens of Belmere are fierce and stern, made tough by the climate they live in. It is mostly cold, but Belmere can get hot in the summer months. Belmere is made up of mountains, forests, and hard flatlands. There are parts that are very beautiful and some that are very harsh. Belmere is known for being fiercely independent as a kingdom. Soldiers are known to be the toughest in Annmar, especially the soldiers from House Fensenn. The one thing that Belmere is truly known for is their Blacksmithing skills, especially swords.
Belmere is generally known for making the best swords in Annmar because of the minerals and ore found in the mountains of Belmere. The Bellmora Mountains have the best minerals and ore. Belmere does sell swords throughout Annmar, even to Kingdoms such as Anntheia. It is their number one commodity. The kingdom of Belmere has some uneasy truces with the Elven kingdom of Dorwinn and the Dwarven kingdom of Guirinn. Belmere’s biggest enemy is the kingdom of Anntheia where tensions are often high since they share a border. The kingdom of Belmere may not be liked in some parts of Annmar, but they are respected for their honor and being true to their word.
One royal house is usually in control of Belmere and the senior male, first in line of that royal house becomes King of Belmere. When there is not a natural heir, the Lords of Belmere will vote and select a new king from one of the royal houses of Belmere. Wars have been fought because of this rule of law. The last time someone challenged for the throne was in 90 AG and it started a civil war. But Belmere survived and it is ruled by one king with 7 royal houses who still pledge their loyalty to the throne. No one has ever successfully invaded Belmere, invaders have been pushed back every time because Belmere has the toughest army when they are fighting together. And only Belmeriens know how to fight on the terrain in their country.
Royal Houses of Belmere
House Barrenn
House Fensenn
House Carstonne
House Annsier
House Mackwinn
House Hamsennd
House Searnonn
*** Surnames are based on the House a person belongs to. Those with different surnames are not of noble birth and some are usually bastard offspring with one of 5 surnames, Carac, Lamburnn, Ricon, Simonn, and Adkinn.