In the bustling cities of Richemulot (REESH-muh-loh), secrets are traded like so much gold, and unseen foes slink about on clandestine missions. Situated in the east-central Core, Richemulot is a land of pristine forests and gentle river valleys. The forests are sun-dappled places full of massive trees and fragrant shrubs and forbs. The mighty Musarde River winds through the domain, providing a vital trade route. The landscape is largely undeveloped, broken only by isolated cottages and farms, because most of the domain's population is concentrated in its three large settlements. While travelers may not encounter a single soul in rural Richemulot, the cities are bustling with people. Strangely, these ancient settlements retain an empty atmosphere; vacant houses, shops, and other structures hint that the cities could support up to three times as many inhabitants. Not even the Richemuloise known why their cities stand abandoned; the original inhabitants of these silent avenues are a mystery. Regardless, they were marvelous builders. The narrows streets are lined with beautiful facades of creamy stone, though the buildings are chipped and worn in places. The high rooftops are covered with thing, square wooden shingles and dotted with narrow, soaring spires. The cities are further blessed with elaborate sewer systems that twist deep into the earth. Richemulot's climate is temperate but mild; heavy snows are a rare occurrence in winter.

Major Settlements

Mortigny (pop. 8,200), Pont-a-Museau (pop. 16,500), Ste. Ronges (6,500)

The People

Population: Humans (94%), Halflings (5%), Other (1%).

Languages: Mordentish, Halfling, Balok, Falkovnian.

Religions: Ezra, Hala.

The Richemuloise tend to be wiry folk, short in stature but athletic. Their skin tone is fair, ranging from milky pale to light tan. Blue eyes are quite common, but shades of green and gray are also seen. Richemuloise hair is sleek and and straight, with colors running from honey blond to dark brown. Black hair is seen only among noble families. Long hair is traditional for both genders, with men preferring to keep theirs in a single ponytail or braid. Excessive facial hair is considered barbaric for men, but thin, well-groomed mustaches are widespread. All Richemuloise dress comfortably and neatly, regardless of social status. Men and women alike wear loose shirts, which men keep open in the front during warmer months. Men wear baggy trousers, women knee-length skirts. High, hard-soled boots are considered standard footwear for city folk. Daily clothing is rarely patterned or decorated, and colors tend to be drab whites, grays, and beiges. Jewelry is rarely worn, even among the nobility. For festivals and other special occasions, men of all classes don elegant waistcoats, while women wear flowing dresses that leave little to the imagination.

The Richemuloise put little stock in the superficial. They believe that a man's significance is defined by what he knows; his skills and knowledge, and how he applies those assets. This attitude has created what seems to be a remarkably un-stratified society. Despite the size of the domain's cities, no grubby beggars or other destitute poor can be seen on the streets. Neither are their aristocrats clad in opulent finery and attended by entourages of servants. Indeed, almost all Richemuloise seem to be moderately comfortable. Property ownership is not a social watermark, as any Richemuloise family can take up residence in an abandoned building and call it home. Unlike many domains, Richemulot has a significant immigrant population. Folk from other domains often flee oppression or poverty in their homeland in search of the opportunities and free property in Richemulot's cities.

In truth, it isn't affluence that defines the nobles of Richemulot, but knowledge. While nobility is hereditary, the aristocratic families hold their power in the form of information, which is brokered and exchanged like a commodity among the Richemuloise elite. A prominent noble can wreak social and economic havoc with a single nugget of gossip. A cobbler who happens on an astonishing secret can become a noble overnight if he knows how to properly use this new influence. The intrigues of Richemuloise courtly life are dizzying in their complexity, and few outsiders could keep up with either their nuances or pace. Trading in knowledge can be a lethal pursuit, however, as more than one noble has buried a secret forever with a dagger or vial of poison.

The Law

Richemulot is a hereditary aristocracy. The domain is dominated by the Reinier family of Pont-a-Museau and informally rules by its matriarch, Jacqueline Reinier. Jacqueline is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant and ruthless Richemuloise nobles, and few of her subjects would argue that the domain's fate could be in more capable hands. Indeed, while Jacqueline is undeniably conniving and conceited, she has a strong patriotic streak and believes firmly in a vision of Richemulot as a powerful nation with its own identity. She encourages outsiders to settle in the domain, asking only that they own a weapon and swear fealty to Richemulot itself. Richemulot has no community militias but Jacqueline expects all Richemuloise to be prepared to defend the realm, especially against the ever-present threat of Falkovnia.

The hereditary nobles of Richemulot have absolute control over most aspects of daily life in the domain. Aristocrats arbitrate civil disputes and regulate trade, and enforcers retained by individual noble families keep the peace. The nobles exercise their authority lightly, however. Power can be a transitory thing in Richemulot, and few nobles want to risk overstepping their bounds and finding themselves disgraced by a vicious rumor.

Trade and Diplomacy

Resources: Wheat, oats, barley, apples, potatoes, dairy, cloth, furniture, leather, ceramics, glass, weapons, iron and tin goods.

Coinage: Scandal (gp), secret (sp), rumor (cp).

Richemulot is a growing power, and its economic and political connections with other domains are expanding accordingly. Richemuloise city dwellers produce a wide variety of crafted goods, all of which are prized in other lands for their aesthetic beauty and durability. In particular, trade with Borca, Dementlieu, and Mordent is brisk. Richemulot has also entered into a mutual defense pact with these domains to protect against invasion from Falkovnia.

Magic

Richemulot has some magical leanings but most wizard schools are run by the ruling nobles. Bards aren't uncommon and the influx of immigrants has brought fresh magical blood to the domain.

Characters

Richemuloise heroes are most often bards, clerics, fighters, rogues, or wizards.

Richemuloise characters begin play with proficiency in firearms and black powder weapons.