Principality Of Calenberg

The Principality of Calenberg is a law-forged realm of river fortresses, dynastic intrigue, and rising power whose disciplined armies and cunning courts shape the fate of all who dare its borders.

Lawful Neutral Large Realm (multiple cities, towns, and rural strongholds)

Population 300,000 (mixed humans, halflings, dwarves, gnomes; human majority)
Government Hereditary Monarchy (Welf Dynasty)
Alignment LN
Ruler Duke–Prince of Calenberg (Welf line; varies by era)
Notable Cities Hanover (capital), Calenberg Castle, Göttingen, Hildesheim Marches

Settlement Modifiers

These reflect the calibrated regional averages, not just a single city.

Corruption +2
Crime +1
Economy +3
Law +4
Lore +2
Society +2
Danger +1 (border conflicts, brigands, dynastic intrigues)

Qualities

Seat of a Great Dynasty (ruler’s influence extends far beyond borders)
Major Trade Route (Leine River commerce)
Cultural Renaissance (growth of Hanover and Göttingen)
Strategic Fortifications (Calenberg Castle, numerous border keeps)
Bureaucratic Efficiency (strong administrative structure)
Stable Guild System (merchants and craftsmen well-organised)

Notable Demographics

Humans 82%
Halflings 7%
Dwarves 4%
Gnomes 3%
Elves & Half-elves 2%
Others 2%

(Adjustable for Spiral Worlds or high-fantasy versions.)

Military

Conventional Army: 8,000 professional troops
Militia: 20,000 mustered from towns and rural estates
Forces Noted For:

Pike-and-shot formations (late period)
Exceptional cavalry from noble households
Strong fortifications along the Leine

Defense Bonus: +10 (strong castles and organised troops)

Commerce

Base Value: 30,000 gp
Purchase Limit: 250,000 gp
Magic Items for Sale:

Minor 4d4
Medium 2d4
Major 1d4

(Reflecting a wealthy, politically important region.)

Primary Exports

Grain, livestock, beer
Cloth, leather goods
Timber, river-borne trade commodities
Scholarly services (scribes, archivists, tutors—especially later)

Primary Imports

Fine metals
Spices and luxury goods
High-end weaponry and magical components

Notable Locations

Calenberg Castle – ancient stronghold and symbolic heart of the principality.
Hanover Ducal Palace – administrative seat and centre of law.
Göttingen District – a hub of scholarship and clerical archives.
Hildesheim Border March – source of longstanding political and territorial tensions.
Leine River Ports – vital lifeline for trade and taxation.

Danger & Adventure Hooks

Border Feuds with neighbouring principalities and bishoprics.
Welf Family Feud sparks intrigue, assassination plots, and magical espionage.
Smuggling Rings exploit river routes to avoid ducal tariffs.
Ancient Ruins beneath Calenberg Castle contain relics of earlier empires.
Clerical Conflicts over disputed relics in Hildesheim.
Mercenary Guild Politics as foreign powers bribe local companies.

Schloss und Ampt Calenberg by Caspar Merian 1654 — Schloss und Ampt Calenberg, engraving by Caspar Merian (1654)

The Principality of Calenberg is a dynastic division of the Welf duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg. The principality received its name from Calenberg Castle, a residence of the Brunswick dukes.