County of Burgundy (State of the Holy Roman Empire)

The County of Burgundy lies in the heart of a sprawling empire, surrounded by towering mountains and endless forests. The people of this land are hardy and fierce, their lives defined by the unrelenting nature that surrounds them. The region is home to a plethora of creatures, both fearsome and fantastical, that roam the hills and forests.

• Name: County of Burgundy
• Coat of arms/Flag: The coat of arms of the County of Burgundy consists of a red background with a yellow cross pattée.
• Motto: “I am Burgundy, forever.”
• Status: Feudal county
• General Alignment: Neutral
• Religious affiliations: The county is home to various pagan cults and beliefs, with no dominant religion.
• Capital City: Dijon
• Other Settlements: Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Autun, Auxerre
• Common languages: Old French, Burgundian
• Religion(s): Paganism, animism
• Demographics: The county is predominantly inhabited by humans, with a significant population of dwarves and elves.
• Government: Feudal monarchy
• Legislature: The county is ruled by a single monarch, who is advised by a council of nobles.
• Population: Approximately 300,000
• Notable places:
  • The Abbey of Fontenay, a beautiful and ancient monastery nestled in the heart of the county’s forests.
  • The Castle of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a magnificent fortress perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.
  • The Dijon Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
• Current Ruler: Countess Adeline de Bourgogne
• Other Notable residents:
  • Guillaume le Téméraire, a powerful and cunning noble who seeks to expand his territory at any cost.
  • Pierre de Vigny, a talented and renowned painter who is highly sought after by the wealthy and powerful.
  • Thibaut, a mysterious druid who is said to possess great powers of divination and healing.
• Influence/Power: The County of Burgundy is a wealthy and influential region, with fertile lands and abundant natural resources.
• Notable Alliances/Enemies: The county maintains a tenuous alliance with the neighboring Kingdom of France, while remaining fiercely independent. The county’s main enemies are the neighboring Duchy of Savoy and the Holy Roman Empire.
• Quest hooks:
  • The player characters are hired by Countess Adeline to investigate a series of strange and unsettling occurrences in the forests surrounding the Abbey of Fontenay.
  • The player characters are recruited by a group of rebels seeking to overthrow the current ruling dynasty and establish a more democratic government.
  • The player characters are tasked with protecting a group of merchants traveling through the dangerous and monster-infested countryside.
• Threats:
  • The county is home to many dangerous creatures, including trolls, goblins, and wyverns.
    • The neighboring Duchy of Savoy is a constant threat, always seeking to expand its territory and influence.
  • The Holy Roman Empire, which borders the county to the east, is a powerful and intimidating force that could potentially threaten the county’s independence.
• Treasures/Artifacts:
  • The Sword of Burgundy, a legendary weapon said to have been wielded by the first Count of Burgundy.
  • The Crown of Saint Etienne, a beautiful and priceless artifact kept in the Dijon Cathedral.
• Legendary creatures/Mythical entities:
  • The Beast of Gevaudan, a fearsome and deadly monster that has been terrorizing the countryside for years.
  • The Water Nymphs of the Saône River, beautiful and seductive creatures who lure unsuspecting travelers to their deaths in the river’s depths.
  • The Brownie of Burgundy, a mischievous and helpful fairy who is said to aid farmers in their work if they leave out offerings of food and drink.

The county is renowned for its vineyards and wine, which are prized throughout the empire. The capital city of Dijon is a bustling hub of commerce and culture, a melting pot of different races and cultures. Here, the towering spires of the city’s many churches and temples pierce the sky, a testament to the spiritual importance of the region.

The people of Burgundy worship a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of nature and human endeavor. Among these deities are Cernunnos, god of the hunt; Epona, goddess of horses; and Taranis, god of thunder and lightning. The people also honor the spirits of the land and the ancestors who came before them, with frequent offerings made to the earth and the sky.

Despite the region’s abundance of natural resources, life in Burgundy is far from easy. The rugged terrain and harsh weather make survival a daily struggle, and the people are ever vigilant against the dangers that lurk in the shadows. The forests and hills are home to many fearsome creatures, including werewolves, giants, and dragons. The great beasts are the subject of many legends and stories, with brave warriors and adventurers seeking to slay them for glory and wealth.

The county is ruled by a powerful duke, whose seat of power lies in the city of Dijon. The duke’s power is absolute, but he must always be wary of the many factions and intrigues that threaten to undermine his authority. Many noble houses and merchant guilds vie for power and influence, and the duke must carefully navigate the shifting alliances and rivalries of the region’s elite.

Despite the challenges they face, the people of Burgundy are a resilient and proud people, fiercely devoted to their land and their traditions. They are a people of great courage and determination, willing to face any challenge to protect their homes and families. But even the strongest and bravest among them know that in this land of myths and monsters, there is always more to fear than what meets the eye.