Plainskeep

Plainskeep is surrounded on all sides by rocky lowlands and tall grass. It is a city of brick and mortar, surrounded by an impenetrable wall and situated on top of a large hill. It is the most defensive and rigidly militant of the Free Kingdoms. The warriors of Plainskeep are legendary. The city attracts many people from hundreds of different places across the known world to train in its various schools of war. The leadership of Plainskeep is not decided by succession but rather martial skill. Every twenty years or whenever a king dies, a grand tournament is held known as the tournament of Four Seasons. The battle takes place in four stages in order to prove ones skill at all aspects of war. The first is a tournament of pure martial skill that continues until only ten warriors remain. The second stage is a game of strategy. The actual game has changed every time the tournament has been held but it has ranged from dragon chess to cards. After this, five remain. The third stage is a test of subtlety. Three precious objects are hidden somewhere in the city and guarded by the mantlekeepers. The first three to return one of these objects to the Temple of Glory reach the final round. The final round is a test of resolve or so they say. This part takes place in the Temple of Glory itself and its details are unknown to any but the Mantlekeepers themselves. One final champion emerges as the victor and takes the title of KIng of Plainskeep. The two losers never speak of what the final test was and if pressed claim they have no memory of it.

The Mantlekeepers
The Mantlekeepers are an order of Paladins who have sworn themselves to the gods of war. These include Helm, Tethrin Veralde, St. Cuthbert, and many others. They operate like a combination of priests and mercenaries. They charge high prices but are worth their money for their incredible martial capabilities. Joining the Mantlekeepers is a rigorous process of schooling in both scripture and weaponry. The wide variety of gods that are worshipped by the Mantlekeepers leads to the study of dwarven, elven, human and many others cultures. The Mantlekeepers are as much scholars as they are warriors. There have been few attempts to conquer Plainskeep since its foundation in the early days. The Yuan- Ti tried once and it ended quickly and disastrously for them. Vendril Alzevir once attempted and immediately turned around upon witnessing a single Mantlekeeper kill two Owlbears without drawing his blade. Plainskeep is a paradoxical kingdom that worships war yet rarely if ever engages in it. They usually take a neutral stance towards conflict and are simply content to teach others.

The Temple of Glory
The Temple of Glory contains shrines to the war gods of every culture and serves as the base of the Mantlekeepers. Within its walls lie sacred weapons and forbidden knowledge. The temple is a massive structure held up by columns and built of marble. It sits in the northeast quarter of the city surrounded by smaller temples and gardens.