The Republic of Gult is a thriving, trade-focused nation located along the eastern coast of the continent of Garaga. Known for its bustling markets, vast inland lakes, and impressive seaports, Gult values commerce, craftsmanship, and education above all else. Its cities range from inland farming and ranching hubs to coastal centers of shipping and fishing, all connected by a strong cultural emphasis on trade as both a way of life and a path to personal advancement.

Gult’s people are practical and industrious. Rather than pursue military glory or arcane tradition, citizens are trained from a young age in useful trades—carpentry, weaving, fishing, metalwork, and dozens more. By adulthood, most have apprenticed in multiple fields and selected one based on performance and preference. As a result, adventurers, priests, and mages are rare here, and those who do exist tend to be older, more experienced, and highly independent.

The republic is defined by its geography: snow-capped peaks rich in iron and granite protect the northern frontier, rolling copper-rich hills to the northeast are dotted with military forts, and to the east lies the Black Crystal Sea—home to Gult’s primary seaports and massive fishing fleets. Inland lakes like Shauvista and Elverston provide freshwater resources and vital trade routes, while fertile plains and sprawling forests support agriculture, vineyards, and timber.

Though peaceful and commercially minded, the Republic of Gult is not naive. Its leaders understand the threat of foreign influence and cultic infiltration, and the republic maintains strong border defenses and hidden alliances with neighboring powers. It is a land of quiet resilience, steady growth, and proud independence—a place where wealth is earned, not inherited, and where every citizen is expected to contribute to the republic’s prosperity.

The Lost Eras

The early history of the Gult people is largely lost. During the Heskin Expansion, invading forces destroyed cities and cultural institutions, burning libraries and erasing records. What followed was a period of non-education, where even oral traditions fragmented. As a result, the earliest surviving records date back only about 500 years, and these are incomplete and lacking in detail.

The Seven Kingdoms

According to fragmented accounts, the region once hosted seven distinct kingdoms, all beginning with the name “Gult”—a term scholars believe meant “kingdom” or “province” in the original tongue. These ancient kingdoms were independent yet culturally and linguistically linked.

During the Heskin Expansion, the people of Gult were driven into the northeastern hills, bordering the Uniche Empire. The final shift in power came not against the Gult, but the Heskins, who were defeated by the priests of Gyu-Poi in the Battle of Garaga—a conflict that took place in what is now the Holy Kingdom of Garaga. This forced the Heskin forces to withdraw, pressured further by looming threats from the Kingdom of Annadora.

Collapse and Isolation

After the retreat of the Heskin army, Gult survivors attempted to reclaim their lands. However, waves of refugees from the south and Heskin Territories created conflict. The resulting skirmishes and land disputes plunged the region into chaos. Villages isolated themselves for protection, and central authority vanished.

The First New Kingdom of Gult

Over time, a new ruler emerged and founded a Kingdom of Gult that unified much of the north. This reign was marked by border skirmishes with the Heskin Territories. However, the kingdom did not last—its unnamed king was assassinated, allegedly by the Sisters of the Night, likely under contract from either the Heskin Territories or rogue Storm Knights.

The Ageless Scholar

After a generation of collapse, a mysterious figure—a silver-haired scholar in gray robes—rose to prominence. He united the people, established cities, and mandated education for all, introducing systems of literacy and trade training.

He ruled for 100 years without aging, earning reverence from all corners of the region. Just before his disappearance, he established the Republic of Gult, relinquished control, and quietly vanished. His fate remains a mystery.

The Modern Republic

The newly formed republic endured several uprisings, believed to have been instigated by outside powers. These revolts led to the destruction of many historical records, contributing further to the fragmented state of Gult’s past.

Nevertheless, the Republic of Gult stabilized and embraced a unified identity around year 370 (Holy Calendar). It has since developed into a trade-centric civilization, emphasizing education, craftsmanship, and commerce over war or magic. As a result, it produces fewer adventurers than neighboring realms, and its arcane and divine practitioners tend to be older and self-taught.

Gressa Tullow

A peasant girl from Egonvale who taught herself to read using discarded parchment and became a vocal advocate for education. She was taken in by scholars from Elverston Keep and later helped standardize trade education across the republic.

Commander Veckar Brodhelm

A career soldier born in the hill forts northeast of Elverston Keep. He was instrumental in reorganizing the border defenses against the Uniche Empire and trained a generation of rangers and scouts.

Sister Anvela of South Wood

Born to woodcutters near South Wood, Anvela left her family to join a small traveling shrine and became one of the Republic's most beloved folk healers and spiritual advisors.

Baron Halworth Drenze of Yaport

A second-generation noble from a powerful fishing and shipping family, Drenze modernized the Yaport dockyards and introduced standardized naval contracts for Gult’s merchant fleet.

Jollen "Ridgeknife" Tharne

Once a woodsman from the southern edge of the Birree Forest, Jollen turned to highway robbery after a border dispute left his family landless. He now leads the Talon Company, a gang of former rangers, deserters, and hunters.

Rannoc of the Forgehill Rebellion

A former apprentice blacksmith turned rebel, Rannoc led a failed workers’ uprising in the mining village of Forgehill 13 years ago. After the local constabulary was overrun, the republic dispatched troops to retake the area.

Pelder "Blueblood" Axtane

A charismatic con artist from Elverston Keep, Pelder forged lineage papers and nearly married into a minor noble house before being exposed. He has since impersonated customs officials, minor clergy, and even a judge.