[center][h3][i]Kingdom of Winthrope[/i][/h3]

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A fortified kingdom in the north, surrounded by the evergreen forests and high mountains, veiled in snow like brides, Winthrope is a fort more than it is a kingdom. Most residential buildings, including some of the shops, look more lived in, with warmer colors and wooden structures. But the rest of the kingdom is mostly made out of the grey stone, including the castle which is actually a massive stronghold. The climate doesn't help to make this place feel any more lively - nearly the entirety of the year in Winthrope is spent in cloudy endless hours, cold winds, incredibly heavy rains during spring and autumn, and the winter lasts two months longer in this area, the snow easily can reach the knee height. Summers can be bright and pleasant, unfortunately that is only for two, barely three months. To say that this place is uncomfortable is an understatement and it reflects against the people of Winthrope. 

Winthrope is a fairly visited kingdom, especially during the winter when travellers and traders need to stay somewhere. The winters in this part of the world are incredibly cruel and not fit for travel and whatever unprepared fool dares to tread the north without at least two sets of fur and enough resources to drag after themselves will surely be taken by the night and the snow, if not by the hungering wolves who are just waiting for any breathing prey to come out of the corner. Other times of the year, the visitors who come to see the kingdom for what it is, would find it quite disappointing that there's not much there to see - except for the impressive fortified wall and architecture of the castle. 

[b]Brief History[/b]

Winthrope is easily known for its conquering and military strategies, the cold discipline shows on these people and it reflects in their history, as well. They're known to be better at offensive strategies when reigning hell upon their enemies, but it's typically the element of surprise that tends to really trick the Winthrope forces and that's where all the losses originate from. The soldiers are trained to follow the pattern and plan, but once that is stripped away from them and they do not have plan B, they're at a disadvantage.

This is what happened to a good number of conquered towns and villages that were under the Winthrope's grip, which resulted with King's anger and more wars. Winthrope has seen plenty of bloodshed and it will be bathing in blood for years to come, because it has always been a King's code to be stubborn and never allow someone to just take what is his.

[b]Structure of the kingdom[/b]

There are three wall circles and sections within the kingdom - the first circle is right at the entrance through the first fortified wall and this is where the hard security resides, as well as the barracks, where soldiers are attending their training and switch their shifts. They're walking on the walls, patrol through the rest of the kingdom and keep an eye out. This is also where the homeless and the poor live, in the dark corners and oppressed by the guard. Their life is miserable and short, unfortunately. The second circle is the city and commoner area, where all the markets and shops are present, typically during the summer and spring they're displayed outside which brings more life to the place. All the inns, taverns and more interesting spots are present in this circle. The third and final circle is the area where the noble houses and castle is located, commoners are not allowed to cross those gates except for Sundays or other festive events so the people go to the church. It is definitely the nicest area in Winthrope, overall it is nothing spectacular, aside the architecture of the castle and the church.

Outside of the massive fortified walls of the kingdom, are plenty of farms, which are the lifeblood of the kingdom, they bring the crops, the fur, the milk, the meat and the wood. All of them are closed during the long winter.

[b]Lifestyle, occupation and style[/b]

The people of Winthrope hardy, stubborn and hard-working people who tend to mind their own business. They're far from a pleasant bunch, they can be quite crass, not outright rude, but not easy to hold a conversation with. Winthrope people will understand each other perfectly, but if you're an outsider, you will not be spared the unwelcome stares and rude presence. Most of the lives of these people are spent working and fighting the odds against the weather. Truth be told, hardly anything can move these people and they will never hide the fact that they really dislike the outsiders. [i]Especially[/i] those who lead different lifestyles or come from different cultures. They are not open-minded and one should never expect acceptance from the people of Winthrope.

However, inns and taverns of Winthrope are the most colorful and cheerful places to visit, with large fireplaces around which the most of the positives come from. These places are always filled with banter, bards and songs, including some bar fights, where betting is not so out of the ordinary, a common working class man can always use a gold or two extra during his off work day. 

Most men of Winthrope, if they're not soldiers or guards, are farmers, lumberjacks, smiths, hunters and builders. While trade is considered very important, nothing will be accomplished if it weren't for these people. 

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[b]Beliefs and religion[/b]

Winthrope is a conservative country where the best appearances in the public is what matters more than what happens in the comforts of one's home - god forbid any scandals come out of those doors, otherwise you've prepared yourself a social suicide. Being raised by the cold  and none-too-loving embrace of the cold north, discipline and full control over one's life - be it a life of a lowlife or life of a noble - is more important than anything. And this type of behavior is expected out of men, who are seen as the main pillars of the society and the superiors in all contexts, women are seen as lesser, even though the same standards of discipline and full control over themselves is far more stricter.

Women [i]need[/i] to dress in a way where they don't reveal anything past the collarbones (even though showing collarbones is only allowed among the nobles and higher ups,) they must wear layered clothing and must not in any way act liberally, compared to men who are obligated to show their discipline and capabilities, women are expect to stand back, support their men and keep quiet.

When it comes to their religion, they are monotheistic, the people believe in one creator, and only one god, that their lives and well-being is in the hands of this all creator. All the societal standards and rules are heavily implied in this religious way of life, where only men are the priests, while women can only occasionally be the dutiful sisters where a feminine touch is needed. Winthrope does not have an open mind and they do not welcome other and opposing views. The cathedral that is in the third circle of the kingdom easily rivals the architecture of the castle, with it's massive arches and columns, being the most important place of Winthrope where every man and woman on Sundays are obligated to visit, pay their respects to their creator and cleanse themselves of all sins. 

Those who do not do this will be seen as a possible threat to the society, their faith questioned and as well as their loyalty to their King.[/center]