Karstenfey is a self-governing republic in the middle of The Falderian Empire. It is located in the only significant gap in the mountains surrounding the Feyleth Tropic, a lush and fertile region. Karstenfey is protected by the Stormguard, a patrilineal volunteer military force.
Karstenfey is known for its clean and elegant architecture, mostly built from white stone quarried in Thonham, before it was destroyed during the Race Wars. The city has a small footprint, but its buildings are tall and often fortified with parapets.
Karstenfey has a strong political system, composed of a senate, a cabinet, and a house of lords. The senate is the legislative branch, where senators are selected by The Order of the White Robe and have the last name “Dominus” to signify their role. The cabinet is the executive branch, where the president and the ministers are appointed by the senate and oversee the administration of the city. The house of lords is the judicial branch, where lords are hereditary members who inherit their titles and lands from their fathers.
Most of the population of Karstenfey are faithless, meaning they do not follow any religion or worship any deity. However, The Order of the White Robe, a religious organization, has significant influence in the city. The Order of the White Robe ordains and officiates new senators and other high-ranking roles, as well as provides many social services to the people. The people of Karstenfey respect The Order of the White Robe and honor their rituals and place in the political system, even if they do not share their beliefs.
Karstenfey’s political system, however, is not without its flaws. The Order of the White Robe is able to use its influence and power to manipulate the senate and the cabinet, through the selection of senators and other high-ranking roles. Although mechanically strong, the political system in Karstenfey]] is routinely ridiculed by outsiders. The collective senators votes reflect the ideals of The Order of the White Robe, often unanimously.
Karstenfey has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history, geography, and politics. The city is famous for its arts and music, which reflect its elegance and sophistication. The most popular art form is sculpture, which predominantly uses the Thonham white stone. The sculptures depict various aspects of Karstenfey’s society, such as its heroes, legends, values, and achievements. The most prominent sculpture is the Dominus Statue, which stands at the center of the city and symbolizes the rule of the senate.
The music of Karstenfey is also based on the white stone, which produces a unique and harmonious sound when struck. The musicians use various instruments made from the stone, such as xylophones, chimes, bells, and gongs. The music is often accompanied by singing, predominantly in common. The music is used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, communication, and ritual. The most famous musical event is Bloom Festival, which occurs every year at the beginning of spring and celebrates the return of the summer creatures to the Feyleth Tropic.