House Thalmoore of the Misty Isles

House Thalmoore has a less than gleaming past. Once ruled by Izak The Brutal, his stiff punishments and heavy military investments left the cities under his rule in poverty. The main income coming from a large prison on an isolated island housing the worst criminals of Mercania.

To the relief of his subjects, Izak the Brutal was killed in battle trying to extend his power to the Eastern Kingdoms. With no sons of his own, the rule of the Misty Isles was passed over to his brother William Thalmoore who couldn't be more different in his ruling. His first action as ruler was to re-purpose the military warships into trade vessels. These hardened ships could sail much further from Mercania than most, this ability to travel far and bring back exotic goods allowed the Misty Isles quickly boom in it's markets and trades. With its convenient location of being situated in the middle of a number of big cities, including Merce the Capital of Mercania, it rapidly became the biggest market and trade center of Mercania.

After a happy rule of 40 years, growing old William passed over his rule to his eldest son Finnik, who plans to build on his fathers great work. As well as maintaining the busting trade of the Misty Isles Finnik also started the process of converting the now derelict prison into a University so that others can share in his passion for learning.

The Misty Isles
The Misty Isles lie in the heart of Mercania. It consists of two islands, the bigger holds the two main towns of Oakley and Matlock. The smaller island holds the town of Ironshaw, this is the location of the previously infamous Irondeath prison, now turned into Lide University. Oakley is a busy market town which holds the bi-weekly Misty Market, where goods of all kinds can be found.

The Misty Isles are named as such after thick and dangerous fog that often sweeps in from the South East. This fog along with a number of dangerous rocks has lead to a number of deaths. William Thalmoore commissioned the construction of a lighthouse in order to aid safe passage for travellers and traders.

Religion
Believing that bettering a nation comes from a point of knowledge, the House of Thalmoore has built their faith in The Scholar. Although there are no dedicated locations of worship on the Misty Isles, a large stature of The Scholar is erected outside Lide University.