Rehnvar

Rehnvar is an independent Imperial Arch-Duchy in the Source Lands Setting, specifically being part of the Source Land Geography, and is found on the Westerland Continent.

Geography
Rehnvar is entirely found in the Rehn-mountains, making up almost the entire border between the Carnala Republics and the rest of the Westerlands.

History
Rehnvar consists of a number of valleys that form a network of safe travel-routes through the Rehn-Mountains. Rehnvar actually means "The Rehn-Way" in the old tongue of the barbarians that used to greatly populate the mountains. Rehnvar gained wealth by charging tariffs from the many traders who passed through the mountains, and originally became an Arch-Duchy because the Empire found it impossible to reliably control the mountain region, except through a local leader. Because of the harsh tariffs, many traders established banks, warehouses and many other institutions in Rehnvar, allowing them to manipulate the markets and smuggle with ease.

Culture and Society
Rehnvar is based on a few simple principles:
 * Sovereignity of the Vales - You cannot own more than small quantities of land across the vales, your primary ownership must be in the Vale in which you reside, and you may not hold foreign titles simultaneously with owning major quantities of land in the Vales.
 * Nobility through Bonds - Aristocratic Bonds are are required to own more 500 acres of land, or more. 500 Acres of land is the minimum that can be posted as a Bond. These Bonds exist to ensure that crimes can be rightfully punished and those wronged can receive recompense.
 * Human rights - Bodily autonomy, free will and several other advanced concepts are normal in Rehnvar...
 * Restricted Privileges - However, the ability to move around freely is not necessarily guaranteed. Those with a Bond can go where they want, as their bond guarantees that any crimes they commit can be corrected with compensation etc., but in order for someone who doesn't possess a bond to move freely, they must have someone else's bond extended to them, by being given a document, signet ring, sigil or coat of arms, etc.