The Kingdom of the Ocean

Overview:
	Perhaps the second smallest power (in regards to population) in the
known part of the continent, the Kingdom of the Ocean has always been known 
to occupy its area on the southern coasts.  In fact, the Kingdom is one of 
the oldest surviving countries still on the map today.  Under the merciful 
rule of King Salar, the country has maintained peace for his 400 year reign.  
An old man, Salar has an heir who is already looking forward to taking his 
father's throne and maintaining the goals of his reign.  Crown-Prince Inityl 
is already taking active part in the ruling of the country under the guidance 
of the king, and from trial actions, he looks as if he will manage to keep 
the order well enough.
	With most of the population underwater, the above-ground areas tend 
to be rather under-developed, with only the occasional farming community or 
ranch.  The one exception is the prosperous city of Vlanan (which comes from 
the sea-elven tongue meaning approximately "Sea Wind").   Vlanan is the only 
city above sea-level, but is far from the size of the capitol.  Located on 
the southern tip of the Dentar peninsula, it contains one of the hidden 
portals that allow access into the underwater settlements.
	The Kingdom of the Ocean is peaceful with all other countries it has 
met, although it does no one any good to embellish this peace, because no one 
would consider the Kingdom allies, nor would the Kingdom refer to other 
countries as allies.  The kingdom has little to trade for, since most of 
what is produced is only useful near water, but has little to want since 
most land-based products are incompatible with the undersea communities.
	There is a rumor that one of the Sorcery guilds was built many years 
ago in one of the undersea colonies, but if such a rumor is true, there has 
not been any recent activity in it for many human generations, for it is 
difficult to get to, although it is possible citizens have closer access to 
it.  Religions are worshipped freely within the Kingdom, although Phyrnis, 
Lord of Fire is looked upon with disdain by most of the citizens, and 
Ragalak, Lord of Water is probably most extensively worshipped, probably 
even more so than Kasman.

Government:
	Monarchy  (well-established, about 1000 years or more)

Population:
	About 400 000 (40% human, 40% sea-elf, 10% elf, 10% other).  
Approximately half of the population is underwater at any given time.  There 
are several sea-cities, just off of the coast.  These thriving cities can 
only be reached by hidden portals located throughout the country.  Only 
citizens can get to them, and if one cannot breathe water, one would not be 
able to survive the underwater nature of the cities.

Armed Forces:
	About 5 000 cavalry on light warhorses, wearing chain mail, using 
swords and shields, short bows.  The navy is much more extensive, but the 
composition has never been measured.  It is expected that it outweighs the 
Kingdom of Ganthes (perhaps the secondmost sea-power, behind the Ocean 
Kingdom) by a ratio of 4 to 1.  These claims have not been substantiated, 
but no one has ever challenged them.