Amber and many of its neighboring countries represent the Golden Realm. Not all members of the Golden Realms are listed here, so there is always the potential for new additions.

Amber

Government: Monarchy under rule of Queen Dara

The mountain that faces the dawn, Kolvir, which has held Amber like a mother her child for all of time, stood perhaps twenty miles to our left, the north, ad the sun covered her with gold and made rainbow the veil above the city.

Nine Princes in Amber

Amber was the greatest city which had ever existed or ever would exist. Amber had always been and always would be, and every other city, everywhere, every other city that existed was but a reflection of a shadow of some phase of Amber. Amber, Amber, Amber... I remember thee. I shall never forget thee again. I guess, deep inside me, I never really did, though all those centuries I wandered the Shadow Earth, for often at night my dreams were troubled by images of thy green and golden spires and thy sweeping terraces. I remember thy wide promenades and the decks of flowers, golden and red. I recall the sweetness of thy airs, and the temples, palaces, and pleasances thou containest, contained and will always contain.

Nine Princes in Amber

The most powerful country in the Golden Realm, ruled by Queen Dara I.

Amber is also home to the Artificer's Guild, which maintains a fortress in the cliffs of Kolvir and has several 'factories' located in the Guild Quarters of Amber city.

You can enter Amber by either sea or land (discounting more supernatural methods of entry). The land route requires travel either through the Realm of Arden, which is under the rule of Prince Julian, or through the mountain pass of Kolvir which leads to the realm of Ghenesh. Despite the dangers of travelling through Julian's woods, Arden is till the preferred route of choice by all travellers.

Before Dara's reign, the city itself lay atop Kolvir, cradled in its arms. Beyond the city, lay the castle. You could enter either by the steps of Kolvir, a route not often taken, or by a circuitous route to the west, which allows much greater traffic.

Since Dara has taken the crown, the city has entered a new phase of explosive growth. The city has grown considerably, and now, portions of the city lie at the foot of Kolvir, and along the western pass. The port area of the city has grown considerably as well. Some rumor that the Guild has even built an elevator that reaches from the Castle to the foot of Kolvir, but it has never been seen and most consider stories of it to be fantastical speculation.

Arden

Government: Territory of Amber under the rule of Duke Julian of Amber.

Then there was a forest.

And what a forest!

I had never seen tree such as this - mighty and majestic, of a deep, rich gree, slightly tinged with gold. They towered, they soared. They were enormous pines, oaks, maples, and many others which I could not distinguish. Through them crept a breeze of fantastic and lovely fragrance, when I cracked the window a bit. I decided to open it all the way and leave it like that after I'd had a few whiffs.

"The Forest of Arden"

Nine Princes in Amber

Not strictly a kingdom, the great forest of Arden extends across numerous Shadows, and is ruled by Duke Julian. Few roads lead to Amber that do not pass through his lands (the only other known route lies through the realm of Ghenesh). Arden is inhabited by the Julian's rangers, and is also home to the legendary storm hounds (or hell hounds as they are sometimes referred), as well as other creatures that wander there through Shadow.

It is said that Julian has many villages and fortresses scattered throughout Arden. Within these hidden forts, it is believed that Julian houses a large army on the ready to provide a first layer of defense to any army that seeks to take the Golden City.

Begma

Government: Monarchy

A middle of the ground Golden Realm. It has its own government and has maintained a peace with Amber since the end of the Patternfall War, despite the Eregnor situation. It maintains a decent military, but it not one of the largest military powers of the Golden Realms. During the reign of Oberon and during his absence Begma was more expansionistic. Many of its conquered lands still maintain some notion of self-identity, causing the Begman government to constantly on the watch for hints of rebellion - hints which were missed until too late during the Eregnor affair.

Corraline

Government: Province of Amber under the rule of Duke Caine of Amber.

This coastal realm is ruled over by Duke Caine. They turned aganist Amber, due, mostly, to economic pressures, brought on by changes caused by the Guild. They were quickly put down, and Caine given lordship over the lands, which have remained peaceful since.

Corraline is legendary for the sailing ships produced there, and is now a major supplier of vessals for the Amber Royal Navy.

Danub

Government: Monarchy

A group of islands off the coast of Amber.

The capital is Imen, one of the larger islands, and a popular retreat for the wealthy. The islands are also a source of many rare spices, in addition to being a popular trading post.

Erde

Government: Unallied city states, each governed by powerful families.

This Shadow does not contain a single unified Kingdom, but instead is made up of a series of City States, each of which is ruled by a different family. The are frequent coups within the cities, and conflicts between the cities are numerous. There is also a near constant level of raider and barbarian activity in this Shadow that causes each City to be highly defensive and build large defensive barriers.

Erde lacks any overall military or trading power due its divided nature. It is a source of trade for Amber though.

Eregnor

Government: Province of Amber under the rule of Duke Martin of Amber.

Formally part of the nation of Begma, Eregnor recently seceded due to racial tensions. Begma pleaded with Amber to help them recover the territory, and military aid was sent in. Eregnor was recaptured, but rather than returning rule to Begma, Queen Dara appointed Prince Martin, Duke of Eregnor. He does little to rule the land though, and has let the senate do the majority of the governing.

Evermoor

Government: Independent Villages, defended by Duke Roland. Officially a province of Amber.

Evermoor is a large section of sparsely populated wilderness next to Arden that consists of misty forests, lazy streams, and semi-dry swamps. Getting to and from Evermoor is quite difficult as the only known ways lay deep in Arden. These trails, which are mere footpaths, are well hidden and are are known only by a few people; consequently little reliable knowledge is known about this Golden Realm. There is a great deal of silver in Evermoor and it's slow streams and creeks have a high abundance of semi-precious minerals. What little handmade jewelry makes it out of Evermoor is highly prized for its quality and craftsmanship. Due to the rural nature of the people and the inherent dangers of the wilderness, the Guild and treasure seekers are strongly discouraged. Roland has officially been named Duke of Evermoor by Queen Dara.

Ghenesh

Government: Unclear, probably Tribal

Ancient home of the Moonriders. The sunblasted deserts of this land are so lethal that few dare venture there. The native people of Ghenesh, who are rarely seen, typically travel by the light of the moon, as the desert cools to almost freezing temperatures. It is said that an ancient kingdom once ruled these lands, but it is long forgotten now, and few outsiders dare risk travel to the land in search of buried clues. Access to Ghenesh is accomplished by travel through the mountains near Amber. Its harsh terrain held ensure that few can use the mountain passes as an entry point for an army; few, save the Moonriders of Ghenesh.

Juniper

Government: Republic

Strong ally of Amber and Queen Dara. The Guild has established a secondary home in Juniper, and the economy of Juniper has benefited greatly with increased technology, spurring new industry. Juniper is also an old center of art and culture creating an odd blend of old and new.

Marbok

Government: Monarchy.

This Golden Realm is known for its powerful armies. It is a tightly controlled society with little tolerance of outsiders. They have been strong allies of Amber in the past however, and lent large numbers of troops for the final war effort of the Patternfall War in Chaos. They also assisted Amber in conquering Corraline. It is said that the King of Marbok recently died of old age, and the new Monarch is less inclined to an alliance with Queen Dara of Amber.

Q'ua

Government: Believed to be tribal.

This desert realm to the south of Ghenesh is inhabited by an inhuman race of reptilian humanoids, called the Q'uan. They have an uneasy peace with Amber and the other Golden Realm kingdoms. As long as people don't bother them, they don't bother anyone else. They engage in a small level of trade with outsiders, and even contributed troops to the final battle of the Patternfall War.

Rebma

Government: Monarchy under rule of King Lir.

Everything was to be seen through a green haze. There were buildings, all of them fragile and most them high, grouped in patterns and standing in colors that entered my eyes and tore through my mind, seeking after remembrance.

Nine Princes in Amber

An undersea reflection of Amber, ruled by King Lir. The watery realm is also home to Princess Llewella and lady Vialle. King Lir has a fierce hatred for Queen Dara and all of her line. He has decreed that any who enter will be executed. It isn't clear if he just means those of Dara's line or any who are loyal to her. You may interpret his decree liberally at your own risk.

The entrance to Rebma is via Faiella-bionin, the stairs that mirror those of Kolvir and allow reach from the beach to the ocean floor. The entrance is located about twenty miles away from the city of Amber itself.

Talistan

Government: Theocratic Monarchy

This large island nation is ruled by the priesthood dedicated to the practice of oneness with the universe, and general selflessness. They tend to be an anomoly in the Golden Realm, in that they don't seem to play by any accepted rules of politics (at least according to Queen Dara). They refuse to remain neutral and are constantly telling the other realms to follow their path of peace and unity. They don't use force or threats and are unwavering in their beliefs, making them difficult to negotiate with.

The monks of Talistan have spoken out aganist the Guild for years now, calling their methods a corruption of the soul. They appear to be view Amber and the Guild as completely seperate entities. They have also spoken out aganist Dara's expansionistic agenda, despite worries from many that this will just make them the next target.

Talistan has a very poor navy that most strategists believe has never seen any battle time or even formal training. The citizentry of Talistan are fanatical and any attempt at occupation would likely be met with extreme opposition.

Of late, Talistan has come under fire for trading with both Rebma and Amber, each of whom would like the monks of Talistan to not trade with the other. Neither Amber nor Rebma wishes to relinguish their trading partnership with Talistan at this point. Rumor has it that the Royal Navy of Amber has been engaging in military exercises close to the waterways of Talistan in recent months.