Aelfgarad
| Capitol | Bealu, Bealu Shire |
|---|---|
| Head of State | Not sure |
| Government | Feudal Monarchy |
| Location | Northwestern Otan |
| Land Area | 121,944 sq. miles |
| Population | 3.4 million |
| Racial Mix | |
| Founded | 1 IM |
Aelfgarad is a country in the the northwestern corner of continental Otan. It is predominantly populated by the Friggaelf substrain of Aelfs. It is governed by a royal council, the Head Council of which also bears the title of King. Aelfgarad is also home to the slightly more mysterious Dunaelfs and their coastal areas are often demarked in the fashion of land territory as they are inhabited by the aquatic Brimaelfs
Population
Aelfgarad's 3.8 million inhabitants live mostly in the forest, despite the relatively huge size of its captital of Bealu. The inherent dangers of the deep forest are mitigated by the forest dwellers through their ability to camouflage themselves and their homes, making them difficult prey for wandering creatures, even while sleeping.
Strains
While over three million of Aelfgarad's citizens are of the Friggaelf substrain, the capital of Bealu is comparatively cosmopolitan with a large number of Dunaelfs and even the very rare Wyrmaelf and Brimaelf substrains represented. The latter are able to adapt themselves for life above the waves. Even the occasional Wodeaelf can be found in Bealu as the two primary Aelfen cultures keep regular tabs upon one another.
Language
The Aelfen language is the predominant language spoken in Aelfgarad. Unlike the dialect spoken in Aelfwode, however, the Aelfgaradian dialect is extended with a formal version of the language which is used to address strangers or people of rank. Words like 'you' and 'yours' become 'thee' and 'thine' when addressing a stranger or dignitary.
This formal dialect might fall into disuse in common haunts such as taverns, even common craftsmen such as fletchers and bowyers will address their clientele with formal pronouns and other formal manners of speech.
Religion
Aelfs are almost exclusively Wodenists. While it is undisputed by any follower of the faith that it was Woden, the All-Father who created all Aelfs, the Friggaelfs have chosen Frigg as the primary object of their worship. The Friggaelfs hold that while their creation was a magnificent act, it was superseded by the creation of love. Frigg's love, they believe, is central force that enables the continuation of the species and the formation of a viable society.
A temple of the Diocese of Frigg can be found in one form or another in every major settlement in Aelfgarad and certainly a shrine to the goddess can be found in any of Aelfgarad's smaller villages. The larger the settlement, the more likely an 'official' member of Frigg's clergy will be present to preside over her proper worship. They will organize sacrifice and other tributes to the goddess as part of their daily duties to the Diocese.
Holidays
The Aelfs of Aelfgarad celebrate many festivals, but none so completely as that of Holy Week, the last week of the Otan calendar. Holy week begins on the evening of the 30th of Jeltoskan known to Wodenists the world over as the Night of the Wild Hunt. It is said that this night, the gods collect a harvest of the beasts of the wild in anticipation of the feast.
In practice, the hunt will have been concluded during the day of the 30th and the feast begins when the Eye of Woden reaches its zenith. Commencing that evening, and for the following six days of Holy Week, the Aelfs of Aelfgarad will feast, primarily on wild game. The feast will be accompanied by sporting games, with archery being predominant among the challenges.
During Holy Week, Aelfgaradians will also hold artistic competitions where competitors will vie for prizes and fame by presenting new works of art, poetry, or music. It is common during this time for couples to announce courtships and commence plans for spring nuptials. Love, and in particular Frigg's love is central to the celebration. Mistletoe is by far the most ubiquitous décor.
Politics
Friggaelf politics are incredibly subtle. Determining whether Aelfgarad is a meritocracy, oligarchy, or a hereditary monarchy is a subject scholars could debate until the end of time. Political power in Aelfgarad originates with the larger and more influential families in the country. The brightest of the progeny from those families invariably end up being on the Magisterial Council, the body that governs the country.
The First Councilor of the Magisterial Council, ratifies all decisions of the council effectively rules in the manner of a feudal king. While this position is by no means hereditary, families who manage to elevate one of their own to the position of First Councilor of Aelfgarad, are predisposed to elevate successive family members to the same position.
National Government
Aelfgarad is governed by the Aelfgarad Council of the Arts, which makes all but a few decisions for the nation. If deemed important enough, the remainder of national policies are directed by the King (or Queen). Decisions too small for the Aelfgarad Council of the Arts are made by smaller and more specialized councils. Few decisions in Aelfgarad are made by a single individual.
In keeping with the national penchant for creating councils, the Council of the Arts is the model by which all other councils are struck. The council is headed by the First Councilor of Aelfgarad, who for all intents and purposes is the nation's regent and commonly referred to as the King (or Queen) of Aelfgarad.
Aelfgarad Council of the Arts
First Councilor
Councilor of Aesthetics
Councilor of Emerging Culture
Councilor of Foreign Affairs
Councilor of Military Affairs
Councilor of Magic and Technology
Councilor of Revenue
Councilor of Divine Affairs
International Relations
Military
Aelfgarad's military might is divided into three branches which are unsurprisingly titled 'councils'. The Council of Arms is the country's ground forces. They engage in more traditional warfare employing the close-quartered infantry, world-class archers, and cavalry with various Aelfen twists. During peacetime, most of Aelfgarad's ground forces are called upon a 'reserve' basis, which is rarely and only when needed to quell outbreaks of internal threats.
The Council of Arms receives limited support from the Council of Aerial Power. This, the smallest branch of Aelfgarad's military fields knights trained to ride winged hippogryphs. Because of the skittish nature of the beasts, the Council of Aerial Power can not recover quickly from losses. The council also employs a limited number of small airships armed with ballistae, though their primary function is to offer support and scouting information to other military councils.
Aelfgarad's Council of Naval Eminence is perhaps the most well-funded and deadly of the nation's armed forces. Unlike other naval forces, Aelfgarad's "ship of the line" is a large catamaran, spiked with ballistas and with plenty of deck space for flights of archers. Their very competent naval forces have seen the end of many pirates who have dared sail into Aelfgarad waters.
Regional Governments
Civic Governments
Rural Administration
Factions
Law and Order
Economy
Currency
Banking
Trade Guilds
Agriculture
Industry
Exports
Imports
Geography
Northern, cold, mountains, ice, lakes.
The Shires of Aelfgarad
Bealu Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 28,608 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 666,746 |
| Urban population | 93,656 |
| Total population | 760,402 |
The Bealu Shire is the country's capitol region. It is also the richest region. There are three settlements including the capital:
Dreame Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 28,124 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 364,909 |
| Urban population | 979 |
| Total population | 365,888 |
Dreame Shire a single settlement, Dreame which is also the capital:
- Dreame (pop 979) - Shire capital
Flitcri Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 3,684 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 198,109 |
| Urban population | 35,294 |
| Total population | 233,403 |
The Flitcri Shire has three settlements, Flitcri being the capitol:
- Faegan (pop 2,480)
- Flitcri (pop 31,160) - Shire capitol
- Uulitescine (pop 1,654)
Gealdor Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 13,436 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 654,260 |
| Urban population | 37,345 |
| Total population | 691,605 |
The Gealdor Shire has five settlements, Gealdor being the capital:
- Gealdor (pop 20,769) - Shire capital
- Ametan (pop 1,906)
- Cyrtenes (pop 1,645)
- Orthanscipe (pop 7,098)
- Scinn (pop 5,927)
Gerim Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 10,692 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 547,413 |
| Urban population | 26,947 |
| Total population | 574,360 |
Gerim Shire has three settlements, Gerim being the capital:
Leoth Shire
| Land mass (sq. mi.) | 37,400 |
|---|---|
| Rural population | 787,534 |
| Urban population | 13,760 |
| Total population | 801,294 |
The Boran Island has two settlements, Boran being the capitol:
- Leoth (pop 10,004) - Island capitol
- Stangeweorc (pop 3,756)
Aelfgarad Landmarks
Flora and Fauna
Beneficial Wildlife
Threats
Culture
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Architecture
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Art
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Beverages
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Cuisine
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Entertainment
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Literature
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Music
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Sports & Games
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History
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