| Ruler | |
|---|---|
| City | Importance | additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aethel | City-State / Island State | |
| Race | Percentage of population |
|---|---|
| Dragonborns | ~70% |
| Too diverse to quantify | 30% |
| Religion | Percentage of population | Average Devotion as a % |
|---|---|---|
| Etrestian | 5% | 50% |
| Profitism | 20% | 60% |
| Regolism | 20% | 40% |
| Valentonism | 8% | 55% |
| Non-believer / Non-standard | 47% | N/a |
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | City |
| ~Population | 15,000 |
| Lifestyle | |
| Surrounding area | |
| Map |
Nation Info
Aethel is an island city-state, formally known as “The Aligned Courts of Aethel”.
Origin of the Name
The island and the nation both derive their name from a great leader Aethel Nermona who united the disparate tribes and established the first organized governance on the island.
The Aligned Courts
The Aligned Courts of Aethel refers to the tribal city-states that merged to form the nation. These Courts, while unified, still hold some autonomy and function with unique rules and procedures. The three primary courts are:
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Pyrelord Hold: The wealthiest of the Courts, known for their lavish lifestyle and focus on economic matters. Debates within the Pyrelord Hold are often loud and bustling, with agreements difficult to reach due to conflicting interests.
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Skyborn Enclave: A Court of magic users, scholars, and arcane practitioners. The Skyborn Enclave is characterized by its civil and structured approach to governance, with decisions made through careful deliberation and magical consensus.
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Stoneheart Clan: Comprised of warriors and protectors of Aethel, this court is known for its discipline, honor, and martial traditions. The Stoneheart Clan operates under a strict hierarchical system, valuing order and decisive action.
Government Structure
Aethel is a monarchy, with a king and his family. However, the monarch is not determined by bloodline but through election by the Great Courts.
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Election: To elect a king, two of the three courts must agree on a candidate. This process ensures that the monarch has a degree of consensus, though it can sometimes lead to political maneuvering and compromise.
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Removal: A king serves for life but can be removed under extreme circumstances. This requires a unanimous decision by all three courts, ensuring that such an action is taken only in the most severe cases of tyranny or incompetence.
If there is no active king, no new legislation can be formalized, the military cannot move, and governmental employees do not receive their pay. This puts extreme pressure on the courts which is why the courts usually have a “backup” that two or more courts already agree upon to be the new king should the need arise.
City of Aethel
The city is the heart of the nation, and the island’s geography has been significantly altered to accommodate it. The jungle that once covered the island was cleared to make way for the kingdom.
Key features of the city include:
- The Grand Courts: Where the leaders of the aligned courts meet.
- The Mithril Exchange: The center of Aethel’s economy.
- The Grand Temple: A massive temple in the center of the city allowing for anyone to worship the god they follow. During times of great debate, the temple is used as a massive courtroom. Allowing for individuals or groups to have their voice be heard. The structure is built in a way to allow for the speaker in the center to be heard from anywhere in the temple.
Religion
The religions of Aethel are diverse, with the population adhering to various faiths:
- Etrestian
- Profitism
- Regolism
- Valentonism
- Non-believer / Non-standard: A significant portion of the population does not adhere to any organized religion or does not worship a singular god.
History
Aethel’s history is marked by the transformation of a jungle island into a kingdom.
Early History
Aethel was initially settled by various tribal city-states, including the Pyrelord Hold, the Skyborn Enclave, and the Stoneheart Clan. These groups, primarily Dragonborn, cleared the dense jungle that covered the island, establishing their settlements.
The Unification (144 A.V.)
Over time, these tribal city-states aligned, and on Starfrost 26th 196 A.V. they formed “The Aligned Courts of Aethel.” This unification was driven by the need for cooperation in exploiting the island’s rich mithril deposits and establishing trade with Bontrant.
Trade with Bontrant
Aethel established a lucrative trade relationship with Bontrant, particularly the city of Sagehaven, and the island state of Egoria. Aethel’s mithril became a valuable commodity, fueling its economy and growth.
The Fall (787 A.V.)
Despite its prosperity, Aethel was not immune to tragedy. The island was devastated by an undead army. The betrayal came from within. The Fall of Aethel
Culture
Aethel’s culture is shaped by its diverse population and history:
- Art and Music: Aethel is known for its vibrant artistic traditions, including intricate metalwork using mithril, lively musical performances that often incorporate Regolist influences, and scholarly works from the Skyborn Enclave.
- Social Customs: Social gatherings are common, featuring elaborate feasts, theatrical performances, and ritualistic dances.
- Values: Aethelonians value community, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, though these values are sometimes tempered by the Profitist emphasis on economic gain.
Magic
Magic is a semi-normal part of life in Aethel. While not everyone possesses magical abilities, its practice is not uncommon.
- Common Magic: Utility spells for mining, construction, and daily life are widespread.
- Scholarly Magic: The Skyborn Enclave is renowned for its sophisticated magical practices, including evocation, transmutation, and divination.
- Regulation: Magic use is generally regulated by the Courts to prevent harm and maintain order, with strict laws governing its application in public spaces.
Economy
Aethel’s economy is heavily reliant on its rich mithril deposits.
- Mining: Mithril mining is the primary economic activity, employing a large portion of the population.
- Trade: Aethel exports mithril to Bontrant, particularly Sagehaven, in exchange for other goods and resources, establishing a vital trade route that has shaped the island’s development.
Geography
Aethel is an island with a few rivers. Its geography is characterized by:
- Island Environment: Being an island, Aethel has a unique coastal ecosystem, with cliffs, beaches, and diverse marine life.
- Cleared Jungle: The once-dominant jungle has been largely cleared, replaced by the city and mining operations, leaving scars on the landscape but also creating new opportunities.
- Temperate Climate: The island enjoys a temperate climate, supporting diverse flora and fauna, though the cleared areas can experience more extreme weather conditions.