Duchy of Ciello
"The Duke would like to be king. Everybody knows it, so it can't happen. The Free Cities are funny that way."The Duchy of Ciello is the largest of the Free Cities polities. Some would argue it cannot be called a Free City, as it is more akin to a small kingdom. Formally the entire island of Ciello is under the domain of the duke of Ciello. However, in reality only the southern part of the island is firmly under the duke's control. The island is currently a theatre in the Union War, where it is contested between the duke's forces and the forces of the Count de Aldershall.
Structure
The Duchy is a feudal domain, unlike many of the Free Cities. The highest title is that of the Duke. He directly govern Cunaris and the surrounding area, as well as various enclaves directly owned by him.
Underneath the duke are the Counts, of which there are two. The Count of Aldershall and the Count of Lavello. These two exercise significant power in their own right, and are guaranteed spots on the Duke's privy council.
Underneath these nobles are the Barons, of which there are many. These are sworn to either one of the counts, or to the duke himself. There are also several hundred knights, who either administer lands on the behalf of other nobles, or own lands themselves.
The city of Reddingfield is formally part of the Duchy of Ciello. But is in reality fully inderpendent of the Duke.
Culture
In the Free Cities Ciellans (natives of Ciello) are often accused of being more "servile" than other inhabitants of the Cities. Most cities and towns on Ciello are not inderpendent, which is unusual in the Free Cities. The population of Ciello is also more rural than the average elsewhere in the Cities. As such the island has a reputation as a place of "rustic farmers". Ciellan naming conventions are heavily influenced by elven practices. Largely as a legacy of the Occupation by Amellianus Fabii "Rex" and his followers several centuries ago.
Ciellans tend to be pious believers in Sol. They are suspicious of arcane magic, and often slow to trust outsiders. However, those who earn the friendship of a Ciellan will have made a lifelong connection.
While Ciellans are often seen as dour by other Freemen, they are by no means without cheer. Ciellans are known for their love of songs and tales. It is customary for newcommers to a village to tell a tale or two to those present. Through this custom Ciellans learn about the lives of newcommers, and can begin to trust that they will fit into the community. Even visitors to an inn might be expected to at least relate a short annecdote from their past; to entertain their fellow travelers, and put them at ease about their good intentions.
The greatest Ciellan hero is Poimen the Brave. Tales of Poimen are told throughout the island. Which attributes a given storyteller gives Poimen is often an indicator of which traits that person values the most.
There is a notable North-South divide on Ciello. Southerners are often wealthier and have more exposure to the outside world than Northerners. In the North accusations of impiety are often levelled at southerners, who reply that the northerners are ignorant and insular, and engage in other activities beginning with "i".
Noble Ciellans tend to pronounce the name of the island with a hard "C", while the common folk use the soft pronounciation.
Public Agenda
The Duke's publicly proclaimed goal is to return peace and tranquility to the island. The duke seeks to do this by establishing his overlordship firmly over all other factions on the island. Should the duke become the uncontested ruler of the whole of Ciello he would easily become the most poweful ruler in the Free Cities.
History
The Duchy was first united in the 7th century, when Sylas Belaroth succeeded in uniting the island under his rule. Since then the island has been plagued by the struggle between the regional nobility, who wish for inderpendence, and the dukes of Ciello who seek to establish their firm dominance over the lesser lords. The amount of control the dukes have been able to exercise over the northern lords in particular, have varied over the centuries.
Demography and Population
The population of the island has never been counted in the modern age. Most estimates put it at somewhere around 600.000 across the entire island. Around 10 - 15% of these live in towns or cities. The largest city is Cunaris, with a population of around 30.000. The city of Reddingfield is second largest with an estimated 15.000 inhabitants. The population is largely concentrated in the fertile river valleys which runs north to south along the entire length of the island. The western parts of the island are largely unhinhabited, while the eastern coast contains many small and scattered settlements, largest of which are Merata and Alba.
Territories
The entire island of Ciello is formally a part of the duchy. However, the Union War has seen the de-facto split of the duchy. The city of Reddingfield and the County of Aldershall have both joined the Union forces and raised their banners in rebellions against the Duke. The southern part of the island remains firmly held by the duke's forces, while the north is in a state of rebellion.
Military
The duke, like most lords in the Free Cities, rely heavily on mercenaries for armed men in times of war. In peacetime the duke maintains a force of around a thousand men in the Ducal Guard, for internal security and bodyguard purposes. Besides these are the levies and the militias, drawn from the general population. The local nobility also maintain a number of armed men, which can be placed under ducal command in times of need.
Religion
The Church of Sol is the official religion on Ciello, and the most widespread. However, the worship of the entire Imperial Pantheon is upheld in some remote communities. Worship of local deities are also practiced in many places, often alongside Sol worship. In the cities and towns religious influences from foreign lands are common. There is a temple to Luna in Reddingfield, and it is alleged that the cult of Umbral is popular among high society in Cunaris.
Foreign Relations
The duchy is currently at war with the Union of Free Cities and a member ofThe Alliance. The current duke recieves some support from the Evonian Republic. Traditionally Sellaa has been an ally of the dukes of Ciello.
Maps
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Island of Ciello
The island of Ciello is centrally located in the Free Cities. Its swamps and mountains are infamous for the danger they pose to the unwary traveller. Monsters nest there, and illegal mages are said to hide in those inhospitable wilds.
Founding Date
653 IC
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Capital
Alternative Names
Cunaris
Predecessor Organizations
Demonym
Ciellan
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Imperial Standard Weights and Measurements
Legislative Body
Ciello island parliament,
Ducal Council
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments