Shyrland Confederation
Independent, strong, and proud, Shyrland stands as an enclave for the peace loving halflings of Aeris. Halflings live around the world, but all tell tales of the rolling green hills and dells of Shyrland.
Structure
A confederate system sits at the opposite extreme from other Aeris nations in terms of centralization. A confederacy is a loose relationship among a number of smaller political units. The vast majority of political power rests with the local governments; the central federal government has very little power. Shyrland's system of government is a confederate republic, not as centralized or federal as the Dwem'vera Triumvirate. A Primarch is elected by the people every decade, and this leader's job is to mediate between the counties, ensuring all are treated equally within the Confederation. During times of war the Primarch also becomes the military's high commander.
Culture
Halfling culture in the Confederation is peaceful and quaint. What the Shyrland Confederation lacks in fortresses and massive cities it makes up for in cultural richness and good living. Hard work and traditional values of family and farm bind the Confederation together, and while the Halflings are known for their hospitality and kindness they are wary of strangers who they suspect may bring trouble.
History
Founded in 89 AGC by the Halflings sick of living under a far away sovereign's rule within their own ancestral lands, the Shyrland Confederacy fought a revolutionary war against their Anglicai rulers. They would win this war, with Anglica instantly recognizing their independence as a nation. They lived in peace for centuries before the Krazic invasion in 327 AGC. The Halfling defenders utilized terrifying traps and magical defenses that guarded their borders from the invaders. Against all odds they routed the Krazic in less than a year. This not only left many Krazic soldiers with horrifying tales of un-seeable death at the hands of the small folk, but proved that their land was not to be trifled with. Later that century in 349 AGC the War of Falling Stars began. The Shyrland Confederacy stayed out of the conflict at first, wanting to avoid involvement with the politics of the taller folk. But as the Confederacy's neighbors Anglica and Krazkow showed signs of breaking in the face of Praetoran aggression, the Halflings sent their Primarch and a team of diplomats to the Novoto in Esla to discuss the situation on the Val'Karan continent. Both nations met and after eleven hours of debate came to the conclusion that something had to be done. The Novoton King and Confederacy Primarch mustered their armies to aid the ailing Krazic and Anglicai forces. They shocked the Praetorans, and though the war would continue into 388 AGC, the Empire would be defeated once and for all in the Battle of Gothric's Way.
The Confederacy returned to peace, and even joined the Unity Conference where the Val'Karan Defensive Pact was signed by all sovereign nations in the hopes that war would be avoided in the future. All would fall apart when the Long Freeze began. The Halflings worked harder than ever to simply stay alive, while also staving off the Drow attack forces that assailed their borders. Again they defended, but at great cost. The Halfling population of Shyrland was cut down by fifty percent. When the Long Freeze and Shadow Wars finally ceased the Confederacy committed to isolation more adamantly than before. And with the Great Leap their technological advancement also improved. Into modern times the Confederacy has stayed in peace, and watched as Val'Kara begins to collapse into itself once more. Few know what goes on within the Shyrland Confederacy, or what they will do as the New Millennium dawns.
Demography and Population
Shyrland is predominantly Halfling with a lesser percentage of Gnomes. This is the case due to there being no homes made for larger folk, and the Halfling's general mistrust of them in Shyrland.
Territories
The ancestral lands of the Halfling peoples sit within Shyrland's borders. The rolling emerald hills and cozy woods that have defined so much of Halfling culture across the world began here. The Halflings have no desire for expansion, and defend their lands with everything they have.
Military
Shyrland doesn't have a standing military. But the Halflings have a storied history of unprecedented military success and even dominance against seemingly superior forces.
Technological Level
The Halfling's exact advancement in technology is not fully known, they appear simple, ancient in their ways even. But to those who take a closer look there is a level of technology at work which is distinctly modern.
Religion
Most Halflings within Shyrland worship the High Gods, worship of the Low Gods is typically looked down upon if not outright prosecuted depending on the county.
Foreign Relations
Shyrland is extremely insular, neutral in most conflicts, and isolated. Even in trade they keep completely within themselves, living off their own lands with no needs for anything beyond that.
Agriculture & Industry
Shyrland is completely agrarian, depending solely on their own internal resources and farms.
Trade & Transport
The roads within Shyrland are simple ones, for the Halflings are never in any rush.
Education
All Halflings are given the opportunity for different paths of education, some choose to become artists, farmers, writers, alchemists, etc. Overall the population is quite educated, but as with any society some more than others.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of Shyrland is simple. Halfling Holes dot the hillsides, and wooden windmills or barns are often the tallest things around apart from the trees. No massive keeps, or tall towers obscure the landscape's natural beauty.
Còmhla Indomidible
Founding Date
89 AGC
Type
Geopolitical, Republic
Capital
Alternative Names
The Shyr, Shyrland
Demonym
Shyrlandish
Leader Title
Government System
Democracy, Direct
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Market economy
Legislative Body
Each county's governor writes the laws for their own people, the Primarch is the head of all these governors, but the laws of the counties are decided individually.
Judicial Body
There is a court system in each county that oversees the execution of the law.
Official State Religion
Location
