Monarchy of the Vael
In the eastern shadow of the Colm Mountains, the Monarchy of the Vael reaches across the once vast grasslands. Herds of fleet horses gallop across the plains, stopping short at the edge of the Broken Heath on the eastern end of the Vael. Here wealth is not measured in gold or jewels but in how many horses you own and how many swords you command.
The young Queen Freawine rules the monarchy with fairness and has proven her right to rule numerous times. When the war drums sound of incoming Sversan raider Freawine saddles her horse Guthrie and rides with her lords of the Vael.
Structure
Monarch
Monarchs (either King or Queen) write the laws, levy taxes, and see to the general well being of the populous. In times of war Monarchs lead hosts of Riders into battle and dictate strategy to the Lord Marshals who carry it out.Lord Marshal
Lord Marshals answer directly to the Monarch, ruling several towns on their behalf. They collect taxes, enforce the law, and in times of war see to the defense of the Vael.Town Marshal
Town Marshals act on behalf of Lord Marshals for their local towns. They assign work details, enforce local law, approve new traders and craftsmen, and train the local Riders.Rider
Riders are minor nobles, soldiers, town guards, and taxmen all rolled into one. They are paid and equipped by the Lord or Town Marshal by the taxes collected. In times of peace they patrol the roads and towns keeping order. In times of war they rally to their Marshal and ride to battle. Many own some small plot of land and farm it as a Freeman or if they're called away from home for a long period of time they hire a Serf.Serfs and Freemen
Serfs are the laborers of the Marshals and their Riders. They till the fields, make and sell the wares produced by the nobility's holdings and in return they're allowed to keep part of what they make for themselves and are given a place to live on their lords land. Freemen differ from Serfs in that they own their own land or shop and are not in the employ of any lord. However much of their income is taxed by the local Lord Marshal for protection or use.History
The Coming of Wiglaf Falcon-Eye
Legend tells that Wiglaf Falcon-Eye came from the eastern edge of the Vael and made friends with the Spotted Hoof centaur tribe in the west near the base of the Colm Mountains. He would go on to teach them archery, something he learned from the Thrisii elves in the east, and they would teach him horsemanship. Soon Klag the Ogre Prince came leading a host of Bryth goblins into the Vael and searched for the fabled unicorn. Wiglaf then rallied the people of the Vael and taught swordsmanship to the Spotted Hoof and with the combined might they were able to fend off Klag and laid the foundation for the Monarchy of the Vael. For his actions and bravery, the Spotted Hoof taught Wiglaf the lore of the Neirian Stallions. Wiglaf then made a vow that his descendants would never rest until they had found and befriended the Stallions.The Invasion of the Vael
With the coming of the Aenian Empire to Lankia the Vael found their neighbors had become enemies. Many battles were waged and much blood was lost before the Empire had control over almost half of the Vael. Even with their Centaur and Thrisii allies they couldn't fully hold back the wrath of the Empire. Then the Sun Death, the Bale Night happened and everything changed.The Sun Death
As the sun blackened and was finally snuffed out the Vaelon could only watch in horror as their allies fell dead around them. In that week long night many despaired as they became beset by their fallen kin. When the sun finally rose again they were able to witness the destruction that wrought upon them but also the damage to the Imperial forces. Vengeance then rallied the Vaelon and they attacked with new zeal now finally having an enemy they could blame for the deaths of their family and friends.The Spongepox Plague
As the Vaelon fought the what remained of the Empire, a new enemy arrived. The Spongepox, a plague carried by the vermin grown fat on the corpses of war ravaged the land and its people. Soon the lush eastern Vael became nothing but wasteland of cracked earth and thorny bramble. This plague how soon became a boon. As badly as it destroyed the land, it was far more savage to the Imperial armies and the tide of war turned fully in the Vaelons favor.Reclaiming the Vael
As the Vaelon rode west fighting the Empire along the way they began to reclaim their lost homes and abandoned the now named Broken Heath. This gained the attention of the Sversan Haussad who rode to the Broken Heath even as elements of the Empire tried to lay their own claim to it. In the end the Vaelon retook the green pastures of the Vael and left the Broken Heath to the Haussad.The Quest for the Neirian Stallion
Many years had passed since the Vael was reclaimed when the young Queen Freawine decided to search for the Neirian Stallion. Piecing together bits of lore from half forgotten sagas sent set out east into the Broken Heath. After four years the Lord Marshals began to talk of electing a new Monarch when a messenger arrived bearing tidings that the Queen was to return. At her arrival the Queen rode upon a massive wagon drawn by no less than six horses, and large tarp covering its cargo. when she climbed down she told her Lord Marshals to gather their Riders at Lind for she had an announcement to make.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Vaelon
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Economic System
Mixed economy
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
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