Lechlan (LESH len)
the Land of the Arm
Lechlan is a nation in central Novyum, on the major continent of Ethae, that straddles the sea known as Ubara's Arm. Lechlan is often called the Gate to Slavyum by those in the Heartlands. The nobility of Lechlan claim to be a republic that is ruled over by the Court of Lechlan. This court, however, is better known as the Four Families, and for good reason. Four noble families reign over the nations, holding all the seats in this court, with little chance of any of the other minor noble houses having a chance at joining. These four families, the Cathan family, the Arsen Family, the Logan Family, and the Grafin Family have complete control of their nation, and while there is often internal intrigues between the families, they have worked well together in keeping Lechlan strong and outside foreign influence in this last century as wars rage across the Northern Reach of Ethae.
Lechlan is an old nation, having been created originally by the Lakortha during the days of the Republic of Lakorth. It did come into its own until the days of the United Kingdoms of Novyum, when it grew into the nation it is today. Lechlan began as a province of Lakorth, and an experiment, with engineers building the ports of Cathan and Logra in an attempt to create a ferry system across Ubara's Arm to bypass the difficult and deadly passes of the Plashin Range to the north. This failed due to the mountains known as Whidel's Wall, which had very few true passes through, and those there were proved far more dangerous for armies than the Plashin. It was when Gold was discovered in Whidel's Wall in 6546sc, that Lechlan found a footing to stand as equal to the nations surrounding it.
With their wealth from the gold, and later the major trade route through Whidel's Wall with sea trade, and the creation of the Undermountain Pass, the Four Families established a strong nation. In the years of the decline of the United Kingdoms, Lechlan offer lands, title, and funds to knights willing to resettle. Those that answered the called, often third and fourth sons of noble houses to the west, were granted lands along the Lechlan borders with the Heartlands. A fortuitous move by the Four Families, creating a wall of invested Border Barons between them and the chaos of the region known in the modern day as the Eastern Petty Kingdoms.
Lechlan has a close, but troubled, trade relationship with Haithfia. The two nations share Whidel's Wall, with both having gold mines within. Disputes over the mountains rarely erupt into violence politically, but miners from both sides have come to blows over the years. The navies of these nations have a much friendlier connection, with both working to keep their coasts and seas clear of enemy nations and pirates. Patrols that venture into the Aabanu Sea often fly both Lechish and Haitha flags.
Ruler: the Four Families
Capital: None
Native People: Lechish
Native Language: the Common Tongue
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