Ailcrest (Ale-Crest)
Land of Misfortune
Ailcrest exists only at the behest of the gods, or so it feels. It’s entire history is filled with pages of misfortune and disaster, from Orcish incursions to major droughts, and everything in between. The land is scattered with ancient battlefields and worn, desperate farmlands. Yet life here persists. The hardy people do the best they can every day, paying their taxes as a matter of pride, and wondering how to overcome whatever life is throwing at them now. The many misfortunes of Ailcrest are the only reason the country has not reached it’s full potential. Its warm climate and fertile valleys make it ideal for farming in large amounts, and the people do try, only to have it all torn down by whatever disaster comes along next.
One hundred and twelve years ago, the old capital city Jorim was destroyed by a meteor strike, the scar of which remains, which wiped out the entire royal family. Now the country is run by a council of burghers, with each city electing a representative to sit on the council. The council then elects a leader, the Council Speaker, to speak for the nation on the international stage. Elections occur every five years, with the most recent having taken place in PR.3126. The current Council Speaker is Cufrey Xander, a former Guildmaster. His council are currently engaged in a series of defensive reforms, including the building of a series of forts along the country's northern border, to try and help stave off further Orcish incursions.
Demography and Population
Most of the population of Ailcrest live in the cities and towns along the Western coastline, although they thin out further north towards the border with The Blight. Some larger towns exist in the foothills of the Dragonspire Mountains, working to extract ore.
Territories
Ailcrest occupies the dusty, fertile lands at the very tip of the Hook of Hisenor, running from The Blight in the North to Goritt in the South East. It borders the Narrow Gap Sea in the West, and the harsh Dragonspire mountains in the east.
Military
While Ailcrest is guarded and protected on a daily basis by the Burgheram, the Council of Burghers can, in times of dire need, call up levied troops from every household in the nation.
Technological Level
Ailcrest exists in a High Medieval level of technology, generally behind the level of the rest of the world.
Religion
While The Pantheon is worshiped by the majority in Ailcrest, there are those that have taken other paths To protect their homes, their families, their livelihoods, many have turned to other deities. Those Who Lie Beyond are a popular choice, and Ailcrest has become a hotbed of cult activity in recent years. The Burgheram have been struggling to cope with the numerous cults and have recently petitioned the Council of Burghers to seek help from one of the numerous Paladin Orders.
Foreign Relations
Ailcrest aims to foster good relations with all the nations it can, especially it's close neighbour Goritt. With disaster always at the back of their mind, the Council of Burghers want to ensure that Ailcrest can remain fed and safe following whatever disaster strikes next, and the best way to do that is through allies and trade deals.
Agriculture & Industry
While it holds incredibly fertile land, Ailcrest produces barely enough food to feed itself. This is due to the frequent disasters that prevent any real organised agricultural system from appearing. The same can be said of industry. Nobody wants to invest in digging a mine, or opening a workshop, when a disaster could collapse it the next day.
Trade & Transport
Trade within Ailcrest happens via road, with the roadways well protected by the Burgheram. Most trade into Ailcrest arrives by sea, as coming via land would require travelling through either Goritt or The Blight, neither of which are particularly safe for a caravan.
Education
Most people in Ailcrest have little time for education, and the vast majority of people cannot read or write, excepting what they must know for their work. The families of the Burghers and more wealthy residents will often hire private tutors from outside the country.
Founding Date
PR.2001
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Ailcrestian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Barter system
Legislative Body
The laws and rules of Ailcrest are set down by the Council of Burghers and ratified by the Council Speaker.
Judicial Body
the Head Judge is the head of the Burgheram watch force, and is responsible for overseeing the interpretation of the laws set out by the Council of Burghers. They do this with the aid of the Judicial Committee, a hand picked group of Judges from every major settlement.
Executive Body
The laws of Ailcrest are enforced by the Burgheram, a nationwide watch force that answers directly to the Council of Burghers via the Head Judge.
Official State Religion
Location
Neighboring Nations
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