Celesta
Formerly a part of the elven kingdom of Fabula Nova, Celesta gained its independence in PR.2289, following the rise of the Agency of Change. A few rebellious nobles took Celesta under their rule, vowing to make it a place that was welcoming to all, a far cry from the xenophobic arrogance of old. Now known as the ‘Council of Nine’, they enjoy the intricacy of ceremony, and have long flowing red robes with high, golden collars. The whole of their governing system is now tied up in ritual and tradition. It is said that the induction of a new member to the council is a process that takes nine weeks of ritual.
While the nobility engross themselves in their traditions and rituals of governance, the common folk of Celesta try to embody the principles on which their nation was founded, and are open and welcoming to all. Where most nations would turn such folk away, Celestans openly welcome members of the more traditionally bestial races, such as Orcs and Goblins, looking for a better life. There is even an entire township, Undercavern, set aside for Duergar and Drow, who’s knowledge of mining and underground riches has helped to fill Celesta’s coffers nicely. A large contingent of the Legion of Progress work out of Undercavern, gleaning knowledge from those races that most would shun.
Structure
The Council of Nine are the highest authority in Celesta and, from them, power is devolved to a series of area Governors, who then devolve power further to Mayors.
Culture
Celestans are an open and welcoming people. They pay little attention to race or creed, and instead try to judge a person on their merits or faults.
Demography and Population
A large proportion of Celesta's population is Elven, roughly twenty percent. There are also half elves at eighteen percent, and humans at fifteen. The remaining forty seven percent are made up of a generous mix of nearly every other race, including Drow and Duergar, who are rarely seen outside their own societies. Most of Celesta's population live in the cities and towns of the grasslands, but a large number can also be found where the country meets the Dragonspire peaks, where mining has caused some towns to expand rapidly.
Territories
Celesta occupies an area in the southern reaches of the Breadbasket, bordering the Hook. It ranges from flat plains in the East, crisscrossed with meandering rivers, making for perfect farmland, through dense forests in it's central reaches, to the sharp foothills of the Dragonspire peaks in it's western extremes.
Military
Celesta maintains a standing army of roughly four thousand soldiers known as The Fanfare, backed up by an auxiliary force of a further four thousand part-time soldiers known as the Reserve.
Technological Level
Celesta has a fairly standard level of scientific progress, on par with most other nations.
Religion
The Pantheon is heavily represented in Celesta, being the official state religion. However, many religious authorities in Serene Vialgo are concerned that Celesta's policy of welcoming Drow and Duergar has led to some aberrant worship practices and, indeed, Celesta can sometimes be a hot-bed of cult activity.
Foreign Relations
Celesta tends to pursue good relations with other nations whenever it can. They have no desire for war and, indeed, often act as neutral ground for peace talks should the need arise. They do welcome near any refugee, which can cause some tensions.
Agriculture & Industry
Celesta has a vast farming belt in the Eastern grasslands which provides plentiful food for the whole nation and then some. The foothills of the Dragonspire peaks provide vast amounts of mineral wealth too, which Celesta gladly exploits.
Trade & Transport
Within it's borders, Celesta transports good on a well maintained road system. Being landlocked, it has no ports to export goods via sea, so instead relies on large trade caravans, although there is much talk of the Legion of Progress building an Airship Dock in Novis Udorn.
Education
As with most nations, the general populace of Celesta is largely uneducated, only gaining that knowledge if their job requires it. The nobility however are not averse to hiring private tutors, and sometimes using the academy in neighbouring Dawne.
In Diversity, Prosperity Will Flourish
Founding Date
PR.2289
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Celestan
Government System
Plutocracy
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
With it's mix of cultures, the crafts of Celesta are in high demand, as they represent a unique fusion of styles. Also, a lot of food leaves the Eastern Grasslands heading for nearby nations in The Hook.
Major Imports
As a general import, Celesta imports hard lumber which it needs, as the Council of Nine have forbidden the forests to be logged heavily in order to preserve homes for the more woodland inclined races. Seafood is also a popular import for the wealthy, as the nation is landlocked.
Legislative Body
The laws of Celesta are devised and written by the Council of Nine, on the advice of their governors.
Judicial Body
The act of interpreting laws in Celesta filters down to Mayors on the local level, or Governors above them. They act not only as representations of the Council's authority, but also as judges. In very rare cases, the Council of Nine will authorise justice themselves.
Official State Religion
Location
Neighboring Nations
Comments