Relenvale
Known as the Land of the Enchanted King, The Bardic Haven, and occasionally Harkinmont South, Relenvale is a land that is greatly influenced by education and music. Despite starting out as a Minor Kingdom, circumstance and its strong economy gave it the opportunity to maneuver itself into position as a Major Kingdom.
The country is split, in many ways, on a north and south basis. The distinction is quite hard along the banks of the river Tilar. The lands south of the Tilar were purchased by Relenvale after the creation of the Time-Frozen Wastes
Structure
Relenvale's king, at the beginning of their reign, is subject to the ritual of the Nation Soul. This ritual binds them to the thoughts, desires, and needs of all of Relenvale's citizens, and compels the king to act in their interest and at their direction. In this way, Relenvale almost acts as a democracy, as the king must make choices that benefit most of his society. The title of king in Relenvale is not a gendered one, as there have been kings both male and female. Additionally, the title is not heredetary. Instead, when one king dies, their sucessor is chosen from the Royal Council by means of an internal council vote. Generally, these votes are easy, as this is not a position all of the members vie for. Some of them are opposed to chaining themselves to the desires of the populace.
The Royal Council is made up of ten members, each of whom holds a position that grants them political, commercial, or cultural power. The council can be expanded, though it has only happened once with the Time-Frozen Wastes' ice merchants securing a representative of their own. One member represents the merchant sailor industry, and is generally chosen by consensus of the merchant companies. Apwin University of Arcane Study is unique in that it has the only heredetary role; its representative is the president of the university, a title that has been passed down from parent to child in the Apwin family for generations. Gelliarc Academy is represented by their president as well, though they fill this role with an alumni when it opens. Requarc Bardic College is usually sends not by their president, but by a representative of the college, due to their distance from the capitol. The consortium of wizards known as the His Majesty's Constitutionalists also have a representative, and are responsible for maintaining the spell that is cast on the king. They are notable for the fact that none of their representatives have ever been king. The citylord of the capitol, Triltoran, is also a member of the council, and each meeting of the council happens in their city. The Relenvale Historical Society, a group of nobles that have largely seen their power wane since the creation of the Time-Frozen Wastes, has a representative on the council as well, and can usually be counted on to support measures that would restore the nobility to power. Both the Kelia and Reqlai Studies have a representative in their respective masters or mistresses. They often attend the council meetings themselves, despite the distance.
Culture
Relenvale is often seen as a cultural center not just for the Federation, but for the continent as a whole. In many of its cities, it is almost impossible to escape the buskers and minstrels playing on streetcorners, in inns, or in taverns. There is something of a divide however, as the northern parts of the country are more likely to feature more energetic music and ballads, while the south of the country prefers slower, almost gloomy music, as well as some more classical music.
Bardic colleges are not the only educational institutions in Chenravo, as evidenced by Apwin University of Arcane Study. This university is the best location outside of Harkinmont to learn arcane magic; so much so that it is often colloquially called Harkinmont South. Its presence, along with that of the other colleges, makes Relenvale one of the most learned nations in Chenravo. Because of this influence, the country at large has invested heavily in education. Much of this investment has happened in the North, nearer to the seats of power, though that is not to say that the south is uneducated. The south simply falls behind on much of the funding, though they are still far above average.
Relenvale is also seen as the ancestral homeland of the bugbears. Given that no one really knows where the bugbears truly began, it is not a point that has much contention. Despite their heavy presence on the Goldengrass plains, Bugbears themselves will often repeat this claim. Even though the are not a majority of Relenvale's population, they are significant, and the most recent census shows that they are the second most populous people of the nation.
History
Relenvale has always had a significant economic power in Gelliarc Academy, and later in Apwin University and Requiarc Bardic College. When the Time-Frozen Wastes were created, the Minor Kingdom lost only a small part of it's land, but absolutely devastated several other nations southwest of them. Due to the funds they aquired from Gelliarc, they were able to buy up much of the remains of several nations and gain the political capitol neccesary to become recognized within the Federation as a Major Kingdom. Relenvale has honored those funds by ensuring that any citizen that wants to learn a bardic trade can do so at no cost.
Demography and Population
In order of most to least common in terms of population, Relenvale's prevalent races include
Biethtíre (39%)
Bugbears (21%)
Harengons (16%)
Hobgoblins (9%)
Goblins (8%)
Tieflings (>1%)
Thri-Keen (>1%)
Dragonborn (>1%)
Other Races (5%)
Religion
While the Wild Elders are the traditional and generally accepted religion of Relenvale, other religions, particularly those of Athneron and his followers, are accepted. Due to the large coastline of Relenvale, The Keepers of the Deep also see some adherents in the country. The Templum Nekrutan, however is reviled here, and those who serve the Custos Mortuorum often do well to keep that information to themselves here.
The will of the many becomes the will of the one
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Demonym
Relenites
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Client state / puppet state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
Relenvale has two great exports: Bards and educated minds.
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Comments