The Kingdom of Gwynedd
Gwynedd has been sung by the bards as the jewel of the Cymbrian Kingdoms, the ancient seat of the High King whose writ extends to the farthest northern reaches of Lemuria to the eastern fields of Albion and the far western shores of Eriu. Its ruler, Aredhel ferch Maglor, the Dragon Queen, claims descent from the sorceress Cerridwen herself.
Culture
The people of Gwynedd believe in their innate superiority, even to other Cymbrians. The very cosmos is supported by an inevitable order in which the strong rule over the weak, and this is reflected in a society where those most skilled in combat, subtle in mind, and flexible comprise a natural aristocracy over those who are less capable. But because of the fluidity of society, those in power must constantly reinforce their position through action-from subtle intimidation to outright violence. While family is important, the greatest families only maintain their positions by deflecting others. Those in lower social positions always look for opportunity to rise, while revolts are put down brutally and decisively.
Public Agenda
As Gwynedd is seen as the natural leader of the other kingdoms, the Dragon Queen promotes several agendas. First is her promise to unify the squabbling kingdoms and drive the Saxons from the lands they have stolen. Second is to champion the ascendency of Gwynedd in all spheres-ruling, religion, and trade. Third is her own bid to be recognized as the High Queen of the united kingdoms.
History
The history of Gwynedd and its surrounding tributary kingdoms stretches far back into the mists of time. It was here that the greatest of all sorcerers, the engimatic Math, the wizard to the gods themselves, was said to have held his court-and hence in the forests of Gwynedd the origin of the Hychddwn, the Hyddwn, and the Bleiddwn. Even more ancient, perhaps, are the druidical groves, particularly the sacred groves on Ynys Môn, thrown down when the armies of the Eternal City overran the island and cast out the old gods. It was here that Caratacus is said to have fought his last battle with the Empire, after which he was taken to the Eternal City itself, never to return. Closer to the memory of men is the time of Cunedda, sometimes called Cuno-dagos, the "Hound of the North" who is said to have come to expel the Eriusih pirates who had troubled the area after the fall of the Empire. Rumored to have been of imperial blood himself, Cunedda offered protection and brought a sense of order, but at the cost of the jealously-guarded liberties of the people. He is therefore sometimes seen as the man who had finally civilized the recalcitrant Ordovices, who embraced imperial culture only after the Empire had withdrawn.
Foreign Relations
Gwynedd is allied with Dyfed and seeks an alliance with Dubhneint. It is at war with the splinter Kingdom of Ceredigion. Concern over possible clashes with Gwent/Glywising has allowed Brycheiniog to maintain its independence, especially as the Dragon Queen wishes to
Note: The concept and design for this kingdom owes some debt to Brian Young's excellent adventure module "To Kill a King," originally published for Castles & Crusades (TM).
Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn ("The Red Dragon Inspires Our Deeds!")
Founding Date
450 CY
Capital
Ruling Organization
Head of Government
Government System
Dictatorship
Power Structure
Unitary state
Gazetteer
Caer Segeint: Built on the high ground east of the Seiont estuary and affording a commanding view of the Menai Straits, Caer Segeint has long been the seat of power for the Brenins of Gwynedd. The fortress can hold up to 1000 soldiers, with many bathhouses in the spacious squares, a basilica, and a splendid palace.
Dinas Emrys: Once the seat of power for the subkingdom of Penllyn, this fortress is now the headquarter of the Order of the Dragon.
Dinas Fechan: This town, located below the high moorland between Yr Wyddfa and the Clwydian Hills, was originally the seat of a tributary kingdom of Gwynedd with authority extending over the Four Cantrefs of the Perfeddwlad.
Dinas Gonwy: This fortress and town was built in the imperial sytle by Maelgwyn Gwynedd, great-grandson of Cunedda and one of the first high kings of all Gwynedd, to rival Caer Segeint in opulence.
Dinas Gonwy: This fortress and town was built in the imperial sytle by Maelgwyn Gwynedd, great-grandson of Cunedda and one of the first high kings of all Gwynedd, to rival Caer Segeint in opulence.
Official State Religion
Controlled Territories
Related Ethnicities
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