The Kingdom of Othrae
Structure
Othrae, Unlike the other Kingdoms of Nardethel, have an Elective Monarchy at the helm. Much of the structure of Othrae was taken as the basis of how the wider federation would later be structured. Every time a King of Othrae passes away, The elector Counts and Dukes vote for the next man or woman to take the throne. Technically any Knighted fellow, landed or not has the chance to be Monarch - However those who hold the most power, often wish to keep it.
Public Agenda
Othrae, When not squabbling for votes and loyalty, are mainly focused on trade outside and within the wider federation. They are situated strategically on the western most peninsular of the federation meaning they only have one land border.
History
Othrae was the first of the Nardethelian Kingdoms to become such, and was founded by Three brothers: Reynold, Tybold and Theobald. Each of whom took a corner of the peninsular as their own petty-kingdom. The family would gather once a year to elect a high king, who would then deal with foreign affairs. As time passed the branches of the Othrae Ruling Family divided their land between sons, daughters, retainers and the like creating a more feudal system as time went on. King High Jerol "The Diplomat" of Othrae reformed the Elective cycle to last as long as the ruler lived and gave the voting power to any landed Knight around 900-950. Exact dates are unknown as for a long time Othrae has a very oral tradition and history was passed down through Loremasters.
The Descendants of the Brothers have since become their own distinct houses, named after the founding members.
Noble Houses of the Region
House Theobald (Current Dukes of Ate) House Tybold (Current Dukes of Cleres) House Reynold (Current Dukes of Ouestvin) House Kellsworth (Current Count of Courvilleux) House De Guise (Current Count of Mordonte) House Baudry (Current Count of Bellevillizie) House Wythrope (Current Count of Thivereche) House Swyane (Current Count of Neulonvilles) House Sunderstar (Current Count of Givy Amouvil) House Canterly (Current Count of Odrerolleres) In recent years, The original families power has declined as other noble families have risen, most notable are the De Gulise whose wealth from Trade and industrial mindedness have brought them to equal status of the original families. There has however yet to have been a monarch who did not hail from the linage of the original brothers.Demography and Population
Unlike the majority of the Kingdoms of Nardethel, There is a far larger middle class in Othrae due to its naval and trading culture. That being said there is a large population of peasantry towards the center of the peninsular where most of the nations vineyards are located. Many of the towns closest to the shore have developed from fishing village to vibrant metropolis and trading ports, due to the Kingdoms perfect position at the entrance of the Bay of Gold - This is where you'll find most of this up and coming middle class.
Territories
The territory within Othrae hasn't changed for many years. The most recent conquest would be the border county of Neulonvilles which was taken from the neighbouring Kingdom of Choltes 168 years prior, with the use of Orcish Mercenaries from the Principality of Korzak. Bar that region, Othrae has remained in control of the ancestral peninsular for its entire existence.
Military
Othrae doesn't have a large standing retinue like the other Kingdoms, Due to its elective nature. Most of the noble houses keep a small group of retainer knights who are loyal to or members of the dynasty. Most warfare with Othrae is done by the use of mercenary armies hired from Solorum or Condottieri which can be found throught the Kingdom. Wars are won with money in Othrae, and due to its mercantile nature, theres plenty of that to go around.
Religion
Since the creation of the federation, There has been a regimented pantheon for the entire federation which emulated the ideals the federation stands for. However due to its trading nature, much of the population of Othrae also worship Waukeen, the Merchant's Friend, Liberty's Maiden, and the Golden Lady. Her portfolio included everything related to commerce and the accumulation of wealth through free and fair trade, as well as the beneficial use of wealth to improve civilization. Those that venerated and appeased her included merchants from lowly peddlers to the wealthy owners of trading companies, investors, accountants, entrepreneurs, caravan guides, warehouse owners, philanthropists, deal-makers, moneylenders, and so on.
Agriculture & Industry
Othrae is the most industrialized of all of the Kingdoms within the Federation. It is know for producing high quality naval supplies along its northern coast, as well as a vibrant glassblowing industry out of Mordonte.
Its main commodity however is the various wines that the region produces. Every region, Dutchy, County, Barony alike produces its own differing wine. The wine trade is highly respected and some of the Noble houses of the region found their origins as wine merchants and farmers. Every year in the capital a wine fair called the "The Festival of the Vine" - At the end of which a best wine is selected for the year. Wines from Othrae make their way to Taverns across the known world, It is even rumored that you can find it within The Eladrin Empire in certain cities, But that could also just be good marketing.
Trade & Transport
Othrae is home to the three largest port towns within the entire federation bar the capital. It is a commercial hub and sees well over 10,000 ships pass through its ports monthly from all over the known world. Many trade routes pass through Othrae if not to sell, but to resupply. The De Guise Glass Company invented a type of glass bottle and case that preserve food and drink for far longer for the same price of normal glassware, meaning it is a choice spot for sailors to pick up preserves - not to mention the fact that The Kingdoms of Nardethel combined produce most of the agricultural food products of Longreech are grown.
Othrae's capital Pitvilly was also the first location outside the Dutchy of Neldond to build a Skyship docking tower, thus the Kingdom for a long time dominate luxury good trade out of the out of Neldond - A hugely sort after commodity. Also it has to be noted that it was under a High King of Othraean assent that the Skyship tower of the Federation capital was also built. When said second Dockyard was built in the capital, it only increased incoming ships from Neldond as now shorter range sky vessles could leapfrog their way across the Kingdoms to Othrae. Othrae's Skyship dock is now also the first/last Skyship dock in Longreech meaning Continental bound Skyships have to pass through Pitvilly's dockyard.
From the smallest of Vines can the Sweetest Grapes grow.
Founding Date
537
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Othraeans
Demonym
Othraeans
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Barter system
Parent Organization
Location
Related Ethnicities
Comments