Westgauen
The Kingdom of the Westgauen (literally Kingdom of the Western Shires) is a feudal kingdom in the northwest of Ereacia , consisting of the Western reaches of the Empire. Following the the Godsflood, the Westgauen banded together as a loose confederation that quickly evolved into a feudal monarchy with its capital at the old Western Imperial capital of Neuhochburg. Largely concerned with its own feudal affairs and the tensions over the rights to leave the bay levied by the Magisterium of Cadaemar, who look down on the Westgauers, the Westgau is a traditional feudal society. Its people are renowned for their friendliness, brewing the best mead and beer outside of the Dwarven holds of the mountain ranges.
Interesting things about the Westgauen
- The Westgauic Capital of Neuhochburg is the old Western capital of the Empire, but it only got that name after it became that capital. The old city of Neuhochburg consists of a number of conjoined districts that were towns of themselves before the mighty castle was built on the shore of the river Visteflut.
- To maintain order among the vassals, it is whispered that King Folkmar II maintains a network of spies which provides him with the latest intelligence.
- The Westgauen are a diverse land of nature and culture. It has both deep woods, two great rivers, rolling hills, plains and mountains. It is a patchwork of feudal holdings, old cities, great castles and friendly people. The ale coming from its rolling fields of wheat is widely famed for its quality.
Westgauic Characters
Feudal society. The Westgauen are a traditional feudal society, divided in a large number of fiefdoms who occasionally make trouble. There’s a diversity in the way and the rigour the law is enforced. There are nobles and knights here, as well as skilled longbowmen. What was your role in this feudal society? Were you a citizen or were you raised on a manor as a peasant or nobleman? Were you born in a rich area or in one of the wayward regions on the fringe of the country? Joy and friendliness. The Westgauen are a land of plenty and fertility, fed by the Visteflut and Endaflut rivers. The plenty of the lands have bred the Westgauers as hearty and welcoming people, fully willing to share in their bounty. Hospitality is sacred to the Westgauers, and they take a friendly interest in many of the people they meet. Westgauers live life to the full, delighting in the simple joys of great beer, good food and good company. Land of tradition. The Westgauen are a land with a rich history, maintaining some of the glories of the Third Empire and its predecessors. The land is rich in numerous traditions and superstitions that are taken for self-evident by its citizens. As an adventurer, were you tired of the social order or do you hold to the traditions and superstitions to preserve a bit of home?Structure
A feudal society ruled by the King of the Westgauen, hereditary in House Westing, and an assortment of Dukes, Counts, Barons and Knights, as well as landholding clergy.
History
In the wake of the Godsflood, the Western reaches of the old Empire, centered on the Western capital of Neuhochburg, were hit by hard times. Never the richest part of the Empire, the chaos that gripped the Empire hit the Westerners hard. Following the birth of the Third Interregnum, a coalition of nobles moved swiftly to crown Folkmar Westing, the Imperial warden of Neuhochburg as King of the Westgauen. Folkmar, a count despite his high office, rapidly consolidated his rule through pragmatic tactics that did however end up losing Szoranskie for the Westgauen.
Demography and Population
The population of the Westgauen is mostly dispersed across the large number of fiefs that make up its territory. Population density and make-up varies wildly, and all races are present everywhere to some degree as an inheritance of the old Empire. Densely populated cities such as Neuhochburg are not a common sight - most of the Westgauen is agraric, and on the edges of the Kingdom people live practically in the wilderness.
Territories
The territory of the Westgauen comprises most of the Western reaches of the old Empire, bordered by the Szoran Plains, the Ocean, the Oraios River, the Murus Mountains and the Cadaemarish Peninsula.
Military
The military of the Westgauen consists entirely of feudal levies, although King Folkmar does have a royal guard.
Religion
Although the Filian Church is the state religion and the Chantry is outlawed as heresy, there are communities of Chanters clandestinely practicing their religion in small groups under the purview of travelling hedge-preachers. Some Elves practicing the old religion of their race are tolerated and protected, but are restricted in their roles in society.
Foreign Relations
The Westgauen have amicable relations with most nations of the Continent. They enjoy a friendly rivalry with the Arlesians - the culture of both nations is replete with joking references to this (think France and Britain). The only nation which isn't on good terms with the Westgauen is Szoranskie, a legacy of the strained relationship that caused the Szorans to break away from the Westgauen.
Agriculture & Industry
The Westgauen is a traditional agricultural society, sustained by the fertile lands around and the mining resources found in the Murus Mountains.
Trade & Transport
The old Imperial road network, the most important of which is the Old Imperial Road, connects the major cities of the Westgauen, but it is in disrepair in places. There are reliable and profitable trade routes across the Murus with Arlesia.
Founding Date
3 of the Third Interregnum
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
the Westgauen, the Western Shires
Demonym
Westgauic
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Westgauic Crown
Major Exports
The Westgauen are famed for their beer and in addition to this exports a large amount of grain via the sea and the trade routes across the Murus.
Legislative Body
The King rules the Westgauen, but under the Charter of Harmony, he does so with regular consultation of his feudal peers, who gather in a Diet at Neuhochburg annually.
Judicial Body
Each lord has right of jurisdiction over his own lands. Appeals can be made to a liege or to the King.
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
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