Galvania
The Kingdom of Galvania is a medium sized kingdom ruled by Queen Audra. Blessed with a peace that has lasted for a couple centuries, this land has grown into considerable wealth. Due to its location and the geography of its land and the surrounding area, it is considered the trading hub of the known world. Notable cities include Womelsdorf, the Gateway to the east, the southern port city of Dubrovnik, who’s sea captains brave the southern sea to trade with far off lands, and the capital itself, Prizna, the Golden Port. Its peoples include Woodland Elves, Hill Dwarves, some Half-Elves, but mostly Hobbits and Human. There are said to be gnome populations in the otherwise unsettled woodlands here and there, but their existence is considered rumor and tall tales by the average populace. The trading and exploring nature of the culture has also attracted other sentient species, but to a lesser degree.
Structure
The kingdom is run by a hereditary aristocracy. A hundred years ago it was a pure monarchy, but as trade with the far-flung lands became more lucrative, the merchant and trade guilds grow in power. The moderately wealthy kingdom became downright flush with riches, and King Odrin the Wise established a limited parliamentary type system which gave guild leaders much more power especially in their areas of expertise; as long as they pay their taxes. (Think Venice in its glory days). The Nobel ranks are as follows, Queen(King) > Prince/Princess > Duke/Duchess > Earl/Countess > Viscount/Viscountess > Baron/Baroness > Knight/Lord/Lady.
The lands of the kingdom are divided into 42 principalities. Most principalities are the historic lands of the original city states from which the kingdom was formed, but there are a few newly formed ones, such as Oakridge. The name of a principality is borrowed from the city in which the lord or lady rules. Time has not treated all these regions with equally, and even the name is a bit of a misnomer as hardly any have still a Prince as its head of state. Not all the principalities have equal sway in the government. Indeed, some of the principal cities are no larger than the viscounties of larger areas, but their position of status is written into law, therefore the various leaders still have equal legal rights of the other principle leaders. With the rising power of the guilds (both legally and influentially), their real power has already lessened by degrees.
Public Agenda
The Royal class is often simply trying to maintain the status quo. Living lavishly while enjoying a land free from threats of rebellion can be a difficult goal.
Assets
The Kingdom of Galvania has everything you'd expect a wealthy country to have. Perhaps its most valuable assets are its geographical location and the knowledge of trade routes beyond the seas.
Territories
Before the kingdom was established, the region was a conglomerate of smaller kingdoms and city states. Wars were fought, treaties signed, and now the land is ruled by a single monarch. Members of the royal class are as diverse as the people who inhabit the lands. With the influence of the church, the kingdom has evolved into a constitutional monarchy which has greatly aided in keeping peace in the land. The kingdom has also been blessed with a nearly miraculous succession of wise and just rulers which has helped enrich the country and cultivate peace.
Religion
The Church of Life is the official religion of the Kingdom, but other religions are allowed to practice and organize. Order of Helm being one of them.
Foreign Relations
The amount of land under the kingdom's control has not changed in centuries. On its northern border lies Volinov which is considered a strong ally and important trading partner.
To the southeast lies the Realm of Minotaurs. Though wars have been fought against the minotaur tribes in the past, there is now a tentative peace. The Schuylkill River is the official western border of Galvania and serves as a natural barrier between the land. The land east of the Wordien Mountains has been sparsely populated for several hundred years. Recently, overpopulation in the western side has encouraged people to settle in the east seeking a better life. The Queen has encouraged this migration, yet some see increased conflict with the Minotaur tribes inevitable.
To the direct east, across the northern stretches of the Schuylkill River there are more populated lands not under control of the kingdom. Womelsdorf is the nearest royal city to these parts. Under the leadership of the Duke of Womelsdorf, pressure has not been put on these smaller settlements to pay loyalty to the crown. He has made it known to the towns that as long as they keep peace between them, Womelsdorf will not interfere in their affairs.
Maps
-
North East Galvania
Here lies the north eastern quadrant of Galvania. Official Royal Roads are solid lines. Principality cities are square with the largest being a double square marker. -
Kingdom of Galvania and the Volinov Republic
Here are the lands of The Galvanias containing the whole of the Volinov Republic and Galvania . Please note, dear reader, that this map is incomplete in its current form. This is an original map that I (Daniel Minotto II) have drawn. You might notice many of the places borrow names from actual cities. While some might scoff at this blanted use of recycling, I find it to be a relief from oddly sounding made up names. Most of the names will likely sound foreign and unusual to the average English speaker, yet hopefully be easy enough to pronounce and remember. -
Greater Womelsdorf Area
The greater region of Womelsdorf and the surrounding towns and villages.
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Kingdom of Galvania
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Galvanians
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Official State Religion
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
- Alme
- Applemoore
- Aurabor Island
- Birchvail
- Brookwyn
- Budra
- Bymarsh
- Cerrik
- Clogmit River
- Dubrovnik
- Greenley
- Ironhaven
- Lazy Run
- Long Reach
- Ludinghausen
- Oat Run
- Oldlight
- Osthurst
- Péc
- Prizna
- Rock Water
- Royal South Road
- Salmon Run
- Stonehall
- Terbuf
- Turtle Island
- Vale Wash
- Vorë
- Wheatfield River
- Winterburg
- Wolfhagen
- Womelsdorf
- Wordien Mountains
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments