Confederation of Maplemountain
The Confederation of Maplemountain is a state on a secluded peninsula bordered by the Bhagdum Mountain Range in the south. Known for its egalitarian ethos and cooperative culture, the Confederation is home to Halflings, Gnomes, and Dwarves who have forged a society rooted in shared governance and mutual respect.
The Confederation is renowned for its direct democratic system, which allows all citizens to participate in decision-making. This balance of individual voices and collective effort has made Maplemountain a prosperous and tightly-knit nation.
Etymology
The name Maplemountain reflects the natural and cultural heritage of the peninsula. "Maple" is derived from the abundance of maple trees that thrive across the peninsula, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of its communities. "Mountain" refers to the Bhagdum Mountain Range that forms the southern border of the Confederation, representing strength, stability, and the Dwarven roots of the nation. Together, Maplemountain encapsulates the union of nature and resilience that defines the Confederation.
Geography
The Maplemountain Peninsula is a picturesque region characterized by rolling hills, verdant meadows, and temperate forests dotted with streams and lakes. The peninsula is isolated by the Bhagdum Mountains, which form a natural barrier to the south. The Bhagdum Mountain Range is a towering and rugged range housing rich mineral deposits and the sprawling underground city of Karaz-Bhagdum, the Confederation's Dwarven economic heart. The peninsula's geography fosters self-sufficiency, with abundant arable land, natural resources, and access to the sea for trade.
Government
The Confederation operates as a direct democracy, with citizens participating in communal assemblies to vote on laws, policies, and leadership. Local governance is organized into the Councils of Fachach, representing towns and communities, and delegates gather in Maplepoint for national assemblies.
At the national level, the Confederation is represented by a triumvirate of symbolic leaders known as the Three Pillars. The triumvirate are representatives of the three majority communities of Maplemountain. These three figures serve as the Confederation's symbolic heads of state, acting as diplomats and the public faces of Maplemountain to the rest of the world.
This structure balances the direct democratic nature of the Confederation with a unified presence on the international stage, reflecting the harmony between its diverse communities.
Economy
The economy of the Confederation of Maplemountain is characterized by sustainability, innovation, and trade. Agriculture thrives on the peninsula’s fertile lands, providing an abundance of grains, fruits, and renowned wines. The region’s workshops and forges produce expertly crafted tools to aid with their daily labour.
Maplepoint serves as the Confederation’s trade hub, with its port facilitating the export of goods and the import of rare materials. The economy is guided by principles of environmental stewardship and collective welfare, ensuring that its natural resources and prosperity are preserved for future generations.
Culture
The culture of the Confederation of Maplemountain is rooted in unity, cooperation, and a shared celebration of creativity and community. Despite the diverse backgrounds of Halflings, Gnomes, and Dwarves, their way of life is deeply intertwined, reflecting eras of collaboration and mutual respect.
Music, art, and storytelling are integral to their society, with festivals and gatherings often centered around shared creative expression. The Harmony Festival is a pinnacle of this cultural tradition, where citizens come together to showcase their talents, blending melodies, craftsmanship, and vibrant tales of their history. Work and leisure alike are communal, with people valuing teamwork and the collective effort to build a thriving society. The people of Maplemountain take pride in their ability to blend artistry with practicality.
Lia Fàil
The Lia Fàill, or Stone of Destiny, is a revered relic located in Maplepoint. According to legend, the stone was once the Grindstone of the God Mecain , left behind on Ithon after the Banishment of the Gods . Its ownership has long been contested between Maplemountain and the Royal Realm of Fleuvia .
Historians trace the stone’s origins to the lands now known as Fleuvia, where it was initially safeguarded by the Gnomes and Halflings who inhabited the region during the First and Second Eras. However, at the close of the Second Era, Fleuvia began expanding its territory, bringing it into conflict with the Gnomish and Halfling communities. As a result of Fleuvian campaigns, many Gnomes and Halflings fled across the sea to the area that is now Maplemountain, while the stone remained in Fleuvian hands and became a central element in the coronation ceremonies of its monarchs.
During the turbulent transition to the Fourth Era, the newly established Confederation of Maplemountain launched a daring initiative. A team of magic users and tinkerers was tasked with retrieving the stone and returning it to its original custodians. The effort succeeded, and the stone was transported to Maplepoint, where it has remained ever since. Today, the Lia Fàil serves as the site of national communal assemblies, symbolizing unity and heritage.
Military
The Confederation of Maplemountain relies on local militias for defense, with each community maintaining its own trained volunteers. These militias specialize in tactics suited to the peninsula’s terrain, from mountain fortifications to forest skirmishes, and coastal defense. the militias combine traditional combat with innovative guerilla tactics and devices.
In emergencies, the Three Pillars serve as centralized leadership. ensuring swift and coordinated responses between the local militias.
Diplomacy
Yma cedacht an seo!
"We are still here!"
Anthem: Òran na Cloiche
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