Aurelia
Aurelia is remarkable for having not only stayed independent of the Fallen Cities, but also having carved out its own well-sized kingdom in the world.
Aurelia is self-sustaining, with it having a rich mixture of mineral and agricultural wealth to keep itself fed and armed. It trades its surplus to nearby Fallen Cities merely to grow its coffers. When Fallen Cities have tried to take Aurelia they have found themselves matched in the field of battle by the well trained and equipped Aurelians.
The people of Aurelia are a hardy, self-reliant folk who are led by their Queen Zelena Stellings. Zelena has been on the throne a relatively short time after a brief but bloody Civil War. Her leadership was once again tested during Year of the Dragon, as The Wayfarers, who played a central role in that year, were based out of Starmont Allod and worked with one of her Ladies and close friends, Evoda Vitri. Aurelia saw its star only rise after the year and The Tharrisian War, with it having new and improved diplomatic ties across all of Kalin.
Structure
The King or Queen of Aurelia, traditionally from the Stellings family, rules Aurelia. Below them are the Lords and Ladies who rule large tracts of the country known as Allods. The King/Queen and Lords/Ladies all come from the original Zwiastowaci, the five warriors who founded Aurelia. Under them are Szlachta and Rycerz (Knights), who own large tracts of land called Folwarks or individual castles respectively. Szlachta are usually granted land to rule by the local Lord or Lady, and this land will often stay in a family's control for many generations. Rycerz are designated by either Szlachta or the local Lord, and are usually responsible for guarding their castle/keep and the lands surrounding it, but are ultimately beholden to the local Szlachta and Lord.
History
Aurelia came into being during the Fall of the Torva. As the Immortal Cities began to fall the strategically critical Immortal City of Mysellari faced a particularly intense siege from the Gir'An, with their leader even being mounted atop of an undead Dragon raised by his clan witch. With no aid to be found from its fellow cities Mysellari fell to the onslaught and its people fled.
As the Gir'An swept southwards they were met by an army of Humans and Olark led by a group of five powerful warriors. Lambor Ulthuar, Helene Easdon, Korthil Vitri, Phonix Milatadies, and Argan Stellings. These warriors were called the Zwiastowaci, (or Heralds) and their closest followers the Rycerz Herolda (Knights of the Heralds). Leading from the front of the army they wielded powerful enchanted weapons that were made of material mined by Ulthuar, designed by Vitri, forged by Easdon, enchanted by Milatadies, and religiously anointed by Stellings. The army turned back the Norsemen and destroyed their leader atop his undead dragon.
After the victory the army following the Zwiastocwaci declared they would continue to follow the Zwiastowaci only. Taking the initiative the Zwiastocwaci took their army and went to each of the regions they had come from. There they rooted out any Norsemen that still threatened the land and also overthrew what few ruling Elves remained, claiming the land "For Mortals."
After the campaign the Zwiastocwaci converged on the small fortress of Avolen, the home of Argan Stellings. It was here that the Zwiastowaci declared that Argan Stellings would be the new king of the Aurel, now named Aurelia. Argan accepted the honor.
Since then the land has been split between the Dzieci z Zwiastowaci (Children of the Heralds). These families have become lords and ladies of Aurelia, and the leader of each family has been given the family weapon that has been handed down throughout the history of each family all the way back from original Zwiastocwaci.
Aurelia went through a period of instability in the early 8th century. The ruling families, the Stellings, were ousted in a vicious coup that saw all of the royal family dead minus Zelena Stellings, who somehow escaped. The Vitri family, the family responsible for the coup, took the throne and either bribed or forced the other major families bow to them.
In 740 2A, 23 years after the coup took place, Zelena Stellings would return to Aurelia, and kick off the Aurelian Civil War. The war was a brief but bloody affair that saw the near extermination of the Vitri family and the return of the Stellings to the throne. Zelena has gone about a period of rebuilding her nation and securing her rule since then, especially against Tharrisia which has been eyeing the wealthy nation of Aurelia more and more.
During the Year of the Dragon in 755 and 756, Aurelia was heavily involved in the conflict due to their association with The Wayfarers. This led to Aurelia becoming the defacto leading nation in The Tharrisian War against Tharrisia. During the year it suffered from both a major attack on Starmont Allod and its capital during the Battle of Avolen. It also suffered during a war campaign against The Gir'An during the Fall of the Blood Shaper.
After the defeat of Aenophentari the nation has been on an upswing. It has enjoyed new levels of diplomatic access and leadership across the continent thanks to the relationships established by The Wayfarers, has grown its territory into Gir'An territory by several hundred miles following the Aurelian victory against the Blood Shaper, and now houses several of the most well known heroes of the century.
Demography and Population
The population of Aurelia are a hardened and self sustaining population. Due to the surprising size of Aurelia it rarely wants for anything, being able to farm and harvest trees in the south, mine in the Northeast, and fish on its western coast. It trades its surplus out but Aurelia is mostly self reliant.
The people themselves reflect their nation as a proud and strong people who are fiercely loyal to their nation. Aurelia prides itself on being independent for over 700 years without help or instruction from a Fallen City, and this attitude permeates every part of its culture.
Territories
The territory of Aurelia is controlled by local lords and ladies, who ultimately report to the Queen. The size and specialization of this land changes from region to region.
Military
Aurelia employs a feudalistic military, with Lords and Ladies bringing their armies to bear for the Queen. The army is an exceptionally well equipped and trained one. Every Aurelian knows on some level that their independence could be taken by their larger and more populous neighbors, so they prepare accordingly. Aurelia is especially known for its Rycerz Herolda, Knights that are specifically appointed by Lords and Ladies that are very well known for their distinct armor and the terrifying nature of their cavalry charges.
Technological Level
Aurelia is a little less advanced than some of its neighbors in both magical and technological ability, but not to a hugely detrimental degree.
Religion
Worship of The Mantle goes back to the age of the Torva'Ir. The first king of Aurelia, Argan Stellings, was a devout follower of Lethaego and supposedly swore a Paladin's Oath to lead his people well. Ever since then the Mantle has been an important part of the Aurelia identity.
Foreign Relations
After the Year of the Dragon, Aurelia saw its diplomatic prospects change dramatically.
It's tense relationship with Tharrisia boiled over into war during The Tharrisian War. While the war came to an end, relations have been tense ever since.
The relationship with the Dwarves of Jarak have warmed considerably, and the two nations are now good trading partners (thanks in large part to the efforts of Bhelmir Strongheart).
It has entered an official military alliance with Embrel, which has proved more a cost on Aurelia than Embrel in the last decades as Embrel struggles with a lack of manpower.
It also has good relations with Balmoth, Straka (thanks to Tarkus), Heldir, Halteri, and Atresa (as well as its protectorates).
Agriculture & Industry
The southern parts of Aurelia supply plenty of food for the nation, and the mines and craftsmen provide the industry. It may not be as advanced as some nations and Fallen Cities, but Aurelia is self sufficient.
Trade & Transport
Aurelia enjoys a large trade surplus with its neighbors. It exports left over food and related goods to Jarak and Holriad. It ships its bountiful wood to Balmoth, and it ships its minerals to Embrel and even Tharrisia. It does import some rare goods only available elsewhere such as Dwarven Ale and Tharrisian Olives but nothing vital to its existence.
Education
Aurelian education depends on your class. Nobles, lords, and the wealthy can afford top notch students. Meanwhile peasants and the poor mostly get education from their local church or community, but no specific education.
Infrastructure
Aurelian infrastructure is well maintained via taxes directly applied by the Queen.
Śmiertelne życie w śmiertelnych rękach (Mortal Life in Mortal Hands)
Maps
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Aurelia as of 755 2A
Founding Date
2090 1A
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Aurelian
Leader
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Legislative Body
The Queen of Aurelia makes the laws with advice from her nobles and lords.
Judicial Body
The local lords and ladies interpret the laws that the Queen of Aurelia puts forth.
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
