The Duchy of Ilase

The Duchy of Ilase

The Duchy of Ilase was once part of the great Elulalfanian Empire. Upon the death of The Great Emporer, however, the duchy of Ilase was handed over to the second child. This second child, unhappy with their lot and jealous of their sibling's ascension above them, instantly threw up arms in rebellion. A corrupt advisor had convinced this Duke that people across the empire would rally under their banner. They did not.

The sibling was brought down, arrested, and tried for treason. The sibling was executed but not before the sibling's consort had fortified Felha, the provincial seat of power in Ilase.. The sheltered bay meant that naval invasion was difficult, the surrounding wetlands and forest meant an infantry attack would be susceptible to hit and run tactics.

A long guerilla war was fought against the Empire, the duchy declared its independence and only after 200 years of war and the execution of the second child, was peace declared. The duchy was recognised as an independent state and the old Empire, now kingdom, and the duchy have remained on a terse but peaceful relationship since.

Politics

The Duchy of Ilase is a single Duchy, and thus ruled solely by the Duke. The current Duke of Ilase is Rimaro of House Ilase. They hold absolute power and authority in the Duchy and hold control close to them. Intrigue and challenges to the authority of the Duke is quashed quickly.

The people of Ilase are not free to move about the country. The population is centred around Felha, every citizen above the age of 14 is held in reserve against a potential invasion. A propaganda campaign decrying the corruption of many other nations helps to maintain the highly centralised seat of power in Ilase.

Culture

Ilasean Culture is almost identical to that of the Elulalfanian elves, ethnically the same, the difference is the paranoia and authoritarian government that presides over them. Festivities are a rarity, and tend to be centred around the ruling family and current ruler.

Many Ilaseans have never learned truly of their history and view their situation as a cruel injustice against the whims of a corrupt and false foreign king. There is a cult of comradery, wherein every citizen does their part for Ilase, so that Ilase may prosper. Anyone who is thought to be acting against the interests of Ilase or the Duke can be arrested. As such being guarded is common in Ilase, especially with opinion and intent. Communities are not close knit, regardless of how close in confinement, even family units tend to guard their most personal thoughts.

Religion

There is no state religion in Ilase, however, the same forms of worship exist in Ilase as they do in Elulalfana.