Duchy of Tarna
The name of Tarna is more than a remnant of an old Imperial house. It is a name that means security. It was House Tarna that came to these lands and pushed back the tides of chaos. It was Belil Tarna who faced a horde of wyverns with knights and free folk at her side. They reclaimed these lands, and brought forth a prospering territory. Those memories are not forgotten by anyone here. And though the House of Tarna has fallen, we still hold this Duchy in that name. Because the name means something to all of us here. Let me make this clear, I serve the people of the Duchy of Tarna. I advise the Emperor.
- Duchess Fulvia Dawntraveler
History
The Duchy was created by House Tarna about 50 years after The Cataclysm. The nobles of the Tarna family and their retainers came to the lands in the name of the first Emperor to tame the chaos. They were successful, mostly due to the efforts of the Belil Tarna, a knight of great skill. This became known as the Liberation of the North.
In time House Tarna created a stronghold in the eastern portion of the lands. From Castle Tarna they would mount expeditions and settlements across the territory. The community around this stronghold would eventually become the capital city of Casteel. When security was established, House Tarna appealed to the Emperor for a true title, and the first Duke of Tarna was crowned. The Tarna family continued to be a strong factor in the Duchy, but many of the original retainer and merchant families from that original settlement had amassed power and influence as well.
Thirty years ago, the Tarna family imploded with the last members dying in succession conflicts, mysterious circumstances and one even attempting to use dangerous magic from the Rift and literally imploding. At this point the local Legates met and put forth a temporary Duke to hold control of the territory, until they could all vote for a replacement among themselves (with the Emperor's permission).
The permission was granted, and the Dawntraveler family stepped into the spot temporarily. A few years of inner chaos unfolded, with the only steady element being the temporary Duke protecting the people from the squabbling legates. Eventually pressure from Emperor Zeno Omenos forced the legates to back down, and Citro Dawntraveler became permanent Duke. His eldest daughter was nominated to follow in his stead. Fulvia Dawntraveler had already proven to be a excellent diplomat and advisor to her father and the Emperor. Most of the Legates were fine with her leadership, but a few dissenters feel that the Duchy is going to fall into a inherited rulership once again, something Fulvia denies, as she has no children of her own.
Demography and Population
Like most of the Empire of Theos the Duchy is peopled most heavily by the Children of Ashtyr (Humans, Dwarves, and Halflings).
However, First Folk and Children of Yeno are well integrated in the Duchy. It is only that their numbers are fewer. Many of them hold positions of power in the military and government. The only folk looked at with suspicion are Brass Elves, because of their association with The Brass Horde and Rift Dwellers, who are believed to be tainted by dangerous magic. But these prejudices are held throughout the Empire, and are not isolated to the Duchy.
Territories
The Duchy controls all the Lands of Tarna. These borders were firmly established by House Tarna about 50 years after The Cataclysm, and have not changed much since.
Religion
Worship of all the gods is permitted in the Duchy. But like most lands in Empire of Theos, worship of Ashtyr is the most typical. Shrines to Yeno and Kor are found in many small villages where those gods may be more important to the community.
The relatively recent worship of "The Three" has increased in popularity. This combined worship of the three great gods has allowed for a single place of worship to appeal to all inhabitants. The Duchess Fulvia Dawntraveler in particular sees this a great way to unify her people further, and give the Duchy a more modern feel. Her rededication of the temple in Casteel is an effort to lead by example. An interesting act, considering her well known devotion to Tillia.
Foreign Relations
Since the Empire of Theos was on friendly terms with The Grand Duchy of Kadmos it is considered a valuable trading partner. The border of the Duchy of Tarna does meet with Kadmos, and so trade was welcome between the two.
With the fall of Duke Julian Kadmos and rise of the Black Eagle, relations are tense. The Duchy of Tarna is still welcoming local traders from the Grand Duchy, but has turned away any official delegations from the Black Eagle. Duchess Fulvia Dawntraveler claims to be awaiting an official stance from the Emperor Zeno Omenos before entering any diplomatic or trade negotiations with the Grand Duchy.
Laws
As a feudal client of the Empire of Theos, the Duchy follows the same laws handed down by that government. Some special laws are in place around specific trade and interaction with Everwood, but for most folk the Imperial law is the law of the land.
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Head of State
Head of Government
Power Structure
Feudal state
Gazetteer
Contains the Lands of Tarna.
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
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Nice little Duchy ^^
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