The Counties of Gaelndor
Gaelndor is the least and populated of the mainland realms, but still more populated than the Skeggs and the Red Isles. It is the second northernmost realm, sandwiched between the Alfwood to the north and Kalisandria to the south.
The Counties of Gaelndor are a loose confederation of independent counties. While most counties are ruled by a hereditary count or countess, a few of the counties are electoral counties. In the non-electoral counties, the count usually has autocratic control of his/her domain.
Structure
Gaelndor is made up of at least a hundred individual counties at any given time, although the specific number fluctuates depending on internal military conflicts. While most of the counties are hereditary in nature, there are a few that are electoral counties especially towards the less populated east and the hilly interior of Gaelndor. While the electoral counts/countesses are still allowed to attend the Grafstag, they are often looked down upon by the hereditary counts/countesses.
The Grafstag is a governing assembly made of up all the individual counts and countesses to deal with inter-county conflict and anything that may interest the well being of Gaelndor as a whole.
Culture
There are two dominant cultures located in Gaelndor, that of the Gael and that of the nomadic Karamin. Since the Karamin rarely settle in one place for longer, settlements throughout the kingdom is dominated by Gael culture. Most major settlements have a place called the karabhaile which is a spot for the Karamin to set up camp on the outskirts of town.
Although the Karamin have a reputation for being light hearted tricksters, due to historical similarities in beliefs between the Gael and the Karamin, general ethnic relations are for the most part friendly with any conflict usually being based on personal level. However with the growing influence of the Church of Caerwyn (Caelumn) in the permanent settlements there have been reports of growing religious tension.
Gaelndor also has a substantial elvish population with the three largest cities having sizeable elvish quarters.
Major Holidays
- Midwinter - Although being a holiday celebrated throughout the Bastion Realms, Midwinter is a holiday at conflict. Growing Kalisan influence and the Church of Caerwyn have started to alter the holiday to fit their needs. However a large portion of Gaelnders, including some of those
Military
The individual counties are responsible for raising and maintaining their own militaries. While it isn't completely uncommon for rival county to invade or raid one another, there is a general sense of unity when it comes to outsiders. Although, with the Imperium's push for greater uniformity amongst the Realms there are usually imperial regiments located in larger cities and points of strategic significance throughout the counties. Some counts/countesses openly welcome the Imperial Army, while others would prefer not to have their presence.
Agriculture & Industry
Gaelndor has a strong agricultural industry. Sheep are so widespread that outsiders disparagingly call the counties the Sheep Kingdoms.
Capital
Alternative Names
The North, The Sheep Kingdoms, The counties
Demonym
northerner, Gaelnders, sheep shaggers
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Barter system
Parent Organization
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments