Kingdom of Rasfadal
Countryside Kingdom
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Rasfadal! Rolling hills, covered in a soft blanket of grass stretch out as far as the eye can see. It is an idyllic kingdom. However, even the peaceful Kingdom of Rasfadal is involved in the politics of the world.
The Kingdom of Rasfadal is also known as ‘The Countryside Kingdom’. Its countryside is large. Most of the people of Rasfadal are farmers and live on the land. There are a small number of larger towns and cities, but you won’t find large urbanized areas here; even the towns and cities are quite small compared to those in other kingdoms. They too reflect the countryside that is so inherent to the Kingdom of Rasfadal. The only thing that sets these larger hubs apart from the villages and hamlets are the lords’ manors and castles that overlook these towns."
D. Harewood, Fendalian Cartographer
The Kingdom of Rasfadal, also known as The Countryside Kingdom, is a feudal kingdom in north-eastern Wordal. Its territory includes the Arnallan Plains , the Murr Shore , The Swamps and The Great Vale. The Kingdom of Rasfadal is bordered to the east by The Great Sea, to the south by the Kingdom of Elmara and to the west by the Kingdom of Burbry and Archduchy of Sovar.
The Kingdom of Rasfadal is ruled by the king with regional power given to various dukes and counts. Most dukes have granted regional power to counts below them. The lands around the capital are called 'The Crownlands, which consists of The Crownduchy. The King of Rasfadal is also the Duke of The Crownduchy. When the firstborn son of the king comes of age he is granted the Barony of Ordal, a barony within the Crownduchy. To the east are the Lords of Murr. They are the lords of the Duchies of Eslang, Mull Darnallan and Tarnal. To the north are the Lords of The Swamps, ruled by the Duke of The Swamps. To the west are the Arnallan Lords, who rule over the Duchies of Arnallan and Tharnallan, the County of Dollor and the Bisdom of Fern. To the south are the Southern lords. They rule over the Duchie of The Great Vale and the Counties of Arlin, Golban and South Fendal.
Structure
The kingdom of Rasfadal is a feudal kingdom ruled by the King of Rasfadal. The king's vassals are granted land, or a fief, in exchange for their loyalty and military service. These lords, in turn, grant portions of their land to vassals, who were typically of lower rank. These vassals pledged their loyalty and military service to the lord, and were responsible for protecting the lord's land and people. Lords are obligated to provide protection, justice, and support to their vassals, while vassals were obligated to provide military service and other forms of support to their lords.
Ranks
Duke
The highest rank a vassal can have in Rasfadal is the rank of Duke. Dukes hold large and important fiefs. Their resonsibilities include maintain order and stability in their lands. They often serve as advisors and are involved in national politics and military affairs.Count
Above barons is the rank of Count. Counts are more powerful than barons and usually control larger or multiple fiefs. They are responsible for collecting taxes in their region. They can also have their own vassals or knights. Counts are often involved in regional politics and may lead military campaigns or serve as diplomates for their liege or king.Baron
Above the knights is the rank of Baron, which is the lowest hereditary title. Barons hold small fiefs and often serve in the councils of Counts or Dukes. Their responsibilities include managing local affairs.Knight
The lowest rank within the Kingdom of Rasfadal is the rank of Knight. Knights serve their liege and can be granted estate of their own. Land granted to knights reverts back to the lord who granted it upon the knight's death, though in practice it is often immediately granted to the knight's oldest son.The High Council
The High Council of Rasfadal, also known as the King's Council of the Council of High Lords, deals with the most important matters of the kingdom. It is made up of the Chancellor, responsible for managing the kingdom's finances, including collecting taxes and overseeing expenditures, the Grand Marshal, responsible for mainting law and order in the kingdom, including managing the army and overseeing the judicial system, the High Ambassador, responsible for managin the kingdom's diplomatic relations and negotiating trreaties and alliances, and the Master of the Divine, responsible for overseeing religious affairs in the kingdom, advising the king in matters of faith and ensuring that reigious practices are upheld.The Low Council
The Low Council is also known as the Small Council or the Household Council. It deals with matters surrounding the king's court and household. It consists of the Lord Chambelain, responsible for managing the royal household, overseeing the king's personal staff and managing royal ceremonies and events, the Master of the Horse, repsonsible for managing the ing's stables and overseeing the transportation of the king and his entrourage, the Master of the Wardrobe, repsonisble for managing the king's clothing and personal possessions, the Master of the Hunt, responsible for managing the king's hunting activities and overseeing the royal game preservevs, the royal treasurer, responisble for managing the king's personal finances and overseeing the kingdom's monetary policies and the Royal Secretary reponsible for managing the king's correspondence and overseeing the king's diplomatic relations.Culture
The Kingdom of Rasfadal is a land of diverse cultures, with two major ones shaping its societal fabric. In the southern, southeastern, and eastern regions, the Fendalian culture prevails, rooted in a decentralized feudal society that blends Old Fendalian and Burbric influences. Fendalians embrace honor, loyalty, and tradition, cherishing their independence and deep connection to the land. Their rich cultural heritage includes epic poetry, music, and storytelling, while their art, architecture, and cuisine reflect practicality and functionality. In the northwestern reaches, the Arnic culture holds firm, a proud and ambitious people with a strong sense of cultural heritage. Resisting Fendalian influence, they showcase their pride through eccentric fashion and grand displays, with grandiose art and architecture as their symbols of wealth and power. Both cultures have distinct customs, rituals, and mythologies that guide their lives. Beyond these dominant cultures, remnants of the war-like Murric culture and the Soravian traditions can still be found. Together, this diverse tapestry weaves the cultural identity of the Kingdom of Rasfadal, a realm where history and traditions shape the perceptions and actions of its people.
History
Foundation
The Kingdom of Rasfadal traces its roots to the early Kingdom of Fendal. Fendal was a decentralized feudal society characterized by a strong emphasis on honor, loyalty, and respect for tradition. Despite being conquered by the Burbric Empire in the past, Fendal maintained its cultural identity. It regained its independence twice: first after the collapse of the empire in 1AP and the second time after the Great Rebllions from 254AP to 264AP. However, Fendal remained a fairly insignificant kingdom until the coronation of Looras the Great in 381AP. Under his leadership, Fendal transformed into a powerful and expansive kingdom through a series of conquests. Looras began by subjugating nearby kingdoms like Golban and Daradal, allowing their rulers to continue to rule as dukes if they swore fealty to him. This strategy proved successful, and Looras continued his conquests, eventually expanding his realm to include the kingdoms of Lyarlan, Tharlan, and much of the Murric coast. The most significant conquest, however, came when Looras subjugated the Kingdom of Arnallan, the most powerful kingdom in the region and the only one to challenge his power. After the king of Arnallan accepted to become a duke and swore fealty to Looras, he reformed his kingdom of Fendal into the Kingdom of Rasfendal, later renamed as Rasfadal, and began to consolidate his power over the entire region.The Great Expansion and Looras the Great
The period known as the Great Expansion in the history of the Kingdom of Rasfadal was marked by the rise of Looras the Great and his direct successors, who expanded the kingdom's borders through conquest and subjugation of neighboring kingdoms. Under their rule, the Kingdom of Rasfadal grew in size and power, becoming a dominant force in the region. Looras the Great's conquests of the nearby kingdoms of Golban, Daradal, Lyarlan, Tharlan, and the Murric coast greatly expanded the kingdom's territories. His son, Looras II, continued this expansion, consolidating Rasfadal's control over the eastern coast and adding Soravia to the kingdom until he fell in the Battle of Mystdal. His son Cartus I tried to live up to the successes of his predecessors, and conquered several territories, most notably the lands of Meras to the north. He died in 483 AP. After Cartus I came several more kings who expanded the borders of the kingdom, but none were so successful as Looras the Great.
The Great Expansion
The Years of House Lorling (381AP-825AP)
After the Great Expansion led by House Lorling, the kingdom of Rasfadal entered a time of stability. They focused on governing their land instead of expanding further. The kingdom faced challenges with keeping their vassals loyal and dealing with internal divisions. The power of the king became weaker, and different lords and vassals gained more independence. This made the kingdom less united, with different leaders holding power in different regions. Although Rasfadal managed to stay relatively stable, there were rebellions and problems, especially in the northern coast and the Murr Shore. The kingdom had some conflicts with neighboring realms, but they were smaller compared to before. Overall, the history of Rasfadal after the Great Expansion was about governing their land and dealing with the difficulties of keeping the kingdom together. They had both successes and challenges as they tried to maintain stability and prosperity in a changing world.The Slow Decline (825AP-871AP
The Slow Decline was marked by a gradual deterioration of the realm's stability and authority. As House Warth assumed the throne, the kingdom faced numerous challenges and internal conflicts that weakened its central power. Rebellion and unrest became increasingly prevalent, causing the kingdom to lose control over certain territories and factions. The decentralized nature of Rasfadal during this time led to a lack of unity and effective governance, hindering the ability to address pressing issues and maintain order. The Slow Decline was a period of uncertainty and diminishing influence for the kingdom, as it struggled to preserve its integrity amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and internal divisions.Rise and Fall (871AP-1018AP)
The era of House Helmling in Rasfadal's history was marked by a mixture of successes and challenges. Rising after the House of Lorling, they expanded the kingdom's territories under rulers like Jayms II and Timurr I. However, periods of instability and corruption, particularly during Jayms III and Wilm "the Poor," led to internal strife. Queen Sarah's efforts to restore stability were insufficient, leading to territorial losses and the end of House Helmling's rule. This era showcases the intricate balance between expansion, diplomacy, and internal cohesion in shaping the kingdom's trajectory.House Emerling (1018AP-Present)
During the reign of House Emerling, Rasfadal experienced a transformative era characterized by stability, territorial ambitions, and internal reforms. Gregur I established order, setting the stage for unity. Gregur II's reforms challenged traditional norms, emphasizing merit-based appointments. Territorial expansion was pursued vigorously, notably by Walther II and Walther IV, showcasing Rasfadal's military prowess. Internal governance and policies were refined under Walther III, nurturing prosperity. However, the period was not without challenges, as seen during Gregur III's reign when reforms faced resistance. The legacy of House Emerling lies in their unity-focused expansion and their ability to adapt governance to changing times. As the dynasty approached its end, Staar II's rule was marked by uncertainty, as external conflicts and internal struggles tested Rasfadal's stability. The reign of House Emerling left an enduring impact on Rasfadal's growth, reflecting a time of visionary reforms, territorial conquests, and governance evolution, shaping the kingdom's identity for generations.The War of the Vale and Aftermath
Main article: War of the Vale The War of the Vale was a decade-long conflict that took place in the region of the Vale, between the kingdoms of Burbric and Rasfadal. It was sparked by a territorial dispute between the two kingdoms over the Fendalian Great Vale, which both sides claimed as their own. The conflict began in 1243 when the Burbric king, Auder XI, launched an invasion of the Vale, but was quickly pushed back by the Rasfadalian forces under King Staar II. This marked the beginning of a long and bloody conflict that saw both sides launch multiple invasions and counterattacks over the years. The war was characterized by shifting alliances and numerous battles, sieges, and skirmishes, with both sides suffering significant losses. The turning point of the conflict came in 1249, when Auder XI attempted a new invasion of the Vale with the support of the Mountainfolk of Domari, only to be betrayed by them and defeated by the combined forces of Rasfadal and Domari. In the end, the war was concluded by the Treaty of Derwon in 1253, which recognized the Fendalian Great Vale as belonging to Rasfadal, while Burbric ceded the Duchy of Daundry to Domari. The aftermath of the War of the Vale is marked by widespread devastation and loss of life, as well as political and social upheaval. The Burbric kingdom had lost a significant portion of its territory, including the valuable duchies of Sorlond and Daundry, and had been forced to sign the Treaty of Derwon, which imposed harsh terms of surrender. The Domari and kingdom emerged as major powers in the region, while Rasfadal was weakened by the loss of its king and lack of a clear successor. The death of King Staar II without an eligible heir created the threat of a civil war for the throne, with the Duke of Arnallan and the Duke of Daradal vying for power and other factions seeking to advance their own interests. The consequences of the war could change the future of Rasfadal forever.Demography and Population
The Kingdom of Rasfadal is home to a population of approximately 350,000 individuals. The largest concentration of people, comprising just under a third of the population, resides in the bustling Crownlands. When combined with the Arnallan Plains region, nearly half of the kingdom's inhabitants can be found there. The remaining populace is scattered across the rest of Rasfadal, with notable centers of population existing in the cities of Thring and Feryndon. However, it is uncommon for settlements outside these areas to exceed a thousand residents. The majority of the population resides in rural villages, hamlets, and isolated homesteads, maintaining a close connection to the land.
The demographic breakdown reveals that around half of the population falls within the age range of 0 to 15, reflecting the kingdom's youthful composition. Approximately one-third of the population, aged 16 to 50, comprises the working class and, for males, the military force. The remaining portion of the population is aged 50 and above, with an average life expectancy of around 65 years for common folk and 70 to 75 years for the nobility. This age distribution underscores the significance of the younger generation as the foundation for the kingdom's future, while the elderly play essential roles in the governance and guidance of Rasfadal's society.
Religion
Rasfadal has two major religions: The Great Balance and the Order of the Dawn. The Great Balance is the largest religion and teaches that the universe was created by the primordial forces of Good and Evil, and that the first gods founded their own divine houses representing the forces of Light, Darkness, Chaos, and Order. The Great Balance emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of maintaining a delicate balance in all aspects of life to ensure the survival of the world. The Order of the Dawn is a syncretic religion that believes in the power of the individual to overcome darkness and evil through devotion to their God, self-discipline, and righteous living. The Order of the Dawn is hierarchical and secretive, with only a notable presence in the cities of Rasfadal.
The House of Redemption is a small and fanatical group that operates in small groups within the kingdom. Originally a branch of The Great Balance, they became an extremist group that believes it is their duty to redeem those they see as straying from the path of righteousness, even if it means using violent or coercive means. Members of the House of Redemption are often seen as warrior monks and use their fanaticism to control and make others into loyal Paladins of Redemption. They are known for their extremist beliefs and violent tactics and are often shunned by others.
Laws
The laws of the Kingdom of Rasfadal are deeply rooted in longstanding customs and traditions, influenced by the feudal system introduced by the Burbric Empire. Local lords are responsible for enforcing these laws, and punishments for crimes are severe, often involving physical penalties such as whipping, branding, and amputation. Execution is reserved for the most egregious offenses. Punishments are frequently carried out publicly to serve as a deterrent to others. While the laws were initially transmitted orally, they were eventually written down as the kingdom grew more centralized. Nevertheless, the legal system remains decentralized, with local lords and sheriffs exercising considerable discretion in interpreting and enforcing the laws of Rasfadal.
Agriculture & Industry
Agriculture and industry are the cornerstones of the economy of Rasfadal. Agriculture is the primary source of income for most of the population, with the fertile lands near Hofendal providing the bulk of the kingdom's food supply. The region's Mediterranean climate is well-suited for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. In addition to food crops, livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats are also raised for their meat, milk, and wool. Industry in Rasfadal is centered on manufacturing and craftsmanship, with skilled artisans producing high-quality goods such as textiles, pottery, metalwork, and luxury items. These goods are sold locally and also exported to other regions, contributing to the kingdom's overall economic prosperity.
Anyr ae Wirrion. (Honour and Truth.)
Maps
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Rasfadal
Founding Date
401AP
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Fendalian
Leader
Founders
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
- Archbisdom of Fern
- County of Arlin
- County of Arnay
- County of Durdal
- County of East Murr
- County of Fallar
- County of Furnary
- County of Golban
- County of Harewood
- County of Hargal
- County of Leer
- County of Lyar
- County of Menfyr
- County of Merdal
- County of Murr
- County of South Fendal
- County of the Lesser Vale
- County of Warth
- County of Wyryndam
- Duchy of Arnallan
- Duchy of Darnallan
- Duchy of The Swamps
- March of the Great Vale
- Realm of Feylininwe
- The Crownduchy
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Sovran: Rasfendar
Olric: Rikfandur
Elmaran: Fendalia
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