The People's Republic of Geld
"Where No Tyrant Rules"
Far from the war front. Away from waring Konsearnans, angry Greywood nobles, and immortal Ironian Emperors , is the proud People's Republic of Geld. Vast golden crop fields sate its citizens, the beautiful two rivers quench their thirst, and the righteous People's Parliament protect the civil peace. Yet not all is well in the Nation of Geld. Unrest brews. There is another revolution afoot,
Structure
The People's Republic of Geld only recently adopted a democratic system of governance. Previously, it was ruled by a tyrannical queen, her harsh taxes and feudal hierarchy nearly drove the kingdom into the ground. The revolution in (add date) saw her overthrown and a Republic system, together with a new constitution put in place.
Each city, town, and village elects a representative ruler who acts the voice for said settlement in the parliament. The local ruler also acts as the body of law in their area. Being in charge of keeping the order and settling any small disputes. This leader is awarded the title of Parliamentarian.
The People's Parliament can be found in Geld's capital - Bren. This building is hailed as the heart of democracy in The Cradle. The building is large enough to accommodate every parliamentarian in the nation. This is because, in addition to emergency cases, once per year every parliamentarian is summoned to attend a legislative session. Local rulers mingle, form ties, and discuss the future of the nation. Generally, what happens in the parliament house stays in the parliament house but its rumored that it is all a quite messy affair, with few agreements being reached. Sessions generally last a week, maybe a bit less. There is a lot to discuss.
Culture
The culture in The People's Republic of Geld has changed quiet a bit since its founding. The other nations have always looked at it like the rebellious "other" country. Isolation from the war and abundance of resources has put it out of touch with the struggles of reality. Supposedly.
Freedom
Geld, above nearly anything, values freedom. Freedom from Konsearnan hatred, freedom from oppressive rulers, and freedom from a constrained society. To impose your will on another is the worst thing a citizen of Geld knows. Subsequently, local rulers are held to a high standard. Nobody would go as far as killing an unworthy Parliamentarian, however they would swiftly lose their position of power should the townsfolk be unhappy.
Furthermore, The People's Republic of Geld is the only nation that openly allows the research and practice of Magic in any form. The university town of Blumoor has become the center for teachings about the occult arts across all nations. Supposedly, nowhere else has such a varied understanding of Verve and souls as Blumoor College. Blumoor does not just look into the occult though. The university, and city by extension, is a place of innovation and experimentation in all fields. Art, science, theatre, and social studies all have a place in Blumoor, and a place in Geld. Innovative and novel ways of thinking are welcomed.
Charity
Another core aspect of Gellian society is its charitability. As a consequence of the tyrannical and greedy rule of the former queen citizens of Geld are particularly fond of charity and hospitality. Having more than you need is frowned upon, and refusing to share is viewed as even worse. Such standards are blurred a bit in Bren - with its abundance, but elsewhere, particularly in rural areas one could easily be surprised by the generosity of townsfolk.
One should always invite travelers in to their home. Either for a nights sleep, supper, or just a pint of mead. This standard is applied to even, say, your neighbor who is just on their way back from the Fodsday market. But particularly to any travelers or visitors. Generally, of course, this offer of hospitality is not taken up on by fellow Gellians and it would be viewed as a bit strange if it was. A common saying which everyone knows to be an excuse is "My parents are expecting me" and when the grandpa down the road turns you down with this one you can all laugh about it.
A large point is made out of not being greedy. Thus, through sheer charity, Geld has very little poverty. In rural areas it would be common to take people in need in to your home and help them out. This practice started long before the formation of the Republic as a sort of solidarity movement under the tyrant queen. Bren is rich in soup kitchens and shelters. Farmers appreciate any work they can get. Geld is far from utopic and although the Republic has its fault, generally, the nation is prospering.
Faith
Faith is a large part of what makes the Republic the nation it is today. The Republic of Geld was the first nation to pick up a pantheon and religion since the death of God. They believe that with magic there is also a new age of Gods being brought into the world. They are, thus far, the only nation to believe so. This has resulted in Geld's very own state ordained church - The Gold Tapestry.
Here you can read more about the Gold Tapestry.
Culturally, this has lead to a few beliefs which sets them apart from other nations. Firstly, most settlements have a place of worship. A church, shrine, chapel, or other where people can go to pray to their local saint. Secondly, this need for prayer has led to a dedicated day of praying in the Valean week. Athsday has become the day of worship.
Additionally, with the widespread following of The Gold Tapestry, there has been a slight increased understanding of souls and verve in the general populace. Resulting in various rites surrounding burial and death. In The Republic, it is growing increasingly common to have graveyards where you bury the dead, so their soul does not get lost. This moves them away from more old school burial rites. Namely - burying the fallen amidst the fields, so their bodies may give back to the town.
Assets
The Republic of Geld, being as far removed from the war as it is, has become abundant. It has far more to offer than most other nations.
Grain
Relics
History
As previously noted the Republic of Geld was, not so long ago, a monarchy. It was ruled by a greedy and tyrannical queen who was much more interested in the war and expansion than anything else. Towns would be taxed heavily and there was little room for the arts, sciences, and hermetical studies in this nation. However, due to her oppressive behavior she was recently overthrown. The castle was stormed and now the People's Parliament stands in its place. A new set of laws was written, new leaders put in place. Expansion seized and generally the nation began distancing itself from the war efforts in the east. Fey refugees were taken in, culture began flourishing, and the old regime became nothing but a memory.
The Starving Queen
The Starving Queen was part of one of the 4 ancient royal bloodlines present throughout the Cradle. Her bloodline was tainted with a great plague. Giving rise to the House of the Plague. Every ancestor controlled the power of a great rot within them and despite its boons it was not without woe. The curse would consume them, literally eating away at their bodies from the inside. To sustain themselves they required a prodigious amount of fodder. The last queen, the Starving Queen, was the worst of them all. It was her gluttony which drove the nation to rebel.
Still, it is said that even today the House of the Plague lives on in her many bastard children.
Demography and Population
The Republic of Geld has a fairly young, pretty varies population, at least in comparison to the other nations. It is the only nation which openly welcomes Fey - making an important distinction that the only real threat is the Nation of Konsearna and not fey in general. Additionally, relations with Harvesters have been rather good and the coast is a common place for retired Oarsmen to settle.
The population is young, there is a high capacity for growth but a lot of the older generation died fighting against or for the old regime in a rather bloody uprising.
Density-wise The Golden Fields is a vast land. Stretching several thousands of kilometers. Although there are certain urban centers along the larger rivers such as Bren or Blumoor, most of the population lives in the fields. There are thousands of small scattered towns and lonely homesteads in the Republic.
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