Cait
Welcome to the Kingdom of Cait, a land of rugged coastlines, misty mountains, and fierce warriors known as the Albidosi. Nestled on the northern coast of the island of Ynys, Cait is a land of proud and independent people who have long resisted the rule of outsiders.
Structure
The Kingdom of Cait is ruled by a hereditary high queen who is advised by a council of tribal chiefs. The current ruler, Queen Isla, has brought peace and stability to Cait and has made it a major player in the politics of Ynys. The tribal chiefs have a significant say in the governance of the kingdom, but ultimately defer to the authority of the monarch.
Assets
The Kingdom of Cait boasts a diverse range of assets. The Albidosi are renowned for their skills as warriors and have a long tradition of fighting in the mountains and forests that dominate their homeland. Cait is also home to several rich mines, which produce iron, silver, and other valuable metals. The kingdom's ports are busy and prosperous, with ships coming from all over Ynys to trade with the Albidosi. Cait's position on the northern coast of Ynys makes it a strategic location for any power seeking to control the seas.
Demography and Population
The Kingdom of Cait has a population of approximately 500,000 people. The majority of the population are Albidosi, but there are also significant populations of other ethnic groups, including Biegens, Eots, and Ðurings. The population is primarily rural, with most people living in small villages and towns scattered throughout the kingdom. The largest city is Aran, which serves as the capital and administrative center of the kingdom.
Territories
The Kingdom of Cait is located on the northern coast of the island of Ynys. It has a rugged coastline and is surrounded by misty mountains, making it a difficult place to invade. Cait's borders are marked by natural landmarks such as rivers and mountains, and are heavily guarded by the Albidosi warriors.
Religion
The religion of the Kingdom of Cait centers around a pantheon of gods and spirits, many of whom are closely associated with the natural world. One particularly unique aspect of Cait's religion is the reverence for cats. Cats are seen as symbols of grace, cunning, and independence, traits that are highly valued by the Albidosi people. Many villages and towns throughout Cait have their own patron cat spirit or god, whom they offer gifts and prayers to in the hopes of gaining favor. The most significant of these is Eilidh Oirbheartach, the cat-goddess of Aran and companion to the legendary King Cailtram. An important role within the religion of Cait is that of Mathair Cat - this person is responsible for tending to the wild cat population of a particular area, and interceding for the people with the patron cat spirit of the region.
However, the relationship between the Albidosi and their feline deities is complicated by the legacy of Solis, the former ruler of Castle Ulthor. Solis was a Clarati sorceress who wielded great power over the cat spirits of Cait. Using dark magic, she bound and enslaved many of the cat gods and spirits, forcing them to do her bidding. When Solis was finally defeated, the cat spirits were released from her control, but many still bear the scars of their captivity, including ongoing bindings and residual commands.
Despite the atrocities committed by Solis and her followers, the Albidosi people still hold cats in high regard. They believe that the cat spirits and gods are among the most powerful and wise of all the divine beings, and they honor them accordingly. The cat spirits of Cait are considered to be both wise advisors and fierce protectors, and many Albidosi keep cats as pets or companions.
While the cat spirits are a unique and important aspect of Cait's religion, they are not the only divine beings worshipped by the Albidosi. The pantheon of Cait's gods and spirits is vast and varied, with each deity representing different aspects of the natural world or Human experience. Some are benevolent and kind, while others are capricious or even malevolent. Despite their differences, all of Cait's gods and spirits are seen as worthy of respect and devotion.
The religion of Cait plays an important role in shaping the daily lives of the Albidosi people. It informs their beliefs about the natural world, guides their moral compass, and provides a sense of community and belonging. Whether offering prayers to the patron cat spirit of their village or seeking guidance from one of the other gods, the Albidosi are deeply committed to their faith.
Foreign Relations
The Kingdom of Cait has traditionally been isolationist, preferring to maintain its independence and neutrality in foreign affairs. However, in recent years, the kingdom has become more active in diplomacy and trade, seeking to expand its influence and prosperity. The kingdom has friendly relations with the neighboring kingdom of Rheged, and a good working relationship with various Dòbhran clans of the Arcaibh Islands.
Maps
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Kingdom of Cait
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Legislative Body
The legislative body of the Kingdom of Cait is the Council of Chiefs. The council is composed of the tribal chiefs of the Albidosi clans, and is responsible for making and passing laws for the kingdom, subject to the approval of the monarch. The council meets annually in the capital city of Aran, where they discuss matters of state and make decisions that affect the entire kingdom. Each clan has one vote in the council, and decisions are made by a simple majority. The council also serves as an advisory body to the monarch.
Location
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Notable Members
This article is a stub, and will eventually be updated with more complete information. Let me know in the comments if you would like me to prioritize it!
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
I love the relationship with cats (in fact, I started reading "Cait" as "cat"
Thanks! I’m planning to expand and develop on their relationship with cats as I build out the religion more; I have made a start with that in Queen Isla’s article.