Beshik

The Kingdom of Beshik is a country in the Summerlands. It is bordered by Enaidia and Shir-Dalai to the west, the Ikhtal Empire to the south, and the White Sea to the north. Beshik is a center of learning and magic in the Summerlands. Those with magical ability will travel great distances to study at Dawnspire University.

History

Under the Shairin Empire, the region now called Beshik was divided into five duchies: Tepeleri, Kayalik, Daryo, Merkezi, and Sahil. Each attempted to assert itself over the others by means of law or war, but victories were short-lived. In 294 SF, the Duchess of Kayalik extended an offer of peace and a proposal to her fellow rulers: Rather than surrendering power to another house, each would have a say in the selection of a sovereign from the nobles of the region. Initial negotiations for this new system took two years as the rules and criteria for eligibility were determined. The first ruler of the united duchies, Queen Hilal of Merkezi, ascended the throne in 296 SF.
In 717 SF, the Ikhtal Empire invaded the duchy of Daryo. The Duke and his family fled for the capital to avoid capture, a fate which befell most of their subjects. With assistance from neighboring Enaidia, Beshik was able to stop the Ikhtali army from crossing the Chakil River, but the duchy was lost. A new border was established along the northern banks of the river, and tensions with the Empire have remained high ever since, flaring into short skirmishes every few decades.

Government

Beshik is an elective monarchy. Potential successors are nominated and voted upon by the rulers of the hereditary duchies. Electors may not put forth their own names for succession, but may choose from any of their blood relatives. The Duke or Duchess of Daryo, no longer in possession of their own lands, does not submit a nomination, but instead serves as a vital tie-breaking vote. If the elected heir dies or is otherwise made unfit to rule before they can ascend the throne, the electors will reconvene and begin the process anew.
In the last three hundred years, the electors have avoided selecting an heir from the current ruling house, allowing power to change hands between the houses on a rotating basis. The ruling house will typically nominate a child, or someone else obviously unfit to rule so that other houses may avoid the appearance of a slight or insult to a worthy candidate.
The current sovereign is King Ekrem of Sahil, who ascended the throne in 1024 SF. The elected heir is Countess Nesrin of Tepeleri.

Founding Date

296 SF

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Beshikan

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Neighboring Nations

• Enaidia
• Ikhtal Empire
• Shir-Dalai