Kingdom of Fyfeldor

The Kingdom of Fyfeldor is the oldest, largest, and most powerful of the Kingdoms of the Men of Verrin. The Kingdom was founded by the legendary king Aethelwulf, who led the race of men across the sea to Verrin from their long-forgotten homeland and is worshipped as a god. Aethelwulf's descendants, worshipped as living gods, were the only dynasty to ever rule over Fyfeldor, and when the last of that bloodline died without an heir, the monarchy became elective. Such is the importance of the founding of the Kingdom of Fyfeldor, that it is used as the starting point of the human religious calendar.

Structure

A wise ruler has the strength to respect many points of view.

The Kingdom of Fyfeldor is ruled by an absolute monarch, who derives their right to rule from Aethelwulf himself. However, the monarch is elected by a council of Thegns. To cast their vote, each Thegn in turn hands their spear to the person they believe should be the next king or queen. This takes place during an elaborate ceremony, which happens immediately after the funeral of the previous monarch. If a Thegn is elected by unanimous vote, they gain the title "all-spear" as recognition of their strong mandate to rule. By law, the person elected by the Thegns is the monarch regardless of any oaths or pacts they have made to uphold another's claim to the throne. Once elected, the new monarch takes up Aethelwulf's sword, Gefea, and swears on it to protect the Kingdom. The sword passes into their possession for the duration of their reign. The remaining Thegns then become a council of advisors, who assist the monarch in their decisions. Plurality of opinions is accepted and even valued among the Thegns, as it allows the monarch to consider all possibilities. The king or queen may abdicate, however they must go into exile as they are considered to have abandoned their duty to the Kingdom and to the gods. Thegns are hand-picked from among the nobility by the monarch as a reward for wise counsel, deeds in battle or sometimes great feats of architecture or art. As such, they owe their allegiance to the monarch. Most Thegns become governors of towns or military commanders, or take other influential positions based on their title. This means that they are accustomed to power and will be better-suited to take the throne if elected. Other minor nobility, known as Gesithas, serve as attendants and retainers to the monarch and his or her Thegns, usually swearing allegiance to a single individual who then becomes their liege-lord.

Territories

"Nations are but lines on a map. The true Kingdom is boundless." -Aethelwulf

The extent Kingdom of Fyfeldor has waxed and waned over the centuries since its founding. While it experienced a period of rapid expansion under Aethelwulf and his direct descendants, the Kingdom was at one point almost annihilated by repeated Giant invasions. If it wasn't for the timely intervention of the peoples of Galdor and Galere, it seems likely that it would have been destroyed when its capital of Kynestol was under siege. Currently, the Kingdom of Fyfeldor controls all lands south of the river Asca, and north of the Heldrian Mountains and Eord's Forest. It shares a border with the Giant Kingdoms of Mirrormount and Jotun in the north and the dwarven realms of Athra-Miond and Gil-Miond to the south. It borders the human kingdoms of Galdor, Galere, Thunor and Raine, which were allowed to keep their independence as thanks for riding to Fyfeldor's defence in its darkest hour.

Military

In the shield wall we stand, to defend our land.

In times of war, the main bulk of the Kingdom's army is made up of levied soldiers, who are enlisted by their lord. Hunting, fistfighting, wrestling and spear/swordplay are common pastimes among the Men of Verrin, so most are at least somewhat competent in battle. However, they are easily bested by a professional fighting force, or more commonly, several Giants wielding maces or greatswords. Members of the militia who achieve feats of strength in battle are often richly rewarded in gold, not to mention lands and titles. To have so many peasants away from their farms for long periods also causes food shortages and poor harvests. The hardened core of Fyfeldor's army consists of the Thegns and their Gesithas. Able to afford weapons and armour of great quality, these men stand their ground against almost anything that can be thrown at them. Gesithas are renowned for their extensive training and martial prowess, and it is said that their shieldwall is almost unbreakable. They are sworn to die for their lord, and they hold that oath dearer than their lives. If their lord dies in battle, the Gesithas defend his body until either they or the foe lie dead. A notable exception to this is during the battle of Westerhill, where a group of Gesithas fled after the death of their leader. They were later caught by their former comrades, and exiled as oathbreakers. The truly elite forces are the King's personal retinue, nicknamed Giant Slayers. They break tradition by fighting from horseback, hurling spears and javelins and wielding heavy lances as they ride quickly past helpless Giants who cannot hope to keep up. Their streaming banners and gleaming helmets and hauberks show the glory of the race of men in all its splendour.

Religion

"Ylgrim's blessings, milord!"

The Kingdom of Fyfeldor only tolerates the worship of The Alwealda within its borders, and it clamps down harshly on any perceived heresies, especially the dark, sacrifice based religions practiced by nomadic groups such as the Feon. There are even rumours of state-sponsored Widlasteri wandering the lands, enforcing the King's religious doctrine. Fyfeldor is revered as the birthplace of a god - Ylgrim Stormspear. Aethelwulf, the Kingdom's founder, is thought to have been so powerful with the Gift that he ascended to godhood upon his death. Although considered a heretical practice elsewhere, Ylgrim is worshipped with fervent intensity in Fyfeldor. Worship of the sea-goddess Faega is also prevalent, due to the coastal nature of the Kingdom and its reliance on sea routes.

Agriculture & Industry

There is nothing nobler than to work the earth.

The Kingdom of Fyfeldor is a true agricultural nation, with huge farming estates dominating the hinterland around the cities. Harvest festivals are celebrated year-round in Fyfeldor. According to many Men, there is nothing nobler than to work the earth. Pastoral farming also has its place, as unassuming animals like goats and cows provide an honest living for many a peasant.

Trade & Transport

What an artisan can create, all may benefit from.

The Kingdom's wealth comes mostly from trade with Verrin's other nations. Over land trade is important for Fyfeldor, which trades with its neighbouring Giant and Dwarf realms, but sea trade is immensely more profitable. As shipbuilders, Men are unequalled in Verrin and their wealth has ballooned as a result. Trade with far-flung regions has become possible, allowing rare and exotic goods to flow into the Kingdom. Trade with the reclusive Elves of Eruvanir is sometimes possible, although they refuse to reveal their crafting secrets and do not like their own artefacts falling into foreign hands. There are even rumours that some of the bravest merchant crews have established trade with Orc tribes by sailing past Thengalir's gap. What items of value the warlike and primitive Orcs have to trade is unknown, but if the rumours are to be believed, it must be worth the treacherous voyage.

Truly a greater realm was never known. ^{-Aethelstan the Bloody}

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Kynestol

Alternative Names

The Kingdom of Men, The Eastern Realm

Demonym

Fyfeldorian

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Power Structure

Feudal state

Major Exports

The smaller realms of Galdor, Galere, Thunor and Raine often need to import food from Fyfeldor to keep up with demand. The Fyfeldorians are happy to oblige, though the price per sack of grain is often quite extortionate. On a commercial scale, Fyfeldor's main exports are food, pottery and fine clothing, some of which is beginning to be produced in sizes suitable for Giants or Dwarves. Fyfeldor also has a thriving weapons industry.

Major Imports

The land of Fyfeldor is lacking in strong stone and building materials, so any grand building such as a lord's hall or city walls require shipments from elsewhere. Usually, the Dwarven realm of Athra-Miond is chosen to provide stone because of its famous reputation as a home of masons and stoneworkers, but recently the Giant kingdom of The Gap has cemented itself as a major producer of finely hewn stone blocks.

Official State Religion

The Alwealda

Divines