Grand Duchy of Brineven
Brineven was incorporated into the Empire just before the Enlightenment, and may have been single-handedly responsible for the beginning of the Enlightenment. In the lands that would become Brineven, the local Jendarri tribes began to integrate with Calastani dissidents, and half-elven expatriates of both Calastan and the Tuathwold. As Calastan and Darcos attempted to exert control of this upstart province (in an attempt to settle ownership of these disputed lands between the two kingdoms), the locals rallied around a knight named Ser Brindaor. Ser Brinador led his people in raids against the armies of the two powerful kingdoms, and often played the two forces against one another. He may have secured the help (or at least non-interference) of the Tuath-nir, because his rag-tag band of rebels were able to retreat into the elven wood, where his enemies were unable to follow. After seven years of rebellion, Ser Brinador was able to sue Calastan and Darcos for self-rule and peace. What happened next is considered to be the beginnings of the Enlightenment.
At the negotiation table, Ser Brinador unveiled the Proclamation of Undeniable Rights, establishing that all "persons" were entitled to the rights of Life, Liberty, and Justice. It defined a person as a being capable and willing to be a part of society and outlawed murder, theft, slavery, including magical control or domination, and serfdom and indentured servitude of any "persons" in the new kingdom. It further established that these rights were held by all members of society regardless of race, class, rank or birthright. While the document horrified the Darcans and Calastani delegations (for very different reasons), neither were willing to risk further war over something that would only apply "over there".
The first Kings of Brineven believed in the rights of man, and created the House of Council. Members of the House of Council are elected by the Brins in mass public voting, overseen by the Crown. Half of the House of Council represent the common man, elected in mass public voting overseen by the crown, half of the remaining seats go to the nobles of Brineven, often appointed through political maneuvering and the final seats are appointed seats by the crown. The House of Councilors may propose and pass legislation by majority rule to be sent to the Monarch for his approval. One of the first pieces of legislation ever passed by the body was the Proclamation of Undeniable Rights, detailing the rights due to all persons of the Kingdom. King Brinador accepted and ratified this document soon after his coronation.
When Emperor Tirthian passed without issue, the Kings of Darcos and Calastan, Brineven's closest neighbors, prepared for war. Both city-states demanded Brineven's immediate surrender, to which Queen Inspeth replied by playing one off of the other and denying both cities Brineven's resources. When the inevitable attacks came, Inspeth and her generals managed to hold both city-states at bay. An ill-timed advance by Darcos found the Calastani army camped outside Brineven. Once the two rivals had decimated each other, Brineven's forces wiped out those that remained.
Thus Brineven was able to remain somewhat neutral during the succession wars, while Queen Inspeth attempted to politically position herself as the best alternative for Emperor. Her political skill during that time has undergone scrutiny by the best and brightest minds of the old empire, and most agree that if the city-states had survived intact, she may have been crowned Emperor of Arvanor.
Unfortunately, Darcos began hiring legions of orc warriors while Calastan hired thousands of gnoll packs. Between the two, Brineven faced savage raids from both orcs and gnolls. Seeing no alternative but to "fight fire with fire", Queen Inspeth began hiring bugbear mercenaries to supplement her defenses. When the half-orc commanders turned their forces on their employers, Darcos fell. The far reaches of Calastan began to suffer raids from "unassigned gnoll raiders" until only the city was safe. The humanoids of Brineven also turned on their employers, but no mercenary groups held overwhelming numbers, and fights between groups were as vicious as the battles against Brineven. Still, Brineven lost most of its southern cities and towns.
Crown Princess Rhonwen, now Queen of the Northern Kingdom united her kingdom with Hawkmoon. Brineven is now considered a Grand Duchy of the Northern Kingdom, and the successful reclamation of Darcos fueled a fire in Brins and Hawkmooners alike. They see their Queen and her King as heroes of the first order, and their decision to move to the ruins of Darcos and be part of the gritty work of rebuilding that city as a task worthy of the ancient gods.
Culture
Description
Brins tend to be a very down-to-earth people. Brown hair dominates the local populations, with red hair being a close second. The nearness to Darcos and Jendarri blood brings with it the blondes, which often lightens the Brin's natural brown to sandy and reds to an almost strawberry. Freckles are common in young children, but most Brins grow out of them by adulthood. Brown and hazel eyes are common, but greens, often quite vibrant can be found among the population.Outlook
Brins value personal liberty and responsibility. The lands of Brineven are divided into the highlands and plains. Highland Brins may be shepherds or miners, while plainsmen tend to be farmers. The natural resources of the lands of Brineven make most enterprises worthwhile, but also demand a lot of work and tenacity. Brins expect each member of the community to contribute and "pull their weight". Laziness is one of the worst sins by Brin standards.Life
Much of Brin society exists and mirrors the natural world, whether a Brin is a miner, shepherd or farmer, a connection with the land always exists. Most Brins can look into the sky and have a fairly accurate idea of what the weather is going to bring. Arts and crafts tend to focus on nature themes. The Brins, possibly through their connections with the Jendarri, have always had more respect for the way of the spirits than most in the Empire. Druids, shaman and wardens unknown in the southern cities thrive in Brineven and have earned the respect of the common folk. Even so, those Brin who commune with the spirits are very rare. Although next door to the Tuathwold and the Tuath-nir, hostilities with the xenophobic elves have been few and far between. Many of the Brin who dwell near the forest leave offerings to the local fey, a plate of milk or loaf of bread. Those that do always seem to be prepared in those rare cases when the Tuath-nir have attacked the kingdom. The Brin have a love of the stage, though not the high dramas and historical epics known in Aradoran. Brin playwrights tend for more earthy and comedic tellings. The famed playwright, Warin Ravensdell, was a prolific playwright in his time, producing many comedies and even a few tragedies that often revolved around mistaken identities and fey magic. Most Brin now refer to the late Sir Ravensdell simply as "The Bard" due to the fame and reach of his works. Surprisingly the Brin have a talent for the arcane as well. Brin arcanists tend towards illusions, glamers and enchantments, some say that this is another sign of fey influence, as these types of spells are typical among the fey.Society
The first Kings of Brineven believed in the rights of man, and created the House of Council. Members of the House of Council are elected by the Brins in mass public voting, overseen by the Crown. Half of the House of Council represent the common man, elected in mass public voting overseen by the crown, half of the remaining seats go to the nobles of Brineven, often appointed through political maneuvering and the final seats are appointed seats by the crown. The House of Councilors may propose and pass legislation by majority rule to be sent to the Monarch for his approval. One of the first pieces of legislation ever passed by the body was the Proclamation of Undeniable Rights, detailing the rights due to all persons of the Kingdom. King Brinador accepted and ratified this document soon after his coronation.Religion
Brineven is fairly cosmopolitan when it comes to faith. The Olympian Pantheon still garners a strong following in the cities and towns, while the Old Faith is dominant in the villages, and among the lowland clans north of the Korlon Hills. Many Lowland Clans still worship the Nordic Pantheon of the ancestor Jendarri, and traveling Wyrdravens circulate among the clans. The Lord of Light has begun to make inroads into Brineven, and mostly competes with Mons Voce in the cities and towns.
Foreign Relations
Before the Empire collapsed, Brineven had always been "frenemies" with both Calastan and Darcos. While both needed and desired Brineven's bountiful lands and harvests, the monarchs of Brineven became adept at playing one off the other and remaining neutral.
Crown Princess Rhonwen, now Queen of the Northern Kingdom united her kingdom with Hawkmoon. Brineven is now considered a Grand Duchy of the Northern Kingdom, and the successful reclamation of Darcos fueled a fire in Brins and Hawkmooners alike. They see their Queen and her King as heroes of the first order, and their decision to move to the ruins of Darcos and be part of the gritty work of rebuilding that city as a task worthy of the ancient gods.
Trade & Transport
The Brins had one of the most robust economies in the Old Empire. Blessed with natural resources, Brineven was located close to the rich mines and pastures of the Korlon Hills and fertile plains. Though wary of the Tuathwold, the Brins did make use of the forest, harvesting trees that had "lived their lives" according to foresters. How these foresters know when a tree has lived its life is still somewhat of a mystery to other in the Kingdom, but most accept that the forest will never be completely free for their use.
Founding Date
1557
Demonym
Brin, Brins
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Semi-autonomous area
Economic System
Market economy
Parent Organization
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments