Phelin
Structure
Phelin is governed by the Grand King of Phelin, with input from his court, which includes the Second King of Phelin. The Second King is the Grand King's husband, and serves as his closest advisor.
Various regions of the country are overseen by nobles of various titles, all of whom answer to the Grand King. These lands and titles are granted to individuals, to be passed down to their heirs, by the Grand King. Often these people are family members of the Grand King's spouses who demonstrate the ability to manage and govern such holdings, but titles and lands may be granted to others who have shown great merit in other ways. These same lands can be repossessed by the Grand King to redistribute when circumstances require it, as in the case of rebellion, treason, or neglect or mistreatment of the people living on the lands.
Culture
Due to the royal family's tradition of marriage that includes two men and two women, the culture is highly accepting of people and relationships views as unconventional in other countries.
Public Agenda
The leaders of Phelin strive to ensure the country will thrive into the future and are expected to consider the greater good in all questions of policy.
History
The history of Phelin begins in ways similar to its neighbor, Algoma. It is believed that King Tryrayl, a leader of one of several warring clans, was chosen by the god Raiofsi to lead the country because of his great oratory skills. He was able to convince many to join together in alliances, and then to seek peace and ways of trading for resources instead of stealing and killing for them. It took Tryrayl some time longer than it took King Lexand of Algoma to bring the clans and tribes under a truce and into agreement about how their new country would be run, but eventually it came to be. Tryrayl followed the example set by Lexand when it came to dividing the country into holdings, though he allowed many of the clan leaders to retain what land they already possessed, choosing titles for them based on the clan's preference and the size of the holdings, and with the expectation that borders would be respected. Despite some short-term conflicts over the following centuries, this arrangement was found to be beneficial for all involved.
Despite Algoma being established first, historians set the beginning of Tryrayl's rule at Year 1 of the Third Era, the same as King Lexand of Algoma. It is believed his official rule, with the settled agreements among the landed clans, was actually as much as ten years later than officially documented. A coronation was not held until another two years after that, when Tryrayl again followed the example of Lexand and Algoma. What title he went by prior to the adoption of the term "king" has been lost. This is also when the border between Algoma and Phelin north of the Ai River was settled.
This arrangement continued until Year 333, when the Overlord of Berk went to war with Phelin, seizing control and adding Phelin as a territory of Berk. In the process, he killed King Caol and all other members of the court. Nobles holding land throughout the country were forced to swear fealty to the Overlord or be put to death. Unbeknownst to the Overlord, Caol's court sorcerer, Ardan of Ryal, had secreted away King Caol's newborn prince, Caolan. The prince was raised to overthrow the Overlord, and successfully did so in Year 353, with the support of Ardan and a rebel army. Legend tells that he was in love with one of his commanders, a man named Kian, and that he wished to marry him. He was convinced to take a wife and father an heir so that the sacrifices of his army would not be for nothing were there to be conflict over the throne upon his death. It is unknown exactly how the choice was made, but Caolan eventually chose to marry three spouses. These were Kian, who became the first Second King of Phelin, and two other generals, Dyna and Nydia, who both became Queens of Phelin. The legend claims Ardan suggested this to allow Caolan to still marry Kian, as he had been the lover to the late King Caol and never able to marry the man he loved.
This tradition continues, as it is seen as beneficial. Those overly concerned with continuing the royal line accept that the Grand King has twice the chances to father a child, and hope the Second King keeps his vow to not father any children himself. Those concerned with the family's power in general see the Second King as a valuable advisor, expected to put the needs of the country above his own and help the Grand King with difficult choices. The true nature of the kings' relationship (and queens') is known to vary by each generation, but only one instance is known to exist where the kings were not at least friends.
Military
The main military is comprised of soldiers from all holdings within the country. Each landowner is permitted a standing army to keep peace and to keep trained in the event of war. In war, these forces fall under the command of the Grand King and the Prince-General, captained by their usual officers.
The navy is maintained at all times and stationed at ports along the coast when not patrolling the seas for pirates.
An elite regiment of the army is kept within the capital of Ryal, known as the Ryal Royal Guard. Their duty is to protect the city of Ryal and the royal family. They often travel with members of the royal family and act as household guards.
Technological Level
Phelin benefits more from magic than science or technology. Magic is used in construction and defense. Healers have determined that cleanliness can prevent disease and infection, however, something that is being adopted at a varied pace across the country.
Agriculture & Industry
Phelin is known as an agricultural power. Crops tend to be plentiful, as are various species of fish in the rivers and lakes. This success in food production allows for consumer and artisan industries to flourish.
Trade & Transport
Phelin trades most frequently with Algoma and Berk, its neighbors, but trade with Nairiume, Orma, and Mahlon is also significant. Trading across the sea is riskier, making goods directly from Nariume, Orma, and Mahlon more expensive once imported. Trade with Berk is accomplished thanks to the Alta Pass cut through the Alta Mountains.
Education
Most education is accomplished through apprenticeships, where apprentices learn what they need for their future careers. Wealthy families are able to hire private tutors to give their children a more thorough education.
Infrastructure
Roads connecting major cities within Phelin are made of stone, but other roads are made of dirt. Bridges cross the various rivers throughout the country, maintained by local landowners, as the roads are. The crown assists in funding repairs and improvements as needed. Most cities have underground sewers, but towns and villages do not.
1 Gold Phelinian = 100 Silver Phelinians
1 Silver Phelinian = 100 Copper Phelinians
Gold
