Felston Accord

Felston Accord, named for the ancient fort the accord was signed in. The fort has a magical truth stone set into the floor of the court chambers, any agreements made there are magically binding. The accord has stood for over 1000 years. The fort's location is unknown to all in the accord, lost to time. Other truth stones still exist at the throne rooms of 6 of the original founding kingdoms. The alliance was much smaller in it's founding days and has doubled in size in answer to the expansion of the Georgian borders. With its ideals of freedom and protection of individual rights it has seen expansion of its original members at a rate faster than the expansion of Georgia which is likely why the war zone between the two nations has stayed contested for 2 centuries now.

Felston Accord Overview

Total Area: Approximately 30,000,000 square miles (6,000 miles x 5,000 miles)
Number of Nations: A little over 1,000
Average Nation Size: ~30,000 square miles per nation
Population Density/Settlements: Varies, with gaps between nations, some larger than most nations

Noble Hierarchy & Settlements Governed

Dukes/Duchesses:
Rule large areas, possibly entire small nations or large regions within larger nations
Govern major cities and several towns
Might have several towns (up to 10-15), 2-3 cities, and numerous smaller settlements

Marquises/Marquesses:
Rule over areas smaller than dukes
Govern 1-2 towns and several villages
Likely to have control over 5-10 villages and 1-2 towns

Earls/Countesses:
Rule over smaller areas, often a county within a nation
Govern 1 town and several hamlets or villages
Typically in charge of 3-5 villages and numerous hamlets

Viscounts/Viscountesses:
Rule over small areas
Typically govern a single town or several large hamlets
Usually oversee 1 town or 2-3 large hamlets

Barons/Baronesses:
Lowest-ranking nobles
Rule small areas like a hamlet or a village
Govern 1-2 hamlets or a single village

Settlement Sizes & Population (Estimations)

Outpost: Fewer than 100 people
Farm/Ranch: Around 100-200 people
Hamlet: 100-500 people
Village: 500-800 people
Town: 1,000-6,000 people (small towns could be less)
City: More than 6,000 people, variable based on importance and location
Capital Cities: Reserved for the highest-ranking nobles or the ruler of the nation

Population Distribution

Densely populated areas (cities and large towns) will be less frequent, governed by higher nobility.
Numerous smaller settlements (villages, hamlets) scattered across the Accord, governed by lower-ranking nobility.
Magical Binding and Governance Each ruler is bound by a magical geas to uphold the oath to the Accord and its member nations, ensuring a level of cooperation and peace.
The distribution of settlements and their governance by various levels of nobility is also influenced by the magical and political landscape of the Felston Accord.

Structure

The Felston Accord is a decentralized commonwealth federation composed of over 1,000 independent nations unified by magical oaths of cooperation. Each nation maintains autonomy but sends representatives to a central council that coordinates issues affecting the alliance.

Culture

Sportsmanship: Disputes between member nations often resolved through international sports events.
Diversity: Values diverse perspectives, promoting individual freedom and peaceful conflict resolution.
Tolerance: Open and accepting of different cultures and beliefs.

Public Agenda

Peaceful Coexistence: Aims to foster a culture of dialogue and understanding, avoiding bloodshed.
Freedom and Protection: Advocates for individual rights and freedoms.

History

The Accord began over 1,000 years ago between six founding kingdoms that signed an alliance at the ancient Fort Felston, which housed a magical Truth Stone. This stone magically binds oaths, ensuring cooperation. Over the centuries, many nations have joined seeking collective defense and prosperity.

Demography and Population

Total Area: Approximately 30,000,000 square miles
Number of Nations: Over 1,000
Population Distribution: Varied, with densely populated cities and numerous smaller settlements. Major cities have populations exceeding 100,000 while rural areas have small hamlets and homesteads. Total population is estimated at 500-600 million.

Military

Defensive Forces: Composed of combined forces from member nations, primarily for defense.

Technological Level

Varied Levels: Technological and scientific advancements differ across the member nations. A mix of medieval and magical elements. Mundane technology is relatively primitive while mastery of magic, alchemy and enchantment is highly advanced by some measures. Medical knowledge incorporates both approaches.

Religion

Most faiths are accepted. Secret mages study the magical Truth Stones and bindings. Some worship historical figures who founded the Accord.

Foreign Relations

Maintains tense relations with the expansionist Confederacy of Georgia. Otherwise, seeks peaceful ties, trade and cultural exchanges with most nations. New members require vetting and oaths.

Laws

Each nation within the Accord maintains its own legal system, unified by the Accord's principles.

Agriculture & Industry

Diverse Economy: Each nation contributes based on its strengths and resources. What they contribute varies by region based on environment and resources. Industries include mining, timber, textiles and crafts. Magical enhancements boost yields and production.

Trade & Transport

Inter-nation Trade: Encouraged among member nations, fostering economic interdependence. Complex networks of roads, rail, air and magical conduits facilitate robust domestic and international trade.
Resource Sharing: Member nations trade resources, goods, and services as per their strengths.

Education

Nation-Specific Systems: Each nation within the Accord manages its own educational system with many choosing an emphasis on literacy, trades and jobs training. Many offer specialized magic academies. Universal access and secular curriculums are common.

Infrastructure

Decentralized Development: Infrastructure varies significantly among the member nations. Quality varies geographically. Dense urban centers sport advanced infrastructures while rural zones rely on limited roadways and basic amenities. Magic augments traditional civil engineering.

Unity in Truth, Strength in Alliance, Freedom in Choice

Demonym

Felstonians

Government System

Democracy, Representative

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Mixed economy

Major Exports

Major exports include ores, lumber, fabrics, spices, wine and magical wares.

Major Imports

Major imports include cultural items, art, wines, and magical goods.

Legislative Body

Each member nation has autonomy over domestic laws and governance. A central Federal Council composed of representatives coordinates alliance-level issues.

Judicial Body

Member states manage legal disputes domestically. Complex international issues utilize designated Justices who refer to precedents and are bound by the Federal Accords binding oaths.

Executive Body

Day-to-day governance is handled domestically; rulers are bound by a magical geas to uphold the Accord's oath, ensuring cooperation and peace.
The Federal Council Chair, elected to a 10-year term, oversees international coordination. They are elected from among anyone who has taken the binding oaths of the accord.