Maesle

Structure

The Federation of Maesle is an Elective Monarchy ruled over by the King and his immediate family. A new King is nominated by the Council of Gothi, who are the senior spiritual leaders of the Clans. Nominated candidates are approved by the Jarl's Council, who are the most wealthy and powerful chieftains of their respective Clans.
Each Clan is a less solid hierarchy organized under their Jarl. The Jarl's family is often far more wealthy than their closest relatives.  The Jarl's family is served directly by the Hirthmenn, who are bodyguards and lesser nobles. The Hirthmenn also serve as the core of the army, loyal to their Jarl.
Most Clan-holds will have a Gothi, or high priest, who leads lesser priests and lay-folk in prayers and religious rights. Each branch of a clan is likely to have a specific deity their Gothi will pray to for them.
The remaining majority of Karls, or Freemen, are only beholden to their family and those to whom they've sworn an oath of servitude.  Below them are the Thralls, who are mostly slaves and indentured servants.

History

Originally a loosely associated arrangement of independent settlements. For several generations these settlements were as likely to fight among themselves as they were to wage war against hostile non-humans.  Many of these early settlements were utterly lost to raids by Giants and other such monstrous foes.
Four-Hundred and Fifty years after first coming to this world, the scattered human settlements made first contact with the Elves of Nevriathel. As the mountain pass to the south was often blocked by hostile tribes of Orcs and Mountain Trolls, it wasn't until a sizeable force of Elves cleared a route for themselves that either People became aware of the other.  Within 30 years of consistent trade, a treaty was signed for the peace and prosperity of both. It was at this time that the first major city was founded, Idikskali. This became the unofficial capital for some time thereafter.

Demography and Population

Total Population: 977,000

• Major Cities
  • Haggrimsdam Large City 12,091
  • Idikskali Large City 11,386

• Major Towns:
  • Orundalr Large Town 3,300
  • Mundefell Large Town 2,300
  • Modiklif Small Town 1,300
  • Vandrisetr Small Town 1,700
  • Kelitoft Village 670
  • Bersitoft Village 450
  • Vidiholm Hamlet 150
  • Hogniholm Hamlet 240
  • Sigithorp Thorp 62
  • Hrithithorp Thorp 45
  • 1548 other towns and villages

Claimed Land: 15,108 square miles; Developed Land: 4,347.5 square miles; Population Density: 43/sq.mi
17 Standing Fortifications; 12 in Active use; 5 ruined forts or castles; 13 located in settled regions; 4 located in remote/wilderness areas
Villages average 3 miles apart; Towns average 39 miles apart; Cities average 87 miles apart

Religion

The ancestral religion of the Maeslians came to this world during a time of great change. The Events of Ragnarok, foretold by the deceased Odin, gave rise to a new pantheon of deities. They worship the Aesir (lead by Baldr), the Vanir and the Dwarf Gods of Nidavellir. Unlike in ages past, the priesthood of the New Asgardians and their Allies are separate from the secular affairs of state.
The deities that are looked upon with suspicion, as are their followers, are the Jotun deities, the primal Linnorm Nidhoggr and the divine Wolves. While some deities that fall into these categories might be tolerated, many are the personification of violence and negative natural forces.

Founding Date

2850

Type

Political, Federation

Capital

Haggrimsdam

Alternative Names

Federated Clans of Maesle

Demonym

Maeslian

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Market economy

Legislative Body

Laws are dictated by the Council of Jarl, at an assembly called the Althing. The council is composed of four Quarters, each containing the Jarls of the 9 clans of that region. Each Jarl is accompanied by the clan Gothi (high priest) and a chosen Arbiter from their clan. The Elected King and the Lawspeaker are often in attendance.

Judicial Body

Legal cases of highest importance are dealt with my the four Quarter Courts. Each of the nine clans of each quarter will have a chosen Arbiter. These Arbiters would be Freemen, have their own household, must be in full possession of their mental faculties and be at least at the age of Majority.

Location

Firoth

Controlled Territories

• Haggrimsdam
• Idikskali

Notable Members

• Aghir Dunison