Qal'ath ([kælæθ])
The Realm of Qal'ath is situated at the centre of the Erdàn Savànii - the Known Lands. Official Qalathians are a mostly-human (Paràntii) race, having deposed the original inhabitants many centuries before the current year.
Note: This name is derived from Foyiitùn, or "Old Speak". This is actually the language of the Foyii / Woodsmen. See below about King Carnael II's attempt to ban this language in the Realm.
The result was a population who used the names interchangeably, without giving heed as to why they spoke the name they did. Only in the Courts of the King, or in the presence of the Royal Guardsmen (for men they were at this time), were “mispronunciations” corrected, often with a curse of shame, or a minor punishment given for “talking down the grandeur of the Realm”. Ironically, the Realm of Qal'ath was not walled. That only applied to its fortifications around the Realm - and Bezélan, but that did not stop generation after generation of Kings believing they were invulnerable to invasion.
The Meaning of Qal'ath
Qal'ath literally means “Walled City”, where ‘ath’ refers to a city or large town and ‘Qal’ to stone-work or (high) walls. However, the last two generations of Kings had, in arrogance, tried (and largely failed) to name it Kaal’athan, which means “Impregnable Fortress”, such was their confidence in the ancient stonework that surrounded Capital.Note: This name is derived from Foyiitùn, or "Old Speak". This is actually the language of the Foyii / Woodsmen. See below about King Carnael II's attempt to ban this language in the Realm.
The result was a population who used the names interchangeably, without giving heed as to why they spoke the name they did. Only in the Courts of the King, or in the presence of the Royal Guardsmen (for men they were at this time), were “mispronunciations” corrected, often with a curse of shame, or a minor punishment given for “talking down the grandeur of the Realm”. Ironically, the Realm of Qal'ath was not walled. That only applied to its fortifications around the Realm - and Bezélan, but that did not stop generation after generation of Kings believing they were invulnerable to invasion.
The Capital
The Capital of Qal'ath is the stone stronghold of Bezélan. Situated on a hill, with the start of the Grànousii-an-Ormàszil Ocean on one side and a fast-flowing river on another, its Kings have long thought it unassailable. The City itself is divided into two parts, with Bezélan Minor being accessed via a bridge over Lake Paxeux. Bezélan Minor's inhabitants are multi-racial and usually poor, having been marginalised by consecutive rulers ever since its establishment.Surrounding Regions
North of the City is an island on which stands the tower of the Crystal Circle, the Guardian Mages and chief advisors of the Realm. To the West lays the sprawling Fyrohii mountain range - the Flame Heights, with two dormant volcanos at its centre and a seemingly-abandoned route from North to South called the Pass of Lyth. To the South-East is the Shan da San, the Fields of Blood - reddened ground as a result of the war of the First Destruction over 500 years ago by the common measure. Much of this area is lifeless, with only the occasional tree having survived those dark days.Qal'ath's Boundaries
Qal'ath has no physical borders, instead it relies on two ward-forts on the West and East - Oestùn Vyai and Estùn Vyai respectfully. Near the southern agreed border with the Queendom of Shevezz is the walled village of Usàs Nakasz, which also houses a small castle. It is the northern "border" that concerns the King of Qal'ath most.Relations with Doon
In that direction is the enormous The Forest of Doon, home to the Foyii / Woodsmen, with whom he fell out a decàna or so ago. The Woodsmen are not part of the Realm of Qal'ath, but its position marks it as a significant barrier in the North. Harboring a grudge from earlier in his realm, caused when one of his top soldiers, known as Rusziné, sided with the Woodsmen in what was essentially a personal issue, King Carnael II cut ties with Doon, and attempted a language ban of Foyiitùn. Were Doon to fall, however, his Realm would be in great peril from any northern incursion. With inequalities within his borders, though, which risk is the greater - a Second Destruction from forces unknown, or a revolt and uprising of his own people?Structure
Although known as the Realm of Qal'ath, it has always been ruled by Kings, yet never called a Kingdom.
The Ruling Hierarchy
The Real Role of the King
While the King could have the ultimate "final say" in all matters, since the First Destruction, ruler-after-ruler was lazy. This led to the next "layers" of authority carrying the weight of the Realm, only needing the King to finally agree to any plans, and sometimes even without it.The Crystal Circle
After the King were his chief advisors, the Crystal Circle. Comprised of six Authorised Mages, the Crystal Circle was so-called due to being Guardians of the Six Elemental Crystals. While others perceived their main role to be keeping nature in balance, the Circle also travelled between nations creating links and trade opportunties. Furthermore, sensitivity to disruption of the Elements often led to a cause, a potential conflict or other disquiet on which the King would need to take action. The one aspect that the Crystal Circle rarely felt a need to advise upon was that of Military strategy. While the Circle might suggest approaches to different targets, the real ground orders were managed between the King and The Four.The Four
"The Four" were carefully-selected, intellectual individuals who had specific roles within the overall management of the Realm. While these roles changed over time, it roughly included duties such as:- Historical research and documentation, archiving and redrafting.
- Sending of messengers with missives across the Realm for communicating items of importance.
- Overseeing The Vault, where the public coffers and treasures were kept.
- Research into battle plans, medicine, mapping of the Realm.
- Collecting and Collating input on the sentiment and satisifaction of citizens, to find ways of improving internal matters.
Military Hierarchy
((This needs a lot more fleshing out.)) The rough military hierarchy was (top to bottom).- The King: It was expected the King would lead his armies into battle. That expectation was not always met.
- The Reijan: The Rejan were a variable, but small, number of warriors with proven track record in combat, chosen to be the Royal Guards to the King himself. Thus their role in battle was to guard the King with - or at the cost of - their lives.
- The Wardens of Bezélan: Wardens, in times of peace, were in authority over day-to-day defence of Bezélan. There were a number of Warden posts in the Capital City, either with high-up views across the surrounding land, or at key gates, such as that leading to Bezélan Minor. In a ground campaign, it was the Wardens who oversaw squads of Proven and Neophytes in a Commander-style position.
- The Proven: The Proven were those that had earned the right to a promotion (and taken it, which was optional). Although having no real authority, they were often called upon to assist in training and management of Neophytes.
- Neophytes: From raw recruits to the military to experienced soldiers who had simply not desired promotion, the Neophytes had to undergo much training, from simply keeping their watches, or heading out to kill dangerous beasts, or... keeping the Mess Hall tidy and clean - life was not glamorous for the Neophyte. But it was the start of a military career that most chose, rather than be drafted into.
Equality in the Military
As far as records indicate, there was nothing to prevent a female achieving their desired rank in the military, even to the rank of Reijan. However, when it came to other races, at 553AFD the army was made up entirely of Parantii, or humans.
Give Your All and Stand Tall
Maps
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Bezélan City
A detailed map of Bezélan "Major".
Founding Date
350BFD
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Kaal'athan
Demonym
Qalathian / Kaalathian
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
While markets may permit bartering, most inns and other establishments - especially in Bezélan, purchase was only possible with Qalathian copper or silver Pieces. Rarely, a gold piece may be seen - but these were usually refused because:
- Gold Ore was drying up in the authorised mining zones.
- Some metalsmiths had discovered ways to mix lesser metals to feign the look of a Gold Piece. Thus all gold Pieces were deemed fake, whether they were or not.
- Only The Vault held enough Silver Pieces to give change from one Gold Piece.
- True Gold Pieces were likely more valuable than their monetary value and therefore used for show only.
Subsidiary Organizations
Related Traditions
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Organization Vehicles
Notable Members
Trade and Advisory Pact
Trade Partners
With ingenuity and technological progress being made in Bevérohii by the Elelupii, Qal'ath was quick to ensure trade relations with the Verdant Hills was positive.
This did lead to Qal'ath, overdoing it to appease the Elelupii, who simply treated Qal'ath as another customer alongside their others. And with more goods and services being provided to Qal'ath than from it, they had the most to lose, so they viewed the relationship more positively than their Elelupii counterparts.
Controlled Independence
While the Island was technically independent, Qal'ath felt it was their right to call on the Circle's battlecraft if necessary. Thus it saw relations as relatively stable, but the Circle took a more negative view.
Neutral
Technically the Wild Marshes were part of the Realm of Qal'ath but, under Carnael II were mostly disregarded as being "backward". So neither side had love, nor hostility, to the other.
Ceasefire
Following the First Destruction the "Peace Agreement" signed at the Table of Accord signalled an end to hostilities. However, trust had long since been broken between the two territories. The requirement that no pre-agreed leadership representatives passed over the border in either direction showed that this was far from an easy "peace".
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