The Commonwealth
A new kingdom in the lands of Prima Terra, the Commonwealth was born in revolution against the Eldrian Empire. A constitutional monarchy composed of the regions of Gwenydd, Cape County, Faineshire, and Keltischland, the Commonwealth is an economic and naval power within the west of Prima Terra. Suffering greatly during the 40 year war, the country has rebuilt itself quickly and established itself as the new regional power in the north west of the continent. Am emerging superpower, the Commonwealth is a centre of egalitarian philosophy, powerful magic, and a proud and defiant local population.
History
The Commonwealth was founded in 992, 3e during the Revolutionary War with the Eldrian Empire. Birthed of the former provinces of Cape County and Gwenydd, the Commonwealth has had a quick expansions and ascension from revolitionary state to great power. Although suffering heavily during the 40 year war, the Commonwealth was one of the only states to emerge with territorial gains, and is argueably the "winner" of the conflict.
Ancient History
The current regions of the Commonwealth were once home to disparate human and lizardfolk tribes who lived small hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Several Giant city states existed during the early mythic age and slowly coallesced to form the Krowethic Empire. The people of these lands were bound by an ancient conventant known as the "Wold Pact" with the Old Gods, granting their god's protection of those who honoured them and their land. The Krowethic Empire was founded in contemporary Saunton, with its economic and political heart throughout hte modern Cape County region. Although the Lizardfolk willingingly became war thralls of the giants, the humans of Gwenydd were protected from slavery and left to live in peace by a deal known as the pact of the groves between the Krowethic kings and the Old Gods. This pact was broken in the late mythic age and led to numerous servile wars and the eventual collapse of the Krowethic Empire. During the first age, some former Krowethic settlements were rebuilt by human tribes forming small petty kingdoms, while most maintained their tribal lifestyle. These tribes would frequently battle with each other in local skirmishes, with brief united tribal groups creating short-lasted kingdoms. The Albionic archmage Miskaton rebuilt an area of modern Saunton and founded the Miskatonic university, the oldest magical univeristy in the world. The First Soulthek war saw the Old Gods instruct their followers to intervene and avatars of the gods began to rally the disaprate peoples to aid in the conflict. the Gwenyddian and Kernowian tribes of the area were instrumental in Soulthek's defeat, although their intervention was too late to save the Sun Elf invasion. In the second age, small Marcian colonies were founded in eastern Gwenydd and southern Cape County, although these colonies were the first to be abandoned as the empire fell and were faced with constant raids and conflicts with the non-conquered tribes.Middle Ages
The coastal regions of the contemporary commonwealth were invaded and settled by Aedrinarian raiders, with the city of Ceannastra being founded by these invaders. The Aedrinarian nations did breifly unite Gwenydd and Kernow, but collapsed within a generation. In the post Aedrinarian period, cape county remained united whilst the Keltischland was united with the Holy Tumbrian Empire. Gwenydd returned to small petty kingdoms and tribal peoples. Kernow was a regional power during this time, being a formidable fuedal nation and would often bully and raid their northern neighbours. After an annexation in the late second age, Gwenydd became a confederated kingdom and vassal of Cape County.Third Age
The late second age and early third age saw both Gwenydd and Kernow left behind by the awakening, with their neighbours forming the Eldrian Empire, with the ethinically Gwenyddian region of The Faine becoming one of the founding kingdoms of the empire. The nations fell behind technologically and militarily, but maintained an economic importance due to Kernow's export of ores such as tin and iron.Eldrian Period
Gwenydd and Cape County were invaded in the mid 800s by the Eldrian Empire, who saught to expand their naval presence and aquire the pletiful natural resources of Gwenydd and Kernow. Gwenydd took seven years to subdue, with heavy fighting in the mountains and forests. In comparision, Kernow fell quickly. The empire utilised political instability in the region and assaulted key settlements. A brief revolution occured in 913, inspired by the druids and zealots of the Old Gods. In response, the Eldrian Empire heavily persecuted worship of the Old Gods with raids on temples, shrines, and the banning of assembly at henges. Kernow was renamed Cape County and forced conversion was implemented on the populace, turning the majority to the worship of Divinitism.Revolutionary Period
Relations with the Eldrian Empire were at an all time low in 991, 3e during the reign of Donald I. Donald's corruption and ineptitude led to the exposure of the Salian Isle Scandal by the parental problems possee and Lord Sodlark. The Banking Guild was revealed to be illegally occupying tin mins with the aid of a goblin war band and forcing local mine owners out of their property. This exposure and increased anti-eldrian sentiment saw the client king Duris of Cape County and numerous nobles in Gwenydd begin to form a cabal of revolutionaries. in 992, during a tour of the empire's tourney grounds, the crown prince and heir to the imperial throne, Heinrich, was assassinated in Palaidcyntaff. Not long after, a key number of Eldrian sympathiesers and government officials including the High Chancellor were murdered. A period known as the Bloody Fortnight began with increased persecution and military prescence in Gwenydd and Cape County. Revolutionary movements swelled in number, and the bloody reprisals by the Eldrian mercanary Azumon and his dragon thrall Galvurnax pushed the groups to unite. After the Battle of Saunton, the kingdoms of Gwenydd and Cape County made the Commonwealth decleration, stating their intent of independence and future union. The Revolutionary War continued after Azumon's defeat and the empire was swifly repelled. in 995, the Commonwealth gained full independence. The Commonwealth would be pushed to war with the Eldrians again, however, during the Eldrian Civil War. The Faine region of the Eldrian Empire demanded annexation by the Commonwealth, and in return for military aide Queen Hilda allowed this to occur.40 Year War
The Commonwealth was dragged into the war in 1022 after a joint Seldrinar and Eldrian invasion. The navy was disepersed and their armies were annihilated. Unprepared for war, Saunton fell in a bloody and quick siege by the Seldrinar and saw the entire royal family massacred. Leaderless and stateless, resistance groups were led by heroes of the realm, with the avatar of Morrigan, Rhiannon of Devil's Bridge, becoming a figurehead of revolution. The invasion did trigger defence treaties with the Aedrinar Islands, and repusled by their ally's move, Southaxe turned against the Eldrian Empire and tried to aid the Commonwealth. Fighting continued with mountainous and wilderness regions in Gwenydd remaining unoccupied, and Carely withstanding a decades long siege. The tide turned when the Dragon Empire joined the war and organized the Battle of the Northern Shore. Although war torn and facing nearly a million deaths, the Commonwealth was reclaimed with the Keltischland region also being assaulted. During the peace treaty, the Commonwealth was awareded financial compensation and allowed to keep the Keltischland. Rhiannon was proclaimed the new Queen and a formal coronation took place after the peace treaty.Demography and Population
The Commonwealth is a primarily human kingdom, but is remarkably diverse given its lcoation on key trading routes and former colony status within the Eldrian Empire. A large population of Tieflings can be found in the village of Devil's Bridge, which was supposidly part of a deal by the people of the village to ensure their loved ones came back from war. All children born there are born as tieflings.
Elves and Half-Elves are common throughout the Commonwealth, especially in its major port cities. This was largely a result of immigration during the nation's imperial period, alongside the half-orc population. Alongside humans, there are two other indigenous races to the region. Firbolgs and Lizardfolk. The two major lizardfolk tribes of the west, The Northern Tribe and Orangescales, can be found within the Commonwealth's borders. Firbolgs are descended from the giants who once ran the mighty Krowethic empire from the region.
Being a modern nation with high state centralisation and infrastructure, the Commonwealth citizens are likely to live long and fruitful lives. The lack of internal strife outside of dangers from the wilderness means civil war and fighting is uncommon. The high level of technological development ensures good education and healthcare across the realm.
Territories
The Commonwealth is formed of two former kingdoms and colonies of the Eldrian Empire, Cape County and Gwenydd. During the Eldrian Civil Wars and 40 Year War, The Commonwealth also attained the regions of the faine and keltischland from the Empire. A coastal nation, Cape County is situated on a peninsullar that divides the Terrassic Ocean and Bay of Marcia. The northern coastline is harsh but temperate, with storms and rainfall being common. Its southern coast is met with warm air from the south and in the summer its sandy beaches provide plesant holiday space for the citzens.
Within its central and eastern regions, the Kernomoor marshland can be found. The home of the Orangescale Lizardfolk tribes and some smaller settlements, this marshland acts as a geographic divider between the various regions of Cape County. Some smaller islands can also be found around its coastline, with only Merendy Isle and Salian Isle holding any notable population or relevance.
The northern territory of Gwenydd is far more hostile. The large and Great Marsh dominates the centre of the region, with these bogs and swamplands providing most of the internal dangers to the commonwealth. This bog is hemmed in by three key geographic features. The windstrewn craggy peaks to the west and the Mounts of the Gods to the East. To the south, the Godswood lies on the border between Gwenydd and Cape County. Most of the Gwenyddian population and economy can be found centred around the coastline and marshy edges. In the east, the River Tawu provides a fertile river valley.
The Faine, formally Fainshire, was one of the Eldrian central kingdoms but home to a primarily Gwenyddian population. Taken during the Eldrian Civil Wars, this valley region is surrounded by the Southaxian and Westaxian downs, with forested riverland and farming ground within its centre. This region is bordered by the Eldrian Empire and Southaxe and has access to the Neapian Channel.
To the north, the Keltishland lies beyond the River Fyn. Found in Tumbria, the region was claimed after the 40 year war and is home to a culturally Gwenyddian population. A highland area with a smooth coastline, the region is still adjusting to life in the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth holds no additional claims over former colonised lands, and its egalitarian attitude means further wars and expansion are unlikely.
Military
The Commonwealth Armed forces are composed of a navy and army and are an entirely volunteer army. A vast and professional army, it is still rebuilding its forces after losing most during the 40 year war. The Navy is vast and kept most of their vessels safe during fighting, relying on hit and run tactics until the Aedrinarans became involved. The Navy is the largest in the Bay of Marcia and Terrasic regions.
The Army is based around six regiments. The Northern League, The Llwenlen Brigade, the Western Watch, the Faine Regiment, the Keltisch Regiment, and the Kernowian Guard.
Religion
Under imperial rule, the empire punished worshippers of the old gods and generations grew up under the influence of the church of Divinitus. After the forming of the Commonwealth, persecution against the Old Gods was lifted. This saw the religion gradually spread from its traditional stronghold of Gwenydd into the Faine and Cape County. The involvement of the Papal States in the 40 year and theri allignment with the Eldrian Empire, who were invading The Commonwealth, pushed many worshippers away. In 1052, the Commonwealth is majority old god worshipping with Divinitism being the second most popular religion, a stark change to the status of the two faiths prior to the war.
Foreign Relations
Born of former Eldrian Colonies, the Commonwealth maintains a frosty relatioship with their former imperial overlord and their allies. They maintain closed and guarded borders with the Eldrian Empire and Tumbria, and their mutual dislike has worsened since the 40 year war. Likewise, the Commonwealth has unfriendly relations with the Seldrinar Supremacy and actively works to keep them far away from their borders.
The Commonwealth maintains good relatioships with their allies and trading partners. Having defence pacts with the Kingdoms of Aedrinar, Asrinheim, and Southaxe. They also have good relatioships with Altruscia with the two engaging in free trade and other commercial pacts with each other. Within Pennygyntaff, the Dragon Empire and Daggerstorm embassies can be found.
Agriculture & Industry
The Commonwealth has a diverse set of national industries. The heart of its agriculture is done in western and southern cape county, the faine, and the Tawu river valley. Animal husbandry is common throughout the Commonwealth, with goat herding being common in the mountainous regions of Gwenydd. The main crops are wheat, oats, barley, and potatoes.
The region is incredibly ore rich in tin, iron, and copper. The craggy peaks, Mounts of the Gods, and Salian Isle are the main mining hubs of the country. Smelting and weapon crafting is found largely in Gurnbourne, Saunton, and Cafuilcain. The export of ores, ingots, armour and weapons is the primary trade of the Commonwealth. Sending much of its products to Southaxe and Altruscia in numerous trade deals, with ores being a primary trade with Aedrinar from the northern ports.
Trade & Transport
The Commonwealth lies on several key trading routes and serves as the terminus for most. On land, the Northern trade route starts at Gurnbourne and moves along the coastline to the Vale. The Southaxian Roads run from Carely to Briarton and formally into the Eldrian Empire.
By sea, the Commonwealth is split between the Terrasic and Bay of Gwenydd Trade routes, which all of its coastal cities participate in. The terrasic trade route begins its northern path at Gurnbourne, and the Bay of Marcia trade route begins and ends at Saunton.
Founding Date
992, 3e
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Commonwealther
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Unitary state
Legislative Body
The Dail: A parlialment of democratically elected officials
The Barons: Traditional nobles who have an upper chamber
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Petty Kingdom of Gwenydd
Imperial Colony of Cape County
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