Principality of Red Crest

Red Crest Islands by Naelin

Flag of Red Crest

The long-standing northern colony of the Kingdom of Merthiorn has been granted its independence not half a century ago, but little came out of it other than an authoritarian, bureaucratic regime that got too involved in the private life of its citizens.
After the disaster of The High Rust, this is now a state in social turmoil, fighting to survive the consequences of its cultural shock.

Colonial Origins

Shield of Merthiorn

The Red Crest Colonies occupied the main landmass of the northernmost island of the Haan Archipelago and its surrounding islands, collectively known as Red Crest Islands.
For several centuries, the islands were controlled by the Kingdom of Merthiorn, who would appoint a Viceroy, generally choosing a prince or princess from the Royal Family other than the heir to the throne.
The kingdom would command the islands from across the Shifting Channel requiring all exports to go through Merthiorn as a way to suck resources from the islands.
In 2976 E.Alz it was the time for young prince Virgilim to become the viceroy of the islands.

A Puppet State

Virgilim by Naelin

Virgilim acted as Red Crest's viceroy from 2976 to 2985 E.Alz. By this point, the Kingdom of Merthiorn was having some trouble controlling their colony, but more importantly Virgilim's mother Queen Tesel of Merthiorn had noticed the obedience and trust of his son who would follow every request and plan to benefit the mainland.
And so, for his 23rd birthday, she decided to "gift" his son the command of the entire island and decreed the independency of Red Crest, making it a principality under the command of "Honourable Prince of Red Crest, His Honour Prince Virgilim", a title crafted by the prince himself.
While he took care to keep the economic side of the government still very much benefitting the crown of Merthiorn, the Prince shifted the direction of the country for the worse, by adding new laws, edicts and regulations that directly impacted the Red Crestian culture, turning it conservative, prudish and distrustful.
The principality became famous for its heavy regulations and taxes, and the new skittish nature of its citizens.

The Purging of Morals

by Naelin

A crisis brewed in the country through the years, and got finally exacerbated in 1 E.Ru after The High Rust stirred the social and economic climate in the islands past the breaking point.
The High Rust caused the Kingdom of Merthiorn to fall, and its successor, the Kingdom of Thaur, didn't have the time, resources or interest to keep patronising the stability of the Red Crestian government.
Three years after the Rust, an organised group of philosophers known as The Circlecrats released the Manifesto for the burning of morals, a pamphlet calling for an insurrection of the civilians, in order to oppose the Prince's rule and his mark in their culture.
Since then the tensions have escalated into protests and violent encounters between the civilians, government officials and the guard, though the protestors seem to be testing the waters still. The climate in the Principality is of great tension, and many anticipate that the recent conclusion to the Civil War on Karte with the execution of King Rastapuj could fuel a much more violent and decisive set of actions by the Crested for their true liberation.

Type

Geopolitical, Principality

Capital

City of Vythlan

Predecessor Organization

• Kingdom of Merthiorn

Demonym

Red Crestian, Crimsons, Crested

Leader

Virgilim

Leader Title

Honourable Prince of Red Crest

Head of State

Virgilim

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Location

Red Crest Islands

Related Ranks & Titles

• Honourable Prince of Red Crest

Controlled Territories

• Cave of the Frozen Scars
• City of Vythlan
• Red Crest Islands
• The Palace of Taxes

Notable Members

• Virgilim

Related Ethnicities

• Red Crestians

Related Historical Events

• 29 E.Alz
  Red Crest becomes a Principality
• 38 E.Alz
  Virgilim is designated as Red Crest's viceroy
• 52 E.Alz
  Virgilim of Merthiorn is born
• Circa 2810 E.Alz
  The palace of taxes is built

The Haan Archipelago

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Danae by Naelin

The cartographer Danae from the City of Birdland in Thaur was commissioned to draw a map of the Haan Archipelago for the second edition of The Book of the Habits and Beasts, published in the 3rd of Birthing, 3 E.Ru.
Danae took advantage of the enclyclopaedia's team of researchers to gather precise information and went himself into research expeditions to survey remote areas. His work resulted in what is considered the most accurate and widespread map of the Archipelago to this day, which details even most of the coasts of the Savage Isles.