Grand Duchy of Albiril
The Grand Duchy of Albiril is a vassal state of the The Bafigron Empire, pledging pledging unwavering loyalty and military support to the empire. Their forces were instrumental in claiming and maintaining control over the savage north, a harsh and untamed territory filled with formidable challenges.
The Archduchy of Albiril, with their fiercely disciplined and highly trained soldiers, provided a bulwark against the threats that lurked in the north. Their warriors were renowned for their steadfastness in battle and their ability to withstand the unforgiving environments of the region.
Structure
In contrast to most kingdoms, Albiril's political power is not solely vested in the hands of the nobility. Instead, it derives from the support of freeholders, and even the king or queen does not wield unchecked authority. The nobility convenes annually in the Realm Forum, functioning as Albiril's official legislative body, capable of overriding the monarch on legal matters.
The hierarchy of Albiril royalty and nobility includes:
- King or Queen - though in foreign relations, they are often called as Duke or Duchess.
- Prince/Princess
- Highlord/Highlady
- Arl/Arlessa
- Shirelord/Shirelady
- Lord/Lady
- Knight
Foreign Relations
While their alliance with the Bafigron Empire solidified their position and granted them certain privileges, the Archduchy of Albiril holds firm to their discriminatory beliefs. They maintain strict control over their territories, enforcing policies that restricted or marginalized individuals from "impure" races. This prejudiced stance led to strained relations with neighboring regions and often hindered efforts for unity and cooperation.
Within the Archduchy, the rulership of the Bafigron Empire married into the Albirilian bloodline, further solidifying the bond between the two realms. This union ensured a continuous flow of resources, military support, and political influence from Albiril to the Bafigron Empire, strengthening their grip on the savage north.
Despite their prejudices, the Archduchy of Albiril play a pivotal role in the Bafigron Empire's expansion and dominance in the northern territories. Their unwavering dedication and military prowess helps pacify the savage north and secure vital resources and strategic advantages for the empire.
However, the Archduchy's discriminatory policies and isolationist tendencies often spark tensions with other realms and races. Their actions stirred dissent among those who sought equality and unity among all races, creating potential fault lines within the empire that could have long-lasting consequences.
Laws
Albiril's legal system is relatively unregulated compared to older nations, relying on an individual's martial prowess for dispute resolution. The city guards in major cities often overlooks petty crimes like theft, focusing on more severe offenses. Slavery is illegal, though clandestine practices persist. Personal behaviors, including bearing arms, drinking, gambling, and prostitution, are unregulated, emphasizing a balance between law and individual responsibility. Arbiters, adjudicate cases, with sheriffs in the countryside overseeing upcoming cases. Trials, sometimes involving a surrender of valuable items as bond, prioritize quick and often violent punishments such as public humiliation, whipping, disfigurement, fines, and executions. Family rule in households lacks a firm structure, with Albirnis exhibiting a willful disposition, often managed by the most capable family member, regardless of gender.
Worship
Veneration of the Raven Queen
In Albiril, the veneration of The Raven Queen is deeply intertwined with their knightly order. The knights of Albiril see the Raven Queen as a symbol of death and fate, and they believe that by embracing her teachings, they can better understand the transient nature of life and uphold justice in the world. The temple dedicated to the Raven Queen in Albiril serves as a central hub for their knightly order, where they conduct rituals, offer prayers, and seek guidance.Veneration of the Watchful one
In Albiril, Heimdall is the most recognized deity of the Ursevnis pantheon and holds the largest temple within the Rakion. The temple of Heimdall stands as a magnificent structure, a testament to the importance and reverence given to the deity. As the God of Guardians, Heimdall is seen as the Great Guard and the Vigilant One. The people of Albiril look to Heimdall for protection, security, and guidance in times of need. The temple serves as a focal point for worship, rituals, and ceremonies dedicated to Heimdall. Within the temples, elaborate rituals are performed to honor and invoke Heimdall's divine presence. The faithful seek his blessings for safeguarding their lands, homes, and loved ones. They offer prayers and make offerings, seeking his watchful eye and unwavering protection.Khazibian lies
However, amidst the influence and prestige of the death knights , the Archduchy of Albiril is not immune to the insidious presence of cults devoted to Khaziba, the deity of lies and mischief. These cults, hidden within the shadows, represent a darker side of the realm, weaving webs of deception and intrigue. The cults of Khaziba thrive on secrecy and manipulation, utilizing their skills in illusions and deceit to further their own hidden agendas. They sow seeds of discord, undermine trust, and foster an atmosphere of uncertainty within the Archduchy. Their presence poses a constant challenge for the death knights and the ruling class of Albiril. The relentless pursuit of truth and justice clashes with the web of lies spun by the cults of Khaziba. This ongoing struggle fuels an undercurrent of tension and intrigue within the realm, with nobles and commoners alike uncertain of whom they can trust. Thus, the Archduchy of Albiril exists as a realm caught between the forces of truth and deception, with the death knights standing as beacons of justice and the cults of Khaziba lurking in the shadows, ready to exploit the vulnerabilities of power and trust.Other religions
Albiril holds great reverence for the Ursevnis Pantheon as a whole. The deities Morana, Onva, Sarenrae, Themis, and Heimdall are particularly revered within the kingdom. In summary, The followers of Albiril believe that by honoring both the Raven Queen and the Ursevnis pantheon, they can strike a balance between the inevitability of death and the pursuit of justice, fostering a harmonious existence within their knightly order and the kingdom as a whole. The temple serves as a spiritual sanctuary, a place where the faithful can seek guidance, find inner strength, and deepen their connection to the divine forces they venerate.
Founding Date
689 AB
Power Structure
Client state / puppet state
Parent Organization
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments