Yeomanry, The (Yo-men-ree)
The peoples who settled the territory west of the Javan River, north of
the Hool Marshes and below the Jotens were mixed tribes of Flannae-
Suel. Some Oeridians also came into the area, accepted by the
original settlers as long as they did not infringe the lands or rights of
those already there.
These peoples developed the habit of holding annual meetings of all
the tribes in the region, where disputes were settled and arrangements
of all sorts made. All warriors were treated equally, but each tribe
appointed one spokesman for each dozen. Eventually, as numbers
grew, this became one for every 12 dozen, with the 12 spokesmen
electing a 13th to speak for all. This democratic tradition persisted
when the region came under Keoish rule. Despite its isolated position,
considerable commerce was carried on between the kingdom
proper and the Yeomanry, for the latter area was very rich.
Although they exploited them, the Keoish also brought many benefits
to the inhabitants of the land. The Keoish monarch, regarding the
yeomen as persons of gentle birth and their appointed spokesmen as
lesser nobility, gave the region a voice in council (and exposure to the
affairs of the world beyond the boundaries of the Yeomanry).
Many thousands of yeomen served in the Keoish military for decades,
but when the kingdom began its wars of conquest, the freemen of the
territory revolted and closed their frontier to Keoish rule forever. The
move was successful primarily because the kingdom was beset with
rebellion everywhere, but the result was the founding of a state ruled
by all of its warriors through election! All those bearing arms, those who
have borne them in the past, and artisans and craftsmen are now
entitled to elect spokesmen.
The Freeholder must be elected from one of the several score of
greater landowners, but he is ruled by the council of Common
Grosspokesmen. He conducts government affairs and directs the Free
Captains of the Battles.
The soldiers of the Yeomanry are mostly spearmen and crossbowmen.
The mountaineers provide heavy, pole armed troops and light stingers.
The greater freeholders furnish the small cavalry contingents.
Demihumans are enlisted in time of need, for they too are electors of
the land. Elvish spear and bow units, dwarvish mailed foot, and halfling
light troops are brought to the field when the army of the Yeomanry
sallies forth.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Government System
Democracy, Representative
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Capital: Loftwick (6,000)
Population: 100,000
Demi-humans: High Elves (2,000), Dwarves, Halflings
Humanoids: Few (many in mountains)
Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, silver, gems
Currency: Freegold (gp), halfgold (ep), silver (sp), common (cp)
Official Languages: Common, Elven, Halfling, Keolandish
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