Boreas

Geographical Info:

• Dynicia

• Isunia

• Yerelia

In 286 HE, anarchists behind a violent rebellion in Messembria were exiled to Boreas, a continent in the far north that had been partially explored but not widely settled. Boreas began as an anarchist paradise, although it soon became clear that this was unsustainable for a variety of reasons, not least of which was the need for settlers to band together to survive the harsh northern winters. Various systems of governance were tried and discarded, and for some time it remained the abode of the disreputable and disruptive, a sort of unofficial prison colony, but the pleasant weather of its southeast coast drew more colonists and eventually cooler heads prevailed in setting up a proper constitution. Over time a tradition was established of leadership arising from particular families, and an aristocratic class was created. It is possible to join this class, but for the most part leaders are chosen from the families already part of it. Current members of the aristocracy may agree to allow new families to join, though this is rare and usually a response to some great deed or rapid rise to power.

Boreas remains a very loosely governed nation, however, with many independent outposts with tenuous ties to the capital in Iren (which later moves to Kion, designed to be the home of the new aristocracy). The government retains many similarities to feudalism, however, with local communities led by hereditary landowners, who in turn defer to the central aristocracy in the capital.

Over time Boreas began to focus more and more on environmental stewardship, and although the laws of Boreas allow for great independence, regulations to protect the environment and prevent over-development are many. The nation has become known as a land of pristine wilderness and carefully designed cities, with a particularly unique coexistence of native wildlife and plants and animals brought from Earth, introduced carefully into the ecosystem.

Boreas is currently ruled by King Gerhardt Hildebrand, whose line has held the throne of Boreas for over 200 years. Prior to this there was a lot of upheaval in the nation's leadership, but the Hildebrand line learned that the way to rule Boreas was not to try to take too much power, lest one be deposed by defiant nobles, commoners, or both. The monarch is advised by a central council of nobles chosen from the more powerful aristocratic families, and although he may overrule the council's advice, this is done sparingly in order to retain their goodwill. The nobility pays taxes directly to the king and provides other services, including bureaucratic and military roles. In return, the king provides military defense, emergency financial aid in the case of natural or economic disaster, and legal and political support for aristocrats and their holdings.

The aristocrats hold a great deal of the nation's power and are responsible for passing laws; the king officially passes these laws (with very limited veto power), but it is the Council of Nobles who write and agree on such legislation before presenting it to the king. If the majority of the council supports a law, the king is highly unlikely to oppose it. National legislation is not as common as laws passed by nobles and affecting only their own holdings, however. Where not contradicted by the king's law, aristocratic law holds sway. Thus each holding is run like its own state, which is largely independent but still holds allegiance to the throne.

Boreas is divided into three major regions: Dynicia, Isunia, and Yerelia. These are geographical distinctions more than political ones, as the land is further divided into fiefs, or aristocratic holdings. The lands to the east of the Oreith Mountains in Dynicia are held by nobles who spend a great deal of time in Kion, returning to their lands often to oversee them. Nobles from Isunia in central Boreas usually spend much of the year in their homeland, visiting Kion at least a couple times a year to participate in the Council of Nobles or city's social season. Those who hold lands in Yerelia to the north and west, however, primarily stay in the capital city, since their holdings are so remote. Most employ stewards to manage their lands, and while technically one must have permission to take up residence in a noble's holding, in practice a frontiersman can pretty much settle where he likes, provided he doesn't cause too much trouble. If he contributes to the community, all the better. Tax collectors employed by landowners roam the frontier, attempting to keep better records about who is living where and what they contribute to their nobles by paying taxes, but it's a difficult task. Still, they successfully bring in enough that most feudal lords don't worry about the details and let a lot of tax-dodging pass. It's just an extra source of income for most, since they often also hold lands closer to Kion, and with the lowered income comes reduced responsibility for protecting and managing those lands. The inhabitants largely manage themselves and don't ask for much help from the capital, and the lords don't ask too many questions about who's not paying taxes.