The Depenwood Confederation
"In the morning mist and dew, an elk calls out in the distance, a low sound, yet one that carries far on the wind, as birds sing and chirp all about, the morning sun bringing life to the thick woodlands all around you. All around you, sunlight pierces through the gaps of the dappled canopy, creating beautiful patterns of light and shade all about the forest floor. It is quiet, it is peaceful, and most importantly, as you and your companions rise from your tents and bedrolls, it is plentiful.
No fears of hunger exist here, for throw a stone in any direction from this small clearing, you are likely to hit a food bearing plant of some kind. A simple but satisfying breakfast of apples, hazelnuts and blackberries all mixed with some oats and boiled water, whilst you listen to the forest around you come awake. There is peace among those that live here, a peace and passion, an appreciation for the simpler things that cannot help but be a little bit contagious, even to travellers and guests within the forests. The culture here is one of harmony and sustainability, those that live here do not live in the Depen, they are 'a part of the Depen', and this seems to permeate even the quiet regions between towns and villages.
It is not disarming, for you are fully aware that these forested lands can hide many dangers in their own right, however it is the feelings of purity. Of knowing the dangers that may find you are ones that will manifest as outward threats. It is an instinctual peace, an instinctual comfort, in the unconscious knowledge that mere survival is not worked for here. That starvation and dehydration will never threaten you, so long as you are within this region. It is the purity of understanding that the only threats to one's safety are external."
Mar'elin Du'ristic
Structure
Depenwood is a coalition of sorts, a tight knit confederation of the nine tribal kingdoms. Its governmental structure shares some similiarities in its hybridized structure to Suranth, but with noone at the top who's vote on policy can count as two unlike Suranth's High King. Instead, each of the chiefs of the tribe, along with all eight archmagisters of the Kelethan Magisterium, nine elected officials chose every ten years, one for each tribal region, and Oakenspeaker Fri'sillis An'morin, whom is the high priestess of the Talian faith, make up a council of twenty-seven individuals whom make up the national governmental body known as the Consialete ver Wylde, or the 'Wild Council'.
However unlike in Suranth, which is in many ways more centralized, this body very rarely steps in now when it comes to policy or legislation. Depenwood as a nation has no fewer nation wide pieces of legislation than one would find, on average, in other countries of similar size and population. No instead, as old as the nation is, due to the lack of politicking that needs to occur in that top end leadership, and the long lived nature of the elven chiefs, the country's legislation was designed without much thought for politicking or the gain or loss of power. Instead such things have been and continue to be mostly focused on the nation and the people within it as a whole, and continuing to grow the already excellent baseline quality of life the people of the Depenwood have.
Far be it to call this a utopia of course, that would be dishonest. Like any nation, there will always be some disparity, some discontent, and some internal issues. However, Depenwood finds itself uniquely positioned as a nation that has perhaps the least of such problems, and one of the most egalitarian societies, outside its political sphere, in all of Valerick. Besides politicks, there are no limitations on anyone's movement within the Depen society. The only limitation is your own will, potential and skill. It is a system that, uniquely in this nation where the most basic needs of every citizen are met by the wilderness itself, that such an approach and such a long lived (or some might argue clearly stagnate and unbalanced) political cycle can work relatively well.
Only the large issues, like matters of a few select exceedingly heinous and violent crimes and their punishment, international trade and diplomatic relations, transportation and military infrastructure, and other similar matters are handled at the national level. Along with budgeting and taxes, naturally. There exists in Depenwood none of the other sort of lesser 'busy work' that other national governments have, like food distribution for the poor or destitute. That is handled by the simple law that anyone may harvest from the Depen, no one can own the great forest, or any part of it. Ownership is limited to structures and direct business goods and tools. Land is borrowed, and you have a duty to maintain all food growing plant life upon that land to the best of your ability, and have no ownership claim to it or any food it bears. Combine this with a cultural education from youth about the concept that food and water are a right, not a commodity or a privilege, you develop a culture that values the idea that a basic, yet fully functional, level of sustenance is something everyone is entitled to, and no one should ever go without.
No the real level of government that handles most of Depenwood's internal governance is the territorial level. Each territory is split into a few districts, generally centered on the largest cities and townships. Each district elects an official to serve for a century, or until they die, whichever comes first. Again removing some of the politicking and nonsense grandstanding that occurs with other nations whom elect officials more frequently. This is especially true because like Suranth, elected officials can only serve one term. Another law of the Depen stops this sort of behavior, one that should seem natural when you note the length of the term. No one at the territorial level or national level of government can be elected if they are not a Wylde Elf. The only non Wylde elves in either of those two levels of Depenwoods government at any given time in the nation's history are some of the archmagisters and they are not elected in the general election sense either, the Magisterium has its own internal workings in that regard. It is the territorial levels of government than handle most internal affairs, including most social systems, all other public works type infrastructure, Education, most parts of the legal system, and beyond. The national government is the calm, well spoken, intelligent face of Depenwood to the world. The territorial governments are the ones who do most of the actual work, a system that has worked very well thus far for the nation.
However unlike in Suranth, which is in many ways more centralized, this body very rarely steps in now when it comes to policy or legislation. Depenwood as a nation has no fewer nation wide pieces of legislation than one would find, on average, in other countries of similar size and population. No instead, as old as the nation is, due to the lack of politicking that needs to occur in that top end leadership, and the long lived nature of the elven chiefs, the country's legislation was designed without much thought for politicking or the gain or loss of power. Instead such things have been and continue to be mostly focused on the nation and the people within it as a whole, and continuing to grow the already excellent baseline quality of life the people of the Depenwood have.
Far be it to call this a utopia of course, that would be dishonest. Like any nation, there will always be some disparity, some discontent, and some internal issues. However, Depenwood finds itself uniquely positioned as a nation that has perhaps the least of such problems, and one of the most egalitarian societies, outside its political sphere, in all of Valerick. Besides politicks, there are no limitations on anyone's movement within the Depen society. The only limitation is your own will, potential and skill. It is a system that, uniquely in this nation where the most basic needs of every citizen are met by the wilderness itself, that such an approach and such a long lived (or some might argue clearly stagnate and unbalanced) political cycle can work relatively well.
Only the large issues, like matters of a few select exceedingly heinous and violent crimes and their punishment, international trade and diplomatic relations, transportation and military infrastructure, and other similar matters are handled at the national level. Along with budgeting and taxes, naturally. There exists in Depenwood none of the other sort of lesser 'busy work' that other national governments have, like food distribution for the poor or destitute. That is handled by the simple law that anyone may harvest from the Depen, no one can own the great forest, or any part of it. Ownership is limited to structures and direct business goods and tools. Land is borrowed, and you have a duty to maintain all food growing plant life upon that land to the best of your ability, and have no ownership claim to it or any food it bears. Combine this with a cultural education from youth about the concept that food and water are a right, not a commodity or a privilege, you develop a culture that values the idea that a basic, yet fully functional, level of sustenance is something everyone is entitled to, and no one should ever go without.
No the real level of government that handles most of Depenwood's internal governance is the territorial level. Each territory is split into a few districts, generally centered on the largest cities and townships. Each district elects an official to serve for a century, or until they die, whichever comes first. Again removing some of the politicking and nonsense grandstanding that occurs with other nations whom elect officials more frequently. This is especially true because like Suranth, elected officials can only serve one term. Another law of the Depen stops this sort of behavior, one that should seem natural when you note the length of the term. No one at the territorial level or national level of government can be elected if they are not a Wylde Elf. The only non Wylde elves in either of those two levels of Depenwoods government at any given time in the nation's history are some of the archmagisters and they are not elected in the general election sense either, the Magisterium has its own internal workings in that regard. It is the territorial levels of government than handle most internal affairs, including most social systems, all other public works type infrastructure, Education, most parts of the legal system, and beyond. The national government is the calm, well spoken, intelligent face of Depenwood to the world. The territorial governments are the ones who do most of the actual work, a system that has worked very well thus far for the nation.
Culture
What does it mean to be of the Depen, well that is better explained by my traveling companion and dear friend Rafiq Khal'nizari, so I would direct you thusly to his entries and works in regards to Depen culture (link will be added later when I've made the article)
Assets
The lands of the Depen are a rich and fertile temperate forest climate by and large, with notable stretches of swamp and fen amidst them. Fruits, berries, nuts, vegetables, food of all kinds are their largest natural resource and their most valuable asset. Magickal prowess, knowledge and education is another valuable asset they possess, and another well utilized asset.
History
Depenwood is a land built by tragedy, with a tribal structure built by war. The Arcanis Crusades, though a worldwide phenomenon resulting in untold slaughter across Valerick, started and were centralized right here. Indeed, the hero of folklore, Talia, was what we would call an Emerald Magister today, by all accounts of the stories about her. Beyond this, her grand-daughter Elysia Tel'ni'vairi is a sort of national hero here, the founder of the Magisterium and a revolutionary leader during the Arcanis Crusades.
Depenwood, much like Suranth, has some notable restrictions upon particular movements within their caste and political structure, though as with the Tundra Realms these are solely limited to the political leadership positions, in that nine of them, the tribal chiefs, can never be held by someone whom is not a Woad Elf of that tribe.
Depenwood, much like Suranth, has some notable restrictions upon particular movements within their caste and political structure, though as with the Tundra Realms these are solely limited to the political leadership positions, in that nine of them, the tribal chiefs, can never be held by someone whom is not a Woad Elf of that tribe.
Demography and Population
One of the only other duties of the Wylde Council, and each of the tribal leadership structures, its to organize and accomplish a full census every twenty years. This is to establish tribal commitments to the various agreements in regards to trade, defense, and taxation. The last census was nine years ago, and was counted in similar terms to how Suranth handles their census, ignoring homeless and beggars, as well as children, using the age of 56 for both elves and dwarves (which equates out to 14 for humans) as the cut off. According to this count, Depenwood is home to roughly 3.1 million people. The rough demographics by race are noted in the table below;
One should notice the lack of Forgeborn, a similarity to the nation of Suranth, however in the case of Depenwood they grouped them into the Human Mixed category, because again though they are present they are statistically almost a rounding error, though this is notably changing, and by the next census it is expected and planned they shall have their own spot on this table.
| Race/Ancestry | Rough % of the Population | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | 9% | 279000 |
| Gnomes | 5% | 155000 |
| Halfmen | 5% | 155000 | Human, Koltani | 11% | 341000 |
| Human, Mogol | 4% | 124000 |
| Human, Renarii | 6% | 186000 |
| Human, Mixed | 7% | 217000 |
| Skye Elves | 12% | 372000 |
| Woad Elves | 26% | 806000 |
| Mixed Elves | 10% | 310000 |
| Tanturs | 5% | 155000 |
One should notice the lack of Forgeborn, a similarity to the nation of Suranth, however in the case of Depenwood they grouped them into the Human Mixed category, because again though they are present they are statistically almost a rounding error, though this is notably changing, and by the next census it is expected and planned they shall have their own spot on this table.
Military
This section is under spoilers solely cause I intend for a dedicated article to take its place in due course.
Show spoiler
The nation of Depenwood has a standing military in a sense, though it is structurally far more layered in its structure, being combined tribal forces. Her standing military numbers some 311000 all told, counting militia and local tribal forces as well as more standardized combined national forces. Those combined standardized forces number some 225000 or so, and are roughly divided as noted below;
66774 Striders (Regulars): These are of course your infantry, the common soldiery, the core of any and all land forces. Archers and Crossbowmen are plentiful, along with spearmen and pikemen. Most archers and crossbowmen are generally trained with sabre or arming sword and buckler.
36290 Skimmers (Basic Sailors/marines): These are the bulk of any naval forces/crews within Depenwood's navy, mostly armed with crossbows, pistols, boarding axes or cutlasses.
47178 Light-Foots: These troops are skilled forward scouts of all variety, light cavalry riding horses or steppe ponies, road wardens, all those sorts. They prefer lighter gear of course, light blades, longbows or rifles and pistols. Scouts, coach troops, these sorts are skilled navigators. Stealth and observation are perhaps their greatest skill sets, along with skirmish tactics, especially amongst the various light cavalry troops of sorts.
7984 Oakhearts: Mounted and heavily armored troops, be they mounted on horse or pegasi, armed with lance, cavalry sabre or hammer, along with elven made warbows, they are the knightly orders and shock cavalry, as much as such troops still see use in Depenwood's armies. There are few left, perhaps three or four orders at most of note, as modern technology marches to make such troops obsolete.
20322 Wyldemasters: These specialized troops are all magisters almost exclusively, and are by a very large percentage, woad elves. They represent every school of magick relatively equally, which is a rarity, and as a nation, Depenwood stands apart with their sheer volume of magick users they have at their disposal within their military structure. This is not to suggest they are all massively powerful of course, you will have a wide and varied range of skill and ability. They oft work in small teams when deployed to accompany a large battle group of formation, and they work in mixed groups, purposely to give a wider coverage of ability, generally.
14516 Sharpshooters (Fusiliers): Rifles and pistols much in evidence, the finest gear, the finest guns, these are in some ways the new knights, the future of warfare. Wave upon wave of lead shot, they fight and fire in ranks, and are trained to fight with blade and pistols at melee range, skilled in the practice.
8347 Warpriests/Priests/Physicians: These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all sections and brigades. With available numbers being limited by comparative need, they are made available how and where they can be.
8347 Engineers/Artisans: These are of course the officers and craftsmen whom handle large arms, like cannon, trebuchet, ballista, and other such large scale equipment. Sappers. These officers and troops are favored for seige warfare, though every oceanic vessel in Depenwood's navy has at least one engineer and a specialized cannon operator on board, whom guides and trains the handpicked sailors on the basics of cannon operation.
15242 Foxes (Intelligence): This number is at best an estimate. The Foxes, as they are called, are Depenwood's own intelligence apparatus and problem solving tool. They provide eyes and ears at home and abroad to any number of issues, though their operations are generally only guessed at, not known in any way. These individuals ply their craft in ways befitting their name, with intelligence, cunning, and savvy manipulation of informants both willing and coerced.
66774 Striders (Regulars): These are of course your infantry, the common soldiery, the core of any and all land forces. Archers and Crossbowmen are plentiful, along with spearmen and pikemen. Most archers and crossbowmen are generally trained with sabre or arming sword and buckler.
36290 Skimmers (Basic Sailors/marines): These are the bulk of any naval forces/crews within Depenwood's navy, mostly armed with crossbows, pistols, boarding axes or cutlasses.
47178 Light-Foots: These troops are skilled forward scouts of all variety, light cavalry riding horses or steppe ponies, road wardens, all those sorts. They prefer lighter gear of course, light blades, longbows or rifles and pistols. Scouts, coach troops, these sorts are skilled navigators. Stealth and observation are perhaps their greatest skill sets, along with skirmish tactics, especially amongst the various light cavalry troops of sorts.
7984 Oakhearts: Mounted and heavily armored troops, be they mounted on horse or pegasi, armed with lance, cavalry sabre or hammer, along with elven made warbows, they are the knightly orders and shock cavalry, as much as such troops still see use in Depenwood's armies. There are few left, perhaps three or four orders at most of note, as modern technology marches to make such troops obsolete.
20322 Wyldemasters: These specialized troops are all magisters almost exclusively, and are by a very large percentage, woad elves. They represent every school of magick relatively equally, which is a rarity, and as a nation, Depenwood stands apart with their sheer volume of magick users they have at their disposal within their military structure. This is not to suggest they are all massively powerful of course, you will have a wide and varied range of skill and ability. They oft work in small teams when deployed to accompany a large battle group of formation, and they work in mixed groups, purposely to give a wider coverage of ability, generally.
14516 Sharpshooters (Fusiliers): Rifles and pistols much in evidence, the finest gear, the finest guns, these are in some ways the new knights, the future of warfare. Wave upon wave of lead shot, they fight and fire in ranks, and are trained to fight with blade and pistols at melee range, skilled in the practice.
8347 Warpriests/Priests/Physicians: These are specialized troops of course, all of which are in high demand by all sections and brigades. With available numbers being limited by comparative need, they are made available how and where they can be.
8347 Engineers/Artisans: These are of course the officers and craftsmen whom handle large arms, like cannon, trebuchet, ballista, and other such large scale equipment. Sappers. These officers and troops are favored for seige warfare, though every oceanic vessel in Depenwood's navy has at least one engineer and a specialized cannon operator on board, whom guides and trains the handpicked sailors on the basics of cannon operation.
15242 Foxes (Intelligence): This number is at best an estimate. The Foxes, as they are called, are Depenwood's own intelligence apparatus and problem solving tool. They provide eyes and ears at home and abroad to any number of issues, though their operations are generally only guessed at, not known in any way. These individuals ply their craft in ways befitting their name, with intelligence, cunning, and savvy manipulation of informants both willing and coerced.
Born of Magick, one with the World
Maps
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Depenwood, the Endless Boreal
A map of the nation of Depenwood.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Depen
Ruling Organization
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Depen money is known as 'Leaves, Bark and Roots.' Leaves are gold, bark is silver and roots are brass. Much like Suranth, it is structured similarly, with roots and bark are coins, where as leaves are gold. Leaf notes come in six denominations very similar to Suranthi suns, coming in a one Leaf coin, a two Leaf coin, a five Leaf note, a ten Leaf note, a twenty Leaf note and a fifty Leaf note.
Silver comes in a variety of denominations as well, coming in 1 bark coin, 2.5 bark coins, 5 bark coins and 7.5 bark coins, though unlike Suranth, they have no special names, and the brass coins come with similar denominations. 1 root coin, 2.5 root coins, 5 root coins and 7.5 root coins.
In this new modernizing era, on the open trade markets that now are burgeoning and starting to take full shape, as a world economy grows and establishes itself, at current the Depen Leaf is at a rate of 1.21 to 1 with the Wastonian Shailling.
Silver comes in a variety of denominations as well, coming in 1 bark coin, 2.5 bark coins, 5 bark coins and 7.5 bark coins, though unlike Suranth, they have no special names, and the brass coins come with similar denominations. 1 root coin, 2.5 root coins, 5 root coins and 7.5 root coins.
In this new modernizing era, on the open trade markets that now are burgeoning and starting to take full shape, as a world economy grows and establishes itself, at current the Depen Leaf is at a rate of 1.21 to 1 with the Wastonian Shailling.
Major Exports
Food of all kinds, produce, farmed animals, cheeses, wines, and more are the key export of Depenwood, and their key contribution to the NPA they are part of with Suranth and Raechin.
Major Imports
Depenwood has a few select regions with minerals or stone worth mining or quarrying, but by comparison to the needs of a populace of a nation their size, its not enough, and as such, this is one of their major imports. Strangely enough lumber is another key import, as their part of the forests that dominate a massive part of the Durolian continent are far more important for their food production.
Legislative Body
All of this, the structures of the culture and society in matters legislative, judicial and executive, are well discussed by my contemporary Rafiq and thus I would humbly direct you to their works.
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Comments