Rheged

Located on the northeastern coast of the island of Ynys, Rheged is a land steeped in rich history and surrounded by captivating landscapes. Rheged is strategically located, bordered by the Kingdom of Cait to the north, the River Severin and the Kingdoms of Deira and Bernicia to the west, and the Kingdom of Elmet to the south. The kingdom's terrain is defined by its vast forests, extending from the shores to the heartland. These majestic woodlands, however, pose a formidable obstacle due to the presence of the furious Ellyll who were bound and imprisoned during the era of the Clarati and remain hostile to all mortals who enter the forest.

The capital and largest city is Caer Rheged. Other major cities include Eilean Mòr (not to be confused with the island of the same name), a coastal town known for its bustling harbor and vibrant fishing industry and Dun Carraig, a hilltop fortress overlooking the expansive forests, serving as a strategic military stronghold near the Bernician border. 

Rheged has long supported the Albannach rebels in Deira, providing them material and military support whenever possible.

History

Rheged's history is a tapestry woven with the threads of endurance and triumph, marked by significant events that have shaped the kingdom's identity. The kingdom's origin can be traced back to the ancient days of the Clarati rule, when the Albannach and other tribes suffered under their oppressive regime. However, the Age of Warlocks, a period of bloody conflicts and upheaval, brought about the end of Clarati dominance nearly six hundred years ago. During this tumultuous era, rival Clarati battled for supremacy, and mercenaries from neighboring islands were drawn into the conflicts.

Notably, Rheged became known for the unusually common occurrence of nightmares and sleep disturbances among its populace. Nightmares and disturbed sleep patterns became a shared experience, haunting the dreams of both common folk and nobles alike. This peculiar aspect of Rheged's history shaped the cultural landscape, leading to the development of rituals, folklore, and practices aimed at warding off these nighttime terrors.

Demography and Population

The people of Rheged, known as the Albannach, form the predominant ethnic group within the kingdom. Additionally, substantial populations of Albidosi and Inisir live in Rheged.

Mythology & Lore

In the hidden recesses of Rheged lies a folklore steeped in darkness and dread. Legends speak of the vengeful Ellyll dwelling deep within the ancient forests that blanket the land. These spirits of Rheged's forests have gnarled forms and malevolent auras and embody a deep-seated anger that sends shivers down the spines of the kingdom's inhabitants.   Whispered among the superstitious, the tales tell of the Ellyll as guardians of the wilderness, but also as enforcers of a twisted justice. Born from the depths of ancient grievances, these spirits are said to haunt the darkened thickets and shadowed glades, seeking retribution against mortals who dare to trespass upon their sacred domains.   In Rheged's mythology, the Ellyll are no gentle beings of nature but rather sinister entities, harboring a deep-seated grudge against humankind. During the rule of the Clarati, these forest spirits were ruthlessly bound and imprisoned, their freedom denied and their rage festering over centuries of oppression. When the shackles that once held them were shattered, they emerged with a malevolence born of centuries of torment and unleashed their anger upon the mortal realm.   The folklore of Rheged tells of the Ellyll's propensity for trickery, luring unsuspecting souls into their clutches with promises of hidden treasures or otherworldly wonders. Those who fall under their spell often face dire consequences, their fates entangled in the dark whims of the vengeful spirits. Nightmares haunt the sleep of Rheged's inhabitants, their dreams invaded by twisted visions of the Ellyll and their twisted dominion.   Within this grim collection of tales, the Ellyll are cautionary figures, embodying the consequences of greed, arrogance, and the violation of sacred boundaries. They serve as a chilling reminder of the price mortals pay when they awaken the wrath of ancient, vengeful spirits. The people of Rheged live in constant unease, ever mindful of the lingering anger that courses through the depths of their ancient forests.

Maps

  • Rheged
Founding Date
3310
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Rhegedian
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
This article is a stub, and will eventually be updated with more complete information. Let me know in the comments if you would like me to prioritize it!

This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
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