Achard

An oligarchy of aristocratic city-states governed by Lords of noble or heroic lineage. Achard's culture is a melting pot between Miolszian reverence for nature spirits and Legran's storied history of hero-cults and divine kingship, with its own blend of unique commercial cultures. Achard is made up of four provinces called Eparchs, each governed by an independent ruler, formerly referred to as an Archon, who governs from their Polin, or capital of an Eparch. An Archon is elected by the Archons from a selection of elective officials, based on their qualifications and achievements, proposed by citizens of the respective Eparch of whom the Archon will govern.

Structure

When the Archon of an Eparch summon the officials of their land, they initiate a Lands-Meet, where the Krelmen of each town meet at the Polis with the Archon to discuss policies, taxes, and other immediate factors. When the Archons are summoned to meet, it is called a Lords-Meet. The Krelmen of an Eparch is an elected official, voted democratically from each town and officiated by the Archon. Reversely, it is the Krelmen who in turn elect their choices for Archon when the former steps down or passes away.

Culture

For years, the lands bordering the Cottlemere have been contested by different tribes and clansmen, before trading became more beneficial and resulted in less bloodshed, a mutually-respected peace between the various cultures all along the length of the mighty river. Achard is a unique blend of cultures as a result of years of contention of land, for the Miloszians and Legrans have long vied for the land, and was for a time under the control of the The Divine-Dynasty of Sir Legros, before the Rebel-King Achard rose and gained independence from the Principality, becoming a Kingdom that was split between the King's four trusted generals, and over time creating unique cultures both unique and shared across the nation and its neighbors.

Territories

West Eparch: Yuldra Faringray

Central Eparch: Maladrak the Blue

Northeast Eparch: Theron, the Dragon

South Eparch: Mival Elmheart

Religion

Achard does not have a centralized religious institution. Instead, it values its unique diversity between stories of mythological heroes and the ever presence of spirits of the land that many contend with and attempt to appease. The most widely worshiped god is Pelathin, who is revered as a god of fertility, storms, and husbandry. Pelathin is the husband of Gi Matera, who is believed the mother of all sprits and fey.

Agriculture & Industry

Achard is an agricultural bread-basket west of the Cottlemere and provides 30% of the west's grain and rice supply. Central Achard is typically regarded as the Capital of Achard when trade agreements with merchants' guilds are regarded