Estimated Population: 5.7 million

Dinestaven is a strong country that prides itself on hard work and patriotism.

History

Patriot's War

Dinestaven was established long ago, after a long civil war. A power struggle was weakening them to outside forces, and because neither side wanted to lose their land to outsiders, they decided to join forces for at least the short term in order to drive back the invaders and brigands. The peace lasted for such a long time, that people started forgetting old slights, and when the old leaders died, an official pact was signed by those next in line to always hold the welfare of the country above all other disputes. A King was later decided during the Demon War.

The Demon War

Dinestaven was the worst off when the demons attacked the world. Many of their people were killed or enslaved by the dark forces, and what was left swore an oath to destroy all the invaders they could. This attack left them as crippled as every other nation, but even more united than before. One of the greatest heroes of the war, Bobbit Gangslayer, was eventually elected as a King, and his line still rules today.

Government

Dinestaven is ruled by a King. His oldest son takes over when the King either dies or passes it over because of age or any other reason. Any laws in the country are written up by his ministers, and signed officially by the King to make it law. The King rules over the land, and distributes his power to Lords and Ladies who rule different provinces.

The Lords and Ladies have free reign in their lands, provided that their actions to not reflect treason against the current King, and as long as they pay their taxes from the goods they gain from the land. They elect Judges for their own lands to uphold the law.

Each Judge only has influence in the city which he is assigned, and 1 mile from it's walls. Outside this, the land is considered lawless, and any wrongdoings are dealt with directly by the Lord or Lady him or herself. Generally, The Lord or Lady of the land cares not what happens so far from his tax generating towns. Judges have nearly free reign, but their position is only about upholding the laws. For anyone who breaks the law, the Judge is free to deal with them in any way he pleases, which includes outright execution, slavery, community service, or imprisonment. The Judge elects Guards to assist upholding the law.

Foreign Relations

Dinestaven gets along with most other countries, except for Gare. There has been unspoken hostility between the two countries for some time, and many ambassadors going from one to the other are never seen again.

Religion

Aresir is a favorite to play lip service to, but most don't actually practice any religion. It isn't unusual for a town to go without religious help, but most won't say no to a place to bring their wounded or help deal with their dead

Land Ownership

House Gangslayer is the lead house, having earned the monarchy in the Demon War, and owns most of the lands to the north of the country.

House Kraken deals with imports and exports by sea, with most of their lands located on the coast.

House Masif deals with the lands in the marshes, and is the poorest

People

People live simple but good lives. Most people grow their food and live uneventful lives, or work in towns crafting, selling, or providing services. People aren't poor, but most usually go without luxuries such as access to bath houses, exotic fruits and vegatables, or quality merchandise that they can't make on their own. Most city entertainment comes in the form of whatever bard might be coming to the area, though farm families live easier lives with more time to play during the downtime of winter months. The double edged sword of having more time by being a farmer, however, comes in the form of minor starvation for seasons with poor harvest. Most people go without formal education, except from training they receive in guilds if they apply.

Nobles live with every luxury they can afford, far removed from the lower social classes. Many nobles take up unusual hobbies and play sports. Younger nobles spend most of their time learning how to rule people, and getting educations in various degrees. Most education is considered a hobby to them, as very little of it sees any practical use. All nobles are trained in basic sword-play.

Lords live even better than nobles, but they live in their own strongholds. They drive the people in their lands to work their time away in order to produce the most and thus secure the tax payment for the year. Lords are educated very well, and some get at least vaguely familiar with how magic works. Many Lords and Ladies get high quality training in swordplay from expert teachers, and they have the best equipment their money can buy.

Economy

They create many basic crafts, such as baskets and textiles. They import ores from surrounding countries, and because of the lack of suitable farmland, they also import much produce.