Durton
National Symbol: Black Eagle on an Iron Shield
National Colors: Black and Navy Blue
68% Human (British/Germanic Ethnic Backgrounds)
22% Halfling
8% Gnome
2% Wood Elf
40% Organized
40% Pantheon
10% Ancestor Worship
(Feudal Protectorate System of Government) The Granelian Protectorate is a government run by both the Kingdom Aldania and the Empire of Gundar in a joint agreement designed to prevent hostility between both countries. The nation is allowed to self-govern but is not allowed to have its own standing army and instead relies on both neighboring nations for defense. At the top of the government are 5 representatives from Aldania and 5 representatives from Grundar, with a final eleventh member being the Prime Minister who is a Granelian Protectorate native who is there to mediate disputes. Law and Order are carried out by feudal Wardens in the various provinces who answer to the Prime Minister.
Badlands: Hostile
Cenovia: Neutral
Commonwealth of Dail: Friendly
Eldarian Union: Neutral
Elven Triumvirate: Neutral
Empire of Grundar: Friendly
Golden Dwarves: Neutral
Grand Duchy of Montia: Neutral
Hassarian Oligarchy: Neutral
Highlands: Neutral
Ichi Shogunate: Neutral
Idelan Republic: Friendly
Iron Dwarves: Neutral
Kingdom of Aldania: Friendly
Naga’s Landing: Hostile
Orc Horde: Hostile
Sahalan Sultanate: Neutral
Shaneier Elves: Neutral
Steel Dwarves: Neutral
Taisan Khanate: Neutral
The Dark Covenant: Hostile
Theocracy of Vespa: Friendly
Undying Lands: Hostile
Wolven Marches: Hostile
Currency is minted with an Eagle icon on it
Gold (gp) is used to buy luxury goods and high-end services
Silver (sp) is used to buy common quality goods and skilled labor
Copper (cp) is used to buy basic supplies goods and food
Average costs
Basic Food items: 1-3 copper
Luxury Food items: 10-15 copper
Basic Drinks: 1-3 copper
Luxury Drinks: 5-10 copper
Basic clothing: 25-50 copper
Average clothing: 25-50 silver
Luxury/High End clothing: 10-15 gold
Basic Lodging (Common Inn): 5-10 silver per night
Comfortable Lodging (High End Inn): 20-25 silver per night
Luxury Lodging (Private room with bath): 50-100 silver per night
Opulent/Noble Lodging (Private suite with multiple rooms): 10-15 gold per night
Transportation (Rented wagon/carriage): 10-15 silver per km
Weapons and Armor: Use Item costs
The Granelian Protectorate can best be described at medieval eastern European. As buffer country between two large nations, the architecture varies based on location. In the west it has more Aldanian design, and in the east, it is more Grundaran in construction. Towns and villages heavily use stone, wood, and thatch materials.
Granelian clothing heavily features furs, leather, wool, and linen, usually in designs that are a mix of Aldanian and Grundaran fashions. Simplistic and functional wear is favored but in the richer social circles more ornate clothing can be found.
Typical Granelian cuisine is defined by hearty pastas, cheeses, livestock meats, fresh seafood, and herbs. Drinks are usually fruit, dairy or tea leaf based, and alcohol favors mead and ale style spirits.
Music: Granelian music favors drums, lutes, and flutes. Because festivals are a large part of the culture, a lot of the music is crafted towards seasonal moods. Spring melodies and songs are light and fun, summer compositions are loving and moving, fall songs are hopeful and celebratory, and winter songs tend to be somber and reflective.
Literature: Literature is widespread but limited in scope. There are no shortages of manuscripts and trade contracts, but the more artistic and entertaining literatures are less common.
Entertainment/Theater: Festivals are the main source of entertainment for Granelian culture. There is at least one every month to celebrate the various seasons or significant events. When not at a festival Grenelian’s like to pass down folklore stories and an individual who can tell an animated and detailed story around a campfire is a treasured member of society.
Technology is limited in the Granelian Protectorate because of its status as a vassal state between two larger nations. There is no specific restriction or aversion to technology it is just not widespread enough to be a big part of the culture. Magic is the same, and because it is not common, most Granelian’s will react to someone using magic with fear and suspicion.
One of the youngest nations on the continent, Granelia is also the most unique in that it is the only nation that does not fully self-govern. As both the Kingdom of Aldania and the Empire of Grundar grew in size and influence, the two nation’s borders began to get closer to each other. The rivalry between the two military powers was apparent to all, and tensions were steadily rising. Having the foresight to possibly prevent all out war, both nations sat down to discuss peaceful terms between them. The result was a vassal state where both Aldania and Grundar would have equal share in how it is run. The Granelian Protectorate is that vassal state, and occupies the central provinces between both larger nations. Run by a Prime Minister, Granelia has ownership over its own lands, but they are not allowed to have their own standing army. Instead protection comes from the armies of both Aldania and Grundar. In exchange both nations are allowed unrestricted tax free travel for soldiers in the country. This has worked in Granelia’s favor as the wealth and prosperity they gain, can be spent on infrastructure and quality of life for it’s citizens instead of fielding a military. Leaving many in Granelia a pretty decent standard of living compared to other nations. The Granelian Protectorate also tends to be diplomatically neutral to all other nations simply because they answer to the two parent nations in diplomatic decision making. The Granelian Protectorate as it stands now, is a melting pot nation of multiple ethnic backgrounds and cultures, trying to live in peace and prosperity.