Hartland
No summary
| Hartland |
| The Duchy of Hartland |
| Geographic Info |
| Continent: Gallorea |
| Location: Central eastern Gallorea, north of the Janos Mountains |
| Government |
| Government Type: Collective Democracy (Duke, Sheriff, Mayor) |
| Ruler: Grand Duke Branoc Taig (Com 11, Ari 2) |
| Arms: A green field with a white sythe |
| Coinage: 2 Ha'pennies = 1 Penny (1 cp); 50 Pennies = 1 Argent (1sp), 50 Argents = 1 Sword (1 ep); 5 Swords = 1 Crown (1 gp); 100 Crowns = 1 Dragon (1 Pp) |
| Capital: Tinwyne Hill (pop 105) |
| Alliances: No official alliances, but an ostensible military alliance with Haleland, Halgard, Adanar, Valduran and Roncal. |
| Hostilities: None |
| Society |
| Population: 250,000 (90% Hobbit, 5% Human, 3% Half-Elven, 2% other) |
| Languages: Hobbit, Halic |
| Important Persons: Machar Kennwyn (Brd 12), Talek Bramblebush (Com 5/Ex 6). |
| Religious Info |
| Pantheon: Tuatha de Dannan |
| Patron: None |
History
Though Hartland was founded in 7607 A.C. as the first independent hobbit state, hobbits have been living in the shadow of the Great-Oak Wood for much of recorded history. Though there is scant evidence to back up this theory, there are some who claim that this was the original homeland of the hobbits. The region has been dominated by several different kingdoms and regions over the centuries, but rarely has it been of any real tactical value and the hobbits, for the most part, have been left alone.
Hartland was a minor county in Haleland when, in 7606 A.C., King Ilyard Breno came marching through the region with his army in an effort to intercept the Gray Lord of Thet in Adanar territory. The hobbits had never seen such a display of arms and many young hobbits, in a scandalous display of courage, began to flock to the Royal Banner. Not about to turn away assistance, King Ilyard organized the rag-tag band of hobbits into a slinger regiment and marched into Adanar. When King Ilyard defeated the Gray Lord at the Battle of Bloodrust in 7607 A.C., he awarded the hobbits, who traditionally did not owe him military service, by raising Kian Dda Taig to the status of Grand Duke and granting Hartland as his independent Duchy. Kian Dda tried to express his disinterest in leading a nation, but the King assumed it was mere humility and would hear none of it. So Kian Dda shrugged his shoulders, it is said, and returned to his pig farm.
For over three centuries since the foundation of Hartland, not much has changed. Oridal constructed a paved road into Adanar through the nation around 7798 A.C., with the permission of the Grand Duke (who didn't quite understand the significance of such a act). The Great Oak Road, as humans call it, brings no small amount of commerce (and trouble) through the nation, though as most hobbit communities are self-sufficient and Hartland charges no tariffs for use of the road, it is rare that any of that commerce actually enters the economy.
The current Grand Duke, Brannoc Taig, still lives at and operates the pig farm of his ancestors, near Wayfair. Like his predecessors, he's never made an edict, framed a law or commanded troops into battle. He has some experience settling disputes, but this is more due to his widely-respected wisdom than his title. The rare diplomat who attempts to negotiate an embassy in Hartland is often confused by the Grand Duke's occupation and lack of wealth. They just as often return home, thinking themselves the object of some hobbit practical joke. Brannoc Taig is the direct descendant of Kian Dda which, ironically, makes the "Taig Dynasty" the oldest uninterrupted regency in the region.
Economy
Hobbit villages are expected to be self-sufficient and most hobbits are too small to enjoy the wares that humans try to peddle to them. Hobbits also have a strong tradition of generosity, much to the frustration of the Oridalic merchants who enjoy a good haggle. The territory has two main exports: Brambleberry Wine, which is shipped all over the surrounding countries by human merchants, and wood-crafted furniture, prized for its sturdiness and simplistic design by the Halic nations.
Religion
There are no known temples in Hartland, though there are a collection of several shrines in Wayfair to be used by visitors. It is rumored that the hobbits worship the ancient Tuatha de Dannan, though their worship places and practices seem to be a very private affair.
| This page has been identified as needing a map for clarity. |
| This is a thumbnail description and is scheduled for expansion at a later date. |
