Country Name: Watchfell
Demonym: Watchfellman
Race: Human
Languages: Old English / Anglo-Saxon
Religion: Druidism
Head of State: King Harald I
Seat of Power: Thrumthede
Population: 5,000
Description:
The Kingdom of Watchfell was formed by six tribes of druids who united under the banner of King Harald I. Little is known of these mysterious nomads prior to the Unification, and almost no records exist except for the carved stone tablets describing their shared religion. Human sacrifice, animism, reincarnation and polytheism are all major tenets of the Watchfell Druids. Druidism continues to be the most major religion practiced in the Kingdom, and its church is the state religion.
Women traditionally hold a sacred place in Watchfell society: as child-bearers they are seen as divine in the Druid faith, while men are to be their protectors and supporters. Women are held in equal esteem as men in matters of property and marriage; while custom dictates that a man may take multiple wives, women have the power to demand monogamy from their husbands or sue for divorce.
Life is still difficult in the realm and many children die before their fifth winter. Families must have many children and most live in a hand-to-mouth existence. Villages are organized around “blood-clan” (families) and “bond-clan” (close friends), who mutually support each other in hard times. Clan names usually represent a trade, heroic feat or one of the original six tribes. While quiet rivalries still exist between the clans, the nation is undoubtedly unified under the King.
While he rules by divine right and is rapidly approaching his sixty-fifth winter, King Harald I is a beloved leader. His fair and even-handed policies have benefitted the peasantry since the Unification and continue to foster progress. Rival kings and warlords have been deposed; the land has been rid of bandits and cutthroats, a strong army stands ready to defend the realm from outside forces, and a strong church ensures a moral compass for the nation.
Prince Amsden, the firstborn son of Harald and his favored mistress Dahlia, is the heir apparent to the Watchfell throne. As a man of 21 winters, he has been appointed field commander of the King’s forces and currently resides in garrison at Durhamswood. He is a capable and competent military commander, although it is rumored he is plagued by night terrors and insomnia. He seeks comfort in his faith and the guiding wisdom of a Druid shaman named Thaltemus. Thaltemus, an accomplished seer and warlock, has since become a trusted advisor and leading member of Amsden’s retinue.
Harald has two younger sons, Bede (aged 6) and Durwald (aged 14), as well as a daughter, Edlyn (age 17). All three live with him in the keep at Thrumthede. It is believed that Edlyn has designs on the throne, should Amdsen fall in battle. This would make her the first Queen of Watchfell.
The defenses of Watchfell consist of three major Forts (Hrathmare, Lytegian and Bydumare) and five outposts that ensure the frontiers of the realm are safe. While most of the Kingdom’s inhabitants reside in the capital Thrumthede, two more major settlements at Durhamswood and Middensglade are stoutly populated for their size. The pride of King Harald I, well-maintained and guarded stone roads foster safe commerce and travel throughout the land.
Military:
The military of Watchfell used to be composed of regional peasant militias before King Harald I took the throne. Under his reforms, a professional army was raised in his name. Although conscripted civilian militias exist in the Longbow companies, the majority of Watchfell forces are professional soldiers recruited from the common folk.
After becoming footsoldiers (more commonly known as Men-At-Arms), soldiers have the opportunity to be recruited as Guardians of the Realm. While the sizable increase in pay attracts many men, few can pass the training and selection required. Guardians of the Realm are blood-oath brothers, sworn defenders of the heir apparent (currently Prince Amsden). Wearing finely-crafted armor and tell-tale white robes, they can easily be discerned from the common soldier.
Preferring light, swift cavalry, Watchfellmen have long perfected the art of the mounted spear. Used to hunt boar and other game, these riders have turned their purpose to defense and are rightly feared for their speed,ferocity and deadly effect on the battlefield.