Ridings of Alderheim

 

Kingdom of the Ridings of Alderheim and Quarrine Druchois fis Ridés f'Alderheim tæ Quarrine (qr)
Flag Coat of arms
Location of the Ridings of Alderheim (in red)
Status	Independent
Capital and city	Alderheim
Government	Feudal lordship
• King of Alderheim	Raedan
Establishment
• Establishment of the Ridings	1st
Area
•	1,100.74 km2 (425.00 sq mi) (1st)
Population
• 1st census	102,981

The Ridings of Alderheim (Quarrois: Ridés f'Alderheim), officialy known as the Kingdom of the Ridings of Alderheim and Quarrine (Quarrois: Druchois fis Ridés f'Alderheim tæ Quarrine) is the union between the Ridings of Alderheim and the Duchy of Quarrine. In the aftermath of the War of the Rhysan Protestation, the union between the two realms saw the practical unification of some functions. Created by the Treaty of Narré, the treaty established the statutory relationship between the King of Alderheim and the various individual subdivisions of the kingdom. The Ridings of Alderheim are located on the shores of Lordstrom Lake, bordering the River Craglen to the south and the River Arules to the north.

Alderheim is both the nation's largest city and capitol. Narré is the second largest city within the Ridings, and is currently controlled by House Malthine.

History

Main article: History of the Ridings of Alderheim

The Ridings of Alderheim were established after Raedan of House Arsenis successfully consolidated the minor settlements of Hearthallow, Bronzehaven, Beachmount, Windwall and Autumnstall between -5 AR and 1 AR in the aftermath of the Great Fall. During the initial five years of Raedan's reign, he was unable to convert the new ridings to the Cult of Rhysan, which deified the phoenix god Rhysan. The Alrianmhar priests of Beachmount and Autumnstall were the most vocal against the conversion, and believed Raedan's connection with the phoenix god was an absurd fabrication. Raedan aligned himself with the more moderate priests of Alrianmhar in Windwall and Bronzehaven to bring about a peaceful resolution to the religious dispute. On the 4th Moon of the 6th Year, the Council of Hearthallow was convened to settle the matter. Raedan and the priests synthesized the Cult of Rhysan with the Cult of Alrianmhar, establishing Arlianism. The Ordinate of Alderheim, the state church of the Ridings was also established. On the 7th Moon of the 6th Year, Welrcgyth of Hearthallow was proclaimed the Curate of the Ordinate Magisterium.

The Curate of the Magisterium announced the coronation of Raedan on the 9th Moon of the 6th Year, formally solidifying his status as Lord of Alderheim. During the coronation, elements of the Cult of Alrianmhar and Rhysan were utilized to show the unity of the religious community within the Ridings. Anointing oils blessed by each individual of the Magisterium were utilized and Raedan partook in a three hour dream secession which the Magisterium deciphered for him, signifying the unification of the two religious traditions. The coronation was concluded with the crowning of Raedan with a simple single banded crown; the Lord Coronet of Alderheim. Raedan established diplomatic relations with Quarrine and the House Malthine in 6 AR, written records show that the two holdings began exchanging poultry as trade. Raedan married Anghara Ryneir of Emberglen, solidifying the admission of the County of Emberglen into the Ridings in 6 AR. Samuel Ryneir, the leader of the Emberglen swore allegiance to Raedan, and converted to Arlianism.

Raedan sponsored the religious mission of Namon Jessur in Emberglen with a military contingent and a yearly stipend. Emberglen's local ministry was formally consolidated under the Ordinate of Alderheim in 6 AR, further improving relations between the Ridings of Alderheim and the Arlsmoot.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Ridings of Alderheim

Prior to the Great Fall, it is unknown what the economic conditions were for the majority of the ridings. Prior to the arrival of Raedan, the ridings were mostly fledging agricultural communities, with Alderheim being the primary urban center for regional trade. The majority of the ridings are under an estates system where the small nobility manage their property, known as a demesne. Several hundreds of watermills were existent prior to the arrival of Raedan, which were essential for grinding wheat, rye, barley and oats. In 5 AR, the Great Millworks of Alderheim were built alongside the River Craglen, becoming the largest milling site on Lordstrom Lake. During Raedan's consolidation of power within the ridings saw a positive shift in economic output from towns and mines.

Alderheim was also an important site for metalworking and shipbuilding during the early period of the 1st century. Ships built in Alderheim were utilized for both seafaring, navigation of the Craglen and Lake Lordstrom. Alderheim was the primary mainland port for the Arlsmoot, and Raedan was passionate about providing the religious communities of the Isle of Voices with provisions. In 8 AR Raedan began work on the initial Port of Alderheim, in an effort to streamline loading and offloading of goods to Arlsmoot. Alderheim was a major importer of cattle from the Duchy of Quarrine, prompting the development of the North Lake Road between Narré and the City of Alderheim.

Government

Main article: Government of the Ridings of Alderheim

See also: King of Alderheim

The Ridings of Alderheim is a feudal monarchy, comprised of nine ridings, one duchy and three crown territories. As established by feudalist political systems, the monarch was the sole and absolute ruler and his power was regarded as being of divine origin. Upon Raedan's ascension from Lord to King of Alderheim, he was declared the living embodiment of the law by the Arlsmoot.

All lords of the various territories of the Ridings of Alderheim are given representation on the Privy Council of the Ridings also known as the "royal court", which advises the monarch on matters of state, Royal prerogative and royal charters. Currently, nine lords of the ridings, one Duke and three high priests of the Arlsmoot sit on the Privy Council. The King of Alderheim can also call to hold a deliberative assembly, which can invites several hundreds of small lords, priests or individuals to council the monarch.

The King of Alderheim utilizes a hybrid itinerant court to interact with his subjects, while also utilizing a capital city during the winter. There are five circuits which the King of Alderheim follows, each taking a year to complete. This travelling allows for a better surveillance of the realm, and allowed for the King of Alderheim to facilitate control over local magistrates, lords and religious figures, strengthening national cohesion. While the Kings of Alderheim had access writing, it was the tradition of the court to deal with subjects in person.