Farrowhalt Freehold

The **Farrowhalt Freehold** was a rebel government established by Veddel Markwell, Michael Avleston, and Dalan I Karthmere in the 4th century AC; more specifically, on January 21, 326 AC, immediately preceding the declarations of war from Aeganar IV Dragomárus. It was deposed after five years of fighting on January 19, 331 AC, and all territory it claimed was relinquished to theKingdom of Andoras, whom from it unsuccessfully tried to declare independence, in the rebellion known as the Farmers' Revolution.

The Farrowhalt Freehold is sometimes dubbed the first democratic nation on Drakonius -- seen as an experiment in government gone awry, even the Thyllanorian citizens under them who agreed to participate found the system waning after several years -- though, it is of course noted that they had never truly known what it was to live in such a nation during a time of peace. The framers of the government, Veddel Markwell, and Michael Avleston, took inspiration from the Con-crownism movement started by men such as Tyno Greeves, and also a desire to right the political failings of the systems of the Edrossian city-states, as well as the Drakonian Republic. Victor Damius, a proponent of more democratic government, creator of the Dealing system and the 1st Premier of Lavos for over 70 years, personally met with Michael Avleston just before Damius's death and gave him his blessing with the Freehold.

Instead of a republic, they would embrace the clause that all men are free to choose their leaders, and would opt for a direct elective system instead of trusting the electors to choose candidates -- in certain city-states, these electors were prone to corruption, and more than one unsavory character had been put into a magistrate position as a result. This would ensure that, despite the process being long and drawn-out, there would be a minimal risk of the populace being cajoled or threatened into electing someone who was not desired. Markwell and Avleston (mostly Avleston, already an accomplished writer) created a document that would describe the operations and expectations of the government, and dubbed it the Farrowhalt Codex. As a good portion of the population was illiterate, it did them no good to attempt to have everyone study the text, so they also attempted to create a simplified spoken version, but this was not finished before the Freehold was dissolved.

## Founding

The Farrowhalt Freehold was founded two days after the declaration of war from the Kingdom of Andoras on January 19th, from a land grant by Dalan I Karthmere. It was originally composed of a council and three main members; Veddel Markwell, who was the public 'leader' and speaker; Michael Avleston, who directed the diplomatic efforts, internal affairs, and treaties of the Freehold; and Dalan Karthmere, who was the general and military leader of the Freehold.

## Leaders

The Farrowhalt Freehold had a very capable triad running it, which is one of the main reasons it didn't fall earlier. All of the three men had excelled at the position they were chosen to run in, and they were made even better while they held it.

**Veddel Markwell** *(286-331)* was the leader of the guild -- the Farrowhalt Freehall -- before they received a land grant from Thyllanor and he became Consul of the Freehold. He was quite good at expressing himself, and had considerable influence throughout Andoras during his time in the position. He was naturally charismatic, and could play a crowd's emotions like a simple game. His younger brother Malric Markwell was later the Overseer and regent of Thyllanor while Dalan II Karthmere was growing up after his father's death.

**Michael Avleston** *(284-331)* was a writer -- a gifted one, yet a rather minor noble who had little standing in the grand scheme of things. He had written a book called *The Mystery of Salvation* and published it in 319 AC, which at first, appeared to be a religious book; but soon delved into tones of kings and crowns.He criticized the Dragomyrs and mocked the royalty, claiming they were born into their foolishness and idolatry. While not as great a speaker as Veddel, he was a finer dealer and cajoler, and one of Avleston's speeches are far more remembered than any of his, spoken at the Dealing of 330 AC regarding the Freehold itself.

## Government System

The Freehold was unique in the sense that it was the world's first democratic system; the members of the Freehold despised monarchs and kings and approved of a system where the people chose the most competent leaders to lead them. In it's five year existence, it didn't reach the point of election, but there were laws in place that after six years, a government employee, excluding military members, would step down and candidates would compete for the new vacant slot. It was very reminiscent of the Premier system of government, except that it gave even more power to the people. This may have changed the world significantly, if it wasn't so quickly forgotten about after its passing, and destroyed.