Kingdom of Vinland

## History

Leonard planted his flag during the middle-years of the age of might, with the disparaged of many other places flocking towards the land of freedom and new beginnings under his banner. Over time, Leonard has managed to make peaceful bargains with various natives, including the Lotus Tree named Beginning, and the Sky Dragon Hua Bao.

## Geography

### Settlements

By far the largest city in Vinland is the capital, Bergen. Half the nation's people call the sprawling city home, and it retains the feel of a frontier town - and in truth, much of the lawless character. Rapid growth has left law enforcement overstretched, and the strongest protection against organized crime is not the city guard, but that most vices are legal, rather than relegated to the black market.

Though Bergen dominates the nation, it is not the only significant settlement. Saint Marie is the primary trade contact with the neighboring republic of Al-Marila, with brisk trade flowing through its piers and down the river. Hamar is less a small town and more a forward military outpost, established along the border with the Principality of Esica to serve as the kingdom's first line of defense. Nedale is a native town that retains local autonomy, built alongside an inland forest and thus largely isolated from the kingdom at large.

## Inhabitants

Befitting its origin as a place to resettle refugees, Vinland's people are exceedingly diverse. A third - evenly split between Jarns and Crows - have immigrated from the Barbarian Kingdoms, another third from the other nations of Tolreiya, and the remaining third split between Calmera, other New World nations, and the original natives. Most are human or mixed-blood, but other races are common enough to only attract attention in smaller villages, and the people are remarkably tolerant of their fellows.

Citizenship is a simple matter: anyone who has sworn loyalty to Vinland, and has lived there for at least one year, is considered a citizen. The nation also recognizes birthright citizenship: those born within the kingdom, or who lived in its territory prior to Vinland's founding or expansion, are automatically granted citizenship.

### Government

Vinland is an elective constitutional monarchy, with the king wielding executive power and the legislature wielding legislative power.

Elections are held bi-annually, with all citizens and active military members (including those not yet citizens) eligible to vote. The king is elected by the legislature upon the office becoming vacant, and serves for life. The present king, Leonard Moore, assumed office upon the nation's founding without an election, and has agreed to stand for re-election four years after the nation's founding, to allow the people greater say in the kingdom's leadership.

### Nobility

Nobility in Vinland is purely a social matter, granted in recognition of great deeds in service to the nation. Nobility neither grants official authority nor carries an obligation of future service, though most are inclined to follow a noble's lead - after all, if they hadn't proven themselves, they wouldn't have the title. Nor is it hereditary; neither the spouse nor the children of a noble are themselves granted the title.

## Religion, Magic, Technology & Military

### Religion

All religions are officially tolerated in Vinland, and the freedom to practice one's faith is enshrined within the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The most common faiths are the Norse pantheon and the Dawnflower, though every major religion has a presence. Due to the patronage of several of the kingdom's founding leaders, faith in the Empyreal Lords is significantly more common in Vinland than other nations, especially Vildeis.

### Magic

The practice of magic is not inherently restricted, though powerful magic users visiting the kingdom are informally tracked. Instead, laws exist to impose limitations on the actual usage: charming a person is not itself illegal, but it is illegal to use that spell to manipulate another person without their permission, and rare is the jury that will agree with a defendant that they did not actually compel the victim.

### Technology

Neither Vinland's people, nor its government, specifically encourage the spread of technology - with one notable exception. Sheriff Bandit is an expert marksman and encourages his men to train with firearms, which has made imported guns a common sight within the kingdom.

### Military

The kingdom's military is split between two forces: the army, led by General Xvarik, and the Ranger Corps, led by the nation's marshal, Sheriff Bandit.

## Law & Crime

As a vassal state of Ithaca, Vinland supports the values found in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In addition, the following laws are in effect:

Misdemeanors:

* Trespass
* Petty theft
* Disturbing the peace
* Public intoxication

Felonies:

* Riot
* Inciting riot
* Piracy
* Theft
* Arson
* Fraud
* Usage of mind control
* Bribery
* Counterfeiting
* Assault
* Desecration of the dead, including creation or commanding the undead

Capital Crimes:

* Terrorism
* Treason
* Rape
* Murder
* Taking or owning slaves
* Damaging, trapping, or otherwise interfering with the soul

Notably, most vices are fully legal in private settings - drugs and prostitution, while not socially acceptable, are completely legal behind closed doors.[1]