Bergsträd

Official Flag of Bergsträd

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## Overview

Bergsträd is a country towards the south-east of The Estlani Region. It inhabits the vast majority of The Snötäckta Kusten Region. Their Motto is "Enade Vi Står" (United We Stand). It consists of three states; Magiska Ön, Östnö and Järnhård.

## Demography and Population

The population is predominately Bergsträdian Snow Elves and Bergsträdian Dwarves, in a 65/35 ratio respectively. The majority of Snow Elves reside on the western coast of the region, or on the central island Magiska Ön. The majority of Dwarves live on the eastern coast. Bergsträd's populaton is approximately 750,000, despite inhabiting quite a large area. This is because Bergsträd is sparsely populated, with half of the population centered around the country's capital, Kommunen.

## Government Body

Bergsträd is a Meritocratic Confederation. Bergsträd is governed by a Council, made of citizens elected from and by the general populace. These elections are open to everyone, regardless of status and citizens are chosen based on individual merit. The Council is made up of five people and one Leader. Each of the three states elects a Representative, and two extra members are elected by the populace in order to promote stability and deter corruption. Every ten years, the council chooses a member within it's ranks to become the Commander based, once again, on merit.

## Traditions

Bergsträd has many local traditions, many of which seem quite strange to other countries

### 'Sun Festival'

The Sun Festival occurs every year, during the summer solstice. During this time, the Bergsträdian populace hold festivals throughout the country to celebrate another year of triumph over Sorg. The festivals are well decorated, and the Bergsträdians put a lot of time and effort into making the festivals look nice. As with most Bergsträdi traditions, Snow Custard is plentiful among the many stalls and within the local taverns. Some rural villages have Best Custard competitions, to see who can make the best custard.

### 'Fixing of Seal'

The tradition was started after the '*Sealing of Sorg's Tomb*' during the *Era of Ancients*. It began as a ceremony to renew the magical seals placed over Sorg's Tomb to ensure he wouldn't escape. As the tradition continued to be practiced over the years, the magical seals became increasingly stronger after each ceremony. This continued until the point where the ceremony is redundant, meaning that the seals need not be replaced. However, the ceremony is still practiced to this day. Fixing of Seal starts with a large, country-wide festival that lasts for three days. During the festival, decorations are put up, and market stalls open within the town centers, selling traditional Bergsträdian foods, clothes and decorations. Some stalls even have small games that can be played for a price. On the third day, after the festival has concluded, the symbolic '*Casting Of The Chain*' ceremony commences. this involves the Dwarven Representative casting a chain out of steel, and presenting it to the Commander, who imbues it with magical energy. The chain is then displayed outside the Grand Hall of Kommunen.