County of Celliande

The **County of Celliande** is a country located in the Borders. In 1444, it was part of the Empire of Anbennar.

## History

### Lilac Wars

Celliande fought on the side of the Silmunas.

### Later Expansionism

Because the Counts of Celliande saw themselves as the rightful heirs to ancient Milcorissia, which had encompassed much of the Borders, it was not difficult for them to fabricate territorial claims on lands owned by neighbouring statelets. As such, from [PERIOD START] to [PERIOD END], Celliande fought several futile wars against [STATES]. However, despite the high cost of these conflicts [EXAMPLE?], Celliande was not able to subsume the entirety of the Borders [DID IT GAIN ANY TERRITORY AT ALL?]. The period of expansionist policy eventually came to an end with the unification of the Empire of Anbennar.

## Economy

Sorncell, the capital of Celliande, has been in continuous use as a deepwater port since prehistoric times, as large and heavy ships (i.e. merchantmen or warships) could easily enter the harbour and dock safely. In particular, Sorncell was a key drop-off point for Bulwari trade goods, which would be shipped across the Divenhal to be sold in Cannor. It was preferred to other, larger ports (such as Busilari Port Jaher) due to its position as part of the Empire of Anbennar. Due to this situation, the Counts derived a significant amount of revenue from customs duties. It was also a known hub of shipbuilding in the Borders.

Doveswall was also a major producer of satin fabric, which were manufactured from silk imported from the east. These fabrics - which were extremely expensive - were primarily used for clothing worn by wealthy Celliander noblewomen. However, when Arannen later became the centre of textile production in the Borders, Doveswall lost much of its relevance. The city subsequently improved their production methods to compete with Arannen, though it never recaptured its earlier dominance.

## Military

### Knightly Order of Serondor

The Knightly Order of Serondor was established by Count [NAME] of Celliande to combat gnollish and Nathalairey piracy in the Divenhal. It was named after the famous Celliander captain Serondor síl Sorncell. Despite its name, it was a predominantly naval force, and focused on patrolling the coast and curbing piracy.

## [For Later Formatting and Editing]

In the 16th century, chroniclers studied the past and the upper class of Celliande learned about the ancient Kingdom of Milcorissia that had once dominated the Borders. While the Milcori people had later been devastated by the War of the Sorcerer-King and the White Pestilence, the Arannese were considered their descendants. The nobles were inspired by these tales and began fabricating family trees claiming descent from legendary Kings and Queens of Milcorissia.

Considered by the Celliander upper class as evidence of their Milcori heritage, the Arannese of Celliande had especially pale skins, and black hair was more common than in the rest of the Borders. Those who lived outside of the Borders saw Celliander women as especially beautiful and elegant. This stereotype became more widely known in the 18th century, when it appeared in Anbennarian poetry and stories. In the 19th century, the term "Celliander" was often used for the advertisement of women's beauty products.