Ghallen

**Ghallen** is a nation located in the southwestern part of Morgaea.

Being a peninsula, it is almost wholly surrounded by water, except for a bridge of land connecting it to neighboring Lysadore.

## Geography

### Settlements

* **Ayesmare**
* **Colenlaig** - the capital, and seat of the monarchy. it's the only place in Ghallen where the Ministry has any authority
* **Kurzog** - an Orcimar settlement located on the southern coast. It's the last holding of the Orcimar on the mainland of Morgaea and is supposed to be well fortified. It is also the sole peaceful Orcimar settlement on the continent
* **Loweyn** - a politically neutral port city on an island off the northern tip of Ghallen. It is famous for being the location in which the Loweyn Accords were signed, finally ending the Orcimar Crusades which had been afflicting the continent for nearly 150 years. The city is a favored base for pirates, and criminals, and its renowned bazaars often peddle stolen goods. It is also the headquarters of the Jubilosa Armada.
* **Seere**
* **Vroban** - an Orcimar village located in northern Ghallen

## History

* **-203D (992 AE):** The Ghalleni participate in the Battle of the Silent Steppes in the northern reaches of the Adamantium. Vemon is brutally stabbed, and the fiendish forces routed.
* **-120 - -53D (1075–1142 AE):** The Ghalleni rebel in an attempt to split off from the Adamantium. They are supported by the western cities in the Freemarks. The Adamantium launches campaigns to stop the rebellion. After several losses that culminated in the disastrous Battle of Tammeryn in -53D (1142 AE), the Adamantium finally abandons the west.
* **-44D (1151 AE):** Foundation of the Kingdom of Ghallen.
* **5A12:** Awakening of Xurteus and the rise of the Fourth Scourge. The fiendish hordes pour into Ghallen from Lysadore.
* **5A24:** Ghallen is freed from the fiendish hordes during the battle at the city of Ayesmare, where Erenod dies after defeating Xurteus in combat.
* **6A32–42:** The Orcimar conquer Ghallen.
* **7A25–85:** The Orcimar Crusades are declared repeatedly by both the Adamantine Ministry (to retake Verullus and the western city of Ventara) and the Maudesian Ministry (to retake Ghallen). Three Crusades occur. The wars take a terrible toll upon the population of Ghallen.
* **7A84:** The Orcimar have been pushed back to the city of Kurzog in southern Ghallen. The Loweyn Accords are signed and peace is declared.

## Culture and society

The Ghalleni originally hail from small island chains in the Sudern Ocean. They have skin tones ranging from dark tan to ebony. Social standing in Ghallen is often marked by tattoos and body piercings. The more elaborate one's decorations, the higher one's rank. This is often accompanied by extravagant jewelry.

The Ghalleni, though possessing a currency-based economy as other nations do, place no real value on the accumulation of individual wealth and instead promote the idea of community welfare. As such, communities work together to support each other, sending supplies to other communities when needed.

### Race relations

The Ghalleni have a peaceful relationship with the elves. Ghallen is also home to the only peaceful Orcimar settlement on the continent: Kurzog in southern Ghallen. Orcimar emissaries are also a common sight in Ghalleni settlements; however, they stay away from the nobility.

### Religion

Unlike the majority of peoples in Morgaea, the Ghalleni are not Sibyllans and don't believe in the Watcher. Instead, they are pantheists who believe in the Natural Order. As such, many hold to the belief that their god and the universe are the same. Though Ghallen's royalty is still Sibyllan, the Ministry lacks any authority beyond the capital of Colenlaig. Many, especially in Kurzog, have also converted to the Orc, as their religion and the Orc are not very contradictory.

### Magic

Though an Institution exists in Colenlaig, it's merely a means to appease the Ministry. The mages of the Institution are allowed to see their families, and the women are specifically trained to be seers, a position in Ghalleni society that is revered as a matter of tradition

#### Seers

The tradition of seers in Ghallen is very old, dating back millennia. Ghallen is a matriarchal society, and many of its inhabitants believe that women are best suited to rule. In the majority of Ghalleni communities, the responsibility of decision-making lies with the eldest women. The most senior of these women are called seers. Due to the acceptance of magic among traditional Ghalleni people, seers can freely practice their craft.

Female mages undergo a special training to become seers. As a result, they can communicate with spirits. They may even allow themselves to become possessed.

Seers often create magical charms, such as fertility talismans that are popular among Ghalleni women, and amulets for spirits that are meant to protect them against forced binding.

Twice a year, all seers travel to the capital of Ghallen, Colenlaig, to meet in an event called the **Lansmet** where they publicly pledge loyalty to Ghallen's queen. The lansmet is also an opportunity to make trade arrangements and pass binding judgements. Decisions made during this time are seen as very auspicious. Celebrations surrounding the Lansmet include feasts, gift exchanges, and musical contests.

The seers' practices are considered hedge magic by the rest of Morgaea, and as such are prohibited by the Ministry. However, the prevalence of seers in Ghallen resulted in an unusual relationship between the Ministry and the local Institution, where seers are tolerated and allowed to have apprentices, and maintain their freedom; provided that they assist Templars if need be.

### Role of women

The Ghalleni are traditionally a matriarchal people and many believe that women are best suited to ruling. Most Ghalleni communities are governed by elder women, with the most senior of these women being the above-mentioned seers. Twice a year the seers travel to Colenlaig to meet in council, forge trade agreements, and publicly pledge loyalty to Ghallen's queen.