Gautland Empire

map of Gautland

### Religion

Church of Odin (majority); Freyjanity (minority); Faith of Frey (minority); Cult of Loki (minority); Old Gods

### Military

Crownsguard; Crownsblade; Imperial Army; Imperial Fleet; Individual military forces under the command of the noble houses

### Provinces

Carlisle; Glastonbury; Winchester; Carhaix; Caerleon; Drumelzier; Roxburgh; Benoic; Listenoise; Monsalvat; Andegavia

## The Realm

Midgard is the name of the world of humans in the Ragnarök:Rise of Einherjar (RoE) universe. (“The Realm” refers to Midgard) The story of RoE takes place in the main continent of West Midgard, known as Albion. On it resides three nations: Gautland Empire, the Kingdom of Caersid, and the Kingdom of Ruthenia.

So far, the only other known continent is the Original Ragnarok Online Universe, located in East Midgard. It houses the following nations: Rune-Midgarts, the Schwarzwald Republic, the Arunafeltz States, and Maroll.

*(Note: Players who have created their own country can propose their creation to RoE Admins. If your creation is compatible with RoE’s story, Admins may adopt your creation and make it an RoE official country & include it on RoE Wiki.)*

## The Empire

   Nestled in the vast continent of Albion, in West Midgard, lies the majestic Empire of Gautland. It is bordered to the north by Caersid and to the south by Ruthenia. It is represented by the emblem of a golden dragon.

The Empire consists of twelve provinces that stand united under the overarching banner of Gautland.

## Geography

Gautland Empire is located in the Western Hemisphere of Albion. It is the largest nation in the continent, stretching approximately 4000 kilometers in width and 2000 kilometers in length. Gautland is bordered on the North by the Kingdom of Caersid, on the East by the Aegir Sea, on the South by the Kingdom of Ruthenia, and on the West by the Uncharted Regions of Albion.

Gautland features a wide range of climates and terrains due to its large size. Generally, the climate of the empire is temperate, with some parts of the Northern territories having a much colder climate. The majority of **Gautlandians** are situated in the middle region, experiencing the typical four seasons. The settlements far north are characterized by extremely cold temperatures and long winters, while in the settlements far west, the climate becomes dry and arid, even barren.

## Administrative Regions

Below the Emperor and the Royal Council, Gautland seats 12 Grand Dukes that act as the paternal heads of each province. The Grand Dukes typically reside at their Great Houses, ruling and overseeing the provinces while also serving as commanders to defend their region from threat. Beneath the Grand Dukes, there are vassals who hold the titles of Duke, Earl, and Baron, who also may have their own vassals called Lords and Knights. These vassals enjoy elevated status in society and possess various privileges.

The monarch, as the ultimate authority, has the power to grant and revoke titles or demote noble houses, with the exception of the Great Houses, which cannot be revoked or demoted. At the bottom of the social hierarchy are the commoners, also known as smallfolk, who constitute the majority of the population.

These are the list of Gautland's Twelve Noble Houses:

## Culture

Ever since the Normans conquered Albion, there has been a significant change in culture. The Norman's culture is closely aligned with the traditions of knighthood, similar to those found in Rune Midgard. Gautland features many landmarks and architectural styles, ranging from medieval buildings, tribal aesthetics, to heavily industrialized areas. In the eastern regions, particularly from Drumelzier to Camelot, the Norman culture holds significant sway.

In the northern regions, the inhabitants continue to uphold the native Danaan customs despite their adoption of the Odin Church. The Danaan culture places a strong emphasis on their connection with magic. Remnants of the ancient Elven culture persist in a few regions such as Benoic, Monsalvat, and Listenoise, as these regions were previously inhabited by elves before they were displaced by the Danaan and later the Normans.

## Religions

Faith of Odin is the single dominant religion in Gautland. As the dominant religion in Gautland, its churches and chapels are present in almost all major settlements, while cathedrals are present in most major cities. The church also oversees the vast majority of children's education through Sunday Schools. This religion was introduced to the continent by the Normans when they conquered Albion nearly six centuries ago.

In areas where the Norman's culture did not penetrate extensively, the Faith of Frey and Danaan religion still persist, albeit in small pockets of followers. Over the centuries, the various religions in Gautland have settled into an uneasy coexistence, marked by mutual tolerance.

### Church of Odin / Odin Orthodoxy

The Church of Odin does not only serve as a belief system but also functions as an organized institution with the Grand Cardinal as its leader. The Conclave of Cardinals consists of twelve Cardinals, each representing one of the twelve provinces of Gautland. This council serves as a governing body for decision-making, judgment, and the maintenance of the churches in the empire. Within the Church of Odin's congregration is the Templar Order, a military organization consisting of faith-driven chevaliers. They watch over the Church of Odin and their followers as their primary duty, and supervise the Mages of Merlin Circle as secondary duty.

### Freyjanity

In another continent, following the fall of the Ashkaron Empire, a new religious faction known as Freyjanity emerged in the region of Arunafeltz. Devoted to the worship of the Goddess Freyja, this group fervently anticipates her prophesied return. Long ago, their followers sought to introduce Freyjanity to Gautland. However, their efforts faced oppression from the dominant Church of Odin.

### Children Of Danaan

The Children of Danaan is Albion's native religion, inspired by the legendary martyrdom of Dana, the elven swordstress that saved the realm from the First Scourge. The Danaan ancestors were driven away when the Normans conquered their lands. According to rumors, Danaans possess unique magical abilities, including the ability to traverse dimensional rifts and tap into the energies of other realms.

## Governmental Structure

### EXECUTIVE BRANCH

#### The Emperor

The supreme authority in Gautland that is traditionally selected from the Pendragon House as it is the house that founded Gautland. In cases where no direct heir exists, the selection of the Emperor is determined through a voting process conducted by the Round Table Council. Gender norms and patriarchal customs prevent women from ruling the kingdom, even in regency roles. Empresses can only serve as the Emperor's consort and they have no governing authority.

#### The Chancellor

The Chancellor acts as the Emperor's primary advisor and head of Crownshands. They are responsible for managing administrative and governmental aspects of the empire, akin to the role of a prime minister in other countries. The Chancellor can assume the Emperor' responsibilities in the case where the Emperor is still a minor.

#### The Crowns Aide

The Emperor has the sovereignty to appoint the Crowns Aide. Once appointed, they serve as the Emperor's consultant on all matters; public or private.

#### The Crownshands

The Crownshands, also known as The Hands for short, comprise of the heads of the 12 executive positions in Gautland. Members of The Hands are selected by the Chancellor with the approval of the Emperor, except for the Lord Commander, the Holy Emissary, and the Archmage; positions that are not appointed by and cannot be revoked by the Emperor. The positions are not hereditary, however The Hands must come from a noble house and possess exceptional competence in their field. With the Chancellor as their leader, they are responsible for managing their respective department;

1. War Master: Oversees the Imperial Army
2. Coin Master: Manages the Empire's finances as the chief treasurer
3. Trade Master: Supervises all trades and businesses in the empire, including import and export
4. Shadow Master: Runs domestic intelligence and international espionage with the Crownshadow
5. Court Master: Enforces the law
6. Ship Master: Commands the Imperial Fleet and coordinates maritime defenses
7. Lore Master: Serves as chief historian and custodian of literary works
8. Domestic Master: Oversees civilian matters and manages the seven factions and other organizations
9. Erudition Master: Pushes for scientific and technological development
10. Lord Commander of The Crownshield: Commands the Crownshield, the Emperor's personal guards.
11. Holy Emissary of the Church: a position that belongs to the Grand Cardinal, carrying social influence.
12. Archmage of Merlin Circle: Leads the Merlin Circle, serving as the Imperial Magician and supervise magic-related activities.

### LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

#### The Round Table Council

The Round Table Council functions as the parliament of the Gautland Empire, composed of the twelve Grand Dukes. The positions are hereditary, wherein the Grand Dukes' successor automatically assumes the role. They play a crucial role in governing the Empire through the creation of laws and regulations under the Emperor's direct supervision.

Originally, the Round Table consisted of the Emperor's twelve loyal knights who had sworn allegiance to serve him. As a token of appreciation, the Emperor granted them lands that eventually developed into provinces, alleviating their positions into Grand Dukes.

#### The Landsmeet

The Landsmeet is an assembly of individuals of the highest ranks. The primary objective of the Landsmeet is to select the next Emperor in cases where there is no direct heir. Only the Emperor and the Round Table Council has the authority to convene a Landsmeet. Additionally, a Landsmeet can also be conducted to address urgent matters of global significance.

### Judicial Branch

#### The Supreme Court

As the highest judicial institution in Gautland, the Supreme Court possess the authority to adjudicate all legal disputes in accordance with the rule of law. The lower judicial institutions in Gautland include:

#### Public Courts

Public courts handle criminal and civil cases in regency level (state court) and provincial level (high court).

#### Holy Courts

Courts based on the Church of Odin's code and laws. They handle religion-related affairs.

#### Military Courts

Military courts handle cases involving members of all military institutions in Gautland, including organizations and factions that operate similarly to a military institution.

## Magic

In Gautland, magic is regarded as a natural phenomenon much like gravity, however, not everyone is born with it. The invention of the Lux Crystal at the year 331 B.N. revolutionized the world as people who weren't born with the innate ability to use magic, can now wield it. The Lux Crystal is also used to enhance the magical capabilities of those who already possess it. Magical talents often run in bloodlines. Hence, the Merlin Circle, an exclusive organization for Magicians, keeps extensive genealogies of families known to produce high-aptitude individuals.

In the old times, individuals who wield magic are called Mages, however as the world evolved, the term no longer fits as the people began to break down magic into categories. For instance, people who use magic to heal others are called Acolytes while those who use magic to boost their martial arts capabilities are called Monks. The term Mages became an umbrella term and it is not to be confused with the job class called Magicians.

There are limitations to the application of magic. Just as a person can only lift a certain amount of weight, a mage's magical abilities are limited by their available mana. Reckless individuals may risk depleting their own life force through excessive magical exertion.

Two types of magic are forbidden in the empire; Blood magic and Dark Magic. Practicing these magic is considered as an act that endangers the society and the individuals will be severely punished.

## Science, Technology, and Infrastructure

In Gautland, technological advancements are a result of a unique combination of magic, alchemy, and physics. The level of sophistication varies across regions, with the most advanced technology found in the royal capital. In comparison to real-world science, the advancements in Gautland are at the early to mid-1800s, with medical technology being at a level equivalent to the 1700s.

### Common Applications

#### Transportation

Public transport is highly commonplace in Gautland. Its railroad system is spread throughout the nation with Gautland's capital Camelot serving as the central hub. Major cities throughout Gautland are connected through local branch lines. Carriages, primarily drawn by horses, are commonly used as private transport. Combustion engines have not been invented yet, however the Lux Crystal is able to boost the performance of train, ships, and airships.

#### Communication

Herald towers equipped with Lux crystal communication systems are found in major cities. They are operated by heralds to send and receive messages. Carrier creatures such as crows are commonly used for postal services. Whisper trees, magically enhanced versions of Wisp wood trees, allow spoken messages to be passed between them.

#### Weaponry and Prosthetic

Weaponry such as swords, spears, and arrows can be used as is or imbued with magic. Guns vary in quality, they range from flaky physical technology to versatile weapons when imbued with magic and alchemy.

Prosthetics are combination of magic, alchemy, and technology. The cost and quality of prosthetics are proportional to the degree of control. It is important to note that prosthetics cannot surpass real body parts, and characters with disabilities should be portrayed with sensitivity and acknowledgment of their condition.

## Special Transportation System

The Special Transportation System within the Albion continent relies heavily on Kafra Corporation and Zonda Corporation. Kafra and Zonda are companies that provide transportation services, item storage service, rentals, and more. The Gautland Empire has signed an exclusive deal with Kafra, making it the only transportation company that operates in Gautland.

Kafra Employees can be found in every corner of the city. For a fee, Kafra Employees will teleport you anywhere that is within their reach. Kafra provides both short-distance (within city) and long-distance (inter city) teleportation service as long as it is within the borders of Gautland. Consequently, Kafra is prohibited to teleport someone to a different Nation. Travelers entering Gautland can do so via Airship, which will land directly at the heart of Gautland, Avalon city.

## Currency and Bank System

Gautland operates with a standardized currency called "Aurum" which takes the form of coins. Gautland boasts a comprehensive banking infrastructure. All twelve provinces have their own banks. Among these provincial banks, the Avalon Bank, situated in the capital city of Camelot in Avalon, stands out as the largest and most lucrative. Its size and wealth surpass those of all the other twelve provincial banks combined.

## Military

### Imperial Army and Navy

The Imperial army is under command of Emperor Uther Pendragon IV. The army consists of a large number of state-of-the-art arms and hardware. Half of their power reside in the royal capital, while the remaining half is scattered across the provinces. The deployment of their force requires the consent of the Emperor and the Round Table Council. Meanwhile, warships belonging to the Imperial Fleets are stationed in four ports: Avalon, Carlisle, Winchester, and Benoic.

### Crownshield

The Crownshield consists of the seven strongest Imperial Guards, with the best of them given the leadership position and assuming the title The Lord Commander. Their primary role is to serve as the Emperor's personal bodyguards and ensure the safety of the royal family at all times. The Crownshields are bound to their duty for life and are prohibited from owning land, marrying, or having children.

The Crownshields are distinguished by their white shields and armor adorned with intricate gold enameling. The valorous deeds of every knight who has served in the Crownshield are meticulously recorded in a significant tome known as The Book of Heroes.

While it is a prerequisite for Crownshield recruits to come from aristocratic lineage, in practice, their background matters not so long as passed the rigorous trials and examination. As a result, many lowborns strive to become part of the Crownshield to elevate their status and improve their lives.

### Crownshadow

The Crownshadow operates under the Shadow Master to act as a clandestine police force, serving as both spies and investigators on behalf of the Emperor. They covertly extract information to combat corruption within the government and safeguard the Empire against both internal and external threats. Additionally, they are occasionally tasked with apprehending highly elusive criminals.

The Crownshadow typically recruit lowborn orphans and train them from a young age to become an assassin. The leader of Crownshadow are chosen through a vote among their own members.

As agents of the Emperor, the Crownshadow operates with significant autonomy and are granted the authority to operate outside the boundaries of the law. However, in the event of a failed mission resulting in capture by the enemy, the Emperor disavows any responsibility for their lives, leaving them without any support or recourse for rescue.

## Notable Organizations

There are seven notable organizations in Gautland, also known as Factions. Read information about the Factions here.