Ferelden

## Intro

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Ferelden is a relatively temperate nation in the far southeast of Thedas, populated by a barbarian, militaristic culture that has only begun to civilize in the last few centuries. It was once a nation considered backwards by many other countries and still is by Orlais - who controlled and occupied the Ferelden Valley for centuries. However the people of Ferelden have made great strides in recent decades, particularly after the devastation of the fifth blight, when the land and all her people stood behind King Alistair, who has brought the kingdom out of the dark ages and now enjoy a time of prosperity and cultural revival. Fereldens are a proud and independent people, who resent being considered ‘primitive’ and have proven in recent years that they are not uncouth savages, earning the respect of many other nations in the process, particularly after breaking the pride of Orlais and driving the empire’s armies out of Ferelden at the beginning of the Dragon Age. Now Ferelden has become a power on the continent in it’s own right and many speculate that it may well eclipse Orlais might one day.

## Ruling Dynasty

Ruling Dynasty: The royal line of Theirin extends back all the way to the very origins of Ferelden, when the mighty warrior, Calenhad Theirin, also known as Calenhad the Great (and Anointed Calenhad the the Blessed as of 7:88) when united all of the Alamarri tribes and founded the single nation of Ferelden. To the Fereldeners, Calenhad remains a legendary figure, as renowned by them as Emperor Drakkon is by the Orlesians, if not more so. For the Ferelden people place a singular importance on Theirin blood and it is always their desire to see one of Calenhad’s descendants sitting upon the Ferelden throne, even if they are not always the most capable of leaders. So it is that every King and Queen ever to sit upon the throne of Ferelden, have been a Theirin in an unbroken line, all the way back to King Calenhad himself.

However in recent times, the Therin line has come under threat of extinction. It began with Orlesian occupation in 8:24 Blessed, when King Vanedrin Theirin is slain in the battle of At the Battle of Lothering. The loss of battle of Lothering was a double blow for Ferelden. Not only was there king killed the battle, but Calenhad the Great's sword, Nemetos, held by every Ferelden Monarch since the Kingdoms founding was lost and has never been recovered. Fortunately the Therin line was secure in Vanedrin’s son, Brandel, and his granddaughter, Moira. Fortune was not to last however, as Orlais soon conquered the capital and overthrew the Therin reign. Since then Brandel is commonly remembered as Brandel the defeated and all too soon, he died.

So it was that Moira led the Rebellion against the Orlesian usurpers. She was considerably more popular and charismatic than her father - keeps the resistance alive and became famed as the Rebel Queen. However Moira’s successful campaign ended in tragedy, when she was assassinated, by Ferelden Bann’s pretending to defect to her cause. Moira’s head was mounted on a pike and displayed as both trophy and warning before the gates of the Royal Palace. Maric, Moira’s son, avenged his mother's murder three years later, and eventually went on to liberate Ferelden from Orlais' grip and restored the Therin line back onto Ferelden’s throne, before disappearing at sea in 9:25 Dragon.

The Therin line was thought to have come an end at the beginning of the Fifth Blight, when Maric’s son, Calian died childless at the battle of Ostagar. In the bitter civil war that followed, it emerged that Maric fathered an illegitimate son, and so it was that the Therin blood was brought back from extinction once again. The Landsmeet voted and almost unanimously agreed to place Maric’s bastard upon the throne. So it was that after the Fifth Blight Alistair Therin was crowned king of Ferelden.

However the Therin line is by no means secure, thus far Alistair has failed to produce an heir and if he dies without one, there are fears that Ferelden will erupt into a second civil war as nobles fight to claim the throne.

## Government/Ruling Model

The people of Ferelden descend from the Alamarri tribes, only civilized few centuries ago (Since 5:42 Exalted) and thus they still value freedom and heed to skill and talents a great deal. The government in Ferelden is considered more chaotic and anarchic than most other nations, as the royalty and nobility in Ferelden do not have absolute power over the kingdom; rather, the land is virtually ruled by a large number of freeholders who gather in a huge Landsmeet and can virtually override the king or queen.

This model doesn’t mean the monarch is a sovereign who reigns but does not rule, no; the king and queen rule with little challenge most of the time, especially if they are strong monarch. The matter is, lower class nobility and freeholders can override the monarch only by the majority vote, and that will require more than half the kingdom (by a significant landslide) to be willing to challenge the king and stand united afterwards. Otherwise, they would be risking invoking a civil war within the kingdom. So in reality, a smart king rules the country and “works” to win the support of lessers nobles, doesn’t overstep their boundaries, and will usually hesitate to take any world-changing decision before having them on his back. On the other hand, a stable and wise landsmeet doesn’t squeeze the king too much, and doesn’t try to challenge him on trivial matters to make sure it keeps the peace within land.

### Feudalism

The Ferelden’s system structures the society around relationships between nobility and commoners, derived from the commoners holding of a land (A freehold) and the protection of the lord in exchange for a military or non-military service or labour to the noble.

Typically, the choice of whose noble (Bann or Arl) each freehold pays allegiance to is based on proximity of the freehold to the lord's castle, as it's worthless to pay for the upkeep of soldiers who will arrive at your land too late to defend it, or pay for a labour who would waste time travelling a great distance to arrive to their workplace. But sometimes the freeholders pay allegiance to farther flung noble for gaining more advantages like having greater protection, or being closer to the throne. Or even for purely idealistic perspectives.

## Nobility

Ferelden has a monarchy and by and large all nobles are respected and revered but to the commoner they are not seen as untouchable. The nation is broken in provinces ruled by teyrns. Arls are the equivalent of mayors and watch over the cities and arlings whilst the bannorns watch over the countryside. Freeholds are run by families who have worked their land for generations - they own this land and pay taxes to the crown. Social standing is stratified by the proximity a Ferelden lives from the seat of authority. Thus one who lives in a castle is higher above someone by the city walls.

#### The Landsmeet

The Landsmeet is an annual council for which all the nobles of Ferelden gather in the royal palace in Denerim, it have been held for almost three thousand years except odd interruptions during Blights and invasions.

The nobles of the landsmeet decides important decisions by a vote of the attendance, the vote needs to hit the majority to success, so the votes are always designed as two ways choice and not more than that. If there are several suggestions for the same matter, they vote on each separately.

The monarch doesn’t have a vote in the Landsmeet, and not obliged to attend, but his attendance and speaking for one decision can influence many nobles who usually side with the king or the queen no matter what. The grand cleric used to have similar influence but at smaller scale, some devoted nobility will always side with The Chantry, if the the Chantry decided to involve itself publicly in political matters.

There are other sides of the landsmeet beside making big decisions, the nobles gather in the capital from all over the kingdom, a chance to meet, bring their sons and daughters to look for wives or suitors, meet old friends, buy some imported goods that doesn’t sell in their provinces, and much more social goals achieved by the annual gathering.

## Politics

Politics in Ferelden doesn’t play only in balls, behind closed doors, and in throne rooms. But The refusal of the order and law enforcements causes many games to be played bluntly on the battlefield. Civil wars are common, at smaller scales frequently within the Bannorn, and sometimes at larger scale that involves the entire country. The reasons of some of the inner conflicts can be astonishing for foreigners, with nobles fighting amongst themselves constantly, over anything and everything. They will go to war with each other over such things as elopements, or even wool. One war was even started by an apple tree!!

The results of these wars override the decisions of the king and the landsmeet, and thus the monarch is expected to stay vigilant, keep a strong army, and secure loyalty of his men to be able to resolve any conflict on his favor and enforce the law once more. Classic Duels are are another common way to settle conflicts, the two sides of the conflict fight by themselves or choose a champion, and the winner enforce his will.

Otherwise, in peace times the king or the landsmeet resolve all political struggles. The monarch is respected, and represent the country solely in front of foreign countries. Teyrns (or sometimes Arls) are expected to give the king or the queen consult when asked to, even if it means leaving their Teyrnir for long months under watch of lesser nobles and stay in the capital with the monarch until he or she dismiss them.

It's common that the Monarch himself can travel for long journeys outside Ferelden, for political or other purposes. King Maric had accompanied some Orlesian Wardens into the Deep Roads in a long journey that almost cost him his life more than once, then he vanished in another journey to the north. More kings before and after him did the same, during such times the monarch's spouse is supposed to rule, or if there is no spouse, the noble chosen by the monarch.

## Connections with other countries

Most of Ferelden’s connections are through trade, since most of the country’s conflicts have been internal. Under Alistair there have been major steps forward in unifying the country and making stronger ties to others. He has visited every monarch and has personally seen to trade treaties as well as playing a major part in The Weisshaupt Accord. However, because of his generosity to the rebel mages during the war Starkhaven placed sanctions on trade against Ferelden as a sign of protest.

### Orlais

The relationship with Ferelden’s only neighbour, the only country they share a border with, is understandably complicated and often aggressive. The Orlesian Empire has invaded and even occupied Ferelden, the remnants of which are seen in Ferelden still. Some nobles have Orlesian spouses, for instance, and even the King was once rumoured to be linked with a marriage to Empress Celene. There is little love lost between the people of these two countries, and for Ferelden’s there is still hatred towards their former overlords. Some Ferelden still have a living memory of the occupation and it is not a memory they view fondly.

## Connections with Factions/Organized groups

The Ferelden’s connections with factions over the world is determined mainly by the major events and accords that the country have gone have gone through in last few decades of Dragon Age, such as:

* The Fifth Blight and the civil war (9:30 - 9:31 DA)
* Ferelden: Recovery and Rejuvenation (9:32 - 9:38 DA)
* Mages and Templars war (9:40 - 9:47 DA)
* The Weisshaupt Accord (Harvestmere, 9:47 DA)

### The Chantry

Fereldens are true Andrastians, and with the sacred ashes being discovered in Haven and becoming the soul of the chantry, Fereldens faith grew even stronger. But because of the part it played in the devastating war against rebel mages, people of Ferelden nowadays tend to stand for themselves, behind their king, and see the chantry as little more than a spiritual guide. The chantry still have influence in the country but it is less than its influence in Orlais, Free Marches, or even Antiva.

### The Mages of Kinloch Hold

Kinloch Hold have played a major political role in Ferelden's history from the very first moment of founding this country, when the circle crafted a legendary armor for Calenhad and took his side in the endeavor to unite the lands. Since then, it became a custom that the circle gives the newly crowned king a special crafted gift as a token of support.

In the days of the latest king, Alistair Theirin, the mages supported him with more than gifts. In addition to the fact that the hero of Ferelden was a mage from the very tower, the Blighted lands - left after the defeat of the Archdemon and retreat of darkspawn underground - have been healed and restored by magic, making the whole kingdom look with great appreciation and gratitude to the mages. Such appreciation has been shaken by the war events, but with the peace treaty and admission of the mages rights, relation between the kingdom and the Libertarians started to improve with trust being built up gradually. At least the trade relations have become really strong and the fine goods of the tower are prominent in markets all over Ferelden.

### Resolutionists

The terrorists mages who seeks the destruction of the chantry are official enemies of the country. King Alistair - as one of the guardians of the peace established by Weisshaupt Accord - is sworn to not let them take refuge in Ferelden and not make it an operational base for their activity.

People of Ferelden are well aware of the differences between the mages who helped them grow their crops once more and the mages who will not stop at nothing but tear Thedas into pieces. And will cooperate with authorities if they suspect the existence in a nearby ground.

### Grey Wardens

The Grey wardens have been looked at with suspicion since their rebellion and exile from Ferelden at 7:05 Storm, until King Maric allowed their return and rebuild. When the Fifth Blight hit, people have witnessed almost their extinction from the kingdom, but for two young wardens who could unite the land and defeat the Blight, with one becoming the king and the other becoming the hero.

After the Blight and in gratitude for their action, and to compromise their losses, they have been given the Arling of Amaranthine. The head of the Wardens in Ferelden acts as both Warden Commander, and Arl of Amaranthine, a high noble title. Though the wardens have kept their stance in country’s political as natural as possible. But the ranks they have achieved, some suspicious actions by some recent warden commander (Irion Thorne) and the gradual fade of the Wardens importance with the passing years have ignited some quarrels among nobility about whether wardens should keep the Arling or not. Some believe that nobility will not stop at only verbal protests, but there are other measures might be considered.

### Mercenary Groups

Organized groups of men at arms that answers to no officials are common in Ferelden, the law of the king doesn’t have anything against it. They have known agents across the country and they take both jobs and volunteers to execute these jobs. commoners, guards, or even nobility can turn to them for help. They are not recognized officially, but dealings with them are very common on daily basis.

During war times and threats that would affect the whole nation, these groups typically take up arms against such a threat and stand with the people of Ferelden.

The biggest and most popular and honorable mercenaries company by the times of the fifth blight, is the Blackstone Irregulars. The latest warden commander of Ferelden by 9:51 have been a member of their ranks before joining the wardens.

### Crafthouses

Similar to guilds, the craft houses are the big trading professions organizations in Ferelden. They have total power over certain industries in Ferelden, and people of Ferelden have great respect for skills and talents, so such craftsmen form the highest commoners social ranks, just below nobility. Their words are heard and considered about any policy that affect their profession directly.

Internal competition and rivalry between these houses prevent them from uniting into a big guild that would probably play a more major role in the country politics.

### Dragon Cults

Similar to the Disciples of Andraste which the Hero of Ferelden destroyed and reclaimed Haven, there were other cults that worshiped the dragons after their re-appearance in the beginning of the Dragon Age. At least one cult of reavers have be spotted in the depth of Southron Hills in the last decade. They are not considered direct enemies to kill on sight as long as they keep to themselves, but every Ferelden know how dangerous they can be, and they are not welcome in the civilized lowlands. Though they don’t come down usually so no one really bother about them.

### Thieves Guild

There is no proof of the existence of the thieves guild in Ferelden, though the rates of thefts have been increasing in the country through 9:51. Big thefts would occur that indicated higher level of organized work, but still no solid trace to follow, or any hint about their headquarters whereabouts. The increasing threat made most rich families to hire more guards, apply more traps and seek better lockworks to protect their wealth.

If proven to be organized criminal organization, they will be considered enemies and more harsh steps will be taken to eliminate them.

### Raiders of The Waking Sea

Also knows as the Felicisima Armada, the most organized pirates fleet in Thedas, and the biggest one. The raiders are a constant danger to Ferelden’s trading fleet that crosses the waking sea. The raiders existence have caused the Ferelden’s to develop faster trading ships to be able to avoid them, taking longer and unusual sea routes, or resort to the Imperial Highway and land caravans. Last if everything fails, the merchants would hire experienced mercenaries to protect them or pay a toll/bribe for safe passage if they get caught.

They are enemies officially, who not only raided the ships, but the land sometimes, and the royal fleet would do patrols to make sure the trade routes are safer and hunt them if they catch sight of them. Though there are rumors about King Alistair secretly dealing with some raiders, some people would go further and say such dealings have caused reduced accidents to ships flying Ferelden’s flag compared to Orlesians or Marchers. The truth is never a public knowledge.

## Culture

As it has been noted before, Ferelden is a fairly young kingdom, with its culture being mostly associated with militaristic ways rather than arts or anything else. Fereldens are simple people, people who have been shaped by war, and they are considered less “civilized” by the standards of other countries. It appears that they, more or less, possess a spirit for freedom and fighting back and they are believed to be strong-willed, perhaps even stubborn, in general. Though the presence of nobility is intense in Ferelden, the people are not obsessed with showing off their status by wearing extravagant outfits or throwing expensive parties every other day, like in Orlais for example. Their cultural way of thinking praises skill rather than anything else. Approaching a matter from a realistic view and being pragmatic is something which has become a part of their culture.

As far as the arts are concerned, Fereldens had never had much tradition in such things. It's more likely for them to produce great warriors than famous musicians. Even though there are families in Ferelden who favor the arts, learning how to paint or how to play the lute is not a must like in other countries. In fact, even for women it is more common to know how to hold a sword rather than plucking the strings of an instrument. Their war with their previous Orlesian conquerors has left them a hatred, a hatred which has become a part of their culture. Orlesians are seen with a suspicious eye in Ferelden and there is a lot of mistrust around their person. As years pass by, Fereldens might be becoming more open-minded, yet old habits die hard and so do old grudges.

Last but not least, dogs are considered an important part of Ferelden culture. It does not matter if one is of noble heritage or mere commoner, it is more than likely that they own a dog. The people show great appreciation to the animals and they often keep them as companions. It is said that keeping dogs is a tradition which dates back to the days of the Alamarri tribes. The magisters of Tevinter introduced the mabari dogs to the barbarians when they invaded their land and many of the dogs decided to remain to the occupied land even after their masters were defeated.

### Language

Among Thedosian languages, Fereldan language is considered to be the common tongue. It is fairly influenced by the Alamarri tribes and the language system they used to have in the past.

### Arts

captioncaption
As it has been mentioned before, Fereldens do not have a great tradition when it comes to art. They are people who were often occupied by war thus focusing on matters of warfare or agriculture rather than anything else. Of course, that doesn't mean that they have no artists or musicians, quite the contrary, however the number of people associated with the arts is small considering to the number of said people in other countries.

### Fashion

If you'd ask an Orlesian about fashion in Ferelden they'd probably spit on the ground and mention something along the lines of “uncivilized brutes”. Though they might be exaggerating, truth be told fashion does not play a significant part in Ferelden culture. Of course, nobles always strive to look their very best, wearing expensive outfits and jewelry only they can afford however, they don't tend to pay too much attention to the “trends” of the current era. Also, it has to be noted that people in Ferelden prefer simpler and elegant clothes rather than shiny and phantasmagorical outfits and accessories.

## Military

Warfare was endemic in early Ferelden and major conflicts still occurred approximately every generation in before the Unification of Ferelden by Calenhad Theirin in 5:42 Exalted. After the Unification, groups of well-armed noblemen and their households formed the heart of these armies, supported by larger numbers of temporary troops levied from across the kingdom. By the 7:23 Storm, armies of up to twenty thousand men could be called up for campaigns, with another twenty-eight thousand men and women available to guard urban defenses. The most common weapon was the spear, with swords used by the wealthier nobles; cavalry was probably less common than in wider Thedas, but some Fereldeners did fight from horseback. The Orlesian invasion of 8:24 Blessed led to developments in tactics, including the use of shield walls in battle and guerrilla warfare.

Pre-Unification Fereldener warfare was characterized by attritional military campaigns, in which commanders tried to raid enemy lands and seize castles in order to allow them to take control of their adversaries' territory, ultimately winning slow but strategic victories. Pitched battles were occasionally fought between armies but these were considered risky engagements and usually avoided by prudent commanders. The armies of the period comprised bodies of Mabari hounds, lightly armored knights which were all supported by infantry. Crossbowmen become more numerous in the Black Age, alongside the older longbow. At the heart of these armies was the familia regis, the permanent military household of the regional king, which was supported in war by feudal levies, drawn up by local nobles for a limited period of service during a campaign. Mercenaries were increasingly employed, driving up the cost of warfare considerably, and adequate supplies of ready cash became essential for the success of campaigns.

In the late Exalted Age, King Calenhad Theirin expanded the familia regis to become a small standing army, forming the core of much larger armies up to twenty-eight thousand strong, largely comprising foot soldiers. By the time of Fionne Theirin, armies were smaller in size, but the troops were typically better equipped and uniformed, and the archers carried the longbow, a potentially devastating weapon. Catapults and ballistas were first used by Ferelden forces at battles such Lothering in 8:24 Blessed. Soldiers began to be contracted for specific campaigns, a practice which may have hastened the development of the armies of retainers that grew up under bastard feudalism. By the late Storm Age early Blessed Age, however, Ferelden armies were somewhat backward by wider Thedosian standards; the Second Orlesian Invasion were fought by inexperienced soldiers, often with outdated weapons, allowing the Orlesian forces who invaded to have a decisive effect on the outcomes of battles.

## Religion

Ferelden has always been a unique mixing pot of faiths, most of whom manage to coexist peacefully. Like most Thedosian nations, the majority of Ferelden’s population are firm Andrastians. Orlais may be the centre of Chantry power in Thedas, but there are few who hold such a steadfast devotion to the Chantry or its teachings than the people of Ferelden. It is both a matter of faith and pride that Ferelden boasts itself to be the ‘Cradle of Andraste’, for not only was the Maker’s Prophet born in a small fishing village that would would day become Ferelden’s capital, but Ferelden was also became Andraste’s final resting place. The Village of Haven has since become a city unto itself and is revered as the soul of Andrastiandom in Thedas. Ferelden is now an important pilgrimage destination among the faithful, with Haven, Amaranthine where the chant was first spoken, along with Val Royeaux are the three brightest jewels in the chantry’s crown. While it is true that that Chantry does not wield the same political might in Ferelden as it does in Orlais, it is by no means without its influence. Commoner, Noble and king alike, all bend the knee to the Chantry, not out of coercion or fear, but out of devotion and faith. So it is that through their faith that the Chantry holds the hearts and minds of Ferelden and her people.

To the south in Ostagar, the elves continue to thrive in their new home. They continue to revive the old ways of the Dalish and with that revival comes a renewed worship of their old Pantheon. The Dalish, while not as zealous as mankind, do strictly adhere to the ancient customs and rituals of worship unique to their clans. However this has become something of a source of tension between the clans, each placing their ways above the others. Believing their ways to be a purer way of worship. For the moment there is no official religious authority to over the elves, and each clan is still free to worship as their keepers and customs dictate. There is talks of creating a unified sect of worship consisting of an amalgamation of beliefs, but purists denounce such reform, likening it to the Chantry. A comparison that continues to gain support for the opposition. For now, however most dalish are content to worship the way they were thought and allow others to do the same.

The wilders of Ferelden, The Avvar and The Chasind, also follow their own worship as their ancestors had since before the time of Andraste. They see the Chantry as the death of their culture and so respond with extreme violence. Given the Avvars close proximity to Haven, the Chantry cannot ignore such a threat and so respond in kind, with the intent of purging the Avvar off the frostback and out of existence if need be.

## Views on Magic

Ferelden has always had a long history with magic and the circle, stretching back to time of King Calenhad the Anointed. Both the Circle of Magi and the Templar Order flocked to Calenhad’s banner, when he began the final stages of his campaign and their aid proved crucial in unifying Ferelden.

Since the signing of The Weisshaupt Accord, Ferelden, which managed to stay relatively neutral during the troubles, has become centre of power for both the Libertarians and the Loyalists. The circle tower of Kinloch Hold, fell to the Libertarians during the war and has since become their stronghold in Thedas. While the University of Denerim was founded in an agreement between the King, the Grand Cleric and the First Enchanter, it became the base of Loyalist power in Ferelden. With this balance peace between both groups of mages are maintained and closely watched by both the Chantry and the Crown. However tension still remains with the Arling of Redcliffe, being staunch opponents of Magic liberation and the Libertarians base only a stone’s throw away.
​

## Geography

Ferelden is a peninsula in the far southeast of thedas. Surrounded by water from at least five direction from the eight.

* ‘’The Amaranthine Ocean:’’ Taking the whole east, south/north-east of Ferelden.

* ‘’The Waking Sea:’’ Covers the North and north-west

* ‘’Lake Calenhad:’’ Being - for most common folks - the west natural border of the country.

Though, truth is: Ferelden extends beyond the lake. The Frostback Mountains is the real borders of the country, even if most commoners don’t know what’s there on the west bank of the lake.

Within the kingdom, the topography varies greatly, from Coastlands on the north, passing by huge fertile plains in heart of the land, then some Hills rich with resources, and ends up with wetlands and wilds in the south. Nobody knows what’s beyond that, and the tundra in the frozen lands in the most south stays with secrets unknown for people of Ferelden. One of the biggest forests in Thedas taking most of the east, The Brecilian forest. And in the Waking sea there are few islands that Ferelden ships can dock on and utilize them. Many rivers (Both small and big) runs from the mountains, hills, and wet highlands. Moving across Ferelden, and pours its water in the ocean, providing - in its way - the pure water for Fereldens to drink and farm.

Generally, If you are a mage who can shapeshift into a bird and fly high above Ferelden, you can see the dominant color being green with all kinds of plants, planted or grown naturally. Then Blue, with all water within lake and rivers, blue that grow into darker colors within the swamps.

#### Weather

Cold is southern kingdom, especially in Winter. Though if you ever climb the mountains or hills, you will certainly miss the warmth the lowlands provide in summer. A warmth that can be considered still cool by most visitors from the north, but enough to grow crops and maintain all kinds of production. The wind can be strong in the coastlands,, though the heartland is believed to be more protected by the huge forest and tall trees from the eastern winds. Ferelden is a rainy country, it rains the most in winter, though it’s still rains a considerable amount of time of both spring and autumn. Even in summer it can rain. It just rain and rain and rain, and it any time. The sky is dark from clouds most of the year, so you can’t predict when it will rain, and the common folks have used to that so they are always prepared, instead of bothering to predict when it will rain.

### Cities/Provinces

Ferelden is a small country compared to other nations in Thedas, though not the smallest among them. It have a handful of cities and quite a lot of villages and countryside “bannorns” where most of the country’s population lives. As most peninsulas, Ferelden biggest cities lies on the coast. Most of Ferelden’s trade really goes by ships to the rest of the world, or be stuck to taking the very long Imperial Highway to the west where it takes a full round around Waking Sea before heading north. Most cities are big ports like Gwaren, Denerim, Amaranthine, Highever, and even the small town Jainen is another port which many maps tend to ignore. These coastal cities tend to have big markets where both local and foreign merchants sell, buy, and exchange every kind of goods. And usually have more appeal for industries, and tend to have more workers.

Denerim is the jewel of Ferelden, being rebuilt by King Alistair after the Battle of Denerim. It was restored to its former glory and better, with the addition of the first university in the kingdom which stands tall next to the famous Fort Drakon, and the establishment of Denerim’s city watch. Fereldens from all across the country come to Denerim not for only trade, but for education and being safe. On the other hand, there are a handful of towns in inner land. Started as small settlements around strategic castles, then grow into full communities with many activities. Some have rebuilt or repurposed over the years (Like Kinloch Hold being made a Circle of Magi by 3:87 Towers, and now a Libertarian Akademia. Or Ostagar that have been given to the elves after their effort to drive back the blight at 9:31 Dragon). The most prominent remaining five are:

* ‘’West Hill:’’ Guarding the northern branch of the Highway from invaders coming from the west. The civil settlement there is still the smallest, and it’s mostly used for military purposes.

* ‘’Redcliff:’’ Has the same purpose as West Hills, but watching over the southern Highway. Redcliff have grown into a big town after the healing and rejuvenation of the lands.

* ‘’Southreach:’’ Securing the roads descending from Southron Hills to protect the the minerals transported to the rest of the kingdom. Now the Reach developing into a more civilized and educated province, becoming something more than “Metals providers”

* ‘’Dragon’s Peak:’’ The peak is the strongest hold in the country, it was built to protect some of the most precious Almarri artifacts, some of them are still there. The folks believe that their ancestors tamed a dragon to protect the peak, and even Tevinters couldn’t defeat it.

* ‘’Soldier's Peak:’’ The wardens re-claimed the fort after the fifth blight, built a bridge to the nearby village, and brought prosperity to it. Allowing development of a larger town with roads to a newly built port.

#### The Bannorn

The Bannorn is the central lowland region in Ferelden. It forms the backbone of Ferelden in terms of both agriculture and population. The Bannorn used to be effectively the "bread-basket" of Ferelden, containing the most arable land, which would make it one the most powerful provinces in the kingdom if united. Though it’s rarely united, and the Banns who rule it tend to get involved in many civil wars over history, tearing it apart and halting the economy - and subsequently the development of the kingdom - many times over and over. With Ferelden: Recovery and Rejuvenation At 9:37, more lands outside the Bannorn started to grow very fertile and arable. Toning down the Bannorns importance a little, and making many families to abandon their old hatred and conflict to find new opportunities in other provinces. That, with the just rule of King Alistair, could bring a halt to the vicious cycle of violence in the Bannorn.

### Flora and Fauna

The country of Ferelden has a largely temperate climate. It contains a relatively small fraction of the Thedas' wildlife. Man has hunted the most dangerous forms (the wolf, the brown bear and the wild boar) to near extinction, though domesticated forms such as the dog and the pig remain. The wild boar has subsequently been reintroduced during the Orlesian occupation as a meat animal.

Animal diversity is modest, as a result of factors including the continent's relatively small land area, the relatively recent age of the habitats developed since the fall of the Imperium and the continent's physical separation from the rest of Thedas, and the effects of seasonal variability. Ferelden is also experiencing early industrialization as the cities of Amaranthine, Denerim and Lothering expand outward and is subject to continuing urbanization, which have contributed towards the overall loss of species.

Rodents make up 40% of the mammal species. These include squirrels, mice, voles, rats and the recently reintroduced Thedosian beaver. There is also an abundance of rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, shrews, moles and several species of bat. Carnivorous mammals include the fox, badger, otter, weasel, stoat and elusive wildcat. Various species of seal, whale and dolphin are found on or around Ferelden shores and coastlines. The largest land-based wild animals today are deer. The red deer is the largest species, with roe deer and fallow deer also prominent. Sika deer and two more species of smaller deer, muntjac and Nevarran water deer, have been introduced, muntjac becoming widespread in Amaranthine and parts of Lothering while Nevarran water deer are restricted mainly to Denerim. Habitat loss has affected many species.

### Regional Racial Characteristics

"Complexion:" Their complexion is usually of lighter tones. Typically, it is characterized by a red tint.
"Common eye colors:" Any eye color
"Common hair colors:" Any hair color
"General Description:" The typical Fereldan, without being affected by racial heritage, is linked to a tall stature, large-broad build, strong chin, more broad than narrow features (especially when it comes to the nose) and light colors. There is usually a variety in hair and eye tones but red hair and the presence of freckles are more common in Ferelden than anywhere else.

## History

Ferelden is considered a relatively young country, which was officially formed four hundred years ago by King Calenhad when he united the Alamarri tribes. However its history starts before that time, back when there was only the land that is now called Ferelden.

Around -1220 TE, it came to be that the Alamarri tribes migrated south and settled on a new homeland, a homeland they decided to name Ferelden or “fertile ground” as its meaning is in Alamarri tongue. Yet, this land did not become a nation until after 2800 years. Time passed basically in two ways. One; with the Alamarri being in war (either with the Tevinter Imperium or with other fellow tribes) and two; with the Alamarri advancing, creating a political system which is still preserved and with nobles turning their land into bannorns, Arlings and Teyrnirs without leaving behind the tradition of infighting with their ultimate goal being power.

It was during the time of Exalted Age when Calenhad came into the picture. The son of a merchant, Calenhad ended up fighting over kingship. His honor and leadership abilities gained him respect, armies and powerful allies (such as The Circle of Magi and the Ash Warriors) and at 5:42 Exalted, when a landsmeet was called, Calenhad challenged his biggest rival Simeon- the teyrn of Denerim- to a duel. The combat ended with Calenhad the victor. The nobles voted him king, Ferelden was officially established and Calendhad Theirin started the royal family of Theirins which would occupy the throne for the next three centuries to come.

It seemed though that there was to be no peace in the realm. 7:5 Storm and Arland Theirin, whose reputation of tyrant preceded him, is the king of Ferelden. His ruling led to some banns asking Warden-Commander Sophia Dryden (who had a claim on the throne) to intervene and the Warden agreed, breaking the famous neutrality of Grey Wardens. This entire conflict led to Wardens and King’s soldiers fighting each other at Soldier’s Peak. King Arland emerged victorious and the Wardens were banished from Ferelden.

As far as Blessed Age is concerned, the most important event for Ferelden history was the Orlesian Invasion. Orlais attacked Ferelden, conquered it and held it under its occupation for 78 years. Ferelden was later free from its conquerors when Maric Theirin, the rightful heir to the throne, and Loghain, a commoner, brought the battle to the Orlesian king. By 9:2 Dragon, through blood and fight, Maric challenged the king to a duel and killed him in single combat, ending Orlais’ occupation at that very moment.

Fereldens, of course, wouldn’t be able to sleep easy at nights for the Fifth Blight knocked on their door. In 9:30 Dragon, the Grey Wardens (now allowed to return to Ferelden by Maric) with the help of King Cailan’s armies tried to stop it but were abandoned on battlefield by Loghain and his troops. In result, the darkspawn crushed them. Loghain claimed the throne shortly after, igniting suspicions in the other nobles and sparking a civil war in the middle of the Blight.

However, two Wardens were able to stop the Blight, with one of them being Alistair, the illegitimate son of Maric Theirin. The Wardens with the help of their allies deposed Loghain, united Ferelden and saved the land from the threat of darkspawn. Alistair was crowned king and immediately overseered the forming of a Circle of Magi in Denerim. Then, in 9:37 Dragon the Mage-Templar war was ignited and the entire Thedas found itself on the cusp of chaos until 9:47 Dragon, when the Weisshaupt Accord was signed. It has to be noted that Alistair is the current king of Ferelden.

### Brief Timeline

* “-1220 TE:” The Alamarri tribes head south and settle on a new land they name Ferelden.

* “5:42 Exalted:” Calenhad Theirin becomes king and officially establishes Ferelden as a nation.

* “7:5 Storm:” Warden-Commander Sophia Dryden breaks the Wardens’ neutrality and rallies her forces against King-Tyrant Arland Theirin. The Wardens are defeated at Soldier’s Peak and Arland banishes them from Ferelden.

* “8:24 Blessed:” Orlais invades Ferelden. 20 years later Fereldan lands are occupied by Orlesian forces.

* “9:2 Dragon:” After the events of an uprising, Maric Theirin – the rightful heir to the throne- challenges Orlesian King of Ferelden to a duel and kills him. Maric is crowned king and Ferelden is a free country again. It has to be noted that Loghain, a commoner, fought along Maric for Ferelden’s freedom.

* “9:30 Dragon:” The Fifth Blight begins. Loghain abandons King Cailan and the Wardens on the battlefield to die against the darkspawn. Loghain occupies the throne.

* “9:31 Dragon:” Archdemon Urthemiel is slain by the Warden in Ferelden and Warden Alistair, the illegitimate son of Maric, is appointed the new king.

* “9:37 Dragon:” The Mage- Templar war ignites.

* “9:47 Dragon:” King Alistair, along with many other important figures of Thedas, signs the Weisshaupt Accord.