Gallance
The nation of Gallance, situated on the western shore of the Cerulean Sea, emerged from the ashes of the Valorian Empire some seven centuries ago. It is a highly devout land, known for its unique blend of martial prowess and artistic devotion, enshrined into its culture through a constitutional mandate called the Harmony Edict. Over the centuries, Gallance has prospered thanks to its focus on creativity, along with its fertile lands, and rich silver deposits.
The Harmony Doctrine
Unique to Gallance, the Harmony Doctrine was established shortly after the nation was founded to foster unity, cultural identity, and social cohesion through the arts. Recognizing the power of artistic expression, it mandates arts education across all social strata. Its impact is evident in comprehensive school curricula, crown-funded community programs, public performance, and grand festivals.
History
Caeloria goes to war with Valoria
Caeloria conquered, renamed to The Marches
Gallance founded
King Gallance Corvinus I dies
Caeldoria (~2,500+ years ago):
The region now called Gallance was once known as Caeldoria, a lush land home to scattered tribes with no central government. Conflict between the tribes was common, and though a few attempts were made to unify them, nothing ever took hold.
The Marches (~2,500 years ago):
Early in the rise of Valoria, Caeldoria was conquered and renamed into the Province of The Marches. A land of immense natural wealth - especially rich silver deposits - Valoria poured money and soldiers into The Marches. In the years to follow the landscape was transformed as roads, aqueducts, and bridges were established, castles and forts constructed and manned, and schools, temples, and public buildings raised.
The Kingdom of the Marches (~700 years ago):
Following Valoria’s fall, the provincial governor Gallan Corvinus brought the nobles together and established the Kingdom of the Marches. The Articles of Governance were drafted, a document establishing the foundation of the nation’s laws, and Gallan was installed as the fledgling nation’s king.
Kingdom of Gallance (~600 years ago):
Gallan ruled for 45 years, before his daughter Eloise ascended to the throne. Under her rule, the kingdom was renamed to Gallance, the Harmony Doctrine was established, enshrining the arts in the nation’s laws, and the Common Accord was adopted, ensuring the rights of all people of the kingdom. No one since has done so much to leave their mark upon Gallance.
People
Nobility: Those born to noble families enjoy the greatest social standing in Gallance. They are the leaders and governors of the people from the king or queen to the local lord or lady. Only nobility can own land within the kingdom and it is the nobility, guided by the Articles of Governance and Common Accord, who are responsible for the dispensation of justice.
Clergy: Few places in Veylantia are as devout as Gallance, which recognizes three pillars of society: the crown, the arts, and the Veil. The power and influence of the clergy of the Veil of Veritas cannot be understated and the Arch Prelate is second only to the crown in authority.
Culturière (kool-tu-ree-air): The culturière is a special caste within society and includes artists of all types be they painters, sculptors, musicians, poets, or performers. The culturière enjoy special protections and are exempted from work through crown-funded programs originating in the Harmony Doctrine.
Peasantry: By far the most numerous segment of Gallance society, the peasantry includes both freepeoples and artisans. Freepeoples form the backbone of Gallantian life, with most tied to a manor where they work the land. It is from them that the nation’s farmers, miners, foresters, laborers and the like are drawn. Artisans, the skilled workers of the nation, enjoy slightly more freedom and wealth, and it is from this segment that most business owners and skilled craftsfolk are found.
Government
Gallance is a feudal monarchy. The crown is the highest authority, ruling from the capital of Lumière. On the other end is the local lord, who governs a manor and its associated lands. The Articles of Governance, Common Accord, and Harmony Doctrine lay out the basics of the government’s power, but beyond what those, it falls to the ruling lord to establish and enforce law and order.
Gallance has three major regions: Mariselle to the west, Verdaine in the center, and Crestmont to the east. Each of these is ruled by a duke and under the divine authority of a prelate.
Regions
Gallance consists of three states. Mariselle to the west, Crestmont to the east and Verdaine tucked between them.
