The Subdivisions of Shireroth

Duchy of BrookShire

Head of State: Kaiser Mors II

Brookshire, named for the many tributaries of the Elwynn River which run through it, is the oldest part of Shireroth, and contains the capital and largest city, Shirekeep. Being closest to the Khaz Modan, it shows the most marks of their ancient occupation, and the south is littered with ruins where wise people rarely go, especially after dark. The tribes in the south are ethnically different from the rest of the Shirerothian population and may descend from Khaz Modanis. In the west are the Musicans, who built a great empire before the time of the Kaisers by controlling all trade on the Elwynn. Their city was once the greatest in Shireroth and perhaps the whole hemisphere, but now lies in ruins. The story goes that they resisted the first Kaisers surprisingly long and hard, and that the Metzler-Ly’Technomaezj line has hated them ever since. The northwest contains the Technomaezj tribes, from whom came the first Kaisers. Over many millennia, they would eventually conquer first Brookshire and later the entire Shirerothian territory. The Technomaezji, of whom the Ly’Technomaezj tribe has been the most powerful in latter days, are marked by a warlike nature and a fascination with science. Some of them are reportedly of Treesian stock and are said to have certain powers that escape other Shirerothians – the Kaisers claim to also have some Khaz Modanian blood. The first few Kaisers are probably either legendary or greatly exaggerated, but we do know that the leader of the confederation of the Technomaezji was calling himself Kaiser by the time of Erik I. By the time of Trantor I, they had subdued the southern Khaz Modan tribes either by force or by alliances, and were engaged in a great war against the Musican Empire. It was Trantor who finally subdued Musica and gave the Kaisers control over all of Brookshire, and it was his successor, Edward I, who relocated the capital from a nameless camp in the western hills to the great stone citadel of Shirekeep where the Elwynn converges.
(from the BrookShire blurb by Kaiser Los I)

Duchy of Goldshire

Head of State: Duke dStryker

Goldshire is named for its vast resources of gold, which were exploited and desired by virtually all the great ancient empires. Treesians (or perhaps Five Islanders) in the area believed it was inhabited by elves, giving the Elwynn River its name. Khaz Modanians definitely reached Goldshire Hamlet at least, and remnants of their mine shafts dot the landscapes. Even some of the tribes of the area that would later become Audentior and Automatica set up little fiefdoms to try and get at the area’s mineral wealth, as did the Istvanistanis. With such foreign influence, the Goldshire natives never had the opportunity to develop an empire or even a strong culture. They were usually used as cheap labor by the foreigners or worked in widely spread fields as peasant farmers. By the time of the Kaisers, they were beginning to resent this, and when conflicts with the Treesians led Nicolas II to invade, the Goldshire natives welcomed the control of the southerners as a liberation and rose up to support them. As such, the Kaisers received pretty much the entire area in a single twelve-year campaign, although the Istvanistani portions in the far west held out a while longer. The patchwork of different cities and fiefdoms was incredibly confusing, and so Kaiser Raynor VII reorganized it into its current counties, and razed a few cities to make room for new ones. For the capital of the region, he chose an old Treesian town, the greatest of the mining colonies, and spent vast sums of money creating what he called Goldshire City. Unfortunately, the vision of a great metropolis never really panned out due to the Goldshirerothians rural nature, and the city became known, jokingly at first, and then officially, as Goldshire Hamlet. Because the natives petitioned very strongly for home rule, Kaiser Daniel II created the Ducal system and appointed Cerno Au, once a Shirerothian partisan against the colonists in Nicolas’ campaign, as the first Duke of Goldshire.
(from the Goldshire blurb by Kaiser Los I).

Duchy of Kildare

Head of State: Duke Fax Celestis

Kildare is the birthplace of modern civilization and achieved its greatest power in middle-historical times as the Union of Apollo States. After the Khaz Modan Empire collapsed and sent repercussions around the world, which were exacerbated by the sinking of the Five Isles, most of the great civilizations of the past were lost. The Kaisers of Shireroth at that time managed to keep their empire together, but only nominally. It was in Kildare that two great civilizations sprung up side by side, the Audentes and the Automatics, and it was just to the north that the Blackrockers prospered in times of old. It was the Kildareans who colonized many other lands, adding their own ideas and systems of government to those who were already there. The Demesosians, just to the east of Kildare, colonized Tapfer; the Audentes colonized Hyperborea, the Automatics colonized Automatica, and there was even a very strong Audente and Demesosian influence on Shireroth. But the nations of Kildare never got along very well. Their last hope was as a Union of Apollo States, when delegates from many different countries joined together into a single entity. Unfortunately, sovereignists in Jasonia started a number of riots that the government was unable to deal with, and the nation collapsed. In the civil war that followed, thousands were killed, and the incredible infrastructure and massive industrial base of what was once by far the most powerful region in all the world was left in ruins. Finally, the President, a nominal officeholder without much control outside of Apollo City, invited the newly resurgent Shireroth to help regain order. Kaiser Gaelen I was all too happy to oblige, and in a nine-year campaign he brought peace to the shattered region and placed President Foley in the palace of Apollo City as Duke of Kildare, Kildare being the old Shirerothian name for the Union. Today, Kildare has never really recovered from its war. The Apollo Foundation claimed Apollo City as the common heritage of all mankind, and the capital of the Duchy moved to Blackrock Nua. A few half-hearted attempts were made to rebuild, but they all came up against the incredible weight of history that lay thick upon the whole area. Today, the Blackrock Nua region alone is somewhat industrialized, and the rest of the Duchy are either in farming or the tourism industry. Although the current Duke, Fax Celestis, is well-respected and generally obeyed, the unity of the region is divided by ancient hatreds – the people from formerly Audente areas stay away from those from formerly Automatic areas, and vice versa.
(from the Kildare blurb by Kaiser Los I)

Barony of Schlangen
(Kildare)

Head of State: Baroness Sabriel

The Barony of Schlangen, home of the Shirithian Air Force, A.S.T.R.O., and dStryker's private estate, was made up of the former Duchy of Gong Li, the lands of Erior, and the Raynor Isles. One of the most active subdivisions in Shireroth, great things continue to come out of this midsized barony.

Barony of
Novi Dalmacija
(Kildare)

Head of State: Baron For Her Light

Welcome to the Barony of Novi Dalmacija. A grand ol' place. Many a found memory can be traced back here.. and now it lives again!
(Kaiseress Vivantia I)

And a lot of bad memories that ought to have remained buried. For there was much stupidity, immaturity, and annoyance associated with this land, and with the lands around it. Let us pray that all such has run its course, and that a new age is ready.
(Duke Scott Siskind)

From here, I will bring the golden age that was meant to be and never was. Or I might just use it as my own private fiefdom to make myself all high and mighty... Maybe a little bit of both.
(Baron For Her Light)

Barony of Vervollkommnung
(Kildare)

Head of State: Baron Je gange

Our newest barony, Vervollkommnung is the territory which used to be known as GAPR, apparently. Vervollkommnung means perfection in German, and what we seem to have in this little Barony is the perfect Communist state. And Shireroth did it before Baracao. Hehehe... mwahahaha.

Ahem, yes, indeed.

Just in case you were wondering what the flag says...

Thanedom of
Kitanus Fields
(Kildare)

Head of State: Thane Eros Darkstar

Kitanus Fields Page

Long have the fields stood in the cold plains of Kildare... long have they been simply "Unorganized", a list of territory owned but unconquered... perhaps fodder for a Duke's 'To Do' list... On a dark and windy day, one came knocking at the door of the Castle at Blackrock Nua... a rider out of the wilds, clothed all in black and green, and mounted on a gigantic black tiger. With bold purpose did he stride to the chambers of Fax Celestis, full of mystery and poise. As Fax stood, the black rider saluted him. "I bring you greetings from the Kitanus Fields, O my Duke," stated the tall plainsman, throwing Celestis off gaurd. "I am Eros, the Thane of the Fields and Lord of the Endless Twilight." He strode across the chamber to the map of Kildare. Drawing his sabre and slashing it's point into the area labeled 'Unorganized', he grinned. "I've taken the liberty of 'organizing' it for you. The nomads call ME lord, now... and I swear fealty to you." With that, he strode from the room. The Kitanus Fields are covered in a perpetual deep fog, and are inhabited by nomads who ride giant felines. It is not known how these semi-intellegent creatures GOT to Kildare in the first place, but nobody has yet ventured into the fields to ask the Kitanians. The main city of Kitanus Fields is, as expected, Kitanus. The only other city is the tribal grounds of Qel'Athas, where the nomad tribes gather once a year to pray to the BO0O/\/\ist gods. Otherwise, they live on the fields, raising horses and training for the day when their hordes will overcome other lands... and the blue and gold banners will outshine the sun, the moon, and the blood on thier bayonets.
(from the Kitanus Fields blurb by ErosDarkstar)

Duchy of Yardistan

Head of State: Anarch Gryphon Avacatio

Yardistan Page

Old Yardistan Forums

The Isle of Yardistan was first discovered by the mariners of the Brookshire and the Khaz Modan in ancient times. They called it Gronoroth. Some years afterwards, the people of Istvanistan also set up settlements on the Isle’s eastern coast, trading their explosives for high quality gems from the north. Through the next few centuries, Gronoroth prospered, but soon it became an irresistible prize for the growing Khaz Modan empire. They conquered it, driving out the Istvanistanis in the east, but when Istvanistan gained in power under King Istvan II they took back Yardistan from the now weak Khaz Modanis, calling it Izvaniard and resuming the gems – explosives trade. The wise Istvanistani rule brings great prosperity to the Isle, and after the Machiavellian lands to the west revolt successfully against the Khaz Modan, they are inspired to try a similar revolt against Istvanistan, and succeed. Calling themselves the Iardistani, they believe they are destined for a great future. Unfortunately, a number of climactic changes nearly destroy them. Their government collapses and they are reduced to warring tribes. Finally, the climate stabilizes, and the successors of the old Iardistan government, now Yardistan due to gradual linguistic shifts, retake the island with the help of some Shirerothian troops. However, Shireroth gradually attempts to control the culture and government of Yardistan, finally attempting to impose their religion on the Yardistanis, who follow a different Boomist sect. Although the Yardistanis inflict major damage on the Shirerothians and force them to agree to a truce, Shirerothian armies almost totally overrun Yardistan, razing the capital of Blassburk. The island remains an unimportant and savage land until Stjepan Aracic, a descendent of Istvan, and Istvanistani noble was given control of Yardistan by the government as a last ditch effort. For a few years he ruled well and wisely, and the Isle gained slightly in power and wealth, but when he became on the verge of Transcending, he asked Kaiser Gaelen I of Shireroth to take control of the Isle for him. Gaelen, who already ruled the neighboring lands of Amity and Mirioth, agreed, and Yardistan became a Shirerothian duchy.
(from the Yardistani blurb by Kaiser Los I)

Duchy of Elwynn

Head of State: Duke Scott Siskind

Elwynn Page

Elwynn, the land between the rivers, was incredibly fertile, and was guarded jealously by its natives, the Elw, who achieved great renown in battle defending themselves from the foreigners of Goldshire. When the Kaisers built their great city of Shirekeep virtually under the Elwys’ noses, three of their tribes attacked, vengeful at the enemies of their old allies, the Musicans. When the Shirerothian forces defeated them with ease, they were highly impressed and petitioned to join Shireroth of their own free will, particularly since border raids by proto-Machiavellians were leaving them weak and vulnerable. This was just after Kaiser Daniel II had arranged the Duchy system for Goldshire, and he made Elwynn the third duchy. Raids by the Machiavellians continued until well into historical times, leading Kaiser Timothy I to create Fort Francis on the western border. Although currently peace and friendship prevails between Mach and Shire, the fort remains, and a moderate-sized city has grown up around it. It was also instrumental in the defense of Elwynn and Shirekeep from the Cimmerians, who invaded in the reign of Timothy II. The defense of Fort Francis is still remembered as one of the greatest Shirerothian military events of all time.
(from the Elwynn blurb by Kaiser Los I)

Duchy of Straylight

Head of State: Duke Zhaki

Straylight Page

The Duchy of Straylight is certainly the most unique region of Shireroth. It has always been rumored that dolphins are as intelligent (if not more intelligent) than men, and that the only barrier to communication is the totally different languages and environments they live in. But a scientist from Brookshire, Edward Rupen, refused to let this daunt him. Working with a dolphin named Zhaki, he developed a Common-Dolphin dictionary, and managed to open negotiations between Kaiser Gaelen II and the leader of the most influential pod of dolphins in the Halberd Strait, whose name can be approximated in Common as Ari (although his last name, no matter how expert the translation, still continues to sound like random dolphin clicks). Ari became one of the few beings the Kaiser trusted, and he made an alliance between the Salomon Pod and the Imperial Republic. The dolphins got some high technology out of the deal, and Gaelen got some of the most inconspicuous spies in the history of espionage. It is worth noting that during his entire reign, the Shirerothian fleet was never surprised by foreign navies no matter how complete their planning. But when Gaelen fell ill, he became paranoid, and started distrusting even his most loyal Dukes. Finally, he left it in his will that no human was worthy to be his successor, and he gave the Kaiserial crown to Ari. Unfortunately, the dolphin leader died shortly afterwards (to be replaced with his son of the same name…the son was Ari I, since Delphinian numbering always starts with zero.). This son had a great respect for Shireroth, and was inexperienced with leadership. He asked Steward Celestis to make the Straylight Reef, home of the Salomon Pod as well as some lesser groups of dolphin socities, a Duchy of Shireroth, and the Steward agreed. Today Straylight is the most important dolphin community in the world, and its banks are centers for the study and promotion of greater Human-Delphinian relations.

Duchy of Lothlaria

Head of State: Duke Raglan

As Duke of Lothlaria, I hereby declare the Duchy of Lothlaria in the Imperial Republic of Shireroth as a safe-haven paradise for all kiwis. Let this endangered race thrive in this perfect, wonderful place!

As well, we must preach to others the situation of the kiwi. We must show to other micronations of the problems of the kiwi and our goal of protecting the kiwi and keeping the kiwi in its native habitat. Let us go out to show others that the kiwi is worth saving!
(Duke Raglan)

Sorry, I just couldn't find anything that represented Lothlaria better. ^_^

Duchy of Jaris

Head of State: Duke JoeWhit

Centrally located between the Imperium of Cognito and Lac Glacei and Lyrica, Jaris is of extreme strategic importance. After a Cognitan emperor of the Jacobin dynasty launched a failed attack on Lyrica in the first century ASC, the two nations were extremely hostile, although there was a weak pro-Cognitan faction in Lyrica which gained power from time to time, decreasing the intensity of the conflict. But by the fifth century, animosity had extended to the point where the Cognitans were building an armada to take Lyrica by the sea. As part of this plan, the outlying island of Jaris, which was formerly unpopulated, was colonized by a number of Cognitan sailors and military men as an important supply base. As the invasion fleet grew, two more outposts were set up. Yet the invasion failed, miserably, and led to a Lyrican counterattack in which Jaris was taken completely and Lyrican troops pushed all the way to the gates of Ergosum, the Imperial capital. Fearful of a revolt and mindful of the strategic importance of the isle, the Lyricans launched a successful colonization effort, and soon they outnumbered the original Cognitan population by a significant margin. When the Empire took Jaris back in 735, they too tried colonization, but less successfully - by this time a distinct Jarisean culture had formed that the Cognitans could not supplant. In 801, a treaty between the victorious Lyrica and the now-defeated Empire gave Jaris back to the Lyricans, but this time Jaris was not willing to be traded like a pawn. Under the leadership of Governor Philban, they revolted, and fought off both sides for nearly a century. Finally, though, they wearied of war, and Philban's son approached the Kaiser of Shireroth about making it a Duchy in exchange for protection. The Kaiser agreed, and Joe Whittaberg, a leading pro-Shireroth citizen, was made the first Duke. Meanwhile, the war's effect on the Empire and Lyrica was no less drastic. Lyrica collapsed completely into anarchy because of protests, and Cognito joined Tymaria as a state.
Jariseans, although now a Duchy, still feel a close bond to the Empire of Cognito and Lac Glacei. Due to their distance from Shirekeep, very few of them are interested in Shirerothian politics, and most are content to let the Kaiser run things with minimal input, making Jaris Shireroth's least active Duchy.
(from the Jaris blurb by Scott Siskind)