| Grand Sovereignty of Alceyn | |
 |
|
 |
|
| Capital | New Alceyn |
| Government | King Kalland II |
| Languages | Trade Common |
| Inhabitants | Humans |
| Currency | Alceyn Mark |
| Formation | Life 12, NE 6? |
Despite the name, Alceyn is not the Alceyn of old. It is one of two nations whose nobility claims descent from King Alwyc II and divine right to rule over all the provinces of Old Alceyn. Strangely, the other nations which broke away from Alceyn fail to recognize this right.
People
Alceyn is populated by several races, however, Humans are the primary race and comprise most of the ruling class. City-dwellers in Alceyn tend to be fiercely patriotic, while the rural population is more likely to be seditious, bearing the brunt of Alceyn’s numerous wars with its neighbors.
Politics
Much of Alceyn’s politics follow the system of Old Alceyn, though much reduced in scope. Alceyn’s seemingly impossible national goal is the re-conquest of its former territories in northern Gwalynn. The primary focus of this crusade is to vanquish East Alceyn, which has the temerity to claim true descent from Old Alceyn. Adding insult to injury is the fact that East Alceyn controls Old Alceyn’s capital, Alceyn City.
Monarch
Alceyn is ruled by a powerful monarch, though not absolute. The king or queen is tasked with the public defense, conducting foreign affairs, and providing for the personal administration of provinces of the Royal Demesne. The ruler themselves is referred to formally as the Crown of the Tower, referring again to the titles of Old Alceyn, while the heir apparent is designated the Prince/Princess of the Tower. Non-heir children of the monarch are referred to as Prince/Princess of the Blood.
Assembly of Lords
The monarch is advised by the Assembly of Lords, formed by all landed nobles above baronet rank. The position is nominally hereditary, but in the absence of an heir or extreme malfeasance or suitability of a monarch or heir, the Assembly can change the ruling house by a 2/3 vote, weighted by rank. (in order highest-to-lowest: Prince, Archduke, Duke, Marchwarden, Jarl, Count, Viscount, Baron) Also, the Assembly may appoint a steward to assist an underage heir until they reach their majority. Approval of a steward requires a simple majority.
The Nobility
Noble titles are hereditary, and nobles rule over the traditional fiefdoms of the realm. Membership in the peerage confers the right to wear arms, maintain a coterie-in-arms, to maintain personal heraldry, to hold a fief for the throne, and to hold a manor in demesne. Titles of Baronet rank and below are conferred the right to wear arms, maintain a coterie-in-arms, and to hold a manor in demesne, but not to wear arms or hold a fief.
Heirs are granted title of one rank below their primogenitor for purposes of rank, and are often fostered to other noble families or to estates in the capital for education. Non-heir offspring are often married into other houses or granted minor estates within the lands to administer for their lord or lady. The nobles will occasionally contend with one another over local issues such as water rights, road access, or border demarcations, but these are restricted to fewer than 1,000 soldiers per side, and rampant destruction or rapacious behavior is strictly prohibited by law.