Gervlend

Gervlend (officially the Kingdom of Gervlend) is a relatively young and recently founded nation in Burithién, gaining independence in 2916 after being a major territory of the Conoilithian Empire. Its capital is at Væmligholm, which also serves as the residence of the King of Gervlend, who is a constitutional monarch.

HISTORY
Gervlend did not exist as a proper, united, sovereign national entity until it gained its independence from the Conoilithian Empire. Before becoming a territory of the Conoilithian Empire, Gervlend was a collection of independent clans and earldoms who shared a common ancestry and language that they used for trade (though regional dialects would certainly remain as a thing). It is believed that the Gervlendese are distantly related to the Mittelrijkians, as small similarities have been noted in their languages. The Gervlendese developed a written culture relatively late compared to the rest of the world, most of it consisting of carving or burning runes into pieces of bone or wooden tablets. Their society relied largely on hunting and gathering, although in the more southerly regions of what would eventually become Gervlend, communities did participate in some agriculture. Coastal settlements relied on fishing. Due to the harsh climate and the ever present threat of wolves or pirate raiders from the Northern Isles, most villages in Gervlend closer to the coast were surrounded by wooden defensive walls, and later on the Gervlendese would come to develop fortress-towns during the inevitable periods of mutual warring and pillaging that would occur. A century or so before the Conoilithian invasion, it was agreed by the clans that they would elect a Prince to rule them and maintain order, although in effect the Prince would only be a figurehead.

In 2336, the Conoilithian Empire began its invasion of Gervlend. 3 legions were deployed from Conoilith, and these encountered numerous hill tribes in the south of Gervlend. Although they were quickly defeated in battle by the far superior Imperial Army, they were able to raise the alarm, and soon the Prince found himself surrounded by representatives imploring him to take action. Attempts by the Conoilithians to send spies in order to make the Prince surrender were foiled, and a new Prince was chosen, who promptly rallied the tribes in a war against the Conoilithians.

In 2338, Gervlend was completely conquered and officially became a territory of the Conoilithian Empire.