Reingard

'The first of its kind in centuries, Reingard has been reborn. The land on which Reingard resides stands is the people's last bit of publicly claimed land and a beacon for our religious beliefs. For the first time in centuries, an Ashen Nation has risen.'

-Erik Ironblood

General Overview
Reingard (now called New Reingard) is a city-state nation in southern Sparwood, within the state of Leythe. The Norse/Viking-themed nation is ruled by Jarl Erik B. Ironblood. Reingard's originally was situated on a collection of island territories on the northern continent of Sparwood before relocating and spending years as a city.

The reingardians are originally of nordic decent, but, it has some minor German themes, in particular it’s name. The name Reingard is an old high german name that means "Resolution, Destiny and Protection." (originally when Reingard was created, it was made with the German Empire in mind, however, this idea didn’t last long. Soon after moving the South, it was officially changed to Viking)

Language
Reingard has two Languages, Travelers Tongue and Runic. While Travelers Tongue verbal/written communication is most often used by Reingardians and Ashen, from time to time, Runic is used for communication (usually through signs or books). The Runic alphabet goes as follows:

A-ᚪ B-ᛒ C-ᚳ D-ᛞ E-ᛖ F-ᚠ G-ᚷ H-ᚻ I-ᛁ J-ᛡ K-k L-ᛚ M-ᛗ N-ᚾ O-ᚩ P-ᛈ Q-q R-ᚱ S-ᛋ T-ᛏ U-ᚢ V-v W-ᚹ X-ᛉ Y-ᚣ Z-z

Government
Reingard uses a Ashen government, which is a Jarldom with a bit of democracy. The government consists of a King/Queen, Jarls, Law-speakers, Earls town leaders (sometimes city leaders). For In-game reasons, if the King/Queen, a Jarl, a Law-Speaker, or an Earl goes inactive (no reason given), they will have two-three weeks to return. The heir will take over if the King or Queen goes inactive. The Jarls will decide who will become the new King/Queen if there is no heir. If a Jarl goes inactive, either one of their law-speakers or a voted-in Earl will replace them. If a Law-speaker goes inactive, it will be the responsibility of their Jarl to replace them. The town can vote for a new Earl if an Earl goes inactive.

Ranks
King/Queen: Head of the nation.

Jarl: State/providence leaders.

Law-Speaker: Enforcers, seconds in command, advisors, assist in developing laws, ext.. to the King/Queen and Jarls.

Earl: Town/City leaders.

Housecarl: The personal troops/bodyguard of King/Queen, Jarls, and earls. (can be for rp purposes or actual protection)

Thane: Someone recognized by the King/Queen or a Jarl as a “person of great importance.”

The Folkmoot
The Ashen Folkmoot is a Court consisting of the King/Queen, Jarls, Law-speakers, Earls, and select Thanes. The Folkmoot takes place twice a month, during times of crisis or if the King/Queen calls for one. The purpose of the folkmoot is to assist the King/Queen in decision making or, if called on by the king or queen, a vote.

Justice System
The Reingard justice system is undergoing changes as Jarl Ironblood is working on a reformed system. The old system is listed below.

(old System) People who are arrested for a crime will be brought to court. The Jarl (or Earl), Law-Speakers, and a public audience will be present. The defendant's crime will be read out before the court, after which he may choose someone to act as his lawyer. The rest is a regular court trial with the Jarl (or Earl) and Law-Speakers acting as the Judges and the audience acting as the Jury. When all the evidence is presented, and any witness testimony is finished, the Jarl (or Earl) and Law-Speakers will have the audience vote. Upon which a decision will be made and if needed, a punishment. If found guilty, the defendant can be given a wide range of penalties, all with different severity. Lesser crimes usually result in a fine with a max of 8-10k or a creative punishment. However, more severe offenses may result in imprisonment, outlawing (banishment [temp or permanent], no support or equipment, free game to your enemies while in this state), or death by Holmgang/execution.

(Jarl Ironbloods Reformed version) Unlike the original, the Ironblood reformed system to change how the courts work to match the current era. Instead of the Jarl, Earl, or law speakers acting as the Judges, an experienced Priest of Norn (goddess of Law, Order, and Nature), will now serve as the lone Judge rather than as lawyers. Before a trial begins, the defendant's crime is read out to the public a week prior as it will allow anyone who wants to participate in the Jury enough time to join, except anyone who may have any connection to the crime. The audience still acts as the Jury, but it will be something of a "first come-first serve" with a 24-person limit. The door for people to join the Jury will close before the trial begins. Afterward, no one else is allowed to enter or leave the Jury until the trial ends. If the limit isn't reached or left at an uneven number, the court will kick one person or select someone to ensure an even number. The trial will then go like any other court; the evidence, arguments, testimony, and jury voting on guilty/not guilty. The punishments for being found guilty are the same, with the defendant being given a wide range of penalties, all with different severity. Lesser crimes still result in a fine with a max of 8-10k or a creative punishment, while more severe offenses will result in imprisonment, temporary or permanent banishment where you'll free game to your enemies, or death by Holmgang/execution.

Location and Terrian
The nation is situated along the north coast of the Leythe State, south Leythe. The land Reingard had been resettled to was barren of any trees and littered with the remains of old and abandoned villages, with only a few active left and the city of Leythe. After Reingard resettlement into the Leythe lands, life began to flourish, but only a little; there was still more work to be done.

Religion
The official religion of Reingard is the Church of the Stahl Riesa. A Norse-based polytheistic religion that worships nine main deities. Other religions are allowed, as in Stahl Riesa; it recognizes the existence of other possible deities, not a part of the belief. Exceptions for other religions are made. While the official state religion is Stahl Riesa (Church of the Stahl Riesa), exceptions are made for other beliefs.

Culture
Reingard is an Ashen nation, so its culture comprises Ashen customs and traditions. (The base of Ashen culture is Viking). Only a few Customs are listed down below (As to not flood the page, if you want to learn more, here is the Ashen Page)

Declaring War
War is declared on a neighboring group through two methods. 1st is the all-common formal declaration, writing or declaring for the world to hear that you're going to war. Then there's the Axe way, where the Jarl will send an axe to said village or nation's leader, at which point, receiving the axe, the other leader can choose to keep it or send it back. There will be no war if the axe is kept unless declared formally. If the axe is sent back, it will indicate that the other leader has accepted the declaration.

Holmgang
Holmgang (best pronounced as "home-gang") is the act in which citizens settle their disputes through dueling. This practice is used for disputes, marriage counseling, and general sport.

Marriage and Families
Weddings are the same as worshippers of the Church of Stahl Riesa. Rather than follow a traditional wedding, the couple will instead come together either in a (natural or artificial) underground cave/room or in the forest at midnight. The only participants should be the couple and a priest; anyone else isn’t necessarily to be there. The Priest then speaks, after which he will ask the two if they will accept each other. Upon acceptance, the couple will then be declared wedded.

Families will often live together in large groups. This includes Parents, children, and grandparents. Depending on the family and hut size, they may dig out more space beneath their home to accommodate. When family members go raiding, their spouse's responsibility is to take on their husband/wife roles until they return.

The Mark of the Jarl
The Mark of the Jarl is a red mark that's painted onto a warrior's helmet. Apart of Reingard and Ashen’s military culture, the only people who possess the mark are warriors who proved themselves worthy.

Gallery
Banner & Flag

The Meaning behind the Flag
The flag holds a special place in the hearts of Reingardians. Each of its colors and emblems represents different aspects of its people. The colors represent Red - strength, grey - wisdom, and Black - determination. The original design had an eagle emblem, but in the new version, it’s removed. The Iron Cross represents honor and bravery. The anvil represents the Ashen, their pride of smithing and religious beliefs, while the rising sun behind the anvil represents a new beginning.

Secretive Founding
[Date: May 19th-21, 2021]

Reingard was founded by Drake Von Marux, who settled in an abandoned settlement, although the nation has yet to be made public. Drake Von Marux would make his nation known to the World on May 19th, 2021.

The Arxellan Dispute
[Duration: May 22nd, 2021 - May 31th, 2021]

The Vassal Kingdom of Arxella began a minor dispute over the ownership of the Islands. However, this little dispute essentially went nowhere, with no blood being shed. In the end, Reingard would be given an ultimatum to pay a sum of 35,000 or face the wrath of Arxella over some "Irrelevant, Unused, Ruined structures." Drake, in the end, would acquiesce to the demand made with him spending three days gathering enough ores to sell and reach that target sum. Thereby ending the Arxellan Dispute and securing Reingard's Independence to Arxella's begrudged acknowledgment. On may 31st, 2021, Reingard officially became a recognized independent nation from Arxellan.

Reingard Joins the CSS
[Date: June 12th-July 7th, 2021]

After being threatened with Invasion by Niedea over an attempt to purchase land, Reingard Joined the CSS, gaining a seat in their senate and further establishing diplomatic relations with most of the nations on Sparwood, being given 'military protection from the CSS. Although never mentioned or required to sign official documentation, Reingrd was considered a member nation. However, this would not last long, as the CSS would dissolve almost a month later, being referred to as "dead." (Reason has yet to be identified and may never will).

The Frosmyre Debate
[Date: July 8th-9th, 2021]

Following the CSS collapse, Reingard was in a debate on whether or not to join Frosmyre, a previous associate of the CSS. Upon coming to a final decision, Drake would announce to all his citizens that Reingard would be joining Frosmyre as a state, hoping to lay the foundations of a Sparwood Empire. Additionally, they would benefit from a better economy, a more robust and better-equipped military, and new citizens. The one benefit that Reingard was given was the choice of leaving Frosmyre if Reingard deemed it necessary, as long as there was no “bad blood” between the two nations.

Unfortunate events, downfall and reform
[Date: September 7th-16th, 2021]

Upon returning home from traveling, it was discovered that Reingard had been robbed in the middle of the night. While most of its people and homes were not affected, the same cannot be said about the castle. It was discovered that someone had climbed over its walls and taken everything of value from within. Upon this discovery, fear spread throughout the state as no one knew whether the thieve(s) would return to finish the job. As a result, left with no other choice, Drake would ultimately abandon Reingard. Some would split from the main group for unknown reasons, never to be seen again. While the rest set out to find a new home. After speaking with one of the leaders of the new Frosterium Empire, a new land down south was provided for Drake and his people. They were placed in the state of Leythe, where they started building a village called Reingard. They would discover a sizeable Vulkan forge and develop quite a decent town.

Changing Nations and war?
[Date: October 10th-December 21th, 2021]

On 10/22/21, the Frosterium empire collapsed into various states. Upon this, New Reingard was officially placed within the newly formed nation of Paradise. However, this was not to last. On 11/04/21, the high queen of Paradise stepped down from her throne and merged the country with the socialist state of Tovarisha. A month later, Leythe was sold to the New Avarian Republic, but with widespread anger from the Tovarisha Public. (Long story short, the owner of Leythe sold the state to Avaria, and most of the Tovarisha government didn't like this. After the first Khadirs died, the new one declared the sale illegitimate and banished the original state owner and her group from Tovarisha.) Things calmed down a little after 12/18/21. Half of the Leythe State will be given to Tovarisha and the rest to Avaria; however, war seems inevitable. With a possible war on its way and an increase in bandit activity in the area, It was decided that New Reingard must be ready. Using a winter peace to their advantage, the Reingardians began building walls, setting various defenses, and stocking up on equipment.

The Great Expanse
[Date: January 15th- February 24th]

The Great Expanse. A plan that would lead New Reingard down the path of turning the quiet village into a grand ashen city. The people's goals were set in place on (1/15/22) with the first step was to replace the old wall with a larger and stronger one to encase the entire area. It took weeks, but the wall was to be completed in time, with a canal separating the original village from the new. The next step was constructing a better port with a drydock and plans for improved housing. Over the next couple of weeks, members of Reingard would continue to develop and grow the village into a city. They had built stables, shops, a market, a considerable port, a fighting arena, upgrades to the church, and a redesign of the old town.

Joining Borhammar
[Date: March 26th ]

On 3/26/22, during the early morning hours, it was discovered that the Avaria government had merged with a foreign nation. While the nation was going downhill recently, many found that merging with another country was an extreme step. However, it was then announced that the Leythe state would be handed over to the neighboring nation of Borhammer, a pirate nation with ties to Tortuga. While it was unexpected and stock to the people of Reingard, it was soon welcomed.

The collapse of an empire, Arising nations.
[Date: August 2-13 ]

Between Ausust 2nd to the 13th, Borhammar joined Tortuga, reuniting the pirate empire, only for it to begin to collapse a week later due to one lost battle. As the nation started to collapse and states started to leave, a few cities, along with reingard, set up a meeting. It was decided that these towns would come together to form a confederation called Reinrose. The Reinrose Confederation was officially announced on august 13th.

Leaving Reinrose, Joining Valondor.
[Date: September 30- November 18 }

After roughly two months, and due to internal turmoil, Reingard and a majority of the Reinrose cities separated from the nation and joined Valondor. Over the next two months, Drake would retire to travel the world, handing control of the city over to an Ashen who he had helped during the Segra attack on Leythe city, Erik B. Ironblood, a doctor and head of the Ironblood House.

Rejoining Tortuga, and then leaving.
[Date: September 31- February 15 }

Shortly after joining Valondor, due to an unknown agreement between the leaders of Tortuga and Valondor, the nation was merged into the Tortuga empire. While this upset many people, there was little any could do. Months later, Valondor leader, Spades Maitonoki-Morningstar, having multiple issues with Tortuga leader, Ulifer, declared separation from the empire, followed by various other cities/states, including Friholm. Having close ties to some of these leaders, Jarl Ironblood opted to join the exoduses by announcing the following:

"It appears Tsun has brought the tide of war upon us again, frændi (friend). In times past, Tulipia and Friholm have aided us, just as we have for you. Therefore, although we have little to offer you, we of Reingard will join you, whether it be by the forge of arms or in glorious battle. We shall thrive in glory, but if we are to fall, the Varðir shall carry us to the halls of Valnir, where we will feast with the gods."

"We officially declare separation from Tortuga and offer to sign ourselves in a blood pact as a vassal of Friholm. We offer our armor, sword, shield, and knowledge. We shall sail on the horizon, bearing the iron flag, and break the long-held grip Tortuga has had on our lands."

Although it may very well be a death wish, should they be victorious, it would be freedom from the nation juggling Reingard had to experience for years. Reingard, although a vassal, would become a nation once more.