The Heradi

[Verion]

The isle of Alrodey is devided into seven Heradi, these Heradi are provinces with limited self-determination. Because of the rough landscape of Alrodey and the long distances between towns, the people of the island often have an independent nature and rely more on their neighbours and communities than on the government in Ashington. The seven Heradi of Alrodey are as follows:

Ashing

Pop: 678.000
Capital: Ashington

The capital of Alrodey is located in this Heradi, which has a very similar name. Ashing is one of the most populous of the provinces and is located around the Storm Bay. The province is much more urbane than the rest of the island. Ashington, the capital, is not only the largest city and capital of Alrodey, but also the center of political, cultural and economic life. The port of Ashington serves as one of the main connections between Alrodey and mainland Tapfer.

Bergen

Pop: 372.000
Capital: Mokerheim

Bergen is the northernmost and largest of the Heradi. Bergen has a rough and mountainous landscape. The name 'bergen' also means 'mountains' in the local dialect. Although definitely the largest province, Bergen is sparcely populated. Most of the citizens live in small towns near the coast or in the south. Vast forests and peaks covered with eternal snow define the geography of the North East of the province. The capital Mokerheim is home to 40.000 inhabitants and is located on the coast. Bergen is home to several gold- and gemstone mines and also exports timber.

Fletchay

Pop: 610.000
Capital: Lewis

Fletchay is the second largest Heradi of Alrodey, located in the South West of the island. The province is regarded as one of the most important provinces due to being home to the great diamond mines that give Alrodey much wealth. Thermic springs also occur in Fletchay, being responsible for 75% of the energy generated on the island, which is entirely self-sufficient. The capital of Lewis is the 3rd largest city in Alrodey, with nearly a 100.000 inhabitants.

Honsting

Pop: 225.000
Capital: Gilead

Honsting is a province of Alrodey that is often overlooked. The Haredi is located in the center of the island and is the only Haredi that does not have a sea connection. As such, it does not have the infrastructural possibilities of the other provinces. The fact that most of the Haredi is covered with large, often impregnable, forests doesn't really improve this situation. Honsting is a culturally interesting place. Due to the lack of communication with the outer world, Honsting is populated by communities often isolated from the rest of the island. As such, tribal culture and diverse, ancient, traditions are still very much alive. The capital of Honsting, Gilead, is home to the largest wooden structure in Natopia, the Tower of Gilead.

Seelandt

Pop: 385.000
Capital: Hoogenstadt

Seelandt is a Haredi that is dependent on the sea. It is a province of merchants, fishermen and explorers. Hoogenstadt serves as the main trading port with the other countries on Micras, and as such is engaged in a deep rivalry with Rostock, one of the other cities with a large international port. Seelanders are known for their stubborn nation and strong work ethics, it is not suprising that the Haredi is one of the wealthiest of Alrodey.

Stormholt

Pop. 460.000
Capital: Casterborg

Located in the South East, Stormholt is an interesting Haredi. Due to its southern location, the winters can be very strong. An unfortunate sea current makes the coast of Stormholt useless for seafaring, due to the many icebergs. Because of this, Stormholt has always been focussed inward, often serving as a buffer between Seelandt and Rostock, becoming rich and gaining influence in the process. Over the centuries, Stormholt has positioned itself as the religious center of Alrodey, being the home to the Holy Mountain, where Bous is said to have hold a ten-hour speech on the nature of love that nobody quite remembers but everyone ensures was fantastic, and to the Granite Temple, where the Granite form of Bous is said to have appeared.

Rostock

Pop. 290.000
Capital: Rostock

Rostock is a unique Haredi because it is the only Haredi that technically is not quite a Haredi, if you still follow. The city has been known as the Free City of Rostock for centuries, and as such has gained a large influence. Not only in Alrodey but in Natopia. The city was home to the larges part of the Natopian naval fleet and has been the largest trading city in western Tapfer. Due to climatic changes and the cold weather in the south, but also because of the rise of Seelandt and, to lesser extend, Ashington, the position of Rostock has weakened. Rostock remains fairly independent in nature, being the only Haredi governed in an autocratic fashion by the Jarl of Rostock.