Aedeland

Imperial Republic of Aedeland Fólkríki Æðelandr
Flag	Coat of arms
Motto: Aedeland Above All
Anthem: Imperial Anthem
Locator map
Capital city	Ålesund
Largest city	Ærilar
Official language	Aldsegian
Other languages	Regional dialects
Ethnic group	Aldsay
Religion	Salvede Trú
Demonym(s)	Aedelish - Aedelman
Government
Government Type	National Socialist
Fører	Arnsteinn av Rygír
Lord Martial	Tóki av Tyrfing
Legislature	Althing
Establishment
Founding	7650
Area
Total	6,902,452.64 km2
Water %	{{{water percentage}}}
Population
Total	66,943,437
Density	9.70/km2
Economy
Economy type	Command
GDP (total)	Ꞡ 1,549,246,459,331.42
GDP per capita	Ꞡ 23,142.62
Currency	Standard ()
Inequality index	{{{inequality index}}}
Development index	{{{development index}}}
Other information
Time zone	{{{time zone}}}
Driving side	{{{driving side}}}
Calling code	{{{calling code}}}
Internet code	{{{internet code}}}
Nation number	{{{nation number}}}

Aedeland ([eɪdəland]), officially the Imperial Republic of Aedeland (Aedelish: Fólkríki Æðelandr) and informally the New Republic (Aedelish: Nýjastriki) or less frequiently Third Republic (Aedelish: Þriðiríki), is a nation located in Western Stoldavia. Aedeland's capital is Ålesund and its largest metropolis is Ærilar. The country's other major cities are Ayrendæl, Stórhavn, Vintersæte, Ascolat, and Störmheim.

Etymology

Aedeland is a transcription of Æðeland meaning "Land of the Aedels" in Aedelish. The name is derived from the compound of the Aedelish words æðel and land. Both words are derived from Old Aedelish. Aedel is the endonym of the Southern Aldsay of Stoldavia derived from the ancient Aldsegian tribe from whom the Aedelmen claim descent. Æðel is derived from proto-Anario Jorvic at-al which combines at(i) "over, beyond, super" and al "to nourish." Aedeland is styled "Imperial" to emphasize the independence of Aedeland, because an empire cannot be a subordinate country, rather than an empire in the political sense.

History

The Constitution of 7305 unified the Aldsay peoples of Western Stoldavia into the Aedelish ethnostate following the defenestration of Östervallen. The sinking of the flagship Sørland during the Pan-Anarian War solidified Aldsay groups into a pan-Aldsegian national identity. Aedeland's expansion began with the annexation of Western Hagen in 7518, the conquest of the Mandruleanian islands, and the subjugation of the Tzarakan Bulé Republics via the Sørtarnland Company, culminating in the 7536 Declaration of Supremacy over Aldsegian populations in Cykeria, Aereyjar, and Achilleion.

Colonial and corporate interests overshadowed Imperial Aedelish politics and elected leaders were unable to challenge the powerful Sørtarnland Company. The collapse of the Treaty of Ærilar ended the Aldsegian Empire and ushered in the Häverist Technate, which ruled capriciously through unaccountable bureaucrats. The loss of West Hagen, the Wolgos Scourge, resource depletion, and failed five-year plans led to mass deaths and discontent. In 7613, Ásgeirr av Rygir's Sons of the Slain Fathers party won power, restoring the Imperial Republic while retaining aspects of the Technate. Ásgeirr became leader for life in 7615, ruling for 44 years.

Ásgeirr’s regime brought stability through harsh suppression, dehäverization, and a revival of Aldsegian nationalism, including pogroms targeting foreign populations. Under his son, Aedalberht, Aedeland experienced an economic and technological renaissance, becoming a leader in nuclear energy and a major global power.

National Symbols

Red, black, and white have been Aedeland's national colors since its independence from the Stoldavic Empire. The old republican flag, featuring a black cross bordered in white on a red field, is still used as the Fører's Imperial Standard. These colors are featured in state regalia, uniforms, and insignia. The modern Aedelish flag, the Ælldingljósta, displays a black lightning flash on a white disk, edged in black, set on a dark red field. This design inverts the Aedelish Technate’s flag, which had a white lightning flash on a black disk. The flash symbolizes national progress and industry, while the red field represents the social ideal.

The Fører is seen as a personification of Aedeland, with a cult of personality portraying him as an infallible genius with near-divine qualities. Similarly, the Maiden of the Mountain, or Fjǫllfreyjaelīn, is the female symbol of Aedeland. Both the Fører and Maiden are depicted with halos in official representations. The winner of an annual beauty pageant traditionally plays the role of the Maiden during national celebrations. The Western Stoldavic great bear is another national symbol, frequently used in propaganda and political cartoons.

The Imperial Anthem serves as the national anthem of the Imperial Republic and is played in honor of the Fører and only in his presence. It has replaced the Technate’s March of Progress , which, along with the Aedelander March , is still used at civil and military events when the Fører is absent.

Government and Politics

Aedeland is a constitutional unitary aristocratic republic led by a Fører and governed by a bicameral legislature called the Althing. The Althing consists of the Lögrétta, an aristocratic parliament, and the Folkmōt, a democratic assembly. Its capital is the Gimlé. The current Fører is Arnsteinn, great-grandson of Ásgeirr av Rygir, assisted by a cabinet of three ministers:

• War Office: Led by Lord Martial Tóki av Tyrfing, overseeing the military from the Rik Øverste.
• Foreign Office: Led by Foreign Secretary Aksel av Vafthrúdnir, managing foreign policy from the Sørtarnland House.
• Home Office: Led by Home Secretary Stígandr av Skírnir, handling domestic affairs from the Höfstaðr.

High Court

Aedelish law is based on three key documents, collectively called the Dóm: the ancient First Laws, a list of rights won by nobles under the First Stoldavian Empire, and the Aedelish Constitution. The Constitution establishes an ecclesiastical high court, the Nævninger, and subordinate lower courts, the Lægridómi. The Nævninger includes leaders from the Orders of Ex. Adamnáin, Aetherion, and Erebrion, assisted by the head of the trúváttr, who acts as lawspeaker and clerk. Lower courts are run by members of the Order of Adamnáin.

The legal profession is exclusive to the trúváttr caste, trained for impartiality and eidetic memory. Selected from childhood, trúváttr serve as judges, lawyers, and jurors, ensuring the law is applied precisely.

Aedelish legal procedures require all claims—civil and criminal—to be privately initiated, making victims or interested parties responsible for investigations and prosecutions. This fosters a litigious culture, with courts deeply trusted as symbols of fairness, reflected in the phrase hǫfða mik ("sue me") as a sincere apology.

While Aedelish citizens enjoy robust legal protections, the Policing Act of 7656 allows military regiments to arrest individuals for "asocial" behaviors like homelessness and public intoxication. Those not redeemed by kin are sent to Styðja-kulī camps for shelter and work. Critics call these camps unconstitutional prisons, a historical anomaly in Aedeland. Traditionally, punishments included public humiliation, caning, hanging, and branding, though branding is now rare.

Supporters argue the Policing Act has reduced petty crime and homelessness, earning Aedelish cities a reputation for cleanliness and safety.

Military

Main article: Styrkene

The Aedelish military, the Styrkene, is led by Lord Martial Tóki av Tyrfing and comprises four branches: Ríkes Hæren (Army), Ríkes Sjøstyrkene (Navy), Valkyrja (Air Force), and Styðja (Support). By law, Aedeland cannot maintain a standing army. In peacetime, Styrkene consists of a professional cadre of fewer than 3,000 personnel, primarily in technical roles within the Valkyrja and Sjøstyrkene.

All males must complete at least two years of national service at age 18, either in a local regimental militia or four years in a non-combat role with Styðja or the Free Corps. While the militias are not officially considered a standing army, they effectively function as one. About 3% of the population is in national service at any time, with 20% of Aedelish men eligible for emergency recall.

Volunteers can join as early as 15, which benefits their service records. Only volunteers from the Hæren or Væringet may advance to the Valkyrja or Sjøstyrkene. Conscientious objectors can refuse service, but doing so limits political and social rights. Women are barred from national service except in non-deployable medical and secretarial roles.

Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Office, led by Foreign Secretary Aksel av Vafthrúdnir, advises the Fører on foreign policy, including appointing diplomatic representatives and handling foreign envoys. Its diplomatic and consular departments perform traditional foreign ministry functions.

The Free Corps (FK Aedeland) is a humanitarian relief and exchange program. The Skyggejæger ("Shadow Hunters") prevents foreign espionage and influence, gathers intelligence, and investigates international crimes involving Aedelish citizens.

Visitors must obtain a detailed linen-reinforced entry visa from an Aedelish consulate for a fee. Non-citizen residents must carry a similar document. Although no customs checkpoints exist at ports of entry, illegal entry carries severe penalties.

Aedeland is widely criticized as authoritarian and anti-democratic, considered by some to be a pariah state. Its banking practices are accused of enabling tax evasion, terrorism, and organized crime, while its support of slavery and Styðja-kulī camps faces global condemnation. Aedeland is not a signatory to any international treaties or alliances.

Geography of Aedeland

Main article: Geography of Aedeland

Aedeland is located in northern Anaria, occupying the western third of Stoldavia, known as Vesturland. It sits at a strategic maritime crossroads: the Straits of Andlát and the Thuaid Sea (Vestsjøen or Western Sea) lie to the west, the Nordsjøen (Dlreukv Sea) to the north, and the Zeeängten and Narrow Sea separate its southern region from Hallis. To the east, it borders Vittmark, while the Straits of Andlát separate it from Cykeria to the west.

Topography and Natural Landscape

Aedeland's topography is diverse and glaciated. The north features fertile steppes ideal for agriculture, while the central region is dominated by rugged plateaus and mountains, leading to deep valleys and fjord-lined coasts in the west.

The fjords, shaped by glaciers, create natural harbors and are central to local culture. The southern region has fertile plains with a unique geographical potential, combining agricultural productivity with a climate and terrain suited for both farming and industry. Valleys in this area also serve as trade routes.

Mestrhorn, the highest peak in the Auðigrháls range, epitomizes the country's varied landscape.

Climate

Aedeland experiences diverse climates, influenced by its geography and proximity to various seas. The northern region, including the capital Ålesund, has a cool, short summer and long, cool, and cloudy winters. Temperatures typically range from 34°F to 70°F, with winter lows averaging 34°F and summer highs around 72°F. Cloud cover is common year-round, with December being the cloudiest month. Rainfall is highest in November, averaging 2.4 inches, while July is the driest.

The climate south of the Auðigrháls range is warmer, exemplified by Ærilar, Aedeland's largest city. It experiences hot, dry summers and long, cool, wet winters. Temperatures range from 47°F to 88°F, with rare extremes below 40°F or above 96°F. The skies are mostly clear or partly cloudy from April to November.

Along the western peninsula, the climate is temperate due to the moderating influence of the Thuaid Sea Current, which keeps coastal temperatures milder than inland areas. Inland, winters are colder, and summers are cooler, contrasting with the coastal climate.

The northern coast is cool and rainy throughout the year, while the Arctic regions experience harsh winters, representing Aedeland's most extreme climatic conditions.

Political Geography

Aedeland’s provincial governments, called lægrivöld, consist of local assemblies with unique constitutions that provide autonomy based on regional needs and traditions. Some assemblies are democratic, but most follow the Hérað system, where governance is led by community elders.

Aedeland has four primary lægrivöldfyrir in Stoldavia—Nordland, Skojdland, Háraland, and Mildeland—and two lægrivöldannarr, Åland and Cykeria, which were once colonies but are now fully integrated into the state.

	Nordaland Nordaland, Aedeland's northernmost lægrivöldfyrir, stretches from the Stilvatn in the east to the Skjold peninsula in the west. Historically dominated by sheep and wool production, Nordland was Aedeland's traditional source of wealth. Its ancient Aetts, once influenced by Östervallen, have played a key role in Aedeland's history. The region also produces most of Aedeland's cereal grains, particularly from the loess hills. The cooperative farming methods used before mechanization gave rise to the Bulé subculture. As the first to industrialize, Nordaland has the largest economy in Aedeland, with heavy industry concentrated around the Stilvatn basin and the Rikranna river valley.
	Skjoldaland The western Skjolda peninsula has long been shaped by the sea-going wealth of Storhavn, whose authority was strengthened by the region's rugged coasts and isolation. Life in Skjolda has historically been difficult, with its people living just above subsistence, leading to a fiercely independent raiding Víkingur culture. Recent rail and road projects have integrated Skjolda more closely with the rest of Aedeland. Today, its fishing and highland wool industries are on par with Nordaland’s.
	Háraland Aedeland's central lægrivöldfyrir, Háraland, is its least populous region. Its people, the Hárfólk, are closely related to the Víkingur of Skjoldland. Historically sparsely populated, Háraland has rapidly urbanized in the past century, with Vintersæte as its largest city. Its main industries are chemicals and forest products.
	Mildeland Mildeland is Aedeland’s most diverse lægrivöldfyrir, known for its cultural and economic significance. It is home to Ærilar, Aedeland's largest city and cultural hub. The southwestern Aryas coast is the center of Aedeland's manufacturing industry, while the Mildeland peninsula serves as the country's breadbasket, producing a variety of crops. The region also boasts Aedeland's most moderated climate, with fertile valleys, coastlines, and an economy driven by agriculture, tech, and entertainment, making it a major economic powerhouse in Aedeland.
	Åland Åland comprises the Aereyjar Isles, a chain of islands between Cykeria and Thultannia, also known as the Chain of Vind. Major inhabited islands include Åland, Aetheros, Eressëa, Vestras, Maleficarion, Anteros, and Elysion. The Aereyjar were originally settled by a western Aldsegian people, who separated from the eastern branch that became the Aedelish before migrating to Stoldavia. Over time, these native populations blended with Emther and Aedelish Víkingur migrants, forming the distinctive Ålander culture. The Ålanders are known for their seafaring lifestyle, with fishing as their primary industry and a growing reliance on military facilities in the region.
	Cykeria Cykeria, or Sikaland in Aedelish, lies at the southern more habitable tip of the Jorvic continent, north of Anaria. Once a colony, Cykeria was fully integrated into Aedeland under the Technate. With over 95% of its population residing in Grænaborg, Cykeria is characterized by vast territory and low population density. Its significance to Aedeland goes beyond its size, as the name "Cykeria" is derived from a corruption of the Aedelish term síkaland, meaning "our homeland." The native Cykerians are regarded as the ancestors of all Aldsegians. Greater Cykeria, however, is dominated by Nordalanders who immigrated to escape persecution by the Greater Stoldavic Empire.
	Great Cykeria Great Cykeria, Stórr-Sikaland in Aedelish, is a strategic expansion of Aedeland's territory, encompassing the Arctic islands and the full extent of the Arctic ice cap, as defined by its maximum reach in 7610. Despite its vast size, it remains Aedeland's least populated province. Cykeria is rich in valuable mineral deposits, including lead, cobalt, iron, platinum, and gold, which have become a significant source of wealth for both the national economy and budget. These high-quality and easily accessible resources, close to industrial centers in Anaria, make extraction particularly profitable, cementing Cykeria's role as a key economic asset for Aedeland.

Economy

Aedeland's economic policy is shaped by theories developed by the Research Office during the Technate, particularly Ødger av Estriðír's work Absurdities of Excess. Av Estriðír argued that Aedeland had reached post-scarcity, where most goods could be produced with minimal labor, creating challenges such as excessive surplus and oligarchic control. He believed that both socialism and false scarcity were flawed, advocating for a new approach that would reinvest excess for the benefit of all.

The Post-Technate Valfǫðr-sonr Economic Program is an unconventional system that doesn't fit traditional categories. It isn’t capitalism, socialism, or communism. While private property and profit are maintained, key resources like energy and minerals are nationalized. Unproductive assets are taxed heavily, and rents and usury are prohibited. Aedeland incentivizes pro-civic behavior and aims to eliminate unemployment and provide housing for all. The primary goal is economic autoarchy.

Banking

The state-owned Riksbank Æðelandr, founded in 7654 and headed by the Home Secretary, manages monetary policy. Unlike traditional systems that rely on debt, the Riksbank issues interest-free loans to productive industries and uses informal guidance to regulate credit.

Currency

Since 7305, Aedeland's currency has been the Standarværdi (Standard), symbolized by $. Originally pegged to 400 ounces of gold until 7579, the Standard is now a fiat currency with a floating exchange rate. The Riksbank issues banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Standard. The Standard divides into 20 Sterling, with denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 Sterling. Each Sterling further divides into 12 pence, making 240 pence to a Standard. Mixed sums are written as "2$5/6" and spoken as "two standard five and six" or "two standard five and sixpence." Smaller sums, such as "1/1" or "2/6," are spoken as "one and a penny" or "two and sixpence."

Taxation

The Aedelish have historically resisted taxation. For much of Aedeland's history, there was no formal tax system, and each aett contributed manpower for the "common burdens," a tradition that continues in modern national service. During the late First Republic, the government relied on import duties and taxes on colonial subjects. Under the Technate, a progressive tax was briefly introduced but was unpopular and repealed early in Ásgeirr av Rygir's leadership. It was replaced with taxes on imports and unproductive assets, such as precious metals, collectibles, speculative real estate, luxury goods, and unused land.

Citizen's Dividend

Aedeland has many state-owned and state-licensed enterprises in sectors like communication, transportation, energy, and natural resources. Revenue from these monopolies is redistributed as the fólk-fé, or citizen's dividend, which provides all citizens with a basic income and acts as social insurance. Only male citizens who complete national service are eligible for the base share. Married couples with at least three children receive a higher dividend, one share per household member, which becomes permanent if the husband works steadily until age 45. The dividend amount varies based on market conditions and has no fixed yield.

Healthcare

Aedeland offers a high quality of life, with one of the best private medical systems in the world. It has 51 physicians and 35.5 beds per 10,000 people, and the average life expectancy is 87 years. Aedeland's fertility rate is 4.34%, well above the replacement level of 1.9 children per woman, which is rare in Anaria.

The healthcare system focuses on the fact that a small percentage of the population accounts for a large portion of healthcare demand. One percent of the population makes up a quarter of total demand, while five percent accounts for over half. Those over 55 represent more than half of total demand. As a result, Aedeland limits access to care for the chronically ill, the elderly, and those requiring end-of-life care, focusing instead on quality and preventative treatment. Aedeland heavily invests in prenatal and neonatal care, which contributes to its high life expectancy. Aedelish birthing centers provide intensive inpatient care from early pregnancy detection through to weaning.

Industry and Manufacturing

Aedeland is a leader in producing automobiles, aircraft, machinery, arms, electrical equipment, and chemicals. Major companies include Harbard (heavy trucks and large automobiles), Fólkstigi (consumer vehicles), Áreið (luxury cars), Norðranarjosteʀl Andalvæpni (aircraft), Val-tivar (munitions), Sigra Saðr (small arms), Œrinn (industrial machinery), Snar-liga (electrical equipment), Nýsa (chemicals), and Nýráðr (advanced technology).

Aedelish products are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, with an emphasis on long lifespan and over-engineered designs for easy service.

Agriculture and Fishery

Aedeland's agriculture is highly mechanized and efficient, producing 90% of its food with just 5% of the workforce. Livestock accounts for two-thirds of production, while arable crops make up the rest. Key agricultural products include milk and cream (west), fruits and vegetables (south), and wheat (north).

Fishing is a long-standing tradition, with small coastal boats, offshore vessels, and deep-sea fishing contributing to production. Aedeland is one of the few nations still engaged in commercial whaling, using whale oil in its aerospace industry.

Energy and Transportation

Aedeland's energy is mainly generated by nuclear power, with the state-run Mjallinar Company supplying 88% through very-high-temperature pebble bed reactors. Smaller modular reactors power remote areas and vessels. Hydropower and geothermal contribute the rest.

Aedeland is a pioneer in nuclear propulsion, having developed nuclear-powered ships, trains, and aircraft, including the supersonic "Atgeir."

Eldiviðinn is Aedeland's leading producer of syngas, a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels made from peat.

Culture

Aedeland is a highly homogeneous society with a strong sense of shared values, largely due to strict immigration policies and deportation schemes from the New Imperial Republic. The population is 91.6% Aedelish, and ethnic Aedelish Aldsegians are divided into three main cultural groups:

1. Hárfólk and Víkingur: Found in central and western Aedeland, these groups share common roots with the "old Aldsay" of Cykeria. They are known for their rugged, self-reliant lifestyles and a rebellious spirit. Their traditional clothing is typically made from coarse wool, fur, and deerskin.
2. Bulé: Located in northern Aedeland, the Bulé people have ancient northern Dölmer influences. They are known for their strict agricultural lifestyle, religious conservatism, and plain black clothing. The Bulé value discipline, piety, and education.
3. Alsæ and Ayren: The Alsæ, from southern Aedeland, are the most urbanized group and influenced by central Anarian cultures. Rural Alsæ follow traditional customs, wearing colorful embroidered clothing. The Ayren, also from the south, are a more liberal version of the Bulé, known for their agricultural prosperity and relaxed lifestyle.

Aedeland has a significant population of Stolvic Dölmer immigrants, particularly in Nordaland, where they work in advanced industries and the civil service. While they have not fully assimilated, tensions between Dölmer and Aldsay populations often result in anti-immigrant sentiment. Other minorities, such as Achilleion Athves, Bulé Awawatu, and Tauri Meyistry, remain largely in Ærilar, remnants of Aedeland's former empire. These immigrant cultures are generally well integrated, with many identifying as Aedelish.

Aedeland’s laws limit citizenship to ethnic Aedelish status, and all official matters must be conducted in Aedelish. Non-Aldsay residents are referred to as "Vesturmen" (Westerners), a neutral demonym.

Religion

The dominant religion in Aedeland is Salvede Trú (the Anointed Faith), a sect of Orkananism. Its followers, known as Trúist or "faithful," believe in Vind as an omnipotent, benevolent creator. This branch of Orkanan diverged from the original teachings 400 years ago due to a schism in 7156 and a mix of influences from various cultures and gods encountered by the Aedelish during their empire's expansion. These influences include Cykerian, Peratolian, Tahanian, and Anuric traditions, as well as gods like Dlroch'veldr, who is seen as an adversary to Vind in an ongoing supernatural war.

The sacred texts of Salvede Trú combine Orkanan scriptures with Aedelish sagas, forming the Codex Ærilaris. Aedeland's Trúist belief system includes a pantheon of lesser gods created by Vind, and most religious ceremonies include references to these deities.

Priests, known as prestr, are allowed to marry, though some take a vow of celibacy. A two-day Sabbath is observed, with the seventh day reserved for rest and leisure, and the first day for corporate worship. On the seventh day, businesses close, but there are no laws enforcing idleness. Every seven years, a "release year" (frihetsåret) allows for debt forgiveness and fallow lands.

Monasteries play a key role in Aedelish religious life, with abbots (bryti) holding both spiritual and judicial authority. The Order of Ex. Adamnáin is the most powerful monastic group, and the Vegvísir (Wayfinder) is its spiritual leader. Monastic life is open to all, with individuals often spending their youth in study before returning in old age. Those who take monastic vows, known as broþer (brothers), follow strict rules, including not cutting their hair or drinking alcohol (except for sacramental wine). During penance, monks wear sackcloth and fast.

Aedelish monastic orders place a strong emphasis on education and have a significant influence on Aedelish schools and universities. Some orders, influenced by the Technate, have embraced a more secular, materialist approach, though the new Førers (leaders) discourage or ban purely secular groups. Secret rationalist orders still hold sway within academia.

There are also ascetic orders focused on pilgrimage and penance, such as the Aetherion and Erebrion orders. These mendicant groups, who live a life of poverty, celibacy, and compassion, stand apart from mainstream Aedelish monasticism. Members of these orders serve as holy men or "soul guides," with roles such as street preaching, caring for the poor, or attending to the dead and dying.

Language

Modern Aedelish is the dominant language in Aedeland, evolving from Old Aedelish, a highly precise and consistent language still used in academia and official state records. While Modern Aedelish retains many features of its predecessor, it has simplified grammar but still maintains complex word forms and detailed syntax. The language is known for its extensive vocabulary and high inflection, which contribute to its precision.

The Hárfólk dialects, found in central and western Aedeland, are the closest to Old Aedelish. In contrast, southern Aedelish dialects show strong influences from nearby Anarian languages. The northeastern dialects have incorporated so many Stoldavic loanwords that they are mutually intelligible with Wortsproke.

Naming Conventions

Aedeland follows the Stoldavic prepositional naming convention. Traditionally, Aedelish names include a given name followed by a preposition identifying the ætt (family group) to which the person belongs. If multiple individuals from the same ætt share the same name, they are distinguished by additional names, either diminutives or restrictive appositives. The latter are often honorifics, but can also be disparaging. Foreigners or Aedelanders who leave their ætt would instead use their city or occupation.

Examples (in descending formality):

• Óláfr av Stórraumer: A man named Óláfr from the Raumer ætt in eastern Skjoldaland.
• Óláfr inn digrir av Raumer: A man named Óláfr from the Raumer ætt, distinguished by being overweight or wealthy.
• Óláfr inn yngri av Raumer: A man named Óláfr, whose father shares the same name.
• Óláfr av Raumer: A man named Óláfr from the Raumer ætt.
• Óli av Raumer: A familiar, diminutive nickname for Óláfr from the Raumer ætt.
• Óláfr inn smiðr av Ascolat: A man named Óláfr from Ascolat, working as a skilled tradesman.
• Óláfr av Ascolat: A man named Óláfr from Ascolat, an industrial city in Nordaland.

Education

Aedeland’s education system flips the traditional model where most resources go to the lowest performers. Education is not mandatory, and most children are taught at home. At age six, children are sent to live with neighbors or relatives. From ages nine to adulthood, the Ungrkorps (Youth Corps) plays a central role in shaping young lives. The primary goal is preparing young men for military service and young women for motherhood, but it also serves an educational function. Formal schools are rare, highly competitive, and almost entirely operated by religious orders. Only the most exceptional students are selected for formal education.

Although Aedeland boasts a literacy rate over 99% and its students perform well on tests, university admission is highly selective. Fewer than 10% of students are admitted to universities, and less than 5% of young adults aged 15-25 are enrolled in higher education. The University of Aulë, the country’s most prestigious institution, accepts less than 5% of applicants.

Women's Rights

Aedelish society is strongly patriarchal, and feminist groups have long opposed its cultural traditions. It is uncommon and socially unacceptable for married women to work, and although there are no legal restrictions, women do not hold positions of authority. Aedeland has a history of legalized prostitution, and polygamy has been practiced at times, though both were discouraged under the Technate and subsequent government.

Ætt and Distrikt

In Aedelish society, the ætt is the traditional unit, representing a kin group or clan with origins in ancient tribal groups. The ættsrett is ancestral land held by the ætt in allodium, originating from the territories occupied by Guðfriðr Veiðikonungr's followers upon their arrival in Vesturland. According to ancient laws, the ættsrett cannot be divided. As an ætt grows, it must either expand by displacing neighbors, establish colonies, or transfer members to smaller ætts. Each ætt is composed of several families and governed by a council of elders, known as the ættþing, who hold near absolute authority.

Historically, ætt growth was achieved through displacement or reorganization, which led to conflicts, especially after the collapse of the First Stoldavic Empire. As a result, Aedeland expanded to territories in Åland, High Cykeria, Achilleio, Taures, and the Bulé Republics. Under the Technate, ætts were seen as a hindrance to industrial progress, and most were replaced by districts aligned with functional divisions, similar to company towns.

For over a century, workers have moved between districts based on vocation rather than kinship. Despite the loss of ancestral ættsretts, some ætt traditions remain, particularly among the wealthy or in remote areas. In modern Aedeland, a social division has developed, with an aristocratic class linked to historical ætts and a large underclass associated with districts.

Media

Newsprint remains the dominant media in Aedeland, with most regions publishing their own newspapers. ÆRILYS, based in Ærilar, is considered the national paper of record and has the largest readership. Other popular publications include Sladder, a weekly tabloid covering Aedelish society, and Leiðtogi, a daily focused on political and economic news.

Cinema is a leading modern art form in Aedeland, replacing theater as a key source of cultural unity. Known for its seriousness and idealized aesthetic style, Aedelish cinema is a significant cultural force. Television is banned, deemed an asocial threat to public health.

Media in Aedeland is heavily censored by the Home Office, focusing on entertainment deemed subversive or obscene. The government also censors publishers advocating for foreign entities or treason. Aedelish law imposes severe penalties for libel, slander, and spreading false information. However, protections for satire, academic, and political speech exist, though limited to certain venues. Speech at academic institutions or official political assemblies is largely unrestricted, including political cartoons and comedy shows, which cannot be censored under Aedelish law.