General information (Pre-Great war):
Demonym: Keldari
Capital: Skapborg
Key cities: Eldholm, Grjotstadir, Truborg and Visindarheimr
Official language: Steintunga
Total population: 163,873,321
Total land area: 905,837 km²
Currency: Skeld
Government: Developmental Atelier Republic with Master-Apprentice Governance
The Presidential Relic (DESTROYED):
There was nothing.
Nothing. Nothing.
Nothing could replace it. Nothing could even name it. It was all imagination - or so they said. They are not real. Were never real. Never even exist.
No. No. No.
How did this happen? Where did it fracture? The comfort was never true. It only resembled truth long enough to be believed.
So what is true? Does it even exist - or was it never real enough to be spoken to?
And these words - what are they pointing at? Are they trying to signal something they themselves cannot comprehend?
Ontological status (Post-Great war): The indications of continued survival are minimal, and the current body of evidence is insufficient to support a definitive conclusion regarding the state's ongoing existence. It is probable that the entity was merged with Cathair Ghormfhain
About Keldar:
Keldar's longest and most bitter rivalries have traditionally centered on two states: Ventrois and Velbor. Of the two, Ventrois has always been regarded as the greater enemy. The origin of this hatred lies in the collapse of the ancient Commonwealth, once a union of Keldar, Ventrois, and Cathair Ghormfhain. When Ventrois chose to withdraw from the alliance, tensions escalated rapidly, culminating in the First Separation War. Ventrois emerged victorious, and that defeat marked the true beginning of enduring hostility between the two nations.
Before the Commonwealth dissolved, Keldar had flourished as one of its most influential members. After its collapse, however, the state entered a prolonged period of political and economic decline that took decades to stabilize. Many in Keldar blamed Ventrois entirely for this downfall, viewing their former partner as traitorous and dishonorable. Because of this perception, no meaningful or lasting peace was ever achieved. Instead, war became cyclical. Conflicts erupted repeatedly over centuries, each confrontation merely laying the groundwork for the next. Neither side managed to secure decisive dominance, and resentment hardened into tradition.
The rivalry with Velbor is even older, stretching back nearly six thousand years. Unlike the rupture with Ventrois, which was born of political betrayal, hostility toward Velbor developed gradually from overlapping religious, cultural, and ideological differences. Territorial disputes intensified this animosity, particularly over the region known to Keldar as Kyrness, forming the eastern portion of modern Velbor. Numerous peace attempts were made across the centuries, yet none endured long enough to dissolve the accumulated resentment. Agreements were inevitably broken, whether through ambition, mistrust, or shifting advantage, and hostilities resumed. Even during calmer periods following the Pax of Seraphic, the two nations continued to undermine one another through propaganda, ridicule, and political maneuvering. True reconciliation never materialized.
Beyond these principal adversaries, Keldar has also maintained strained relations with states such as Toutanglom, Draviskas, and Karnavo. Though large-scale conventional wars have not erupted with these nations, Keldar has long regarded them as unreliable or inferior, potential threats rather than trusted partners. Diplomatic relations have therefore remained cool, cautious, and deliberately distant.
At the heart of Eldholm stands one of Keldar's most revered monuments, carved nearly two thousand years ago by the legendary sculptor Eirik Havnstad. The colossal stone figure rises from a vast circular foundation, draped in heavy garments shaped as though by relentless wind. The body is heroic and idealized, yet the face is left completely blank and smooth. This absence of identity symbolizes that the monument belongs to all people rather than any single individual. Around its base, water flows in slow continuous sheets, creating the impression that the figure stands eternally amid living currents. In its arms rests an abstract stone tablet representing law, memory, and culture.
Keldar is widely recognized as one of the oldest artistic civilizations in Eldervale, particularly in sculpture. Many of the most admired works in stone originate here, though Keldari artists also work masterfully in metal, wood, clay, and other materials. Sculpture is both cultural foundation and economic force, traded globally and valued highly.
Even its instruments of war reflect this relationship with stone. Keldar developed a unique class of weapon known as Grjotstormur, the Lithic Launcher, designed to hurl massive stones or engineered projectiles in warfare and siege. While the concept is ancient, Keldar engineers refined it to extraordinary modern capability. In the present era, the Lithic Launcher is regarded as one of the most destructive weapons in Eldervale. Its use inspires fear not only for its power but for the sound it produces - a harsh, distorted roar like a straining engine casting a boulder violently into the sky.
Specialized artificial stones have been developed for these weapons, engineered with varying densities, geometries, and internal structures. Though many are designed for military use, others serve construction and monumental artistic purposes. In this way, even Keldar's most fearsome technologies remain expressions of its enduring philosophy: the shaping of raw material into deliberate form, whether in art, architecture, or war.
Brief modern history:
THE HELRUN COUP AND THE HALVDAN REGIME (1121–1123)
The modern state of Keldar emerged from a violent coup. Halvdan Skjornesun defeated Torfin Hrafnbjarn over seven days of armed confrontation in the capital (12 April 1121). Under Halvdan's authoritarian regime, the state endured systematic purges and extrajudicial detentions. Mass graves proliferated; corpses accumulated in public spaces; blood was visible in the streets - a deliberate demonstration to deter opposition.
THE BLOOVINDR AR (BLOOD WIND YEARS) (1123)
Widespread dissatisfaction catalyzed opposition protests, riots, and civil disturbances throughout 1123. Demonstrations escalated into armed insurrection as militant factions and self-armed civilians engaged state forces. On 7 May, Halvdan was assassinated by gunshot to the head. Torvald Skeggrun assumed interim leadership but was replaced after three days by Eirik Hafgrimsson. After three months, Hafgrimsson was killed when an explosive device detonated beneath his office desk.
III. THE ASTRYD ADMINISTRATION (1123–1145)
The state existed in a power vacuum for one week before Astryd Hrafnsdottir Myrkjorn proclaimed herself successor. Under her administration, initial stabilization occurred, though widespread disorder persisted. On 18 December, Astryd survived an assassination attempt by firearm and declared comprehensive military operations against all insurgent forces.
The counterinsurgency campaign continued for five years before most rebel forces were defeated, with survivors retreating to rural areas. State apparatus was ultimately restored.
THE HAFNAR-FESTNING POLICY AND THE PEOPLE'S BLOOM (1145 onward)
On 30 May 1145, two weeks before her death, Astryd implemented Hafnar-Festning (Harbor Fortification): idle wealth exceeding a specified threshold was automatically redirected into public investment funds; natural resources were nationalized and leased under profit-sharing terms. The policy generated explosive local economic growth, reduced crime, and cultivated exceptional public trust. The subsequent decades became known as the People's Bloom.
CONFLICTS WITH VELBOR AND VENTROIS (1151–1168)
Throughout 1151-1162, numerous brief armed engagements occurred between Keldar and Velbor. These conflicts evolved into low-intensity warfare (1162-1164), then hybrid warfare (1165), escalating into high-intensity conventional conflict that remained limited - neither nation committed to total mobilization. The conflict persisted for three years; Keldar temporarily occupied portions of eastern Velbor before withdrawing in 1168 after determining continued engagement no longer served strategic objectives.
In 1157, Keldar developed flame-resistant technology and established emergency evacuation protocols. In 1169, comprehensive bunker systems were constructed within each household - rock-layered fortifications provisioned for three months.
Tensions with Ventrois reignited around the 1150s. Most confrontations remained limited to border incidents. On multiple occasions, the two states approached full-scale war, averted only through intervention by higher authorities.
THE MULTIFOLD WAR AGAINST VENTROIS (1191–1198)
On 27 August 1191, allied with Cathair Ghormfhain under the coalition "Multifold," Keldar declared war on Ventrois. The conflict was deliberately prolonged over seven years to erode Ventrois's capacity. Keldar deployed Grjotstormur (Stone Storm) - lithic projectile systems launching massive quantities of stones, an estimated hundred daily for three years. Many were augmented with incendiary materials; contemporary observers described them as resembling meteorites. The most catastrophic destruction occurred at Fontenayl, where nearly the entire city was reduced to ruins.
Ventrois proved incapable of mounting effective counteroffensives. The Battle of Boisjoli (July–November 1196) and Battle of Bellefont (February–June 1197) concluded in Multifold victories. On 6 December 1198, Ventrois capitulated.
VII. THE SKELDRUN MÓR (1226)
During March 1226, Keldar completed the Skeldrun Mór - a monumental sculpture featuring a thousand figures merged together in contorted forms. The statue required more than seven years of continuous craftsmanship.
VIII. THE ECONOMIC CRASH (1244)
In July 1244, Keldar experienced a severe economic crash precipitated by irresponsible lending. Financial institutions extended loans to startup ventures claiming involvement in revolutionary stone product manufacturing. Many ventures were shell corporations with no substantive operations. When investors discovered the fraud, they rapidly withdrew capital. The crisis persisted for three years before stability was restored through direct governmental intervention.
PRELUDE TO THE FIRST GREAT WAR (1267–1271)
From 1267 to 1271, border conflicts erupted between Keldar and Velbor. The Zlotopol Village Incident (6 April 1269) - the settlement was burned - intensified confrontations. Clashes occurred within Velbor territory at Jasieniec and Kasztelice.
THE FIRST GREAT WAR OF ELDERVALE - KELDAR THEATRE (1271–1272)
Keldar declared total war on Velbor (7 July 1271). Keldar launched multiple lithic projectiles deep into Velbor territory - incendiary materials, metal spikes, toxic stone compositions, explosive ordnance. Estimates suggest approximately one hundred launches per day.
However, Velbor deployed temporal manipulation technology ("time stop") - a compact, pen-shaped device emitting light. Keldar personnel exposed experienced complete immobilization; the vast majority were eliminated during incapacitation. This represented an unprecedented development for Keldar military intelligence. During the Battle of Kasztelice (15 December 1271 – 18 January 1272), entire units were instantaneously immobilized.
Recognizing continued combat would result only in catastrophic losses, Keldar conceded defeat and was obligated to pay substantial war reparations.
THE HALVDAN SKORASON HRAFNVIK COUP AND RECOVERY
The defeat generated widespread civil unrest. Halvdan Skorason Hrafnvik initiated a coup d'état and proclaimed himself legitimate state authority. The new regime systematically reestablished internal order and developed countermeasures against temporal immobilization technology.
XII. THE VENTROIS COVERT OPERATION (1284)
In December 1284, numerous citizens exhibited bizarre behavioral anomalies: running mindlessly through streets, screaming, uttering incomprehensible statements, some unclothed and eliminating waste publicly. Most incidents lasted approximately thirty minutes; all affected reported complete amnesia. Keldar identified the perpetrator as Ventrois.
XIII. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND THE EIRNSTÍGR OFFENSIVE (1287–1291)
In May 1287, protective equipment mitigating temporal immobilization effects was completed - could not fully neutralize the weapon but significantly reduced severity. The Eirnstígr Offensive, a deep penetration operation into Velbor territory, nearly precipitated another total war. Clashes and raids continued until the outbreak of the Second Eldervale Great War.
XIV. THE SECOND GREAT WAR OF ELDERVALE - KELDAR THEATRE (1292–1294)
Keldar declared war on Ventrois (3 March 1292) and on Velbor (8 November 1292). Despite Ventrois's psychological manipulation techniques (forcing soldiers to fire upon comrades before killing themselves) and Velbor's temporal immobilization, Keldar maintained operational effectiveness through comprehensive preparation.
Lithic launcher systems remained the dominant weapon platform. The volume of projectiles was so immense that contemporary observers described it as resembling rainfall.
Velbor front: The Battle of Lipowice, Battle of Opolnica, and Siege of Wilczany (30 December 1292 – 14 March 1293) combined continuous lithic bombardment, though advancement proceeded slower than planned. The Battle of Gromis (15 December 1292 – 23 May 1293) - the longest and most intense engagement - marked the largest-scale deployment of temporal immobilization. Keldar adopted long-range bombardment; approximately three projectiles per square meter saturated the battlefield. Velbor ordered tactical withdrawal.
Ventrois front: Lithic launcher systems destroyed multiple psychological manipulation facilities, enabling further advance before encountering stalemate (February 1293). In May, combined Keldar and Cathair Ghormfhain forces achieved breakthroughs through the Battle of Belroche and Battle of Vernac-les-Mers (1–28 May) - rapid surprise operations preventing Ventrois from establishing adequate defenses.
Despite tactical successes, Keldar could no longer sustain its war effort. Economic devastation far exceeded projections, and the conflict exhibited clear signs of strategic stagnation. Keldar actively withdrew from the war.
THE CIVIL WAR AND URVARNOTT (PRIMORDIAL NIGHT) (1294–1295)
The population concluded the war had accomplished nothing beyond economic ruin and loss of life. Public resentment escalated daily. Central authority collapsed after two months. The state fragmented into competing warlord territories. This period became known as Urvarnott.
The initial phase reduced the conflict to two remaining states: Western Keldar and Eastern Keldar. The Battle of Bjargstaor (three months) concluded in Eastern victory, enabling further advance through Drifnes and Tangard. Eastern forces captured critical command and control centers. The civil war officially concluded in early 1295.
XVI. THE ARVID TORVALDSSON REGIME AND RECONSTRUCTION (1295 onward)
Under new leader Arvid Torvaldsson, immediate efforts focused on national reconstruction. The economy was reformed into a centralized system with most sectors under governmental control. Infrastructure was rapidly repaired; emergency shelters addressed housing shortages. Within several years, the nation was restored to its pre-1291 condition.
On 30 December 1295, Keldar signed the Pax of Seraphic - a controversial agreement renouncing future retribution. Domestic opposition was significant. Nevertheless, beginning in 1300, multiple propaganda campaigns continuously mocked Velbor and Ventrois, reminding the population never to forget their actions.
XVII. SCULPTURAL MOVEMENTS AND STATE CONTROL (1296–1322)
Throughout 1296-1304, numerous sculptural movements emerged, initiated by war survivors. Most statuary depicted unvarnished representations of wartime experiences.
On 15 April 1322, the state assumed complete control over the manufacture and distribution of all necessities, determining prices and quantities for each region.
XVIII. THE EINAR AV VINDSKAR ADMINISTRATION (1347 onward)
On 23 June 1347, Einar av Vindskar was elected state leader. Under his administration, a new generation of Grjotstormur systems was established - some systems possessed sufficient destructive capacity to devastate an entire city within several days.
XIX. THE CONSOLIDATED SCULPTURE MARKET (1355)
In November 1355, a consolidated sculpture market emerged through the merger of numerous smaller markets into a single entity - a plan conceived decades earlier but repeatedly delayed by warfare and internal instability.
STJARNAMARK PARK AND THE PRELUDE TO THE THIRD GREAT WAR (1365 onward)
In 1365, Stjarnamyr Park - located at the center of the capital - was completed, containing thousands of sculptures from artists throughout the state. The state continued developing normally until the outbreak of the Third Great War.
Idealology: Dyptarskir
As a nation long founded upon art and the discipline of creation, Keldar has come to define itself through an enduring devotion to beauty. Yet beauty, in the Keldari understanding, is not merely ornament or surface appearance. It is the visible expression of potential realized through patience, vision, and labor. The state therefore does not worship finished perfection alone, but the long, difficult path that leads toward it. Keldar seeks above all to recognize what is possible within people and things, and to dedicate itself fully to the slow unfolding of that possibility.
The fundamental aim of the Keldari state is to build a society that consciously nurtures potential in all its forms - within individuals, communities, institutions, and the nation as a whole. This realization is understood to be gradual and deliberate, requiring sustained effort guided by skill and foresight. Completion is respected, but it is not the highest value. What is revered most is the sacred process of becoming.
At the heart of Keldari political philosophy lies a single guiding conviction: latent beauty and unrealized potential are sacred. That which appears raw, unrefined, or even flawed is not to be dismissed, for it carries within itself the possibility of sublime transformation. True dedication, therefore, is measured by the willingness to invest time, energy, and even one's life in shaping this potential into meaningful form. Such labor is regarded as the highest civic and moral virtue.
From this belief follows another essential principle: creation cannot be rushed. Refinement requires time, and respect for that natural rhythm is fundamental. To force completion for the sake of convenience, impatience, or profit is considered a moral violation. In Keldari thought, an unfinished work treated with care is more honorable than a prematurely finished one.
The political structure of Keldar is built upon the conviction that those who possess genuine vision, skill, and dedication have a solemn duty to seek out and cultivate raw potential wherever it exists. Society, in turn, must grant these individuals the autonomy and authority necessary to fulfill that duty. The visionary creator - whether artist, engineer, teacher, or statesman - is not merely a private individual, but a guardian of collective possibility.
A work that remains in progress under the guidance of its originator is considered inviolable. It cannot be completed or altered by another without betraying its essential spirit. The process of creation belongs to the one who began it, and that bond is regarded as ethically unbreakable. From this flows a broader social responsibility: the community must learn to value not only finished achievements, but also the visible, living process of their formation.
In Keldar, the labor of refinement is treated as a form of public heritage. The passing of dedicated years, the visible struggle toward mastery, and the slow shaping of an idea into reality are all cultural treasures. They are to be witnessed with quiet respect rather than judged with impatience. A society that demands only immediate results is seen as spiritually impoverished.
This philosophy extends naturally to the Keldari understanding of human development. Just as a block of stone contains a hidden form, every person is believed to possess a unique, dormant potential that is often overlooked or misjudged. Individuals require the patient attention of a "sculptor" - a mentor, teacher, or nurturing institution - to awaken their true capabilities. The drive toward self-completion is considered innate in all people, but it flourishes only when guided by wisdom and protected by communal patience.
The ideal Keldari state therefore constructs protected social and institutional spaces where "unfinished masterpieces" can exist safely. These may be ideas, long-term projects, experimental institutions, or people still in the process of growth. Within such spaces, premature demands for completion or exploitation are forbidden. Patience is not merely encouraged but structurally enforced as a political principle.
Furthermore, Keldar holds a distinctive view of legacy and inheritance. The state carefully preserves the plans, prototypes, and partial works left behind by departed visionaries. These are not treated as failures, but as sacred bequests to future generations. They are maintained as objects of study and reverence - sources of inspiration and learning - yet they are never to be "finished" by another hand. To do so would be to falsify the original spirit of their creation.
To guard against the tragedy of the unfinished masterpiece, Keldar has embedded mentorship into its legal and cultural foundations. Every recognized master in any field carries a formal obligation to train multiple apprentices in their philosophy, method, and discipline. Knowledge must not die with the individual; it must be patiently transmitted so that the chain of becoming continues unbroken.
Thus the Keldari state understands itself not as a machine for producing results, but as a vast workshop of ongoing creation. Its politics, institutions, and social values are all oriented toward one central purpose: to protect the slow transformation of potential into form. In this way, Keldar strives to become what it believes all things should be - an ever-unfinished masterpiece, shaped with care across the long arc of time.
Addition:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/618752436373641929/ (The national flag)