Head of State: King.
Form of Government: strong monarchy, strong nobility.
State of the Nation in 1393 AUC: Birland is the greatest kingdom on the Island of Elles, but currently suffers under a weak king. The nobility are increasingly the arbiters of true power in the kingdom. However, the king is still nominally the source of all secular authority, and under a new king the nobility may be forced to give up much of their usurped power.
Races: mostly Humans, some Dwarves and Elves, some Mercanian settlements on the western coast.
Religion: Selentine True Faith.
Description and History: Birland is rich in resources and united by past adversity. Mercanian and Dunnish raiders forced the nobles of what became Birland to unite under a king some two hundred years ago. Despite the best efforts of the first kings, Birland endured decades of hardship. However, eventually the Mercanians ceased to raid, while the Dunns settled and made peace. Now, Birland is wealthy and powerful: nearly all trade to Mercania passes along the eastern coast of Birland rather than through the Glaive, generating substantial profits for merchants and nobles.