Ruler: His Resolute Majesty, King Roald the Just, Duke of Dunstable (N male human [Aldari/Filani], Rgr 11)
Government: Independent monarchy with hereditary rulership, king is advised by the council of nobles on affairs of state
Notable Figures: Duke of Hardriding; Gerard, Count of Glacimyr; Raedwulf, Druid Lord (NG male centaur, Drd 14)
Rule of Law: Neutral Good. Society dedicated to the greater good with some written laws and strong community values generally centered around smaller familiar clans. Social structure is generally not seen as the most important whereas helping others in times of need is highly valued. Laws may be overlooked if it serves the greater good.
Capital: Dunstable (pop. 35,900)
Major Towns: Hardriding (pop. 15,400), Saddlegap (pop. 26,700)
Population: 215,000- Human 67% (FA), halfling 15% (fleetfoot 50%, greenthumb 50%), centaur 10%, dwarf 5% (brown 75%, black 15%, barter 10%), gnome 2% (hill), other 1%
Major Religions: Anu, Oldred, Thera, Aersiline, Celinia, Dione, Endorie, Galdor, Uino, Vestra, Four Seasons, Ostra, Ulrik, Halfling pantheon, Falthazure, Dwarf pantheon
Major Resources: Foodstuffs, horses, silver, gems, leathergoods
Military: 10,750 (includes exceptionally well trained medium and heavy cavalry with several contingents of centaur lancers supported by longbowmen and light and medium infantry)
Allies: Dunland, Uldania
Enemies: None
Coinage: Platinum stallion, gold spur, silver saddle, copper horseshoe
Hyland is unique in that it is a harmonious blend of two distinct cultures: human and centaur. Although centaurs have always been a minority in the region and dwell in remote pastures and woodlands, the horse-loving humans of Hyland hold great respect for their equine countrymen. The centaur chieftains are often deferred to as wise advisors and a number of them have potent druidic skills. They centaur elders have been involved in the education of human children for the more wealthy families for generations and having a child tutored by a centaur sage is considered a mark of high esteem.
The nation as a whole tends to be rather introspective almost to the point of isolationism. They generally prefer to involve themselves in world affairs only if it affects them directly. The humans of the realm, of course, have great skill in horsemanship. It is not surprising that Hyland is well defended by a powerful cavalry of human riders and centaur lancers. The cult of Endorie, a goddess often associated with the horse, is also a significant force in this rustic kingdom. The clerics of the Lady of the Evergreens are heavily involved in the raising and breeding of the horse herds. Some of the more skilled clerics are attempting to breed a more sturdy and faster breed. The size of a herd is a large indicator of wealth in this kingdom with even the king having his own private herd.
Ambassadors from the lands of Uldania to the north have been visiting the king more frequently over the past few months but the king appears to be turning a deaf ear to their concerns. Roald makes it known that although he sympathizes with the Uldanian cause he will continue to uphold the long standing tradition of neutrality within the realm. He is backed by this policy by the majority of the Hylandian nobles as well as the high ranking centaur druids.
Rumors: A tribe of centaurs with a great dislike for magic has slain a sorcerer recently causing some discernation among local humans in the area. Miners from the Rushwind Mountains have unearthed an unusual gem that seems to glow with an inner light. The gem has a great brilliance and will be presented to the royal court in Dunstable within the coming weeks.