General information (Pre-Great war):
Demonym: Gormfhanach
Capital: Lios Draiochta
Key cities: Dathraigh Fhionndui and Maev
Official language: High Aergael
Total population: 153,235,683
Total land area: 932,542 km2
Currency: Reil
Government: Autojudicial Imperium with Mandatory Self-Inclusion Clause
The Presidential Relic (ALIVED): [NO AVAILABLE INFORMATION]
Why does everyone not just die already?
…
[FILE FOUND - INITIATING OPEN SEQUENCE…]
Do you remember? I still carry the memory of that first day under the blinding sun. It was just us. I remember how you stood there, guarded and cautious, watching me as if I were a storm about to break. But then, you looked closer. You saw I meant no harm, and I watched the tension leave your shoulders as you lowered your guard. Since that moment, we've existed under the same sun, side by side.
Do you remember when we stood on the front lines together? We were a single heartbeat, moving as one. Then, the world broke. You were hurt so badly you whispered that you couldn't breathe - that you were slipping away. I refused to let the silence take you. I fought for your life with everything I had, desperate just to see your eyes open one more time.
And do you remember our first real shadow? Someone betrayed you, humiliated you, and in your pain, you turned that fire on me. It hurt - not the words, but the sight of you suffering. I didn't pull away. I simply reached out and held you, letting my warmth remind you that no matter who leaves, I am the one who stays.
You've always been the voice of reason, warning me to temper my rage before it consumes me. I'd always laugh and say, 'This is just who I am.' But even when you scold my recklessness, you never leave the battlefield. You are my peace, my steady ground, and the only person I trust to guard my back.
But then, the day came that changed everything - the day the sky turned a bruised, bleeding red and the air grew thick with grey ash. The world we knew had crumbled into nothing.
I found you there, lying amidst the ruins, your body stilled by the weight of it all. When I reached for you, pulling you into the safety of my arms, you whispered for me to leave. You told me you wouldn't make it. For the first time in our lives, I turned my anger toward you. I scolded you harshly - how dare you speak of endings? How dare you be so foolish to think I would ever walk away?
Without a second thought, I pulled you against my chest and held you with a grip that defied the world. Just as I have always done.
Know this: if the light leaves your eyes, I am ready for the darkness to take me, too. You are the only reason I move; you are the pulse beneath my skin. Through every rise and fall, through every battle we've survived, I have carried these words in the silence of my heart.
But now, I let them break free. From the deepest part of my soul, through the ache in my throat, I tell you the truth: I love you. I have always, truly, loved you.
[END FILE]
Ontological status: The entity has been confirmed to remain active with a moderately large community. Further communication is forthcoming.
About Cathair Ghormfhain:
ˎˊ˗ In Cathair Ghormfhain, horses are the main form of transport and also the state's primary war "machine."
ˎˊ˗ On average, a family keeps around two horses, treating them as true family members. These horses even hold full citizenship.
ˎˊ˗ Killing a horse is one of the greatest taboos in Cathair Ghormfhain and is punished the same way as killing a human.
ˎˊ˗ Much of the nation's biome is barren, painted black, and constantly releases blue smoke from beneath the ground.
ˎˊ˗ Because of the harsh land, Cathair Ghormfhain relies heavily on Keldar and Montic for vegetables.
ˎˊ˗ The state is dominated by high mountains and vast ranges, with some peaks said to rise higher than 15,000 kilometers.
ˎˊ˗ At its peak, Cathair Ghormfhain controlled much of Southern Eldervale and was one of the only states able to rival Ornazia.
ˎˊ˗ The Osteed is a skeletal warhorse known for terrifying speed and devastating power. Even today, it remains one of the most feared weapons in the region.
ˎˊ˗ They believe every piece of bone carries sacred value and should be preserved for luck.
ˎˊ˗ Because of their harsh terrain and isolation, Cathair Ghormfhain rarely engages diplomatically, except with nearby Keldar.
ˎˊ˗ Cathair Ghormfhain is one of the few states to have made first contact with a nation from the Ulm continent. What happened remains secret - so secret that even Cathair Ghormfhain itself seems unsure what the contact was truly about.
Brief modern history:
I. ANNEXATION AND RESISTANCE UNDER KARNAVO RULE (1160–1178)
Cathair Ghormfhain was annexed into Karnavo for approximately eighteen years following defeat at the Battle of Inbhir Ealaidh (July 1160). Karnavo systematically attempted full assimilation - destroying manuscripts documenting culture, folklore, and history, while continuously executing patriots and nationalists. These efforts proved insufficient.
II. GUTH NAN DAOINE - THE REVOLUTION OF 1164
The most iconic movement was Guth nan Daoine, led by Calum Beag - the first major clash between Cathair Ghormfhain and Karnavo in the post-annexation era. The revolution lasted approximately two years, concentrated primarily in the Southern regions. It commenced with the assassination of four Karnavic officials. Revolutionary plans to expand North were intercepted and halted. The movement was heavily suppressed; Calum Beag was executed. Despite failure, it encouraged continued defiance.
III. AR-A-MACH NAN SAOR - THE AUTONOMY STRATAGEM (1170–1171)
A more pacifist approach initiated in 1170, demanding greater autonomy by strategically adopting elements of Karnavo culture. The strategy: once autonomy was achieved, they would pursue independence and prepare for armed conflict. Initially promising - Karnavo began loosening controls. However, plans were leaked by an infiltrator. The movement was terminated in early 1171; authorities imposed even heavier restrictions.
IV. NA STOIRMICH AND THE CLANDESTINE NETWORKS
Numerous clandestine meetings were conducted throughout Cathair Ghormfhain territory, disguised as civilian residences or market stalls. The most influential network was Na Stoirmich (The Storms), which preserved manuscripts designated for destruction and cultivated patriotic sentiment.
V. THE UPRISING AND THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE (1175–1178)
The Broadcast and the Gleann nan Rionnag Revolt (1175): Following a raid on a transmission station, a speech calling for uprising was broadcast. The uprising in Gleann nan Rionnag - where revolutionaries assassinated the regional administrative leader and established a revolutionary authority (16 March) - served as the catalyst. Many cities were set ablaze to amplify the message. Karnavo declared war on Na Stoirmich's forces.
Keldar Intervention and the Launching of Neradis: Keldar provided massive aid, occasionally launching lithic projectiles into Karnavo territory. The Launching of Neradis (Karnavo, 23 May 1175) destroyed a supply depot, generating profound tension between Keldar and Karnavo.
Expulsion of Karnavo Forces and the Battle of Beannagail (April 1175 – March 1176): With Keldar's assistance, enemy forces were expelled. Remaining Karnavo strongholds were systematically destroyed. Beannagail - the final stronghold - was a five-month engagement that left the entire city destroyed.
Territorial Reclamation and Defensive Consolidation (1176–1177): Victories at Firinnail and Lasairig (March and May) marked sustained reclamation. The final offensive battle was Ard-Inntinn (November). Thereafter, Cathair Ghormfhain adopted primarily defensive postures. Karnavo captured Dorainn city (20 June) but it was recaptured one month later. The Second Battle of Uirsgeul and Third Battle of Ard-Inntinn (June and October) inflicted severe losses, compelling Karnavo to limit attack operations.
The Battle of Seunmara and Independence (1178): Revolutionary forces maintained defensive positions (23 February – 18 March). Karnavo formally recognized independence on 2 May 1178.
VI. THE POST-INDEPENDENCE PERIOD AND LINGERING TENSIONS
A new independent regime was established after nearly two decades as a colonized territory. Tensions with Karnavo intensified, with both states continuing multiple border clashes.
VII. THE KELPIEKIRK RAID AND THE OUTBREAK OF WAR (1180)
On 12 October 1180, a small Kelpiekirk unit of approximately three hundred personnel entered Cathair Ghormfhain territory, conducting raids across forty kilometers. Settlements were burned; civilians were captured, killed, and subjected to sexual violence over one and a half days before elite forces arrived to rescue hostages and apprehend all perpetrators.
Kelpiekirk denied responsibility and demanded the prisoners' return. Cathair Ghormfhain refused. Kelpiekirk declared war the following day. On 16 October, hundreds of thousands of Kelpiekirk soldiers advanced deep into enemy territory. Cathair Ghormfhain conducted continuous tactical retreats.
Kelpiekirk deployed Stieve-Forrit (relentless forward advancement) and Hough-Snibber (neutralizing war horses) - weapons generating invisible force projections and dreadful acoustic emissions.
Three hours later, Karnavo also declared war.
VIII. THE KELPIEKIRK-KARNAVO WAR - KELDAR'S ENTRY AND THE SIEGE DOCTRINE (1180–1183)
Keldar Joins the Conflict: Cathair Ghormfhain requested Keldar's military intervention. Keldar commenced sustained lithic bombardment, maintaining continuous strikes for entire months. Kelpiekirk and Karnavo possessed minimal combat experience against Keldar, leaving them unprepared.
The Cavalry-Lithic Siege Tactic: Cavalry units would encircle enemy forces, isolate them from reinforcement, and maintain encirclement until Keldar lithic projectiles impacted enemy positions.
The Siege of Cill Airgid (5 January 1181): Approximately two thousand cavalry units surrounded the entire city (containing twenty thousand combined Karnavoer and Kelpish forces). On average, three soldiers were struck by each lithic projectile (ranging from twenty to eighty kilometers in diameter - solid stone, incendiary rocks, cryogenic lithic weapons, toxin-bearing stones, explosive ordnance). After ten days, only approximately thirteen combatants remained physically intact. The city was filled with extensive ground tissue matter; decontamination required four days. This was the final employment of this tactic.
Enemy Adaptation and Karnavo's Cryogenic Smoke Tactics (from 17 April): Kelpiekirk and Karnavo reinforced defensive lines. Stieve-Forrit and Hough-Snibber were enhanced. Karnavo developed capability to generate extremely dense fog reducing ambient temperature by approximately 30 degrees Celsius.
The Battle of Gaoithe Valley (Cathair Ghormfhain) (mid-August – 24 November 1181): Karnavo's dense smoke was dispersed across the entire valley. Visibility became compromised for both coalitions. Keldar was unable to provide support. Cavalry clashed chaotically within dense obscuration. No precise records of friendly fire casualties exist, but incidence was likely exceptionally high. Despite multiple retreat orders, no successful withdrawals occurred. The battle concluded when combat sounds ceased and smoke dissipated. Not a single combatant remained on the field. No state has ever issued official commentary.
Operation Pranok Seltar - Karnavo's Cryogenic Offensive (6 March 1182): Hundreds of tons of cryogenic smoke agents were dispersed across multiple defensive fronts. Cities were submerged in obscurant coverage with severe temperature reduction. Snow precipitation occurred across Western regions despite winter not yet arriving. Numerous horses perished from hypothermia. Cathair Ghormfhain was progressively pushed back. The Sliabh Corvek urban complex (containing the Dunchearta Mor manufacturing facility) fell on 30 May. The operation concluded on 5 June when Karnavo could no longer sustain advance.
The Kelpiekirk Front and the Battles of Lios Maraen and Cnoc Ealmar (1182): Kelpiekirk maintained minimal operations during the first half of the year. Toward mid-year, they advanced deeper into Eastern territories - yielding negligible results. Battle of Lios Maraen (7 June) resulted in defensive failure and territorial loss. Battle of Cnoc Ealmar (20 September) concluded with the successful Kelpiekirk capture of a city with no strategic value. The remainder of the year witnessed no substantial territorial advances.
Stalemate, Exhaustion, and the Ceasefire (1183): Civilian populations demanded cessation. Karnavo and Kelpiekirk continued offensive operations throughout February and March but yielded no territorially significant conquests. Keldar's lithic assault operations became increasingly aggressive. By mid-1183, Cathair Ghormfhain could no longer sustain offensive operations of any meaningful scale. On 7 April 1183, all belligerents declared the war concluded. No territorial adjustments. No strategic objectives achieved by any party.
IX. THE FATE OF THE KELPIEKIRK PRISONERS
Cathair Ghormfhain retained custody of the three hundred original perpetrators. Authorities considered extradition to Abern but decided to adjudicate through their own processes. Nothing was ever heard from these personnel again. Contemporary historians widely speculate the prisoners were executed and their remains fed to war horses.
X. POST-WAR RECOVERY AND THE RISE OF AIBHLINN NI DORCHAIRE (1184–1191)
Cathair Ghormfhain recovered throughout 1184-1191. On 7 October 1187, Aibhlinn Ni Dhorchaire was elected head of state - the most influential and intelligent leader in modern history, earning the epithet "the Banimpire" (the Empress). She transformed the post-war economy into a hybrid system. Through appropriate fiscal policies, the state swiftly regained wealth and pursued intensive rearmament.
Under her leadership, Cathair Ghormfhain continuously improved war horses through genetic mutations - including successful creation of a two-headed horse variant with superior cognitive capabilities. Through the soft policy initiative Soilse (Illumination) in 1189, she persuaded non-governmental political factions to join the unified government structure, preemptively preventing future internal conflicts. She formulated numerous strategic schemes, culminating in her first military conquest toward Ventrois in 1191.
XI. THE WAR AGAINST VENTROIS (1191–1198)
Cathair Ghormfhain established an alliance with Keldar under the designation "Multifold" and joined the war against Ventrois (27 August 1191). Despite lasting seven years, few notable engagements occurred - Ventrois remained critically weakened following their 'Esclarmonde de Conscience' internal crisis. Cathair Ghormfhain forces advanced approximately five hundred kilometers into Western Ventrois within three months.
During this campaign, Cathair Ghormfhain developed Freamhaithe tactics: creating narrow penetration corridors deep into enemy territory - resembling roots extending from a trunk - disrupting formations and supply lines through rapid advance-and-retreat cycles across multiple sectors. Ventrois surrendered on 6 December 1198 and accepted victors' treaty terms.
XII. THE BORRADH REFORMS AND MILITARY MODERNISATION (1209–1229)
From 1209 onward, new economic policies designated Borradh (Growth) catalyzed economic expansion and comprehensive military modernization. Cavalry breeding programs intensified.
The Faire and the Night of the Horseshoe (1215–1218): On 7 April 1215, authorities established the Faire (Watch) - an internal security apparatus. On 6 June 1218, the Faire initiated a systematic purge operation (Night of the Horseshoe, lasting until 19 November), eliminating all prisoners who had collaborated with enemy forces during previous wars. A parallel wave of political cleansing commenced in October 1218.
Education Reform and the Elite Military Program (1219–1220): In 1219, authorities implemented a completely restructured educational system designed to cultivate nationalist sentiment from early childhood. At the beginning of 1220, the state launched a new elite military program with an exceptionally brutal training regimen. Successful graduates received exceptionally high salaries.
The Equine Empire Ascendant: By 1229, military personnel reached two million active combatants.
XIII. BORDER CONFLICTS AND THE KARNAVO WAR (1232–1245)
Throughout 1232-1240, continuous border conflicts erupted with Ventrois, Karnavo, and Kelpiekirk. Most clashes lasted approximately one to two weeks.
Battle of Drumness (Kelpiekirk, 6 August 1237): Cathair Ghormfhain established positions within the contested area. Tensions nearly triggered full-scale war before tactical withdrawal.
More significantly, a medium-scale war with Karnavo occurred throughout 1236-1239. Cathair Ghormfhain maintained overwhelming superiority, continuously pushing Karnavo forces deeper into their own territory. Cathair Ghormfhain withdrew after leadership determined strategic objectives had been achieved.
Through constant propaganda, nationalism reached extraordinarily high levels. Society became increasingly aggressive.
XIV. THE DEATH OF AIBHLINN NI DORCHAIRE (1245)
In 1245, Aibhlinn announced she was suffering from terminal cancer. She died at age 60, two weeks after public announcement. Plans for conquering the southern Eldervale region were postponed indefinitely. Tormod Alasdair Dorchbrae was elected as new head of state.
XV. THE TRIARCHATE - CONSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION (1257)
In 1257, Tormod's administration unified the three separate governing bodies - Legislature, Tribunal, and Magistracy - into a single consolidated institution: the Triarchate. This terminated the triadic structure that had functioned for over two centuries, concentrating power within a unified authoritarian framework and enhancing the authority of the head of state beyond any precedent.
XVI. THE PRELUDE TO CONQUEST - BORDER PROVOCATIONS (1260s)
Numerous officials urged Tormod to initiate the southern conquest. He repeatedly denied these requests, insisting further preparation time was required. In lieu of outright war, Cathair Ghormfhain engaged in continuous border provocations - including deliberate burning of frontier facilities.
XVII. THE FIRST GREAT WAR OF ELDERVALE - CATHAIR GHORMFHAIN THEATRE (1271–1272)
The Blitzkrieg and the Fall of Karnavo and Kelpiekirk (18 March 1271): Cathair Ghormfhain declared war on both Karnavo and Kelpiekirk. Hundreds of thousands of cavalry advanced deep into enemy territory with terrifying speed. The fortified cities of Monteluc, Bresani, and Pianorta (Karnavo), and Kellabrae and Torrinday (Kelpiekirk) - considered premier defensive strongholds - fell within two weeks.
The Thuiteam Mor: Cathair Ghormfhain offered war prisoners an apparent opportunity for freedom: if they could outrun a horse, they would be released. The vast majority were crushed and subsequently consumed. The Thuiteam Mor became one of the defining war crimes of the era.
The Fall of the Karnavo Capital and the Kelpiekirk Front: Within two months, half of Kelpiekirk's territory had fallen. On 13 June 1271, the Karnavo capital fell and was consumed by fire. Karnavo relocated its government to the deeper South. On the Kelpiekirk front, a miscalculation prevented capture of the capital before June, but Balnacroch city fell, crippling Kelpiekirk's defensive network.
Peace Settlement (27 July 1271): Half of both Karnavo and Kelpiekirk's territories lay in flames. Both states accepted peace treaty terms, signed in the Cathair Ghormfhain capital - a deliberate symbolic humiliation.
Support for Keldar Against Velbor: Cathair Ghormfhain dispatched 5,000 personnel to support Keldar against Velbor. They achieved considerable tactical successes, but Keldar ultimately suffered defeat in 1272. Cathair Ghormfhain maintained a sustained presence to assist their ally.
XVIII. THE SECOND GREAT WAR OF ELDERVALE - CATHAIR GHORMFHAIN THEATRE (1292–1294)
The Three-Front War and the Initial Advance (3 March 1292): Cathair Ghormfhain declared simultaneous war on Karnavo, Kelpiekirk, and Ventrois. Karnavo and Kelpiekirk were pushed to the furthest extremities of their own states, retaining only approximately 527 and 671 square kilometers respectively. However, rough terrain and persistent insurgent forces partially neutralized cavalry superiority.
The Ventrois Front and Psychotropic Warfare: Ventrois deployed psychotropic technology - hypnotic wave emitters causing disorientation, hallucinations, and complete psychological breakdown. Cathair Ghormfhain was compelled to sever the majority of communication infrastructure to prevent exposure. Despite challenges, in May 1293, Operation Fiach Ciuin advanced approximately 1,000 square kilometers into Ventrois's Eastern regions. Further penetration proved impossible.
Keldar's Withdrawal and the Velbor Ultimatum: Keldar withdrew from the war. Cathair Ghormfhain issued an unambiguous ultimatum: any Velbor forces setting foot on Keldar soil would face immediate Gormfhanach military response. Velbor reluctantly stood down.
Nocturnal Raids and the Fall of the Last Strongholds: Cathair Ghormfhain conducted relentless nocturnal raids across the Ventrois border - scavenging operations and sabotage against hypnotic wave generators. Despite catastrophic weakening, Karnavo and Kelpiekirk refused to capitulate. Their last strongholds - Tarnachis (Karnavo) and Torbrig (Kelpiekirk) - fell on 7 and 13 October 1293, put to flame. Official surrender followed immediately.
Stalemate with Ventrois and the Pax of Seraphic: The Ventrois front yielded no decisive results. Without Keldar's lithic bombardment, Ventrois's psychotropic technology proved virtually impossible to overcome. Both states fought on in mutual exhaustion until the Pax of Seraphic. Cathair Ghormfhain signed on 5 July 1294, gaining nothing territorially while sustaining significant casualties. The Pax generated widespread disagreement, but its terms were absolute.
XIX. POST-WAR HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS AND AID TO KELDAR
Cathair Ghormfhain focused on internal reconstruction and the deteriorating situation in Keldar (descended into civil war in 1293). Declining to support either warring faction, they directed resources toward the civilian population - providing essential supplies, constructing shelters, and assisting refugees.
XX. THE GREINE PLAN AND NATIONAL RENEWAL (1305 onward)
The state thrived under the comprehensive Greine Plan (Solar Plan) beginning in 1305, driving intensive development across economic and societal dimensions simultaneously.
XXI. CEIRD NA FOIRFEACHTA - THE CRAFT OF PERFECTION (1312)
In January 1312, one of the most infamous publications in Eldervale was disseminated: Ceird na Foirfeachta (The Craft of Perfection) - nearly one thousand pages cataloguing every flaw, weakness, and moral deviation considered unacceptable. Every citizen received a copy.
XXII. THE NEW MULTIFOLD PACT (1320)
A landmark pact was signed between Cathair Ghormfhain and Keldar, including a mutual automatic war clause: should either state enter armed conflict, the other would commit to full-scale military intervention - no longer limited support. The Multifold alliance emerged as one of the most formidable military factions in Eldervale.
XXIII. BIOENGINEERING MILESTONES - THE NEW CAVALRY (1343–1351)
In August 1343, experimental programs were produced: winged horses capable of aerial mobility; specimens engineered without functional brains (designed specifically to counter Ventrois's psychotropic technology); and numerous other specialized variants. In 1351, the five-headed horse experiment was successfully conducted. Though the specimen survived only a few hours, it constituted definitive proof of concept.
XXIV. THE ELECTION OF CALUM ARAINN AND CONTINUED DOMINANCE (1365 onward)
On 26 June 1365, Calum Arainn was elected head of state. Inheriting a nation at the peak of its power, Arainn continued developing institutions while consolidating Cathair Ghormfhain's reputation as a dominant and feared presence across southern Eldervale.
Ideal: Velocitism
Velocitism is a political ideology that declares the rate of positive change - technological, social, economic, and existential - as the only legitimate metric of a society's health, treating stasis, slowdown, or regression as existential threats. Its primary duty is to engineer conditions for continuous, exponential acceleration across all fronts simultaneously, operating on the belief that slowness is entropy and a stationary society decays; only by constantly increasing the velocity of problem-solving, innovation, and adaptation can humanity overcome scarcity, conflict, and mortality. Any institution, law, or habit that slows down aggregate speed is classified as "drag" and automatically sunsets unless re-approved by a supermajority, while any proposed policy, technology, or social norm must be evaluated by its deceleration coefficient - the negative impact it has on the overall acceleration rate of the system. Historical preservation is permitted only as functional simulation; a museum or monument that occupies physical space without generating novelty is considered drag and subject to immediate reallocation. Failure is not punished - slow failure is punished. Repeated failure at high speed is celebrated as "efficient elimination of dead ends," whereas repeated failure at low speed is treason. Borrowing from the future is morally obligatory if it increases present velocity; environmental degradation, resource depletion, and psychological burnout are acceptable if the resulting acceleration generates enough future capacity to offset the damage via as-yet-uninvented solutions. Heterogeneity in speed creates destructive interference, so all systems must be globally synchronized to a single universal acceleration clock. Long-term strategies are deceleration traps because they encourage hedging and patience; anything beyond a fixed amount of time that must be described as "unintelligible and therefore irrelevant." Velocitism must accelerate its own abolition: if a faster system emerges, Velocitists have a pre-committed duty to surrender power instantly without resistance. Happiness is not a goal but a lubricant for acceleration, so the state actively engineers "flow states" - gamified labor, competitive innovation leagues, euphoric productivity drugs - not for well-being but to reduce psychological friction.