Gostaldi
| Gostaldi | |
|---|---|
| Image |  Portrait of a Gostaldi Guitarist |
| Plural | Gostaldi |
| Classification | Human |
| Homeland | Gosterra |
| Average Height | 5 ft 6 in – 5 ft 9 in (167–174 cm) |
| Average Lifespan | 60–70 years |
| Distinction | Ancestors of the human peoples of much of Méniail |
| Language | Gostaldi, Heiosdyn |
| Factions | Kingdom of Bóinbile • Heialdyn Stratocracy |
Introduction
The Gostaldi are a human people of Gosterra, on the northwestern coast of Méniail. They descend from the settlers of the Méniail armada of the Great Migration, who landed at Baddaen in 0 ME, and their emigrants were the ancestors of the Oinien, the Tuzquão, the Arânzeni and the Berturracioi. They number about 4.15 million and are divided between the Kingdom of Bóinbile, where they speak Gostaldi, and the Heialdyn Stratocracy, where they speak Heiosdyn. Their culture is marked by the open expression of feeling, which is associated with Emerioa, the Ascendant Spirit of emotions.
Etymology
Gostaldi means "people of the coast". It comes from the Bintzaila word kostalde, "coast". The same element appears in the name Gosterra and in the Heiosdyn word gostaldech, "coastal".
Origin and Nature
The Gostaldi share the common ancestry of all humans, descending from the Yendea of Haberria. One of the three armadas of the Great Migration landed at Baddaen in 0 ME, and its settlers spread along the coast of Gosterra and up its river valleys.
History
Landing and the early kingdoms
Baddaen was founded as the first city in Gosterra in 45 ME. From about 90 ME the settlements gathered into a number of small kingdoms, and in 151 ME the Kingdom of Bóinbile united central and southern Gosterra.
Emigration
Gostaldi settlers reached Orinilure in 150 ME and became the Oinien. Settlers from the Kingdom sailed down the coast to Balúrail in 201 ME, where they became the Tuzquão; in 300 ME others crossed the Bogh Mountains into Khamria and became the Arânzeni; and around 400 ME others sailed to Arezilur, where they became the Berturracioi.
Division
By the 400s ME the speech of southern Gosterra had become a separate language, Heiosdyn. The War of the Southern Duchies (640–645 ME) divided the Gostaldi between the Kingdom and the new Heialdyn Stratocracy. The people of both states still call themselves Gostaldi.
Modern period
The cities and ports of Gosterra grew quickly in the 800s ME, and the first railway opened between Baddaen and Urbala in 848 ME.
Biology and Physical Traits
Gostaldi complexions range from olive to light brown. Hair is dark, from deep brown to black, and is often wavy. Eyes are usually brown.
The Gostaldi are of medium height and build. Men typically range from 5 ft 7 in to 5 ft 9 in (170–175 cm), and women from 5 ft 5 in to 5 ft 7 in (165–170 cm). They live 60–70 years.
Abilities and Osia
The Gostaldi have no innate Osia. Those who study it most often follow the Path of Emerioa, which is taught at the House of Emerioa in the Mona Forest in Enis. Ettal, the Ascendant Spirit of cliffs and shores, lives in Yeege.
Culture and Society
Open expression of feeling is a mark of Gostaldi life, in music, in mourning and in public speech, and it is commonly attributed to the long presence of Emerioa in Gosterra. Song and stringed instruments are central to Gostaldi music, which has a strong tradition of laments and love songs. Wool and weaving are long-established crafts.
The Gostaldi of the Kingdom live under an absolute monarchy, and those of the Stratocracy under the rule of its army.
Notable Individuals
- Safren Suir, monarch of the Kingdom of Bóinbile since 840 ME
- Golas Hes, Supreme General of the Heialdyn Stratocracy since 870 ME
- Senelyn Bechais, General of the Army of the Free People's Army
- Galaíl Iorsguidhir, the explorer who reached the Goirleach Islands around 105 ME
- Séan Beascar, founder of Saindo in Balúrail in 201 ME
Notable Settlements
- Baddaen (about 320,000)
- Bóinbile (210,000)
- Fenu (140,000)
- Glibhe (120,000)
- Ciero (90,000)
- Uirsiriar (85,000)
- Urbala (75,000)
Spirituality and Beliefs
The Yeparchist branch of Tefar is the predominant religion throughout Gosterra. Uisla is the second largest, centered in Enis and the South Coast.
Technology and Warfare
Gostaldi technology includes railways, built since 848 ME, steamships, the telegraph and firearms. Each of the two states keeps an army and a navy, and in the Heialdyn Stratocracy all men serve a term in the army.
Relations with Other Races
The Kingdom of Bóinbile has recognized Yeege, the kingdom of the Zapaha, since early times. The two trade across the border, and Gostaldi settlement on the Yeege Peninsula is forbidden by treaty.
Gosterra is the largest trading partner of the League of Balúrail, the state of the Tuzquão, and the Gostaldi form the largest foreign community in its port cities. The Heialdyn Stratocracy also trades with the Aráinian Republic. There is little contact with the Arânzeni of Khamria.
See Also