======Gael======
===[nation]===
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**Pronunciation**: (gale)\\
**Galactic Region**: [[galaxy:galactic geography#Perseus Arm]]\\
**Galactic Branch**: [[galaxy:galactic geography#Sikhara Branch]]\\
**Galactic Sector**: [[galaxy:Sector N4|N4]]\\
**Star System**: [[Sol]]\\
**Planet**: [[Terra]]\\
**Continent**: [[Gael_continent|Gael]]\\
**Land Area**: 2,697,000 square miles\\
**Length**: 1,350 miles north to south\\
**Width**: 2,500 miles east to west\\
**Coordinates**: 32° S to 75° S, 1° E to 143° E\\

{{ :wiki:locator_color_-_gael.png?nolink |A color map of Gael}}

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~~TOC~~This nation on the continent of the same name was founded by settlers from the other nations, and has strong sense of unity. They also have a strong reverence for the previous inhabitants of their continent, the ancient civilization the continent and the current nation is named after. Ancient ruins and shrines are protected and restored, but never lived in or built upon. The people suggest that these sites often have an intense and eerie feeling about them, which is often cited as the reason these ruins should not be inhabited

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==== Cities ====
  * [[Aekasa]] - Mountain town and pivotal trade waypoint for the agricultural region
  * [[Ilwyn]] - River city and home to one of the most impressive ancient ruins
  * [[Kahch]] - Agricultural city centered on an ancient shrine
  * [[Kitsune]] - Southern city in the agricultural region, known for its rice wine production
  * [[Lomari]] - City at the intersection of the ancient aqueduct and the sea
  * [[Madra Rua]] - a sprawling metropolitan area built around several ancient shrines
  * [[Nari]] - Coastal resort town offering amazing views
  * [[Pohika]] - Northern city in the agricultural region in west gael
  * [[Refir]] - River city and connecting trade route for Soro's production
  * [[Saboten]] - City settled on the border of a huge cactus field
  * [[Sionnach]] - Central city in the agricultural region in east gael and regional capitol
  * [[Sloegr]] - Site of the largest preserved ruins from prehistoric Gael 
  * [[Soro]] - Mining town making use of ancient tunnel structures
  * [[Syala]] - Main trade port for the western region
  * [[Ueneg]] - Small fishing and farming village on the inhospitable southern coast
  * [[Yeoh]] - Small settlement entrusted with the protection of an ancient shrine

==== Related geography ====
  * [[Astha Grasslands]] - Grasslands on the eastern end of [[Eirah Island]] in Gael
  * [[Bachi River]] - Runs south from the [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] of Gael to the [[cymyl|Cymyl Ocean]]
  * [[Bandha Plains]] - Plains on the western end of Eirah Island in Gael
  * [[Beraek River]] - Runs south from the [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] of Gael to the [[cymyl|Cymyl Ocean]]
  * [[Casadh Channel]] - Large water passage between the [[Gulf of the Fox]] and the [[Fuechsin Seas]]
  * [[Ceann Island]] - Central island in the Gaelen Archipelago, home to [[Madra Rua]]
  * [[Chay River]] - Runs south from the western [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] of Gael to the [[cymyl|Cymyl Ocean ]]
  * [[Culai Island]] - Large island in the north of the Gaelen Archipelago
  * [[Eirah Island]] - Large southern “island” of Gael, comprising more than half the country's landmass
  * [[Fuechsin Seas]] - The collective waters among the island archipelago of Gael
  * [[Grena Lake]] - Lake in the ruins of [[Sloegr]]
  * [[Gulf of the Fox]] - Gulf between [[Aimsir]] and Gael
  * [[Irdheis Sea]] - Southeastern sea below the [[Thoir Sea]]
  * [[Jaraihe Sound]] - Waters off the southeastern coast of Gerth 
  * [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] - Range on the western end of Gael 
  * [[Lake Linh]] - Lake in [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] of western Gael
  * [[Maohe Forest]] - Forests of the eastern isle in the archipelago of Gerth
  * [[Maidani River]] - Runs east from the [[Teulell Mountains]] of Gael out to the [[cymyl|Cymyl Ocean]]
  * [[Maeko Island]] - Island in the north of the Gaelen Archipelago, home to Yeoh
  * [[Mahke Forest]] - Forest covering the large island of Gael
  * [[Mahonata Mountains]] - Range in central Gael
  * [[Muineal Island]] - Large uninhabited island in the east of the Gaelen Archipelago
  * [[Nakahi River]] - Runs west from the [[Kaitaeki Mountains]] of Gael to the [[Gulf of the Fox]]
  * [[Nghiem Mountains]] - Range in northern Gael
  * [[Nihbel Island]] - Western island in the Gaelen Archipelago, home to [[Kahch]]
  * [[Seonin Forest]] - Giant Cactus forest in eastern Gael
  * [[Teulell Mountains]] - Range on the eastern end of Gael
  * [[Wapahkesis Desert]] - Small desert in the northeastern corner of Gael

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{{ :wiki:locator_-_gael.png?nolink |A paper map of Gael}}

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==== History ====
The history of Gael is shrouded in mystery. The continent was the last to be colonized by the Terran kingdoms. [[Akkaus]] was the first to form a colony, followed by colonies formed by [[Kalmar]]. Finding the continent uninhabited, the two nations expanded their presence on the continent until clashes became unavoidable. [[Kalmar]] gained the upperhand and conquered the entirety of the continent, though their forces were significantly depleted in the effort. As their conquest was nearly completed, an indigenous army attacked the [[Kalmar]], destroying the majority of their remaining troops

It was not long before all the forces of the [[Kalmar]] had been destroyed on Gael and many of its citizens had fled back to the mainland. The indigenous population settled the conquered cities and formed the kingdom of [[Kal'tael]]. The new nation was extremely isolated, engaging in almost no trade with the other continents, or any other interaction. Despite the lack of interaction, the ferocity of the [[Kal'tael]] fighters was well known. When [[Kal'tael]] built up a massive navy, their reputation was equally fierce. Many trade vessels began to navigate across the globe rather than passing around the southern end of Gael 

Records of the history of [[Kal'tael]] after this point are practically non-existant, for a period spanning roughly 7 million years. What is known is that at some point a continent-wide cataclysmic event occurred, breaking up the core of the continent, throwing many of the cities into the ocean. Though the destruction of the continent was not complete, none of the population was known to survive, simply vanishing. It was some time before merchant ships dared to venture into the area. The cause of the cataclysm and the disappearance of the population was never discovered

In the Third Age, a group of scientists and pioneers set sail to re-establish the once-great nation and to unlock the mystery behind [[Kal'tael]]'s destruction. In less than a thousand years, they were able to rebuild the nation, establishing an unprecedented number of cities on the broken continent

**Timeline**
  * **29.7M BCE**: [[Akkaus]] founds the first colonies in present day Gael's north eastern coast
  * **24.4M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] founds colonies in present day Gael's western coast
  * **22.6M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] conquests the entire continent of Gael, destroying all [[akkaus|Akkau]] cities
  * **19.9M BCE**: Kingdom of [[Kal'tael]] secedes from [[Kalmar]]
  * **12.6M BCE**: [[Kal'tael]] builds a massive navy
  * **10.0M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] declares war on [[Reshk'tar]], beginning the Age of Blood
  * **5.8M BCE**: [[Kal'tael]] cataclysm
  * **1.977M BCE**: Earthquakes in the Ehkehki Mountains drive the [[carragh#Lili Mute]] out of the mountains
  * **1.923M BCE**: The blight consumes the southern territory of [[Reithe]], creating the [[Taelk Desert]]
  * **1.845M BCE**: The Great Willow dies from the effects of the blight
  * **551 CE**: [[Preservationists]] set sail for Gael to rebuild and restore the kingdom
  * **589 CE**: [[Madra Rua]] is established by the [[Preservationists]] as an outpost
  * **592 CE**: [[Syala]] outpost is built to facilitate [[Preservationist]] activities in the southwest
  * **600 CE**: City of [[Refir]] is established
  * **607 CE**: [[Preservationists]] formally declare the nation of Gael
  * **745 CE**: [[Aekasa]] colony is established
  * **849 CE**: [[Saboten]] trade outpost is constructed
  * **851 CE**: The city of [[Soro]] starts out as a mining and research camp
  * **945 CE**: [[Lomari]] is established
  * **1075 CE**: [[Kahch]] is established
  * **1115 CE**: [[Sloegr]] is established
  * **1155 CE**: [[Ilwyn]] and [[Ueneg]] are established
  * **1248 CE**: [[Sionnach]] is established
  * **1324 CE**: [[Kitsune]] is established
  * **1450 CE**: City of [[Pohika]] is formed

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==== Government and laws ====
The government of Gael is based on the historical records of the ancient kingdom of [[Kal'tael]]. As such it is extremely inclusive of every member of society, in which decisions made by local leadership can be blocked by very small minority. In the records, this form of government was extremely successful, though it has been less so for modern Gael. Gael has modified the system to fit its own sensibilities, and the result is a hybrid system. Policy is still written by consensus, but day to day operations are administered by governors which are appointed by the [[Preservation Society]]. From some perspectives, the nation is nothing more than a large private enterprise

One of the core tenets of Gaelen law is the Mit'a, mandatory public service. Citizens are expected to serve the first of every ten years in service to the historical preservation of the country's historical artifacts and monuments. This includes military service, archaeological efforts, maintenance and restoration, international trading, and diplomacy

While Gael does not believe in capitol punishment, the consequences for "the destruction of artifacts" is quite severe, up to exile to [[Ceann Island Prison]]. The punishment is also extended to foreigners, and to date, no one convicted of the crime has been released to their country of origin

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==== Society and culture ====

**Religion**\\
As in all things, the citizens of modern-day Gael imitate their forebearers and religion is no exception. They practice Nahuatl Shamanism, which reveres the spirits of the animals with a strong focus on mammals, particularly the coyote and the fox. The coyote (Coyotl, COY-oh-tul) is strong and stable, where as the fox (Tlalepatl, t-LAL-ay-pah-tul) is cunning and quick. These two creatures are central figures, seen as the ideal paths for young warriors to follow. Occasionally, the deer (Mazatl, MAH-zah-tul) or the bear (Tlaqui) are also revered for their grace and spirit, respectively

Hunting these revered creatures typically carries harsh penalties, even for foreigners. As a result these populations are relatively high, making the wilderness fairly dangerous. For this reason, killing these creatures in self defense is excusable provided that there was no alternative. A ceremonial grieving ritual is required in either case

**Values**\\
Gael prizes a reverence for the past and for ancient civilizations. They are an extremely organized and sincere people. They treat the ruins within their borders as sacred holy sites, and visitors' access to these sites is often severely restricted. Beyond that, they have a strong sense of hospitality, especially for outsiders who express interest or knowledge of their history

Additionally, celebration and mirth are a part of daily life in Gael. They observe all of ancient Gael's feast days, observing their ancient customs with unfettered enthusiasm

**Dress**\\
Daily clothing consists of blue, white, and grey linens worn loosely. Fur coats and boots are worn for warmth in the autumn and winter months, while linens, wide brimmed straw hats, and sandals are worn in spring and summer. Pelts of revered animals are obtained solely from animals that died of natural causes, and these pelts are extremely valuable. On festivals and feast days, woven textiles with complex patterns and bright colors are the norm. Hair is often worn in braids by both genders, and ringed wooden jewelry is ubiquitous

**Food**\\
The Gaelen diet consists mostly of grains, beans and fruit. Dairy and eggs are common, and meat comprises a small but consistent portion of the diet, mostly from fowl. Cactus nectar from the [[Seonin Forest]] is a common alcoholic beverage, which is served in cups made from cactus bark and garnished with the teal and white flowers from the cactus, when in season. Other alcohols are rare, the country only produces one variety of wine, a white wine from [[Sionnach]] called the "Silver Devil", an anthropomorphic name capturing the wine's deceptively high alcoholic content. Gael is something of an oddity in that they import no food or even alcohol from outside the country
 
**Music and Arts**\\
Music is an integral part of Gaelen society. Although no recorded compositions survived the cataclysm, the types of instruments used is known and most citizens are proficient with at least one. Simple percussive drums, multi-chambered flutes, and ocarinas are popular, less common is the wooden tambourine, a unique stringed instrument called a hoop

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==== Fauna ====
  * [[fauna#Aardvark]] - Across the [[Wapahkesis Desert]], particularly near the coasts
  * [[fauna#Antelope]] - Near the [[Teulell Mountains]]
  * [[fauna#Bear]] - Within the central and eastern [[Mahke Forest]], eastern [[Maohe Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Bumblebee]] - Found across the continent, in the forests, grasslands, and on the islands
  * [[fauna#Camel]] - Found throughout the [[Wapahkesis Desert]]
  * [[fauna#Cat]] - Primarily found in and around the cities of Gael
  * [[fauna#Chameleon]] - Found throughout the [[Mahke Forest|Mahke]], [[Maohe Forest|Maohe]], and [[Seonin Forest]]s
  * [[fauna#Chicken]] - Found across the [[Astha Grasslands]]
  * [[fauna#Cougar]] - Found throughout the nation's mountains, forests, and grasslands
  * [[fauna#Deer]] - Throughout the [[Mahke Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Desert Ant]] - Northeastern [[Astha Grasslands]], [[Wapahkesis Desert]]
  * [[fauna#Dove]] - Migrates from [[Culai Island]] to the [[Ichipatl Islands]]
  * [[fauna#Duck]] - Migrates, found in [[Grena Lake]] and among the islands
  * [[fauna#Falcon]] - Throughout the [[Astha Grasslands]], [[Kaitaeki Mountains]], [[Mahke Forest]], [[Teulell Mountains]]
  * [[fauna#Firefly]] - Found throughout [[Maohe Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Frog]] - Found in [[Grena Lake]], and on [[Muineal Island]]
  * [[fauna#Gaelen Blue Jay]] - Found in the [[Mahke Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Giant Fly]] - Found on [[Culai Island]] and in the [[Wapahkesis Desert]]
  * [[fauna#Hyena]] - Found throughout the [[Wapahkesis Desert]] and [[Seonin Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Ivory Tusked Gorilla]] - Found in the eastern [[Maohe Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Lemur]] - Found throughout the [[Mahke Forest]] canopy
  * [[fauna#Llama]] - Found throughout the mountains of Gael
  * [[fauna#Lion]] - Found in the northeastern regions of the [[Astha Grasslands]]
  * [[fauna#Ostrich]] - Found natively in the [[Astha Grasslands]], used domestically across the nation
  * [[fauna#Pelican]] - Found on the coasts and waters of the [[Fuechsin Seas]]
  * [[fauna#Porcupine]] - Found throughout the nations forests and plains, especially near fresh water
  * [[fauna#Rabbit]] - Found throughout the forests and grasslands of Gael
  * [[fauna#Rhinoceros]] - Wooly variant found in the [[Astha Grasslands]]
  * [[fauna#Rhinoceros Beetle]] - Found in the [[Maohe Forest]] and the [[Seonin Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Scorpion]] - Found in the [[Seonin Forest]] and the [[Wapahkesis Desert]]
  * [[fauna#Sheep]] - Found in the [[Astha Grasslands]]
  * [[fauna#Squirrel]] - Found gliding through the forest canopies of [[Muineal Island]]
  * [[fauna#Sparrow]] - Several variants found across the islands, particularly in the [[Mahke Forest]]
  * [[fauna#Striped Buzzard]] - Found in the [[Seonin Forest]] and the [[Wapahkesis Desert]]
  * [[fauna#Wolf]] - Found in the [[Mahke Forest]] and the [[Maohe Forest]]
==== Flora ====
  * [[Flora#Edelweiss]] - [[Astha Grasslands]], and in the [[Kaitaeki Mountains|Kaitaeki]], [[Mahonata Mountains|Mahonata]], [[Nghiem Mountains|Nghiem]], and [[Teulell Mountains]]
  * [[flora#Giant Redwood]] - Grows in the eastern [[Mahke Forest]]
  * [[flora#Manai Lily]] - Found in [[Lake Linh]]
  * [[flora#Silver Fir]] - Eastern [[Maohe Forest]], Western [[Mahke Forest]]