The Commonwealth of Gilnean Royal Protectorates, but commonly referred to simply 'The Commonwealth' as by the masses, is an autonomously Governed State in Gilneas. Leadership was comprised of Viceroy-General Matthue Brannigan and his advisers, and a Council of Mayors and Knights from the various settlements of Gilneas.
Overview[]
Economically, Gilneas is still a viable source of revenue and is being widely privatized by the Noble Houses residing there. With almost all mines in the Lands of Stormwind overrun with Kobolds, Emberstone mine remains one of the very few coal pits left in alliance hands, and coal, being a very valuable resource, makes this a very lucrative business and trade opportunity. Not to mention that The Blackwald's Lumber industry is a very heavy competitor, and once geared up, could even rival the output of Eastvale Logging Camp in Elwynn Forest. And of course, we cannot overlook Gilneas's staple economic standby, the fishing and maritime Industries. All of these factors, combined with the fact that Keel Harbour is the Northernmost Alliance Port in the Eastern Kingdoms makes New Gilneas a very lucrative business partner.
However, this great power and wealth don't come without a price, the brave men and women of New Gilneas are constantly besieged by Forsaken, raided by Feral Worgen Packs, pillaged by bandits, and harassed by Pirates. They have not given up hope, however, and the Armies of Keel Harbour march to defend Gilneas, her citizens, and her interests across not only Gilneas and Lordaeron but all of Azeroth
History[]
The commonwealth began as a passion project of Leader Matthue Brannigan, pressing for it to the council of nobles after the conclusion of the 4th War, he was eventually given a small opening, to lead a volunteer group north to Gilneas, attempt to reclaim the lands and lay a foundation of governance, that one day might facilitate the return of Gilneas to the Alliance.
It was a slow start, but eventually the Commonwealth started to take shape, as supplies were donated and volunteers gathered. Even allies eventually began to present themselves, most notably in the form of another Northern Kingdom recently reformed, in the form of the Kingdom of Stromgarde.
When the time finally came to return to Gilneas, after a few scouting trips turned up minimal resistance, and a surprising lack of Forsaken activity behind the wall, the Commonwealth landed in Keel Harbor, after a bit of a rocky landing for one of the ships, they were then almost instantly set upon by a massive pack of Feral Worgen, with the help of their Stromgardian allies, the commonwealth forces were able to claim the day, and push back the Worgen.
Once this was done, and the Worgen were cleared from the headlands, the two forces split up, with the Stromgardians marching home, and smashing a sizable forsaken force that had aimed to push the Commonwealth back into the sea, the wall was then reclaimed and nominally manned by a advance warning force. Simultaneously the forces of the Commonwealth pressed into Gilneas City proper, following the underground tunnel that had once evacuated refugees from the city. Once more met by Worgen in an ambush at the former Northgate Prison, the forces of the Commonwealth once more were able to overcome this Worgen pack, and even met the elusive leader for the first time, a Worgen that it was eventually uncovered, was a former GLF soldier who'd stayed behind and been driven mad.
In the weeks the followed the Commonwealth forces focused on repairing the city, and setting up defenses, before advancing towards Emberstone village, with its mine being a key part of the eventual revitalization of the Gilneas Economy, here they did not meet Worgen, but instead spiders who had infested the mine, led by a massive matriarch who was descended from nearby silk farmers. Once the spiders were taken care of, they were able to reclaim the town, as well as the mine.
However they weren't fully out of the woods from the Worgen yet, as they Commonwealth advanced on Tempest Reach, following a strategy of pinning the Worgen into increasingly tighter spaces to force a set piece battle, being ambushed through the plains around Tempest Reach, the Commonwealth fought their way through the Ambush, and reclaimed the town, but driven on by the arrival of a covert seventh legion group, they were able to push on, and claim Stormglen as well, where it was learned that a member of the Commonwealth's own was being held captive by the Worgen of the Blackwald. Setting the place for the climactic battle that they were hoping for.
Commonwealth Ranks[]
As the Commonwealth has both a civilian, and military structure, this has led to a more open structure of the guild as well, with the ranks below following.
Council Member[]
There will only be two of these at any time, one from the military branch, and one from the civilian branch, meant to advice the Viceroy-General on the state of the Commonwealth and steps that can be taken to improve it, or defend it. This position will be elected by the members of the guild on a monthly basis, and will be elected from the group of Mayors and Knights appointed by the Viceroy-General.
Mayor and Knight[]
This is the highest rank you can achieve in the Commonwealth by direct appointment of the Viceroy-General, at all times there will be 4 Knights, and 4 Mayors, A mayor for each town in Gilneas, Emberstone, Tempest Reach, Stormglen, and Keel Harbor, the Mayor will be in charge of all civilian activities in those areas, while the Knights will be charged with military operations in those areas. Though helping your neighbors are of course encouraged! When a Knight or Mayor is promoted to the Council, a new Knight or Mayor will be selected by the Viceroy, and when a Council Member is voted out of office, the Knight or Mayor will take up the office of the newly promoted Council Member.
Tradesman and Captain[]
The very lowest officer position that can be obtained in the Commonwealth, in both the Military and Civilian branch. These will be appointed by the advice of the Mayors and Knights, as well as the Council, but ultimately at the authority of the Viceroy-General himself.
Citizen and Sergeant[]
The first promotion many will receive.
Laborer and Private[]
The backbone of the guild!