Galahad

Galahad (Celebaradian: ᚷᚨᛚᚨᚺᚨᛞ) is the capital city of the Ealdoric of Gweneth, located between the Great Western Sea and the central plains of the Kingdom of Celebarad. With a population of almost 600,000 souls (1734 AN), it is one of the three largest cities of the kingdom, alongside Pelargard and Dinas Celebarad. Galahad serves as a regional hub for agriculture, trade, and traditional textile production.

Etymology

The name Galahad is believed to originate from the ancient Norse-Celebaradian hybrid phrase Gahl-Hadr, meaning “Bright Guard.” It is widely thought to reference the watchtowers that once overlooked the rolling hills of central Gweneth during the early Vanic incursions, guarding southern approaches to the Tara Mountains.

Geography and climate

Galahad is situated at the meeting point of the Tara foothills and the open Gweneth plains, surrounded by fertile lands ideal for grain, flax, and livestock. The city enjoys a temperate continental climate, with warm summers, crisp autumns, and cold but dry winters. To the east, Galahad borders the Great Western Sea. This makes the city an important port for the kingdom.

History

Although not as ancient as Dinas Celebarad, the region around Galahad has been continuously inhabited since the Second Age. Early settlements grew around a fortified crossroads trading post known as Burgh Alnod. The town rose to regional prominence during the Menelmacari period, when it became a satellite market for silver and wool transport between the mines of Nordaria and the southern ports.

Under the Vanic occupation, Galahad suffered significant depopulation but remained a strategic agricultural site. Following the resurgence of Celebaradi sovereignty and the coronation of King Thawain, Galahad was reestablished as a seat of regional governance. It was declared the capital of the Ealdoric of Gweneth by Lady Alicent of House Gweneth, a title still held by the ruling family of Ealdors.

Governance

Galahad is governed by the Lady Ealdor Alicent of House Gweneth, who oversees both the city and wider Ealdoric administration. The city’s internal affairs are managed by the Burgher Council of Galahad, a civic body composed of appointed Guild Elders, Steward-Judges, and commanders of the City Watch.

The city’s coat of arms features a sheaf of golden flax atop a green field, bordered by the silver leaf crown of House Gweneth.

Economy

Historically reliant on agriculture and livestock, Galahad has also been known for its linen and wool industries. The famed White Market hosts biweekly guild fairs where textiles, herbs, tanned hides, and regional wines are sold. In recent decades, trade routes connecting Pelargard and Caer Alfirin have brought increasing commerce through Galahad, turning it into a key interior trading post. Some of Galahad's main resources are raw wool and dyed linen, cheeses and dried meats and iron and copper goods (sourced from nearby Tara foothills).

Culture and society

Galahad is often considered the cultural heart of Gweneth. Festivals such as the Feast of First Shear and Harvest Day attract visitors from across Celebarad. The dominant faith is the Cult of Arian, with the Basilica of the Stars acting as the spiritual center of the city. The city also maintains strong Norse Nazarene minority communities, evident in the architecture of the Twin Hallows district.

Notable landmarks

• The Basilica of the Stars – a grand temple dedicated to Arian, believed to be built on an ancient Menelmacari altar.
• Gweneth Keep – seat of House Gweneth, an ancient stone fortress overlooking the central green.
• White Market – the largest open-air market in central Celebarad.
• Aldenbrook Bridge – an ancient stone bridge crossing the river Ellian, marking the traditional eastern boundary of the city.

Transport

Galahad is served by the King’s Eastway, a major royal road connecting Dinas Celebarad to Caer Alfirin. In recent years, a military-led effort to modernise trade roads has seen the paving and fortification of several outlying routes. Galahad is connected via caravan trade and river transport along the Ellian to the inner lands and as such a key entrepot for the Gweneth inlands. The city also hosts a regional Legion garrison, ensuring both security and the upkeep of strategic roads through Gweneth.