Shieldcrest is the largest and most conservative principality in the Resurgent Dream, although it is styled a grand duchy. The kingdom takes up the northern part of the high kingdom and is largely rural and agricultural. Shieldcrest has stricter traditions of rank of privilege than any other Danaan principality.

Shieldcrest was the originally the possession of Corrina of the Resurgent Dream, in addition to her high throne. She yielded her claim to Shieldcrest to her younger twin, Danwyth of Shieldcrest. Following Danwyth's death, the kingdom passed to his younger sister, Nianki of Shieldcrest.

Like the rest of the high kingdom, the people of Shieldcrest generally understand English and speak in appropriate circumstances. However, most citizens also speak Welsh among themselves and a notable minority speak only Welsh, especially in isolared rural areas. The business of local government is done in Welsh and most schools teach primarily in Welsh. Shieldcrest's borders to the west, north, and east are only with the Indian Ocean. It's bordered by Wintermore, Fireforge, and Farinor to the south.

History

Shieldcrest was originally inhabited by a number of Polynesian hamelts, including Mahina, Puka, and Kamara. Presentday Shieldcrest was first colonized by the Welsh. Rhygyfarch ap Cunedda, for whom Rhygyfarch Parish is named, founded the first European settlement in what is now the Resurgent Dream at Narich. Glynis, the first European child born in the Resurgent Dream, was born in Shieldcrest. Glynis Parish is named for her.

Rhygyfarch married Princess Maile, the daughter of native King Kamameha, in order to secure the right of his dynasty to the rule over the island. As other settlers began to arrive from other parts of the world, Shieldcrest forced them to accept the high kingship of the king of Shieldcrest. This lasted until 1381 when King Thomas I of Wintermore won the high kingship in a revolt against High King John.

The kings of Shieldcrest regained the high kingship in 1478 when King Dafydd seized the high throne from High King Thomas VIII. Shieldcrest continued to hold the high throne until the Homecoming War, when Timon ap Gwydion seized both the throne of Shieldcrest and of the Resurgent Dream, keeping them united. His daughter, Corrina ni Gwydion, then relinquished the throne of Shieldcrest to her younger brother Danwyth to end the perception that one part of her realm ruled over the others. After Danwyth's death, the kingdom passed to the next in line, Nianki. Under her sucessor, High Queen Agwene, Shieldcrest was reduced from a kingdom to a principality. After the Shattering, Shieldcrest passed once more into the hands of a descendant of Rhygyfarch, Grand Duchess Gwendolyn ni Cunedda, the younger sister of High King Owain ap Cunedda.

Over the past few years, Shieldcrest has grown to be a national leader in mining. The principality's mining output ranked first in the nation over the last year. This does not mean that Shieldcrest does not also participate strongly in national industries such as information technology, book publishing, and retail.

Law and government

Narich is both the capital of Shieldcrest and the largest city. The Grand Duchess of Shieldcrest is Gwendolyn ni Cunedda. While the Grand Duchess of Shieldcrest does not openly support any political party, Gwendolyn is believed by most to sympathize with the Patriots.

Executive branch

The Grand Duchess of Shieldcrest selects the First Minister, traditionally the leader of the majority or plurality party in the Assembly for Shieldcrest by granting him a mandate to form a government. The First Minister then appoints a Cabinet subject to the approval of the Assembly.

Legislative branch

The Assembly for Shieldcrest is a unicameral body consisting of one hundred members. The current First Minister is Patriot Christian Balogh. The current Speaker is Patriot Max Broughton. The Patriots control an absolute majority of the Assembly and rule without any need for a coalition.