The Holy Kingdom of Stanna
The Holy Kingdom of Stanna is a sovereign nation defined by its rugged mountainous terrain, deeply rooted religious traditions, and unwavering devotion to Kalvarianism, its state religion. Situated in an isolated region, Stanna is both geographically and culturally distinct, with a society that revolves around religious adherence and a strong sense of communal identity.
Stanna is characterized by its stark and dramatic landscapes, including rocky deserts, sprawling plains, and expansive savannahs. The most prominent geographical feature is Mount Ascendant, the highest peak in the kingdom and the holiest site in Kalvarianism. The region's natural beauty is revered by its inhabitants and considered a manifestation of Zorath's creation.
Theocratic Monarchy: Stanna is governed as a theocratic monarchy, with the King or Queen serving as both the political and spiritual leader of the nation. The monarch is believed to be divinely chosen and serves with the guidance of the Divine Council, the highest religious authority in the kingdom.
The Divine Council, led by the High Seer, plays a crucial role in both religious and state affairs. It advises the monarch, enforces religious laws, and ensures that the principles of Kalvarianism are upheld throughout the kingdom. The Council's decisions are considered final and are believed to be inspired by divine will.
Agriculture and Livestock: The economy of Stanna is primarily agrarian, with the fertile valleys providing ample land for farming. Common crops include barley, oats, and root vegetables. Even more essential to Stanni economics however, are Livestock such as sheep and goats which also vital for providing wool, milk, and meat for consumption as well as sale.
Craftsmanship: Stanna is renowned for its skilled artisans, particularly in woodwork, metalwork, and textiles. The intricate designs often incorporate religious symbols, including owls, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of these motifs.
Trade: While relatively self-sufficient, Stanna engages in limited trade with neighboring and overseas nations alike, exporting high-quality wool, handcrafted goods, and agricultural products. Trade is conducted with strict adherence to religious principles, ensuring that all interactions align with the tenets of Kalvarianism.
Religious Influence: Kalvarianism permeates every aspect of life in Stanna. Daily routines, social structures, and cultural practices are all influenced by religious doctrine. The populace is deeply devout, with community activities often centered around religious festivals, ceremonies, and communal worship.
Education: Education is provided through the Owl Academies, where students learn both secular subjects and religious teachings. The curriculum emphasizes moral and ethical education based on The Book of Truths, with a strong focus on the sacredness of owls and the importance of vigilance and wisdom.
Stanna's calendar is filled with religious festivals and holidays, the most significant being the Feast of Vigilance. These events foster a strong sense of community and reinforce the central role of Kalvarianism in daily life. Music, dance, and communal feasts are common during these celebrations, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
The Nocturnal Order: The Nocturnal Order is the elite military force of Stanna, tasked with protecting the kingdom and enforcing religious laws. Members of the Nocturnal Order are highly trained and deeply devout, viewing their service as a sacred duty. They are known for their discipline, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom and its faith.
Defense Strategies: Stanna's mountainous terrain provides natural defenses, making it difficult for potential invaders to penetrate the kingdom. The Holy Guard is adept at utilizing the terrain to their advantage, employing guerrilla tactics and fortifying key areas of the plains with expansive concrete trench systems.
The Flag of Stanna:The flag of the Holy Kingdom of Stanna features a prominent owl, symbolizing wisdom, vigilance, and the divine presence of Zorath. The owl is set against a backdrop of snow white, representing the purity and the spiritual aspirations of the nation, with purple accents symbolizing divine light and the royalty each Stanni citizen is promised in the next life.
Terrain
Stanna is characterized by its stark and dramatic landscapes, including rocky deserts, sprawling plains, and expansive savannahs. The most prominent geographical feature is Mount Ascendant, the highest peak in the kingdom and the holiest site in Kalvarianism. The region's natural beauty is revered by its inhabitants and considered a manifestation of Zorath's creation.
Government and Political Structure
Theocratic Monarchy: Stanna is governed as a theocratic monarchy, with the King or Queen serving as both the political and spiritual leader of the nation. The monarch is believed to be divinely chosen and serves with the guidance of the Divine Council, the highest religious authority in the kingdom.
The Divine Council
The Divine Council, led by the High Seer, plays a crucial role in both religious and state affairs. It advises the monarch, enforces religious laws, and ensures that the principles of Kalvarianism are upheld throughout the kingdom. The Council's decisions are considered final and are believed to be inspired by divine will.
Economy
Agriculture and Livestock: The economy of Stanna is primarily agrarian, with the fertile valleys providing ample land for farming. Common crops include barley, oats, and root vegetables. Even more essential to Stanni economics however, are Livestock such as sheep and goats which also vital for providing wool, milk, and meat for consumption as well as sale.
Craftsmanship: Stanna is renowned for its skilled artisans, particularly in woodwork, metalwork, and textiles. The intricate designs often incorporate religious symbols, including owls, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of these motifs.
Trade: While relatively self-sufficient, Stanna engages in limited trade with neighboring and overseas nations alike, exporting high-quality wool, handcrafted goods, and agricultural products. Trade is conducted with strict adherence to religious principles, ensuring that all interactions align with the tenets of Kalvarianism.
Society and Culture
Religious Influence: Kalvarianism permeates every aspect of life in Stanna. Daily routines, social structures, and cultural practices are all influenced by religious doctrine. The populace is deeply devout, with community activities often centered around religious festivals, ceremonies, and communal worship.
Education: Education is provided through the Owl Academies, where students learn both secular subjects and religious teachings. The curriculum emphasizes moral and ethical education based on The Book of Truths, with a strong focus on the sacredness of owls and the importance of vigilance and wisdom.
Festivals and Holidays
Stanna's calendar is filled with religious festivals and holidays, the most significant being the Feast of Vigilance. These events foster a strong sense of community and reinforce the central role of Kalvarianism in daily life. Music, dance, and communal feasts are common during these celebrations, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Military and Defense
The Nocturnal Order: The Nocturnal Order is the elite military force of Stanna, tasked with protecting the kingdom and enforcing religious laws. Members of the Nocturnal Order are highly trained and deeply devout, viewing their service as a sacred duty. They are known for their discipline, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom and its faith.
Defense Strategies: Stanna's mountainous terrain provides natural defenses, making it difficult for potential invaders to penetrate the kingdom. The Holy Guard is adept at utilizing the terrain to their advantage, employing guerrilla tactics and fortifying key areas of the plains with expansive concrete trench systems.
National Symbols
The Flag of Stanna:The flag of the Holy Kingdom of Stanna features a prominent owl, symbolizing wisdom, vigilance, and the divine presence of Zorath. The owl is set against a backdrop of snow white, representing the purity and the spiritual aspirations of the nation, with purple accents symbolizing divine light and the royalty each Stanni citizen is promised in the next life.
History
Near the end of the dark ages, Prophet Kalvar began an initially personal crusade to spread the glory of his new leige lord, Zorath. At first, only a few beleived his teachings as he wandered from city to town across the land, but gradually, more and more came to be swayed by his impeccable charisma and tantalizing persuasions of glories in the next life. However, the growth of the fledgling religion of Kalvarianism started to become exponential, and after a dozen or so years of proselytizing, many thousands came to believe. By the year 1402, the Holy Kingdom of Stanna was officially in existance, the soon to be feared owl banner officially flying over its cities from the very start. Eventually, the spreading of Kalvarianism through suggestion of words becamse the command at the tip of a sword, and city after city was brought to worship Zorath.
First Founding: 5/21/1402
Second Founding: 5/21/1821 - First Dissolution: 9/14/1691
Final Dissolution: 12/8/2039
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Provisional government
Economic System
Barter system
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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