Kingdom of Charmonte
Charmonte is a kingdom located on the coast of the Varotra Sea. It was once a free kingdom before it was annexed by the Hadaran Empire. Now rumor has it their long dead king was revived by mysterious magic, and the revival of the royal bloodline has caused many to demand they be independent once again. Since then the Hadaran Empire has given them greater autonomy than any other province, though they are technically still a part of the Empire. Charmonte is known for its great beauty, lush forests and gorgeous meadows and mountain ranges. Wine from the land is famous, and exported all around Galledall.
History
Post-Cataclysm
Like many areas after the cataclysms, the region of Charmonte was hit badly, its history mostly forgotten after the Second Cataclysm. The region was split into many small territories with few kingdoms that contented with one another. In the early 1500's P.C. though, a red dragon is said to have attacked the countryside and several of the cities, destroying some of them. After it had amassed a hoard of treasure, it retreated to an abandoned castle where it slept before it would attack again. One day, a group of three brothers from the town of Cathaira took up arms against the dragon, and went to slay it. Though many doubted them, they returned successful, and the oldest of them, Melcion Chaucer, was made king of the city. The second oldest brother Alvaro became his assistant and captain, while Leo, the youngest, would establish the famed Charmonteen Knights. Many of the other towns and cities had also pledged loyalty to the brothers, and the Kingdom of Charmonte was founded, at least according to the legends.
As the years went by, the realm of Charmonte would expand. Bandits that had established small territories in the north were typically no real issue, though they occasionally raided deeper south towards Cathaira. They did this just one time too many however, and earned the wrath of the kingdom, and in turn the Charmonteen Knights, who rode upwards and fought them back over the Sirado Mountains, back to the Lowlands of Soldern. This allowed the region to be populated by the growing Charmonteen people, which established the furthest extents of Charmonte. To the south were the Oshensian people who lived in the dense woodlands and swamplands, mostly on good terms with Charmonte, while to the east was the region of Hadar, who had mostly ignored them and were focusing on other empires.
However, that did not last. By the mid 1900's P.C. international trade over sea began to resume, and it made Charmonte a very prosperous kingdom. Though they traded with their neighbors including the Hadaran Empire, the empire knew if they had control over the region, they could in effect cut out the middle man. Charmonte's neighbor Oshensia revealed that the empire planned to invade Charmonte after they had defeated Oshensia. Though they took some convincing, Charmonte agreed to come to Oshensia's aid, attacking Hadar on their western border in 1994 P.C. and in another war in 2021 P.C. However, allying with Oshensia would prove to be a mistake, as the Hadaran Empire far stronger than expected. Sending soldiers over the Petmur Mountains and guarding the many passes proved to be expensive for Charmonte. After another war with Oshensia began in 2040 P.C., it was totally pacified by 2052P.C. Though Charmonte tried to peacefully pull out of the war and preserve their independence, they were now alone and vulnerable. Refugees from Oshensia tried to help their former allies defend, but also warned of the horrors of having their cities leveled and families taken. The Charmonteen knew they could not survive a full on assault if the empire established a route through the mountains, and they did just that in late 2050s P.C. Rather than have their cities destroyed, Charmonte peacefully agreed to become a vassal of the empire.
But war was not over. The Charmonteen Knights refused to give up and took to the countryside and mountains where they had secret forts for their order. They would spend the next four years along with the few remaining Oshensians attacking Hadaran fortifications. Unfortunately, the Charmonteen Knights were not used to guerrilla warfare, and did poorly against the Hadarans. Over the years, each stronghold of the knights was systematically destroyed until 1704 P.C. when the Hadarans found the primary stronghold of the order, known as the Bastille of the Silver Falcon. Before it was assaulted, the King of Charmonte pleaded with the Hadaran soldiers to spare the knights. A decision was reached that guaranteeing the survival of the knights should they make an oath of blood to the Hadaran emperor. Though some nights agreed to this upon learning it, the vast majority did not. They refused to forsake their honor and their oath to their country. Several days later, the fortress walls were torn down, and the order was destroyed.
The Hadaran Empire continued to station its soldiers and generals in Charmonte until the region was finally considered stable enough to take care of itself. In 2112 P.C. the region was given vassal status, and life mostly returned to normal. Though the conquerors wished to rename the cities as was their custom, the Charmtonteens were proud and refused it. Although the Hadaran Empire initially insisted they do so, they decided that their culture was sophisticated enough that they did not need the rebranding, and thought that changing the name of the city may make it less attractive to travelers and traders. The empire did insist that the sons and daughters of the reigning monarch be sent to Astreonarcum where they would be taught Hadaran customs. The monarch accepted, but upon their return to the city several years later, he simply abdicated to his great nephew. The empire then stated he must send his children to Astreonarcum as well. He simply did the same once they returned, abdicating to his cousin as to not have any Hadaran brain-washed officials in the line of succession. Though the Imperial Court at Astreonarcum was furious of this, they technically were breaking no laws. Finally, when a monarch whose children had just returned to Cathaira abdicated to his uncle Frederick Esperanco, the Imperial Court gave up its attempts, leaving the Esperanco family in charge of the province.
Charmonte proved to be the most profitable province of the empire. The city flowed with gold that eventually made its way to Astreonarcum. Goods from all over the continent made their way through its ports, and many within the empire bought goods from Charmonte to satisfy their needs for luxury and exotic items. However, while the province was rich, it was mostly unhappy with its rule of the empire, and yearned to be free once more. By 2320 P.C., the grandson of Frederick Esperanco, Prince Nicolou Esperanco, began to publicly and vocally denounce the empire they were a part of. Though he never stating it explicitly in the open, he was clearly hinting at a revolution or rebellion. The Hadaran Empire knew that while they had the power to simply remove or imprison him, they could not simply do so. That would outrage Charmonte more than any speech a prince could give. So instead, they quietly poisoned him and his whole family, making it seem like illness. The prince's extended family soon encountered a series of misfortunes where each one died under strange circumstances. Eventually, none of the royal family was left, and the city was without any rulers. A council was established to rule over the region instead. The change in power was so quiet and subtle that many did not realize the prince had died until months after he was buried.
Age of Restoration
Charmonte had become a military outpost in the first year of the Age of Restoration. The empire based ships and men in the province to fight both the Republic of Viltanor and Free Kingdom of Soldern, which slowed down trade. To make matters worse, plague and famine struck the entire region, which only added to the displeasure the people of Charmonte had against their occupiers. However, in 8 A.o.R., the province's spirits lifted when it was revealed that their prince, the final heir to the Kingdom of Charmonte, had been miraculously revived. Though never going into detail, he had been brought back from the dead by a powerful spell, and was back to his former self. The Council of Cathaira immediately gave him the power that had been his before his death over 60 years prior. The prince was able to meet some of his past friends still alive and old. Many once again called for more freedom, and with the Hadaran Empire busy at war with the The Almaridian Empire, people began to revolt. In 10 A.o.R., Emperor Cassander Alexiadis II travelled to Cathaira personally to speak with Prince Nicolou Esperanco. Everyone braced for the worst. The still angry Hadaran armies were on the borders of Charmonte, waiting for the signal to invade, while the Knights of Charmonte watched each movement of every imperial bodyguard carefully. The prince and the emperor first talked inside around a large wooden table, sitting on each end. Talks went much longer than expected, but things seemed fine. As the talks continued, the two became more comfortable around each other and even began joking with one another, taking walks and rides through the countryside of Charmonte. After over two weeks of bated breath from both armies, it was announced that Charmonte would remain a vassal of Hadar, but would gain great autonomy. No more would the Imperial Court have any say over affairs in Charmonte, and they would no longer be required to send their soldiers in times of war. They would be allowed to establish their own laws concerning religion, magic, and trade. In return for their freedoms, Charmonte was required to pay an annual tribute of 35,000 gold. While nearly everyone in the empire hated this deal, the people of Charmonte could not have been happier.
Social
The people of Charmonte exist in a feudal system. Each region of Charmonte is ruled over by a count who in turn exists as a servant of the king. Though this system was used extensively during the height of the kingdom's power, it is just returning after having been fazed out by the empire. Many people work as merchants, craftsmen, farmers, or artisans. The countryside of Charmonte is littered with vineyards, silk farms, and orchards. The land and people of Charmonte have both been hailed for their beauty. While serene and peaceful, the picturesque land that is often imagined as Charmonte is mainly to the south, with the northern part of Charmonte known to be wilder and rougher. The people are generally considered less friendly and concerned with ideals than their southern, 'true' Charmonteen brethren. Regardless the countryside and landscape remains beautiful compared to many other parts of Vadovass.
Charmonte is famed for its culture, which is unique and unlike most other nations on the continent. The dress and architecture of Charmonte is seen as the most sophisticated, with nobles across the continent seeking to emulate their style. There are many places for the entertainment, with Charmtonteen bards and poets renowned for their works. The region also prides themselves for their level of sophistication in medical sciences as well as philosophy. The people of Charmonte are also noted for their sense of honor and stubbornness, with the leading cause of death among civilians and soldiers being duels. They are also considered far more accepting of non-humans, and is one of the few places an elf or half-orc can live in the Hadaran Empire.
Political
The king rules the land from the capital city of Cathaira, with the surrounding lands ruled by counts established by the king himself. While the king has a royal court, they have less power than most other monarchical court systems, mostly just dealing with the local area's economic, social and religious issues, while a select few keep eyes further outside the heartland. While Charmonte does have a king, he is bound by the rules of a constitution first set in place several centuries ago, being occasionally tweaked and altered. While this grants many citizens of Charmonte rights some others don't get in societies that use a feudal system, there are many other rules citizens are bound to. Each region, called counties, is allowed to have their own laws established for their own cities and town that comprise them, often at the behest of their counts.
Economic
The capital of Charmonte, Cathaira, is one of the first west most seaports one can find if they seek to trade with the Hadaran Empire. While other ports exist that are technically closer to Viltanor, Soldernis, and other sea faring nations, none compare to Cathaira's beauty and wonder. Sailors will often take a lower pay just to get to spend time in Cathaira, and nobles may travel there for special events. The city's businesses take advantage of the travelers, and has many goods and services available to outsiders who wander in. While it is hardly crawling with tourists, finding outsiders in Cathaira is common. Additionally the city itself is near many vineyards and silk farms, with wine and silk being the biggest exports of the kingdom. Textiles, honey, and cheese are also traded across the continent from Cathaira and fetch good prices. Much of the nation has similar goods that it produces, most of them going to Cathaira to be sold to port traders who take them further west or deeper east into the empire.
Religious
After having the ability to establish their own religious laws, Charmonte elected not to have an official religion. While the Galledallian Pantheon is popular, the priesthood of Hadar is not. Additionally, the Wizgaran Pantheon is also quite popular, with the two often being worshiped side by side. Though some temples do exist, most are small, since the Charmonteen preferring to create small shrines instead.
Military
The military of Charmonte is lax, and smaller than most other nations. This is primarily because of their client state status with the Hadaran Empire. Knowing they are the most profitable province, and that they are paying thousands of gold each year to the empire's treasury, they believe they will be protected should any transgressions against them occur. Because of this they do not pour more money than they deem necessary into their military. Instead they choose to maintain a small, disciplined force that is dispatched to deal with issues as needed. These are the Knights of Charmonte, famous throughout the Empire and the nearby lands and immortalized in many Charmonteen ballads. They travel in plate armor and have decorated shields, with colorful yellow and blue designs and feathered plumes from their helmets. Though appearing ostentatious, they are deadly when faced in battle.
Foreign Relations
Being a client state comes with its advantages. Having no need to spread their territory, Charmonte has put a great deal of care into sending diplomats across Galledall. They maintain embassies in Soldern, Viltanor, Sunar, the Domuc, Midiiz, Tilliden, Almaridia, the New Elven Union, Salandi, and Shiminore. Though none of them can be considered military allies, they all have good trade relations with Charmonte and respect them. Most of these nations directly trade with Charmonte, either by land or sea. While Hadar is a military ally that has not wronged them in some time, the Charmonteen still view them as captors. While to the generals and court members of Hadar, the people of Charmonte are still their subjects. This relationship makes things uneasy at times, but never hostile.
Magic
Unlike the rest of the empire, magic has already begun to return to Charmonte, thanks to the work of the king and the royal court. Magical tomes and items occasionally make their way into Charmonte to either be kept for later use or resold. Prince Esperanco plans on building an academy of magic in the city of Cathaira, further increasing the presence of magic presence in the region. Every now and then, some items are 'lost,' most likely falling into the hands of the black market, who takes them further east into the empire to be traded for a massive markup.
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
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