Kingdom of Espen
The Blood Maned Lion might rest but you should never assume it's sleeping
The Founding
The Kingdom of Espen was founded in 1032 AF, one of the earliest realms to break free from the long shadow of the ancient city-state of Alada. Its birth was violent, forged in the fires of the First Pride Crusade, where the legendary general Cadmus “The Lion” turned his back on Alada and led his forces westward. Claiming land long under Aladan influence, Cadmus crowned himself sovereign and divided the conquered lands between his seven most loyal commanders—The Dukes of the Pride. Thus, the Kingdom of the Red Mane was born.
Over the following decades, Espen’s influence spread from its fortified capital, Castella, deep into the subcontinent of Tairn, solidifying its position as a dominant military and cultural power.
In the coming decades Espen will extend its influence from Castella, its capital, outwards to occupy a massive amount of land and solidifying its presence to the ancient sub continent of Tairn .
The Red Mane Legion
The beating heart of Espen’s military legacy is the Red Mane Legion, established in 1094 AF under Queen Isabella “The Huntress”. Considered to this day the most elite and disciplined fighting force in the known world, the Legion is both a knightly brotherhood and a fearsome war machine.
Membership is not restricted by noble birth, but the cost of entry is high—applicants must obtain, often at great expense, the intricate weaponry and Armor required. Yet there is no greater honor in Espen than bearing the red mane and riding into battle among the Legion’s ranks.
In ages past, the Knight-Brothers of the Legion rode into combat atop three-horse chariots, clad in impenetrable plate and wielding massive greatswords or battle-axes alongside towering scutum shields. Their appearance alone could turn enemy morale to ash. They were walking fortresses, deployed rapidly and crushingly in battle.
In the present day, these ancient armors have been enhanced with alchemical augmentation. Forged with rare electrum-infused alloys, the new Armor is both lighter and stronger, fitted with rotor-assisted servos that amplify strength and speed. Their blades are now superheated by alchemical batteries, capable of cleaving through metal with ease. Gone are the chariots—modern Red Maine warriors leap and dash with inhuman agility, their movements swifter than cavalry.
Each unit operates in tight formation, supported by battlefield communication systems embedded into their Armor, allowing them to coordinate complex maneuvers in real time. Though their number has dwindled from thousands to just 300 active knights, the Red Maine remain unmatched. A single deployed unit has turned the tide of battles and crushed enemies tenfold in size.
The Burn
Espen was once the greatest kingdom in Nyria. Then came The Burn. Floods consumed the lush valleys of Tairn. Fires scorched the highlands. Millions perished. Only a fraction—less than five percent—survived.
From all the cities and fortresses of Espen, Castella its original capital was spared on the account of being built as a high altitude fortress and dug deep into the bedrock for centuries. The rest of the fortresses in most cases had to be rebuilt from the ground up during and after The Burn
During this time of horror, the kingdom endured under the resolute leadership of Queen Ana. Her successor, King Felipe I, continued the work of rebuilding, stabilizing the realm and rallying what remained of its people. But Espen, long a lion, became a wounded beast, desperate to reclaim its roar on the world stage.
Governance and Structure
Espen is an absolute monarchy, ruled by King Felipe I, who governs alongside the Seven Dukes—each of whom holds power over a major city and its surrounding domains. The Dukes swear loyalty to the crown and provide taxation and military support, but are otherwise left to govern their regions autonomously.
These domains include floating fortresses, river citadels, and ancient highland bastions—each with its own culture and martial traditions, bound together by fealty to the Lion Throne.
Economy
Espen has recovered economically through strategic exports: Weapons, Armor, warhorses, Wine, and fine meat. But its true fortune lies in the Tairnic Gold Vein—a vast deposit of Gold and Electrum, the largest discovered since The Burn. This wealth fuels Espen’s military resurgence and diplomatic leverage.
While it imports Grain, coal, wool, Tin, and Silver, Espen exports strength, and it is regaining its footing quickly on the global market.he Gold and Electrum found in markets. This gave them competitive advantage that they use in order to rebuild.
Military Power
Espen’s land forces remain formidable. It maintains the highest percentage of trained soldiers among all nations—two-thirds of its adult population are regularly drilled. Men and women serve equally in combat.
Yet Espen’s greatest weakness is its navy. Historically, Espen viewed naval forces merely as transportation for armies, not instruments of warfare. In today’s sea-dominated world, this oversight leaves the kingdom dangerously behind. Its ships are outdated, its sailors undertrained, and its alchemical naval technologies sorely lacking. Though the Red Maine can conquer battlefields, they cannot walk on water.
Efforts are underway to modernize the fleet, but progress is slow—and Espen’s rivals know it.
Culture and Society
Espen bleeds honor and history. Martial valor is woven into its songs, its feasts, its rites. Combat tournaments are held regularly, often followed by long nights of dancing, feasting, and epic recitals. Poetry, particularly romantic and heroic verse, is treasured—more than novels or theater, which are often dismissed as decadent or overly indulgent.
The kingdom retains patriarchal traditions, especially in inheritance law, titles, and marriage customs. However, strong women have long defied these structures—Isabella the Huntress and Queen Ana among them.
Diplomatic Relations
Espen walks a knife’s edge in diplomacy. It maintains neutral but distant ties with the Eldwell Empire, a historically cold stance with @leid, and no contact with the Kelean Mandate.
Its most active engagement lies with the Thierry Free States, with whom it recently began a fragile partnership. Once viewed as weak survivors, Thierry’s growing influence now makes them a valuable, if unpredictable, ally.
Demography and Population
70% Castellano , 20% Leonese , 5% Campaigne, 5% Various, Other
Armaments, Armor, Wine, Horses, Meat, Steel, Gold
Wool, Grain, Coal, Tin, Silver
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