Kingdom of Ardania

Structure

The kingdom is ruled by a monarch and nobility with each one have their say in matters of state. Their are over eight ranks that decides their status in the kingdom.
King/Queen: The House Kasval has ruled the kingdom since is founding, making them the most powerful House in the kingdom. Their rule is law and many kings and queens that have sat on the throine made sure it stayed that way.
Vemer/Vemerse: They are the highest ranking nobles second only to the royal family, having large amounts of sway over politics and land in the kingdom known as Vemerons, they are one few people who are able to raise armies from their vassals and collect taxes from those that rule under them.
Banor/Banoress: They are considered the defenders of the realm as their lands are on the borders of the kingdom known as Banordoms. Which are heavily fortified and are allowed to have small armies to defend the borders when need. Letting hanve large influence in court both politically and militarily.
Herrshal/Herrshalma: They are the in between of the nobility that make up most of the nobility and controlling Herrshales that make up most of the kingdom. Most of which are vassels of higher ranking nobles and are often fighting each other over lands and to raise their titles.
Dushal/Dushalma: Rather then being players in the political situation of the kingdom, they are assistants to the Herrshals in their duties in rum their lands. Often living in their lands and acting as administrators to ensure their laws were being followed their subjects.
Keyshal/Keyshalma:The lowest rank in nobility, they only own a small fief and often under the control of higher ranking members of nobility as their vassals. Though they are small they are able to have more freedom and have soldiers under their command.
Galos/Galess: These are often minor nobles that live inside the lands of other nobles as vassals often holding a castle or manor. Some either have control of military assets or financial wealth.
Durnon/Durnonit: They are land owners that are not nobility that are in control of land and their wealth allows them to have certain right and freedoms. They are allowed to do with it as they please and can allow certain rights on their lands.

Culture

What you see before you is a nation that was found on the principles of unity and tolerance, though it still exists it has been divided by social class and wealth. Causing these values to lose their meaning as the people a trapped in the plots and schemes of their rulers.- Royal Scholar

Being a Member

So you are apart the illustrious kingdom of the south huh? A place where the food is plentiful and the rulers are far to their subjects. Well what you might think is a better life from The Empire or any other place is not quite so as its nothing more then a gilded cage. The golden age that once existed in these lands is long gone and you are trapped in what ever life you are born into all because of who your parents are. What once was a nation of values has since been in centuries of decline and trapped in political turmoil by it nobility and those trying to over throw them. The noble live the easy life as they live off the what their subjects sow and often get away with what ever they want. But most of them will end up dead from rivalries and wars at some point or another. Cause the nation to fall apart as the House of Kasval lose it influence over them. Corruption and subterfuge are common among them and the public officials that they control.
The people, or should I say the peasants for that matter are down in the dirt as they really have no say in what goes on in the courts of nobles. They are just stuck in their current life unless they do something or someone takes an interest in them to become something greater then ever before. May it be becoming a priest or even a knight in some cases. Being born with magic can be beneficial too in some cases too. Your life revolves around several things, the job your parents had, the lord you serve and how much land you control. All of those factors can either make your life comfortable or a living hell. Of course there are also the bandits and thieves that are running about as well that you have to be careful about since they can raise you home to ground and beat you to the brink of death if you lucky. You also have to deal with your neighbors sometimes as well as there are so many cultural groups in kingdom that it may causes some argument and in fighting if things get out of hand.

What People think of You

Being apart of the kingdom means that you are considered completely foreign to the rest of the world as it is isolated from the world do to its geography. Merchants outside the kingdom consider you a business venture as you may have resources unique to the south worth selling. You are also considered an symbol of defiance as you are not been conquered by the Vatian Empire and remain apart of a fully independent nation and away from imperial rule. But for those who do know how the kingdom works, they consider you apart of a chaotic and lawless land as conflict tend to pop up every few decades and leave the region in ruins. In other words, a nation that is on the verge of ruin and collapse from internal struggles.

Public Agenda

The kingdom only wishes to maintain their sovereignty and power in the south, along with eliminating threats both internal and external that might threaten said soveriegnty.

Assets

The Kingdom has large amount of military resources and defences at their disposal. With many of them coming from the vassels that House Kasval have control over.

History

The Joining of Two Kingdoms

The kingdom was founding of House Kasval with the marriage of King Hendrik of the Kingdom Arda and Queen Kerena of the Kingdom Dania. This of course was meet with some opposition but was quickly eliminated after a short period of time. Unify the land after seven centuries of war that divide the land into multiple kingdoms. This brought about an age of peace and prosperity allowing the kingdom to reveal itself to the outside world through trade and commerce. Though it would take some time for it to get rid of the old ways that it had lived by for centuries a little while longer. The powers of the nobles under their rule though were restricted as conflict and corruption ran rampant as they were left unchecked. Showing that the that all were treated fairly in the eyes of the law in the kingdom no matter who they are.

Advancement and Reform

Over the centuries the kingdom adapted and evolved to new ideas and the discarding of outdated methods and superstitions. Allowing the kingdom become highly advanced in the sciences and the progress of society. Allowing the commoners of the kingdom to prosper more then ever before and better understand the world around them. As schools were created to teach the population on improved methods and practices of their selected occupations. New forms of technology were often seen throughout the land to improve life and society as the greatest minds of the Circle of Thinkers would come up with all sorts of ways to do so. Often it would deal in the creation machines and tools to better advance the productivity of certain jobs, but sometimes they would be dealing in the creation of weapons and the applications of magic. It would eventually bring forth a golden age to the kingdom that would last for more then three centuries due to this. Making it all the more reason to continue to fund such projects that the thinkers had and see them blossom it something extraordinary.

Ruled by Blood

The nobles of the kingdom have control over many aspects of the nation since their families have ruled many parts of these lands for centuries. Meaning from they day that they were born they were destined to rule. This of course does not always end well with other Houses that rule across the kingdom as well. Small scale wars have been known to happen in the days of old between them, but since the founding of the kingdom it has comes to a once in a blue moon occurrence. This is due to the Laws of Fealty that bind vessels to their rulers and restricts their powers to wage war and take up arms. This has lead nobles to either deal with rivalries in a court of law or the covertly in shadows when no one is looking. The courts of the nobility are full of vipers and wolves waiting to take advantage of anything or anyone to further their influence. But when conflict dues occur between houses openly it is often done on the battlefield and by certain rules to end such arguments once and for all. As for the people that live under them must live by their rules and must follow them accordingly or face their wrath. But most ruler often just leave the management to members of their courts and the people are often content with that.

An Isolated Nation

The kingdom has one of the more particular that existed in the Western Lands as it has remained in isolation for much of it history and has little to deal with the many nation that have come and gone during that time. Mostly because of its geography, making many of its people to just deal their own problems at home rather then with the rest of the world. This has caused some xenophobia among the population as they have no understanding of the custom and tradition of foreigners that do come to the kingdom. It is also why the kingdom's borders are fortified for that reason as well. As they often have to deal with many dangers in their lands already, they might as well prepare for any more distant threats that might desire to come knocking at their door.

The Decline

Rebellion by Andy Walsh

The loss of power from House Kasval would see the land fall into disarray. It caused the noble of the land to seize power over land and territory without anyone to stop them. Wars became more common as they fought one another across the land and littered it with the dead. They even took advantage over the people that they were swore to protect for personal gain. Allowing for corruption to go out of control. This has caused the people to lose faith in the government as they continue to suffer because of it. Leading to a series of rebellions and revolts to challenge the authority of the kingdom. Though they would all be put down in the end, the tension between the the nobles and the people have continued to flare up from time to time like a festering wound that never properly healed. It continues to cause problems for many lords in their lands, especially if they are doing terrible at their jobs. There have been many cases with an angry mob storming a lord's castle and mounting his head on a pike for all to see over the last few decades. This has made the kingdom become weak over time as the turmoil within has started to show its ugly head all over. Leading to a rotting kingdom that only values power and authority over everything else.

Disbandment

The kingdom fell to the Vatian Empire after the War of the Raptors and it’s entire government collapsed. With many who served it either being killed or submitting to it.

Demography and Population

Populations are divided into the territories of the rulers of these lands, along with settlements within them under their control. This can range from a few hundred people in small villages to hundreds of thousands In cities. This is also attributed to the occupations and the resources in the reason as farmers need large amounts of land to grow crops and need only a few dozen people. While mines need hundreds of people to harvest resources from them.

Territories

The territory of the entire kingdom make up the whole south of Kineth which is also called Ardania. All of which has been under their control for thousands of years. They hold some land in the lower areas of the Spine Ridge Mountains to security from barbarians that raid the region from time to time.

Military

The military is divided into three groups, the Royal military, Border Guard, and the Vassal military.

Royal

Back to Home by Murat Gül

The royal army is a force to be reckoned with as it is the greatest fighting force in the land. They are recruited from all lands of the kingdom to make up the army and are loyal to House Kasval. With the resources of the royal family, they can train and equip their troops much better than most lords in the kingdom. They are often only called when all-out war has been declared be it an invasion or rebellion. A royal navy also exists that is used to in the same manner, but with dealing more with pirates.

Border Guard

Army and Valley by Meiqun Wu

While the inland is protected by the nobles, the borders are often where all the real dangers show themselves. This is why several groups have been created to protect each of the borders around the kingdom. These groups make up the border guarded that is a mix between the royals and the vassals. While lords that control territory on the border are sworn to defend it from all dangers, the royals also have a say in matters that affect these regions as it could lead to the danger coming inland if they are not properly dealt with. This is why a mix of funding from the lord and the royals come in to ensure the borders are secure. Equipment and tactics differ between each border they very differently and only use what they need to properly defend them. They considered some of the more experienced fighters of the kingdom as they see more action on the border than anywhere else. Three groups protect these borders, the Forest Guard, Mountain Guard and Sea Guard.

Vassal

Hold Formation. by Robbie McSweeney

Vassals are limited to the number of soldiers they have due to their rank. This can vary from a few dozen men to several thousand. Their equipment varies as well depending on the finances of the lord that they serve. They are often used to protect the lands of their lord and ensure that peace is preserved within them. The experience of the soldiers in their designated territories often has to conflict in the area. Some lords don't even have seasoned soldiers and instead have conscripted their populations to serve them or even form militias as they can not afford to pay them.

Technological Level

Ardania was an advanced nation that at one point even rivaled the Vatian Empire. As they managed to create sophisticated weapons, armor and siege equipment for warfare. Along with advancement in agriculture and mining to bring better output to their on resources.

Religion

The Spirit and Flame was founded in the kingdom and it quickly became dominant in only a few centuries. All other religions are forbidden in the kingdom and are demonized by the church.

Foreign Relations

The kingdom has been in isolation for much of its history with only traders coming to the region by sea as the Great Forest blocks much of the north and not many people travel through it. This is why it generally just only in trade and didn’t both much with the political situation of the Western Lands as it usually did not affect them.

Agriculture & Industry

The kingdom is mostly made up of farmland used to grow crops and raise livestock. Allowing for food to be plentiful across the kingdom with many different varieties of crops and animals. Fishing does exist, but not in large demand as it is deemed not as important. While the industry of the region is mostly made up of mining, wood, medicine, cash crops, and pelts as it is abundant to harvest across the land. Allowing those who control these industries to become wealthy.

Trade & Transport

Trade is often done by sea using large cargo ships as there are very few roads that can be used to travel to the northern lands of the west.

Education

Peasants

Education is often for the young to learn when they are still unable to do average jobs. Doing so will help them become more productive and smarter to better help them later in life. These children would be under the tutelage of a member of the community such as an elder, scholar, or priest who can read and write. They are often taught to read and write, along with some understanding of how the kingdom works, along with some history. Along with some class with math as well. This often lasts until they are old enough to help their parents. This does not end with children either, adults must attend class when they are given new equipment to use in their job to properly use it. This is often done by an instructor sent by the government who know how it properly works. This also happens when an adult has to change their job description or their social position is elevated.

Nobles

Those born to rule must have the proper knowledge to do so. This is why they are taught when they are capable of understanding things. They are often taught by a tutor or tutors. Usually, nobles who have wealth hire different children so that their children can learn more than one aspect better. they are often taught about politics, history, warfare, manners, and so on. This goes on until they reach adulthood or they manage to pass their classes earlier. By doing this they are better prepared to rule when the title is finally passed down to them and they can be effective at what they do. Of course, not all children listen to their classes and often do what they want when their parents are not looking. Causing some trouble later in their lives for their lack of skill.

Infrastructure

Many settlements span across the kingdom, from the largest cities to the smallest hamlet. Of course, these greatly differ on who has what as smaller settlements have little to no infrastructure while larger settlements have large amounts of it.

DISBANDED/DISSOLVED

May All Become One

-858 - 1528

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Asron, the Royal Captial

Alternative Names

The Kingdom, Southern Kingdom

Demonym

Ardanian

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

Coins are used and are divided into gold, silver and bronze.

Major Exports

They often sell the sell food, metal, and made goods as many people seek to acquire them.

Major Imports

The kingdom only allows exotic imports to enter their territory as they do not need average goods as they are already in possession of them.

Legislative Body

Thing about kingdom laws it that they are done by the rulers of the kingdom, though the monarch's laws nobles who controlled the land were allowed to have their laws to ensure their authority is kept in check depending on the circumstances that exist in their territory to better deal with them. This can either lead to laws that can both benefit or ruin those who live in these territories.

Judicial Body

The laws of the of the land are enforced by the nobles the royal court by high ranking members of state that are in charge of maintain these laws to see whether they still required to be used and when knew laws should be address to the current ruling monarch. The members that were in charge of the laws of the land are known as the Council of Order and their power could greatly influence in the most powerful of rulers.

Official State Religion

Luminarium of the Exalted

Subsidiary Organizations

• Forest Guard
• Great Houses of Ardania
• House Kasval
• Sea Guard

Related Ranks & Titles

• Banor

Controlled Territories

• Genderly
• Whitewood

Organization Vehicles

• War Wagon

Notable Members

• Denarus Gedeli

Related Ethnicities

• Ardanian

Power of Blood

You have to understand son, you are farmer because you family comes from a long line of farmers and our lord comes from a long line of lords, meaning that it's in our blood to do what you do best and we can't get rid of it no matter hard we try. - Farmer explaining to his young son

Bloodlines mean everything in the kingdom as they define who you are and your rank in society. Meaning that you stuck with your current status with only a few situations that can either raise it or descend it. Along with only having the benefits and pitfalls that come with it. Three categories divide these groups.

Minister of Treasury by Riccardo Moscatello

Pure Bloods: They are the descendants of Bannerlords and kings that ruled Ardania in ancient times that grant them the titles that their families have today. Many of them are high-ranking nobles and members of the state.

Merchant fantasy character by Denis Mocanu

Half Bloods: They are the between as their ancestors have some influence, but their families mixed with mud bloods. They are often minor nobles and wealthy landowners.

Peasant by Vladimir Maevskiy

Mud Bloods: As the name implies, mud bloods have no power in government or say in society. They make up the peasants of the land and often must obey the will of their lords. Only if they are granted a rank or title can they have more power.

Turmoil From Within

I have seen seven wars in the last twenty years and have lost three houses, a wife, and two sons. All of which were caused by border struggle between noblemen who wanted more they didn’t already have. - Old Farmer

Red Season Rising by John Anthony Di Giovanni

War has been more common in the last few centuries than it ever was before. The many ruling houses that have existed have been fighting each other for control of rights and territory. Though many of this happened between minor lords, there have been some larger-scale ones from time to time that has caused certain regions to suffer greatly. The people often suffer because of this the most as their homes are raided and their lively hoods left in ruins.

Beyond the Border

Going out beyond the borders is no easy feat for any man, your life could end at any moment if you are not prepared to do want must be done to survive. - Veteran Ranger

The kingdom has always been defensive of its borders since its founding as they surround some of the most dangerous regions in the Western Lands.

Wendigo by Jakub Rozalski

To the north, the Great Forest is full of many dangers both foreign and familiar. Here the Forest Guard keeps watch over the vast green wilderness and keeping the peace as best as they can.

barbarian girl by Denny Ibnu

To the east, the Spine Ridge Mountains with barbarians and other ferocious beasts. The Mountain Guard stand vigilant in their fortress to hold back any threat that might come down.

Abyssal Leviathan by Ryan Van Dongen

The rest leads out to sea that leads to the Hyperion Isles, the Gulf of Traders, and the Great Blue. These areas are notorious for pirates and sea monsters. Sailing these dangerous waters is the Sea Guard travels across it to ensure that all can safely travel across it.

Magic in the Courts

Magic is something we can’t fully control, which is why we have wizards in our service to help us gain control of it as best we can and to our purposes. - Crafty Noble

Merlin the court wizard by Lucy-Lisett

Those born in the kingdom with magic have the right to have a seat in a noble’s court due to their value and knowledge as advisors. Those who do gain a seat often have great influence over decisions and the ear of the lord they serve. Allowing them to live comfortably and are protected as long as they are in their service.