Estierna

“A kingdom in decline is like an animal backed into a corner.” –Excerpt from an Azeri treatise on politics

Kingdom of Estierna

Structure

Absolute Monarchy under the rule of King Javi Soldan V

Culture

The people of Estierna are proud, hardy workers, if not the most dedicated in the Western Kingdoms. They are known to take several rests throughout the day, shutting down the country for a few hours a day, much to the chagrin of foreign traders and travelers. Estierna has the highest literacy rate among the peasant class of all the Western Kingdoms, and most Estiernans own at least a few books. The Estiernan people are very passionate and expressive in the way they communicate, and often come across as intense to those unfamiliar with their customs.

Territories

Climate: Mediterranean

Military

Of the Western Kingdoms, Estierna has the smallest standing army, as well as the lowest population. However, when the time for war comes, the military tends to be greatly assisted by large groups of volunteer irregulars, which Estiernan tacticians have learned to make the most of. As such, the Estiernans have become masters of unconventional, guerrilla warfare, preferring to ambush opponents with hit-and-run attacks rather than engage them head on in large-scale open combats. The well-funded and state-of-the-art Estiernan navy, however, is much more conventional in its approach, preferring to overwhelm opponents in large sea battles and create near-impenetrable blockades.

Religion

Estiernans, when compared to people of the other Western Kingdoms, are far more religious, and the entire pantheon is respected and worshiped.

Foreign Relations

The world view of Estierna is that the once great kingdom is in decline, but on a foreign policy level one would never know it. Fiercely competitive with their neighbors as any of the other Western Kingdoms, they project great strength in all state dealings, and the passion of their diplomats often comes across as threatening to those listening. Overall, the Estiernan message is that while they rarely have a desire to draw first blood, they are ready to meet any challenge to their authority with ferocity and cunning.

Agriculture & Industry

The economy is largely agrarian like the other Western Kingdoms, but with a much larger fishing industry.

Trade & Transport

Sea based trade brings in much needed money to the poor coastal regions.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

Kingdom of Estierna

Demonym

Estiernan

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Neighboring Nations

• Azeria
• The Marchlands