Kingdom of Estua

One struggle, Against fate.

The Faultless Kingdom

The kingdom of Estua is known by many outsiders as the “lands of the faultless” The first hallowed people to touch the soil of Verra’Talu did so in Estua, the first ever city, with its walls pulled from the stone of the earth, came to be within her borders, and long standing legend says when the hands of time patiently ticked away Estua was the one to wind the mechanism. What then can history show us of the kingdom that is as old as the gods?

Buried in the deep and rich past of this once thriving nation is a group of seven individuals. These people were the first wave of the Star Saved Children plucked from Luna. It is this intervention that gave the group the moniker of the faultless. For the gods only chose those of the purest heart and as they traveled the darkness of the cosmos in divine slumber, they dreamed of the coming destruction of their world and the kingdom they would make on their new home. When they arose from their long rest and looked around their eyes fell upon warm grass and growing wheat. As each of the seven rose from the soft ground they erupted into a chorus of argument and shouting. Each of the seven dreamed a different vision for the kingdom they wished to create.

This group of seven came to be known as the "Faultless First" all of them wishing to put their wishes and their desires for the new kingdom before anything. Eventually Grecayrn the firbolg snatched a handful of brushwood from the trees of the white forest.

"We are brittle like this collection of twigs. If you stamp on us, we break, if you twist us, we snap but together we can build. Together we create now which would you rather be?" As he crushed the brushwood below his feet, he watched the other six.

The display was enough to convince the six to set up a kingdom. With one rule, no single individual would rule continually. Instead every seven years the kingdom would come under the control of the next of the faultless first and their descendants. For generations and ages past Estua has had a rotating monarchy. All the royals are members of the Star Saved Children.

A Tapestry of Culture

Being seen as the place where only seven races dweled has lead to tensions amongst those who were not lucky enough to be championed by the gods. Still either through poverty, assimilation or lack of aspiration some Native Peoples still call Estua home. The current Faultless queen, Adnala the elf has attemped to appeal to this seeting mix of people through her love of the arts. Throughout her reign we have seen the creation of beautiful paintings and artistry all pointing toward a deep struggle against the rod of discrimination and a yearning for cooperation. Free thinkers all around the land denotes the advantage of cultural sharing and the easing of traditional thinking and now mixing is more comonplace than ever before. The firbolgs have taught the dwarves how to grow things while the gnomes have reveled in tabaxi agility and quick wits. In theory this mixing has lifted everyone higher and brought achievement to all. Here in the most western part of Verra'Talu people share a drink regardless of their ancestry and lineage but as they do, some keep their hands dangerously close to their blades.

Riches to Rags

Estua is a poor nation, not the thriving economy that commanded respect and admiration half a decade ago. In only 40 short years through war and mismanaged leadership Estua has whittled away much of its coin on pursuit of knowledge and recruitment of men for her army. In hindsight this all seemed trivial as when the time came to put their knowledge to use and their brave soldiers to battle they failed spectacularly. The Thunderstone Wars nearly bankrupt the nation of Estua and if it was not for an unconditional surrender to Midfield their wouldnt be a nation to speak of today. Many Estunians wish to return to their independnt life however they havent the gold to make it happen. Now estuas finances hang on a knife edge held in balance by two simple events.

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The Sky Cities

When the sky cities were first lifted from the ground and hovered in the magical currents of the air they stumbled upon an expected problem. So far upward does not make it easy for food to grow. Estua decided to help in the prosperity of the sky cities and offered to grow their food in the 'lowlands' for a price. Over the years this relationship has led to a very fine balance between the amount of food Estua grows and the amount of food the sky cities consume. Too much or little of either could strike famine into both lands. A special envoy known as the "Cloud Born Messenger" exists to deliver this food and messages between Estua and the sky cities. Now however the only thing they delivers are Trinkets and Artwork to the collectors in exchange for a handful of coin. Trade with the sky cities has been beneficial but only to a lesser extent.

The Thunderstone Wars

Forty-two years ago, Estua was locked in a bitter conflict against Midfield. This time was known as "The Thunderstone Wars" and was a defining moment for the nation financially and culturally. Much of the population of Estua was drafted in to fight for their home. Estua was sure in its mastery of the magical that it thought it could overcome the technology of Midfield. It was a hard struggle that resulted in the defeat and the surrender of Estua to Midfield. Instead of annexing the nation Midfield instead made Estua a Vassal State. Every month wagons and carts can be seen heading to the eastern border loaded with coin, food, weapons and sometimes even young men. The grim price of Estuas defeat is extracted monthly on a tax to their masters. In return they are promised protection and some autonomy.

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Structure

Estuas royal courts Follow a deep and complicated structure that can trace its way back to the time of the faultless firsts. With the right kind of attitude individuals can find themselves with opportunity for advancement by knowing the right people. Below is a simple cut into the deep web of interconnections between the most notable positions of political control in the Kingdom.

Demography and Population

Current Recorded Populations: 1200

Certamen contra unum fatum.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

The lands of the Faultless

Demonym

Estuanian

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Power Structure

Semi-autonomous area

Economic System

Market economy

Neighboring Nations

• Midfield
• The Icebound Realm

Vassal States

Midfield

65

Kingdom of Estua

47

Midfield has made Estua into a Vassal State after the Thunderstone Wars (1225-1231 AP). Midfield's control of the Thunderstones and its powerful military have kept an iron grip on peace between the two nations. Small rebellions have been reported recently on the boarder of Estua and Midfield but this is not thought to have a hugely negative diplomatic effect.