Aistoria - Old Revision 1
Aistoria is a continent in the northern hemisphere, west of the Vaenaic Ocean. While a mixing pot of old world ethnicity, it maintains many of the trappings of European society. Aistoria is comprised of seven countires, as well as the Papal State of Nuev Vatica which form the Aistoria Combine.
History
Like all parts of the world, Aistoria took a long time to recover from The End. The nation that would eventually become Vananway was the first to fall into feudalism. The region's most successful merchant, Gregor Anderson, used his fortune to finance weapons and military might and quickly declared himself the King of Vananway and established the Noble House of Anderson. Many followed across the continent, with powerful individual grabbing desperately for territory and forming noble houses of their own. It took until 100NE for the nations of Aistoria to finalize; Vananway, Esperada, Bherigan, Golgia, Birschmark and, far in the north, Danere.
War was a constant, driven by mistrust and greed. Those who grabbed power were slow to relinquish it and quick to spend human lives for short term gain. Around 150NE, a re-emergence of Christianity began to take hold, modified to fit neatly with the new, magical world. Popular among the peasantry, it solidified quickly into the Holy Aistorian Catholic Church. While the entity gained some political power, it was not until 188NE that Pope Gregory XVII made a play for power. The War of Holy Unification began on the border of Esperada and Bherigan, with many border lords swearing fealty to the Pope rather than continuing in ceaseless battle against each other. Esperada and Bherigan fell into Civil War. Bherigan was hit the hardest, with the region of Connatia breaking off to support the Pope. Due to the inability for the various Aistorian nations to cooperate, the Nuev Vatica forces were able to slowly conquer Vananway and Bherigan until the mainland nation. The noble houses quickly swore fealty in an attempt to retain what power they could. Once Vananway, Esperada and Bherigan fell, Birschmark and what remained of Golgia quickly surrendered. Most lords were able to keep their holdings, though many territories were redistributed to reward and punish various houses for their conduct during the war. By 215NE, The solitary Danere finally joining the Aistoria Combine due to trade pressure. Conflict was still common among the territories, but Papacy saw to resolving conflicts before they escalated to total war.
In 221NE, Pope Gregory passed away. Sensing a weakness in the church, the territories began to grow unruly. Gregory's successor, Pope Nicholas VII, responded quickly and cruelly. Hostages were taken, lords executions and heavy taxes levied upon the commons to support the Pope's army. While massively unpopular, Nicholas's iron reign lasted until his death in 237NE. Nicholas was slain by an unassuming nun, Margret Alistair. This act gained her the nickname "Bloody Maggie". Margret, discontent with the life of a nun, founded the Sacred Order of Saint Alistair, whom tasked themselves with protecting the integrity of the Holy See.
While brutal, Nicholas's reign served to further unify the kingdoms of Aistoria, leaving the continent in a state of tentative peace.
Aistoria Combine [aistoria_combine]
The Aistoria Combine encompasses the whole of Aistoria and is ruled by the Holy See in Nuev Vatica. While the head of power, the responsibility of ruling is delegated to the High Houses of each region, who in turn delegate their power to lesser Noble Houses. The powers of the High Houses are said to be a heavenly mandate and as such a house cannot be succeeded without the approval of the papacy. Lower forms of political power often come Merchant Houses, Mage Houses and Trade Guilds which may or may not confine themselves to political regions.
Aistoria is slowly coming down for Feudalism, though it's influences are still particularly strong in regions like Vananway and Golgia. Each region still maintains a standing army, though a portion of each must serve time with at Nuev Vatica. Many holy orders the span the country also offer service to the Church. Religious freedom is tolerated in Aistoria by necessity, though laws passed by the Church apply to all citizens regardless of faith.
Bherigan
Capital: Eisenbran
Ruling House: House Lang
Early in the history of Aistoria, Bherigan was among the most war torn. Despite it's size, Bherigan has historically been plagued by poor farmlands and limited natural resources, leading to a strong warring and raiding culture. Where the Esperada warrior is seen as noble, elegant and righteous, the Bherigan warrior is seen as fierce, decisive and pragmatic. The people of Bherigan are equally pragmatic, living simple lives and being fiercely independent. While farming techniques and trade have improved during the current peace, Bherigan's primary export is mercenaries, who often serve in the Southern Free Cities and Akanis. Many consider Bherigan culture to extend into the northern most Free Cities and the border between the two entities have always been fuzzy at best.
House Lang leads Bherigan through example and manages it's lower houses and their duties more though merit than birth. House Lang has historically been fiercely respected by the people of Bherigan and did not truly rule the region until the Church became established. Now that House Lang is supported by the Church, some in Bherigan feel that they will grow weak and complacent.
Bherigan relies heavily on livestock for survival and much of it's agricultural product is used in the production of beers and liquors, which is it's strongest export. Bherigan's primary import is good iron and steel. Bherigan's military strength is highly fractured and has no fixed hierarchy. While individual Bergish units and companies are known for their skilled fighters, lack of organization has made them susceptible to all out warfare. It is said that one may conquer a Bherigan army, but not the Bherigan people. Conquered territories have always proven unruly and often fall quickly into open rebellion. The Bherigan military are known for it's skilled horsemen and the preferred weapon of it's people is the flexible bastard sword.
Bherigan has some Slavic cultural influences from the old world.
Danere
Capital: Bekwai
Ruling House: House Biorr
Danere is the most independent region of Aistoria. Separated from the rest of the continent by the Sayadic mountains, hands on control by the Church is impractical at best. Many Danerians do not even consider themselves a part of Aistoria.
Danere it's self is even colder and more hostile than Birschmark, though instead of being spread out, the people of Danere band together. Originally surviving through raiding and fishing, Danere now relies on magic to create underground caverns for farming. Due to the hostile environment and logistics of farming, Most settlements (mostly centered around Bekwai) exist as communes. Highly isolationist, Danere rarely conducts trade, though it occasionally sells furs and magical products for food.
By edict of the church, House Biorr is the official head of Danere. Despite this, Danere decides most issues democratically. These decisions are almost always upheld by House Biorr. The people of Danere are also noted for their dark skin and light hair. Danere has a strange mix of African and Scandinavia old world influences.
Danere has no standing army and all capable individuals in the region are trained to fight if necessary. The preferred weapons of Danere are the spear and bow, both also used to hunt. Danere relies heavily on guerrilla warfare to defend it's self, often relying on it's countries harsh climate to destroy their enemies. Magic is also relatively common in Danere, making sorcerers a major concern for any invading force.
Esperada
Capital: Bela Alta
Ruling House: House Belarose
The naval rival of Vananway. Esperada is known for it's lush farmlands and wineries, as well as it's martial power. Between wars with it's traditional rival, Vananway and repelling Bherigan raids, Esperada has build up a strong tradition of fierce knights who pride themselves on their skill and honor. Economically, while not as rich as many other countries, an excess of good farm land and the ability to export fine wines has given Esperada relatively high standard of living among the populous. Eastern Esperadians are among the most pious of Aistorians, rivaled only by those who rebelled in Connatia.
The nobility of Esperada take great pride in demonstrating battle prowess. House Belarose is notable for often having many great fighters and duelists among their rank. The Belarosi handle matters of honor very seriously and are quick to dispense harsh justice, though otherwise they are very hands off in their rule. The eastern Esperadian lords are often at odds with House Belrose due to it's perceived lack of piety.
The Esperada has significant naval strength, second only to Vananway. Esperada soldiers are known for their skill and discipline. While the Esperada army is not known for any particular tactic or weapon in war, it's nobility place great pride on skill with a rapier, which is seen as the proper weapon to settle disagreements between nobles.
Esperada has some strong surviving French, Spanish and Greek influences.
Golgia
Capital: Bosch Targa
Ruling House: House Brendalmoore
Golgia is considered the most industrious region in Aistoria. With their mountainous territory, Golgia has always had no lack of good iron, gold or precious gems. The borders of the industrious region is littered with stark, stone fortresses, towers and walls, protecting them from Bherigan intrusion or from Birschmark raiders. Golgia is driven by tradesmen, with the lower class working the mines or serving in the army. Golgia has harsh conscription policies. Talented conscripts are often sent to apprentice with tradesmen, while the weakest are sent the mine ore.
The Brendalmoore's hold a fierce grip on Golgia and strictly enforce order. Golgia operates as a finely oiled machine, though one with little regard for those who are weak or without talent.
Golgiaian knights are often said to be chiseled out of iron due to their size and the amount of steel they carry. They are favor large weapons such as zweihanders, great axes and lances. The Golgia army cannot operate safely far away from it's fortresses, but it makes the region virtually impenetrable.
Connatia
Capital: Kipsi
Ruling House: House Traskan
The region of Connatia never quite fit in with Bherigan. Containing the richest farmlands next to Esperada, the people of Connatia were much calmer and relaxed than their northern brethren. When Bherigan imposed strict taxes to finance it's war against the Church, Connatia split off.
House Traskan is perhaps the most pious of any Aistorian house and often it's head-of-house joins the clergy while maintaining his political position. Religious rule is strict in Connatia -- nearly as strict as in Nuev Vatica. While Connatia's military is weak and unrefined compared to many other regions, it's Paladins are known for their borderline fanaticism. They are respected and feared by the populous, as they often carry out acts of "justice" in House Traskan's name.
Birschmark
Capital: Orsenfolt
Ruling House: House Sigurd
While the largest region in Aistoria, Birschmark is a cold, mostly barren land, with most towns and cities existing in near isolation. As such, Birschmark has little consistent culture. Each town exists, in practical terms, as a city state under their own rule. Birschmark can be seen as three regions. The south west is the most populous region, warm and wet enough to be farmlands. The North East has many trade cities, which trade in furs and minerals. The Wild North is considered to be barely inhabitable. Often deep mountain towns can go for years without seeing any visitors.
House Sigurd administrates for the region, but most of it's efforts are directed at ruling Ornsfolt.
Vananway
Capital: Port Thane
Ruling House: House Patel
Vananway is known for it's large coasts and many sea ports, frequently in a naval rivalry with Esperada. Vananway mostly managed to avoid land wars during it's history, leading to the survival of many old cities and structures. The south west of Vananway is also noticed for it's elegant cities and palaces, constructed without warfare in mind. The middle class of Vananway are notable as often shrewd businessmen and often haughty. While perhaps the richest nation in Aistoria, conditions for the lower class are among the poorest.
House Anderson is known for being the first established house of Aistoria and it's members are known for the pompousness and arrogance, though no one designs their business sense. Whoever sits at the head of House Anderson is often treated as a king in all but name only, though the peasantry suffers for this excess.
Militarily, Vananway puts most of it's assets into naval vessels and relies on cheap conscripts to hold it's eastern borders. Vananway makes up for training and skill in sheer number
While mostly ethnically diverse The eastern regions of Vananway have notable Indian influences.
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