Castile

 About:  Ancient, battle-scarred, and stalwart, Castile is considered by most learned in history to be the cradle of humanity in the West. Most agree that the concept of knighthood began here and is exemplified nowhere else in the world quite so magnificently as among the Castilians. Bloodlines hold no sway here, only the accomplishments and merit of individuals matter, and though the rank of ‘knight’ is never bestowed lightly, Castilian knights are individuals of incredible fighting prowess, piety, and unquestionable honor. Even among the common folk of Castile, honor is a gravely serious matter, to impugn it or have it impugned is potentially fatal. As a result, most Castilians are stern, but patient and polite. The country’s namesake comes from the multitude of fortresses standing vigilant over every vista. Towns, villages, hamlets, and wayside camps all boast fortifications to some degree, whether stone walls and towers or palisades and moats so that there is no weak spot unable to defend itself. All homes, noble and peasant, are mandated to stock enough weaponry and armor to arm the able-bodied of their household, the penalty of not fulfilling this obligation is banishment on pain of death. Some who have never visited the country believe this focus on war is a sign of blood-thirstiness when in fact Castilians uphold that there is nothing nobler than the courage and readiness to defend life.

 Capital:  San Paladín

Warfare: Technically, Castilians have been at war since the ascension of Iomedae as The Inheritor. Every able-bodied man is a soldier to some degree, as are many women. In all of Alden Rhun, there are few things more feared than Castilian heavy-cavalry lead by one or more of their indomitable Vigil Knights. Castilian war-horses are the envy of all other kingdoms, powerful, swift, and utterly fearless in the face of the enemy. Many knights in Castile are also clergy and can administer some of the best first-aid in the world by working miracles potent enough to reattach entire limbs, making the Castilian army incredibly difficult to even slow as any man or woman not killed outright will likely be in fighting shape again in mere hours. Castilian swordsmen are among the most elegantly brutal and effective in the world, their techniques allegedly passed down in battle-manuals dating to the Age of Heroes and taught in military academies in every corner of Alden Rhun. Most notable of all is their sheer unshakeable morale, where most armies would cower or despair, Castilians tilt undaunted even in the face of annihilation. Against the forces of darkness, there is nothing except a band of avenging angels more terrifying than the Elysian Knights, setting shadows alight with blazing steel and the radiant barbs of blessed arrows.

 Government:  Ecclesiarchy - Castile is governed not by kings, emperors, or aristocratic families, but by warrior-priests elected by the church. Only the most pious and most capable are called to serve on The Vigil, with the Watcher-Lord said to be chosen by Iomedae herself. The rule of the Ecclesiarchs is absolute, to question them is to risk being summoned before an Inquisitorial Court to suss out blasphemy.

 State Religion : Iomedaen (Worship of Iomedae, Goddess of Valor, Justice, and Statesmanship)  Ruler:  Watcher-Lord Ruíz Carôn Soileau
 * Abadar, Sarenrae, Erastil, and Pharasma have large followings in Castile, though  Shelyn, Desna, and Cayden Cailean also have congregations of note.
 * Castilians are fairly prudish so they don’t readily welcome worshippers of Calistria, but her faith isn’t strictly outlawed as long as ‘temples’ are built in seclusion.
 * Worship of dark gods/goddesses is vehemently outlawed and persecuted with extreme prejudice. Anyone found guilty worshipping Asmodeus, Zon-Kuthon, Urgathoa, Lamashtu, Gorum, Rovagug, or Norgorber is likely to be dragged before the nearest official by an angry mob, if the guilty party survives the mob’s outrage that long.

 Chief Exports: 

 Map:   Castles: 
 * Castle Ecclesia - 1st Knight Lord Temple: It is said that when Aroden fell, Iomedae descended back to Earth and rallied his faithful to action. On that spot the people built a temple to their new warrior goddess who they called ‘The Inheritor’, a sanctuary against evil and the Iomedaen Faith’s religious capital. Second only in command to the Watcher-Lord is Lord Temple 1st Knight of The Vigil, who resides there, as do the Celestial Paladins, an order of warrior priests clad in Elysian Bronze. Lord Temple is also the Head Priest of Iomedae’s faith.
 * Caisleán Allanagh - 2nd Knight Lord Sovereign:
 * Caisleán Trystan - 3rd Knight Lord Herald
 * Caisleán Clodagh - 4th Knight Lord Ardent
 * Castillo San Lymirin - 5th Knight Lord Gallant
 * Castillo San Ignacio - 6th Knight Lord Ancient
 * Castillo Santa Creu - 7th Knight Lord Rampart
 * Castillo San Lucia - 8th Knight Lord Vanguard
 * Citadelle de Chevalier - 9th Knight Lord Légion
 * Château Presbytie - 10th Knight Lord Philia (Felicia Soileau): A rank and title traditionally held by the Watcher-Lord’s consort, though not always, Chateau Presbytie is their domain. The Lady Felicia Victorie Soileau is the wife of Watcher-Lord Ruiz, and a symbol of the love that binds people together; familial, platonic, and romantic. Despite her position, Lady Felicia is not simple window-dressing but a swordswoman of mythical prowess and the bane of evil in all its forms.
 * Château de Falaise - 11th Knight Lord Gnostic
 * Château de Aramis - 12th Knight Lord Faith