[hider=Virith WIP][center][h2][b]The Crown of Virith[/b][/h2] Arms pending. [i]The arms of the Kingdom of Virith.[/i][/center] [b][h3]Location/Geography[/h3][/b] [hider=Map Claim][img]http://i.imgur.com/e4XAszg.png[/img] *Number Six* #: County of Cathar #: Duchy of Illgarythe #: Kingdom of Virith #: County of Argonia #: Duchy of Bravarre #: County of Locainne #. Kingdom of Castila [/hider] [b][h3]General Introduction[/h3][/b] The Crown of Virith is a composite monarchy, composed of several kingdoms and territories under the rule of one king, by virtue of dynastic union between the Kingdom of Virith and the Duchy of Illgarythe. It is more a confederation than a true empire, as the regions under the Crown are not politically unified, except at the level of the king. Each is ruled according to their own laws and tax structure. In that sense, the Crown is actually a dynastic union of independent kingdoms. It is a strong maritime power in the northeast, and a key trade hub of *continent name here*. [b][h3]History[/h3][/b] The Kingdom of Virith was once a small, Istranite polity, landlocked by other independent regions ... WIP The Crown of Virith takes its name from the Kingdom of Virith (which it should not be confused with), after the King of Virith and Countess of Illgarythe married and established a dynastic union. Their son inherited both immediate lands, along with the minor territories of both houses. Most important of these were the coastal ports of the County of Cathar. For the next hundred years, the Crown turned its attention northwards, conquering or inheriting minor kingdoms along the east of *neighbor nation here*. By *date*, the Crown grew to include not only its initial holdings of Virith and Illgarythe, but the Duchy of Bravarre and Counties of Locainne and Argonia. At the end of the next century, the Crown successfully wrested the Kingdom of Castila from *Unpro 's nation*'s influence. Mercenaries from the Kingdom of Zhodul fought alongside the Virithian army at land and sea, and were compensated for their service with bounty taken during the invasion. By gaining control of Castila, the Crown cemented its status as a major power in the north, and gave it control over much of the central sea. The Crown's northward expanse was halted forty years ago, when the Order moved to invade the Kingdom of Iorica, a territory inherited by a Virithian noble. War broke out between the two powers, with the Crown's armies gaining an edge after a strong initial push. However, pressure from *Unpro's nation* threatened its lands to the west, and popular opinion in favor of the war diminished after several years of commitment. A solid Order counteroffensive eventually pried Iorica from the Crown with the Battle of Dalion. With both sides exhausted from fighting, neither resumed their expanse. Although feelings between the Crown and the Order are still sour, their neighboring vassal states engage in trade. [h3][b]Government & Society[/b][/h3] The dominant race of the Crown's population is [url=http://i.imgur.com/UxQc7Dg.jpg]Istranite[/url]: these humanoids descended from a gargoyle-like species that existed millions of years ago. Through breeding with human descendants, they became less bestial and more like their primate counterparts. Istrans still bear the traits of their ancestors in the form of horns and wings, though evolution has caused the latter to shrink and are useless for flight. [h3][b]Economy & Industry[/b][/h3](What are your primary exports and imports? How much you trade? How are your craftsmen organized? How developed is your technology? What kind of unique creations you have? etc. If you haven't described your involvement with magic in the society/government section, you can do it here.) [b][h3]Military Overview[/h3][/b] [/hider]