Choedal Kingdoms
Nation Overview Choedal Kingdoms is an absolute monarchy country located north of Ardäin and Mille-Sessau. The lands are average for farming and the mountains are useful to miners. They are one of the few nations where farmers aren't the majority, the miners are the majority. Most of the lands aren't as rich and fertile as the land south of the nations; however, they have control of the mountains and that's where the miners come into the picture. Despite the increase in miners, there was still a need in farmers and they settled near the rivers, lakes, or the rich and fertile lands in the south.
And unlike other kingdoms, Choedal embraced gunpowder and other technological advances to their country. Before that, they were like any other kingdom until the death of King Éloi Léger. He was fifty-six at the time of death. The only children they had was their young daughter, Sofia Léger. And at the age of eight, she was crowned as Queen of Choedal. However, her mother became a regent for her until the age of eighteen.
Now at the age of eighteen, Sofia officially became the Queen of Choedal. She introduced the first tercio to the military staff and said to them that they will 'ensure control and power in the name of our nation'. Even known, the nobles distrust Queen Sofia and prefer Prince Fritz Léger to take control. Can the Queen please the nobles as well as the farmers and miners? Time will only tell.
Geography Map Claim.
History The earliest recorded history in the lands of Choedal is one tribe nearby the largest lake in the area. They were the largest tribe in the area and soon went into an age of war and terror to unite the tribes together. The leader was a ruthless person who threw men towards important villages and caused thousands to die. It isn't known if they believed in a god or gods, but there are mentions that they often killed for the 'Higher Power'.
Following the unification of the lands, the leader and his family suddenly died from unknown reasons. It's said that they died for a terrible plague. After their deaths, there was chaos in the lands for years until several powerful nobles took over the lands with the help of other tribes. One of the nobles was named Sir Greg and he was the smartest out of the others as he dealt with the tribes for going against them by killing their leaders in secret.
After the reunification of the lands, Greg had poisoned the reminding nobles and soon took the title of King in the lands of Choedal. It would be many years until he gave birth to Éloi Léger, but he ruled the lands and expanded the Kingdoms to the mountains and the coastline. After his death, Éloi took over his father's position and ruled the lands for a long time. When Qaelun declared their independence (years after being taken by his father), Greg avoided war with them and waited for their ambassador until his death.
After he died, her daughter, Sofia Léger, was crowed Queen and started to rule the lands as a way to forget her father's death. The nobles wanted his son, Fritz Léger, to become King instead of his daughter and they are worried about her rule.
Society The church is still apart of Choedal, but it isn't as important as it is in other nations. The government doesn't condone any religious practices because they don't care about it. The rulers before Sofia were in favor of separation of church and government. They are the first nation with that kind of view towards the church, which they don't like. Often enough, they would do something that got the government's attention and then leave. The simulation of the church is often peaceful enough that it doesn't cause any issues in the long run.
Few nobles are in favor of church and government working together as does Fritz Léger, the King's son. The church supports Fritz as the ruler instead of Sofia. If Fritz was ruler of Choedal, then he would welcome the church with open arms. Then, he would have to deal with the rest of his family and some citizens. However, Sofia has made it clear that she will support the separation of church and government.
As for the rest of Choedal, they are hardworking and skilled citizens in mining. Farming isn't as common as mining as they believe that their food doesn't taste as good as any other food around. It's an odd thing to think about, but that's what is so special about Choedal. They often put themselves down for not doing a good job or getting the job done quicker. They also compete against each other in many different things from sword fighting to drawing. Many other countries think that the citizens are backwater compared to other citizens because of that.
Economy/Industry Choedal would often export coals, stones, irons, gems, and jewelry from the mountains to its trading posts and docks. However, they also export unique fruits, meats, and vegetables that only grow in region. They import farming equipment, luxury goods, wheat, and gunpowder. The industrial capacity of the kingdoms is one of the best in the world as they forced on the mines than the farms.
Military Choedal was one of the first nations to embrace gunpowder and tercio thanks to Queen Sofia, unlike their neighbours. However, they still have heavy cavalry and infantry to form the backbone of the army as tercio are being tested. Gunpowder is used on cannons in cities that have walls and forts in the middle of nowhere. It was added to the military as tercio were being added as well. A musketeer has been formed to serve as royal guards to the Queen and her family. It has not been adopted by the military.
The army is very organized since they have to keep an eye on a large landmass. Despite their organization, they often don't fight in the mountains since the last war with Qaelun. It cost hundreds of soldiers to die for the small piece. Since they declared their independence, the government is trying to avoid war to reclaim the land so they don't waste soldiers and equipment.
Claywork, forest tapestry, and clever clover are the color scheme for the military, even known their flag color has different shades of blue.