AuzHoly Archduchy of Middenland
"The white wolf does not care how harsh the cold storm blows, nor how hungry the jackals stare...his pack shall endure!"
Nation Overview & Government
"What proud and noble people they are, the children of the white wolf! Its a hard land they life in, and most of them have harsh, cold lives. Yet, never before have i been met with more warmth, more hospitality and more kindness, then in the villages of these people! Gattania could not wish for a more faithful ally!" The nations of the known and civilized world; Fredrec Holding
Middenland, the Nation of the white wolf, devote in their worship to their god "Wulfen", industrious in building cities of stone and marble, and unyielding in defending their homeland against all invaders. Seen as the last "civilized" nation in the north, Middenland is often watched with mixed feelings by most people. On one hand, the whole world knows about the magnificent city of Bremburg, which is seen as one of the most beautiful cities in the whole world, and the great academies of sciences and arts it holds, on the other hand, they seen the dominant faith of Wulfen as a relic of a barbaric past!
Ruled not by a king, but by an Archduke, Middenland is currently ruled by his excellency Boris Weißbacher, who holds this title for more then fifty years now. The title itself in not bound to a dynasty, but awarded to a chosen candidate by electors, appointed by the church of Wulfen among the nobility of Middenland. The church itself holds an immense sway of power, and is currently lead by his most devote holiness Arch-priest Karlso VI. , who is seen by many as the main reason why Boris reign has remained prosperous and peaceful.
Ethnicity
The people of the Duchy of the wolf are mostly hardened by the cold climate of their homeland, and used to long periods of harsh winters, followed by long wet summers. Most fit a pale skin, with a tan coming from the reflection of snow, rather then warm summers. With mostly blond or red hair, striking blue or green eyes, and often suiting impressive breads or mustaches [at least for men, yet the topic of female facial hair is a common joke around the whole of Dysium, at least as long as no Middenlander is in hearing range], and as such offer quite a distinctive look that sets them mostly apart from most people.
Geography
Choose a color and draw your borders on the map. You are also at liberty to describe the geography, weather, flora and fauna of your nation here. Try to pick a climate that makes sense, given your proximity on the map, and to other players. Also to be mentioned are important cities or locations within your nation.
Culture/Society
The People of Middenland have a deep connection to their homeland, and to their people as a whole. Believing to be chosen by Wulfen himself to settle this land, they see it as their sacred duty to uphold the faith, and their ways of life, be it against what ever odds. Often seen as grim or even melancholic by other countries by foreigners, few understand the mind of a Middenlander, but few question their integrity nor their honorable nature.
There are two distinguished kinds of Middenlander. The inhabitants of the great cities near the river of Ewigblau, and the hardy folk that lives in the lowlands, the woods or the mountains, who make up the smaller part of the population. While the cites have seen an incredibly expansion in architecture and wealth, the common inhabitants of the land still hold up the same simple life as their ancestors, making them hardy, simply people.
The cities of Middenland, most of all the beautiful city of Bremburg, hold "his most devote highness, the archdukes own Acadamies of Science and Art", a melting pot of some of the brightest minds, who are offered a safe haven in the cities of the white wolf. Under the protection of the Archduke himself, students and magistrate staff enjoy great privileges over the common citizen, which has created great tension between the people and the academies.
The only tolerated faith in the Archdutchy is the "Devote church of our bestial lord Wulfen, the white wolf", a faith based around the worship of the god Wulfen, who takes the form of a great white wolf. A highly organized faith, with a strict hierarchy, with an Archpriest on top, and a written scripture, the "Tombs of Faith", the church is the second power in Middenland, and still holds great sway over its people. Even the smallest village in Middenland has at least a shrine of Wulfen, and the great cities hold competitions against each other, who has the most beautiful and impressive cathedral.
There are two distinguished kinds of Middenlander. The inhabitants of the great cities near the river of Ewigblau, and the hardy folk that lives in the lowlands, the woods or the mountains, who make up the smaller part of the population. While the cites have seen an incredibly expansion in architecture and wealth, the common inhabitants of the land still hold up the same simple life as their ancestors, making them hardy, simply people.
The cities of Middenland, most of all the beautiful city of Bremburg, hold "his most devote highness, the archdukes own Acadamies of Science and Art", a melting pot of some of the brightest minds, who are offered a safe haven in the cities of the white wolf. Under the protection of the Archduke himself, students and magistrate staff enjoy great privileges over the common citizen, which has created great tension between the people and the academies.
The only tolerated faith in the Archdutchy is the "Devote church of our bestial lord Wulfen, the white wolf", a faith based around the worship of the god Wulfen, who takes the form of a great white wolf. A highly organized faith, with a strict hierarchy, with an Archpriest on top, and a written scripture, the "Tombs of Faith", the church is the second power in Middenland, and still holds great sway over its people. Even the smallest village in Middenland has at least a shrine of Wulfen, and the great cities hold competitions against each other, who has the most beautiful and impressive cathedral.
Economy/Industry
Middenland has a strong economy, that is mostly based around the great riches their land hold. Their Hills and Mountains are rich in Iron, Copper and Silver, while their Forests provide game, pelts and most of all Lumber!
Middenland Lumber is among the most seeked in the whole world, and almost unavoidable for any nation with naval desires. The thousand years old trees of the great forests fetch great prices and are make for perfect planks for the fleets of the Continent.
Among the great cities of the main River of Ewigblau a newly industial spirit starts to take roots, and great trade houses hold much sway in the economy, yet not nearly as much as the Church, who is also the biggest landholder in Middenland.
Middenland Lumber is among the most seeked in the whole world, and almost unavoidable for any nation with naval desires. The thousand years old trees of the great forests fetch great prices and are make for perfect planks for the fleets of the Continent.
Among the great cities of the main River of Ewigblau a newly industial spirit starts to take roots, and great trade houses hold much sway in the economy, yet not nearly as much as the Church, who is also the biggest landholder in Middenland.
Military
The army of the Archduke has quite an odd reputation. Even through Middenland never has ever conducted a war of aggression in its recorded histry, and never before annexed land, their army has a long rooted tradition, and is respected across the world. As the staunch allies of Gattania, Middenland history books are filled with glorious battles all over Dysium.
Remarkable is the fact that there are two armies in the Dutchy. The "Grand army of Middenland" under the direct command of the Arch-duke, and the "Army of Wulfen" which directly stands under the command of the Archpriest of the church of Wulfen.
The main Army of Middenland, made up from a core of professional soldiers, and commissioned officers from the nobility. In dire times, drafting can be enforced, and press gangs are known to mercilessly raid any village of their able men, to bring them to the Camps, where they are turned into the feared "Bluecoats", hardy and disciplined soldiers, able to fire three rounds and speak a prayer to Wulfen in a minute.
Marching with the sound of drums, and blowing horns, the soldiers of the Archduke sing warchants as old as Middenland itself, and march with priests who will bless their muskets even in the depth of enemy fire. It is to note that there is no law that forbids the priests of Wulfen to fight, and many carry muskets themself, joining the battle on their own will. The death of a priest is often seen as a bad sign, yet also an easy way to drive a whole unit of Bluecoats in a wild frenzy, and has on multiple occasions led to charges that broke the enemy.
The Rank of a soldier is easy to see, as conscripts are required to shave their beards and only if they are full soldiers are permitted to mustaches. Only full combat veterans are granted additional side-whiskers, and it takes five years of service and three survived battles to wear a full beard.
The second army of Middenland, and its second line of defence, many Generals made the to mistake the men of the Army of the Archpriest as a disorganized militia. These Generals would find themselves a rude awakening, as they stood against hardy veterans and marksmen, lead by skillful and ruthless Warrior-Priests. Forgoing expensive uniforms for simple coats, the men of the army is drafted from the peasants of the church land, and, due to the enormous wealth that the faith holds, it can provide excellent training and equipment for its men, as well as using the deep rooted faith of the typical Middenlander to implore a fanatic loyalty.
Mostly used for Inquisitional duties in Middenland, the Army of the Archpriest seldom leaves the country of the white wolf, yet if it does, its soldiers are known for their merciless actions against all, who they see as "heretics" and "heathens" leaving a trail of destruction in their way.
History
Relations
Characters
Archduke Boris Weißbacher-
Arch-priest Karlso VI-
Confessor-General Luther Hass-
Hussar-Captain Hugo Todbringer-
Warrior-Priest Hans Hutten
Arch-priest Karlso VI-
Confessor-General Luther Hass-
Hussar-Captain Hugo Todbringer-
Warrior-Priest Hans Hutten