Kingdom of Idorica
Nation Overview
The Kingdom of Idorica is a new state, established a little over a century ago. It was formed from the ashes of the collection of cultural connected but politically independent kingdoms. In the previous centuries, they steadily reconquered the territory which had previously been conquered by the Timluks in the 8th century. Emerging larger and stronger than ever, the Idoricans, now unified, now have taken their place among the great and modern powers of Antova.
Feudalism has declined, although the trappings of nobles and limited social mobility remain. In place of the old system emerges the monarchy, more powerful than ever before. Meanwhile, a wave of modernism spreads across Idorica. The age of chivalry has dawned, and in the place of plate-armored knights are Idorican pikemen and arquebusiers. The arts and sciences continue to flourish in Idorica.
With the help of the Idorican Inquisition, Idorica has emerged as a homogenous state both religiously and ethnically. Following centuries of holy war, the Idoricans have emerged as notably pious, with a good amount of bishops, archbishops, and cardinals hailing from Idorica. However pious they may be, however, they are not without their own ambition. Idorica has its own plots, aiming to hold a firm influence on Ambrusian Church, so that the High Pontiff may not be too bothersome to the King’s policies abroad.
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. Also to be mentioned are important cities or locations within your nation.
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History
Self-explanatory. This doesn't need to be long; just informative. I encourage players to collaborate and create shared history. Society
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Although the medieval period of feudalism may have ended, the trappings of feudalism for the most part remain, with one major difference. In the countryside, most people remain peasants, below the nobles. From the local nobles, taxes are collected from money that is gained from the peasant. The peasants, in turn, gain their income through the trading of their goods or crops at local marketplaces. It is not only from traditional sources, however, where goods come from. With the growth of commerce, the cities have grown larger, and the bourgeoisie more powerful.
The Cortes is the parliamentary body of Idorica. Initially founded by the most powerful nobles in the kingdom as an advisory council to the King in the 9th century, it developed into one of the first parliaments in Antova. During the centuries of the Reconquista, the nobles came under economic duress and stress, leading to the rise of the burghers of the city. This led to the entrance of the bourgeoisie into the Cortes. Today, however, the power of the King has increased, and the nobility once again dominates the Cortes, which now is little more than a rubberstamp organization. They at least have the right to resist the raising of taxation, but they’ve yet to carry out this right.
Idorica, especially following unification, has gone through a cultural renaissance. Influenced by a rediscovery of the ancient classic works, a style known as classicalism arose. In Idorica, however, classicalism was combined with both the styles of traditional Idorican and Timluk styles to create a unique style of architecture known as Mudeja. Painting and literature saw the beginning of a golden age. Painting was done in the style of oil paintings, while literature was divided into poetry and prose, and both were heavily under the influence of humanism.
The scholastic period developed during the medieval period continues to develop and thrive. The Universities of Idorica have steadily increased in quality, and now the universities of Idorica can rival those of Mille-Sassau. The Scholastics, as always, have discussed theology, natural theology, natural law, and ethics, but have rejuvenated by the renaissance, and now extend their philosophy to new topics as well, like political philosophy and economics.
The people of Idorica are noticeable pious. This is as a result of both their centuries as holy warriors and because they are not very close, geographically, to the High Pontiff. The Church occupies, as it does in other countries, a unique position in Idorican society. They are considered a class wholly separate from the commoners and nobles. They are in possession of a considerable wealth and political power. With their support, the Kings of Idorica have gained a reputation as defenders of the faith.
Theologically, both the people and the Church are completely orthodox. However, the crown of Idorica has its eye on influence in the College of Cardinals, and aims to keep it there. The Idoricans hopes that a pro-Idorican monarch will be crowned. The King has a considerable influence over Idorican bishops, archbishops, and cardinals, so the Idorican cardinals shall try to ensure the King has his way.
Economy/Industry
What resources do you import and export? How is your industrial capacity? Are you more agricultural? Do you make anything especially coveted or unique? Geography will play a role here. No Fiorentian state is wholly self-sufficient.WIP
Military
I do not require numbers or pinpoint-accurate troop demographics, but give us an overview of your military. What does your nation do well? Has it embraced gunpowder and tercio, or does it cling to the past and field vast ranks of mounted ment-at-arms? What kind of equipment do you use? Many Fiorentian militaries will be similar, in appearance and/or equipment, but you don't have to be identical. You are free to embellish this section with famous regiments or historical commanders. How is your army organized? Do you have a color scheme? Have fun, but be sensible. WIP