Castille is a nation of deep history, rich culture, and vibrant passion, often described as a land where the people live as they play their guitars - with both fervor and precision. This proud nation has been shaped by centuries of conflict, devotion to the Vaticine Church, and a strong sense of identity rooted in family, tradition, and resilience. However, Castille now stands at a crossroads, recovering from a brutal invasion and struggling with internal strife that threatens its future.
Geography and Economy[]
Located in a fertile region, Castille boasts rich mines, productive farmlands, and abundant seas, which have historically ensured that its people never wanted for resources. The nation enjoys mild winters and warm, extended summers, providing an ideal climate for agriculture. In the past, agricultural productivity suffered due to inefficient farming practices, but the Church's intervention improved the situation, turning Castille into an economic powerhouse. However, recent events have disrupted this prosperity.
Recent History and Current Challenges[]
One of the most significant events in recent history is the invasion by Montaigne in 1664. Though Castille managed to repel the invaders, the victory came at a tremendous cost. The war ravaged farmlands, claimed countless lives, and left a generation of young men dead or crippled. These losses have pushed Castille to the brink of collapse, leaving the nation in a precarious state.
The country's economy, once bolstered by its extensive natural resources and agricultural output now faces challenges due to the devastation of its lands. Additionally, over one-third of Castille's farmland was destroyed during Montaigne's invasion. This economic downturn has been exacerbated by widespread corruption among government officials, who siphon tax revenue for personal gain rather than investing in the nation's recovery.
Government and Society[]
The Castille Coat of Arms
The ruling family of Castille, the Sandovals, currently faces a crisis of leadership. With the death of King Salvador Aldana, his 12-year-old son, affectionately known as "Good King Sandoval", took the throne. Though he has valiantly held the nation together for four years, he remains heavily influenced by his council of Church advisors. This has led to the establishment of a conditional monarchy where the young king's authority is often overridden by the Cardinals.
The hierarchy of Castille is defined by a blend of monarchy, nobility, and Church influence. The land is divided into counties, each governed by the Grandes de Castille, a class of nobles who manage land grants (concesiones) for the King. There are three tiers of Grandes: those directly related to the King, nobles with both land and title, and the Hidalgos, who possess titles but no land. The devastation of the war has left many nobles disenfranchised, with much of their land absorbed by the Church, further eroding the traditional social order.
In Castillian society, family is the central unit, with the maternal figure revered as its heart. Extended family members are considered immediate kin, and even those who have strayed from familial expectations are welcomed back unless they commit the most unforgivable acts, such as the murder of another family member.
Culture and Customs[]
Castille is known for its passionate culture. Its people love music, dancing, food, and festivities, which are integral to daily life. The influence of the Church on Castillian culture has led to a "passion for precision", especially evident in their music, epitomized by the Castillian guitar. Traditional dances are expressive and full of emotion, while festivals and celebrations are vibrant and lively.
Castillian clothing reflects this passion. Black is the base color, accentuated by fiery reds, yellows, and oranges. Even the poorest citizen incorporates small amounts of dyed cloth into their outfits, symbolizing pride in their Castillian heritage. Men's attire includes wide-brimmed sombreros, snug vests, and fitted pants, while women's clothing varies by age and marital status, transitioning from whites and creams for young women to richly colored garments adorned with beads and intricate hairstyles for married women.
The Vaticine Church[]
Castille is the stronghold of the Vaticine Church, housing its headquarters since 1257. The nation's adherence to the Church's teachings has provided political influence and an extensive network of schools, hospitals, and places of worship throughout the country. Castillians are deeply pious, displaying their faith through public ritual, daily prayer, and a strong cultural emphasis on spiritual life.
The rise of the Inquisition in recent years has cast a shadow over Castille. Led by High Inquisitor Esteban Verdugo, the Inquisition's grip on the nation has tightened, leading to increased persecution of heretics and dissenters. The Church, once a beacon of education and charity, now faces accusations of tyranny and tolerance, contributing to the nation's internal conflict.
Government and Corruption[]
Castille's government is in turmoil, marred by corruption and power struggles. While the young King Sandoval holds the throne, real power lies with El Concilio de la Razón, a council of Cardinals that governs the king's name. The council's meddling has led to a fractured bureaucratic system that hinders effective decision-making. This dysfunction contributed to Castille's near defeat during Montaigne's invasion, as poor communication and leadership hampered the military's response.
Taxes, instead of funding public works, schools, and hospitals, are funneled into the pockets of corrupt officials. Many nobles, especially those who lost lands during the war, face financial hardship, and their social status has become increasingly irrelevant. The situation has led to a breakdown of the traditional social structure, with once lofty nobles reduced to selling their swords for coin in local taverns.
Military and Technology[]
Castille has a proud military tradition, with a history of formidable cavalry known as Jinete and the elite infantry units called Tercios. These troops, renowned for their discipline, versatility, and deadly precision, played a crucial role in fending off Montaigne's invasion. Despite their bravery, Castille's military has been stretched thin and struggles to maintain a sufficient standing force due to the war's toll and the nation's strained resources.
Castillian innovation extends to military technology, including the development of wheeled cannons, high-grade gunpowder, and pre-packed powder charges for muskets, allowing soldiers to reload and fire more rapidly than their counterparts. However, the nation's current state of disarray has hampered further military advancement.
Unity and the Path Forward[]
Despite the political, economic, and social turmoil, Castille's people remain fiercely proud and unified in spirit. The nation's foundation lies in its traditions, strong family bonds, and unwavering faith. Castillians have endured foreign incursions, religious conflicts, and internal betrayals yet continue to cleave together, proclaiming, "All these things, different as they may seem, are Castille".
The future of Castille rests on a knife's edge. Will it rebuild and reclaim its former glory, or will it fall prey to the ambitions of the Inquisition and foreign powers? That answer lies in the hands of its people and those who would rise to shape its destiny.