Kingdom of Lleida

The most southron of the countries found upon the continent of Estoria, it is a nation that has found a prosperous existence from a troubled past. Many centuries ago, the spirits and corpses of the dead were risen all throughout Estoria in an event known as the March of the Damned, and mankind faced the possibility of extinction. Lleida formed several orders of Cruzados to fight them, and marched with vigor to strike down the hosts of the damned. With their dedication and the cooperation of the other powers the damned were put down, and though many forget the importance of this deed, Lleidans can recall their history from memory alone. They are a dutiful people, maintaining several holy orders dedicated to facing the threat of the undead should they rise again. They also prove admirable troops against the Kingdom’s foes, and to go to war with Lleida is to not only risk poor relations with other countries, but extinction at the hands of their Cruzados. Having gone decades without a major war, Lleida has cut a large chunk of maritime trade out for themselves as well as established closer relations with the Church than any other nation. It would be an easy mistake to assume the Lleidans have become idle, but the orders of old are only a rallying cry away from being assembled to repulse any invaders that may come upon them, undead or no.

Geography
Lleida is south of western Almeron, the border characterized in part by a series of mountains and in part by lush grasslands that flourish in the temperate weather. It is warmer in Lleida than in most other Estorian countries, and as such wildlife flourishes. There are wide swathes of verdant grassland, though with the heat of summer there are also barren stretches of desert. It is an exceedingly varied country geographically, leading to more distinction between people from different parts of Lleida. It is most verdant in the northwest of the country, while the southern coast is exceedingly hot. It has relatively safe coasts with only a few stretches being marred with jagged rocks. This heat has made the people of Lleida extremely dark skinned.

Economy
The Lleidan economy is supported by maritime trade and frequent expeditions to distant lands. They are the only country save for Stahlheim to have established colonies outside of Estoria in the New Lands, and have grown very wealthy because of it. They have begun importing goods that can’t be bought anywhere else, and fruits that grow in Lleida are plentiful and valuable. In return, Lleida relies on exports in order to have additional grain and enough iron to push for technological advances in their army’s equipment. This web of trade ensures the kingdom is on good terms with most countries and means they are reluctant to go to war unless their religion or people are threatened.

Religion
The Kingdom of Lleida devoutly follows the Church of Ignis, having been the heartland of the religion’s birth over nine centuries ago. The country is dotted with churches and cathedrals, not to mention chapter houses home to the legendary Cruzados. Formed to combat the last great undead invasion, they were some of the first followers of Ignis and used fire and sword to cleanse the lands and save humanity from darkness. This past has never been forgotten in Lleida, where the Cruzados still maintain their vigil with the support of church and state coin. There are perhaps no nations closer to Ignis than Lleida, and it shows in their political and military actions. The two work together on many investigations, and the Lleidans often provide a large amount of troops whenever the Church calls a Venerated March.

Culture
The Lleidan people are deeply religious, adventurous, and committed to improving their lot in life. They respect their god and search for their fortune through the world around them, Lleida is often cited as a great place for would-be adventurers to go, as there is never a shortage of like-minded men and women who search for gold and glory. The Lleidan people are generally very trusting and hospitable(especially to followers of Ignis), more likely to give food and shelter to those in need than most. When you have betrayed the trust of a Lleidan, however, you are seen as near unredeemable in the eyes of their culture. You will be ostracized and shunned, and it is for this reason that other powers are careful with how they tread around treaties with the Kingdom. Sports such as sparring and wrestling are popular.

Politics
Politics in Lleida are formed by a close relationship to the Church as well as a constitutional monarchy that allows for enlightened rulers to flourish and tyrants to be kept in place. It has maintained a policy of peace towards other Estorian nations, developing inwardly and generally being amenable to other countries. It has, however, provided much assistance in the Church’s fight to forcibly convert the member states of the Kretingan Order. Though there has been no official declaration of war, close ties with the church has ensured the Lleidans have sent coin, supplies, and soldiers to bring about enlightenment. They are close allies of the Church of Ignis and its independent city-state, and frequently trade with the Varesian Confederation as well. They are not particularly warm towards Lorenthal but also do not trade heavily with Almeron to avoid picking sides. They generally like and support Stahlheim, both for their religious dedication and their rapid technological advances.

Military
The Lleidan military is in a middle ground of how to operate, offering a balance that few others achieve. While the nobility do contribute knights and soldiers when there’s a call to arms, the presence of the Cruzados means there is an unofficial standing army that is prepared to face any attacker. With chapter houses throughout the entirety of the country, they are a formidable force that can be gathered quickly in times of war and may repel a threat before the levies of nobility have even assembled. Lleida is famed for the bravery and skill of it’s Cruzados, men and women devoted to Ignis and to ensuring no threat, living or dead, threatens their people again. They are heavy infantry and cavalry, equipped as well as knights but with the freedom to dedicate all their time to training and meditation instead of focusing on courtly matters. They are in a sense apolitical, operating in the defense of the church and the country. Only the ruling monarch can order them directly, and even that is seen as heinous save for in times of dire need. Elsewise, the Lleidan army is known for having finely trained arquebusiers that can fire two or three volleys a minute. The Lleidan navy is also a marvel, formerly rivaled by Lorenthal and now only truly competing with the Vasterans and Varesians, it is a threat few wish to contend with.

Recent Events
Lleida has experienced little shocking change in recent years, remaining one of the few bastions of stability in a shifting world. They have sent many expeditions to the New Lands to establish colonies and bring back wealth, but elsewise have maintained a peaceful, inward looking stance. This has seen them improve and standardize their military, increase trade, and form a general sense of happiness throughout the country. The people do not want, and though soldiers fight the Kretingan Order far in the east, there is no conflict close to home that threatens this joyful balance. Technology has seen an increased focus as well, the Kingdom's transition to industrialization rivaling that of Stahlheim's. Such beneficial times bring with them great power and the jealousy of the world, both powerful tools in the right hands but the means for destruction in another’s.