Castellan

The Castellans are a widespread culture once spread throughout the ancient world of Rathnir and now found in the new world of Abexilas. This culture counted as one of the original human groups on Rathnir before the Human Migrations took place, they evolved separately from the Humans and other races that came from Jagdas, with the Castellans having very different ideas and beliefs about religion, the universe and creation compared to those who migrated from Jagdas, most Castellans worship Meep the Incarnate as their protector. Castellans have a historical language, Castellan Tongue, referred to endonymously as Kestehilal, which is currently experiencing a period of revival. 
The Castellan people as a whole are led on by their cultural leader, called 'Lord Protector,' who ensures the unison of the Castellan people scattered in the different nations of the world. There were be three Lord Proctectors on Rathnir, the first being Skavier Castellan III who was succeeded by Marcus Emerald Castellan I. In the last months prior to the arrival of Iristor's Comet, the new Lord Protector, Fazen Castellan was crowned during the second year anniversary event of the Second Kingdom of Grand Castell. 
== History ==
=== Origin ===
The Castellans were one of the original native human groups to live on Rathnir alongside other native races before the great migration, the Castellans had previously ruled an ancient kingdom called Castell, that had a strong culture of prolific warriors, traders, diplomats and architects that contributed to the state.
Legends claim that the Castellan name was derived from Steward of the castle. The Castellan culture may have started out as stewards, though it consists of a wide range of professions such as architect's, warriors and traders in the present day.
=== Early history ===
==== Arrival to Rathnir ====
Following the great migration, the civilisation and groups that successfully crossed rose to form various other bations, kingdoms and empires, with the nation of Castell being lost overtime with the new influx of settlers who carved up the nation, the Castellan people were exiled and became scattered across Rathnir.
A Young Skavier Castellan III who had grew up into the Monshil-Nak clan in the Empire of Yimmu-Audal was one day approached by a stranger called Meep in a tavern who he quickly became acquainted with, For the next four months he received several revelations from Meep detailing his ancestral past and of the Castellans, a culture of warriors, traders, diplomats and architects who once led a Kingdom called Castell in a far away land and that Meep was the immortal patron saint of all Castellans. These talks persuadeded and convince Skavier that he must unite his people once again and restore the Lost kingdom with it now becoming his life's mission, with him after relinquishing his title of elder and after a sad farewell with the Prophet Meep he departed from Ersetu in his quest to restore the Lost Kingdom of Castell that his forefathers had built.
==== Attempt in Eldham ====
Following traveling for nearly a decade, uniting the Castellans scattered across Rathnir, Skavier prepared to the new world of Eldham to restore new Castell. however upon their arrival onto Eldham they were met by hostilities and resistance from all sides with them coming into conflict with a coalition in a hard-fought battle when the Castellans were almost at a lost they recieve a divine omen where from the heavens rays of light fell, upon a single horseman in white robes bearing a black cross charged from downward, fiery streaks erupting from his great helm like a mighty furnace, Meep returned to his true form. The Castellans saw their omen and fought on, Skavier in the midst and heat of the battle picked up a banner and sword once again, charging forward with his kin to victory. The Castellans won the battle against the Central Forces Coalition, but far too many had died to start a nation. Even so, they all knelt before their lord on the field, as their Lord Skavier knelt before their true god, though their time on Eldham had in truth come to an end.
==== Settlement in Konushum ====
The Castellans understanding that their was little to gain in Eldham returned to Rathnir realising after a year of travel, Skavier and his people returned to Ersetu in Yimmu-Audal, where Skavier would later be given rule over a town called Oveuabao that he renamed to Konushum where he became its Sahrad. He quickly settled his people into the city with him, reviving his dream of making the city the Jewel of Yimmu-Audal. He and his people started a new golden age for the Castellans in their new home as the city grew extensively and became more populated. Castellan culture was subsequently spread around Rathnir by the Royal Family Castellan.
=== New Castell ===
New Castell was turbulently founded by Mrdubo as a small island nation to the east of Uldarash, and surrounded by Aristios. It was originally called the People's Republic of Freedom, with Mrdubo as minister of war for Alokhrad. Until they were demoted, enraged by this Mrdubo began protesting and prepared a rebellion. The rebel group raided and did some damage to the capital of Alokhrad, until they left after being threatened by Second Empire of Uldarash which sent a force to wipe them out. At this point the nation had around 15 soldiers, with many of them transitioning into other jobs. Mrdubo launched another attack against Alokhrad, but with their lack of equipment they chose not to do so. Mrdubo decided to change strategies and buy land from Tortuga which came to nothing. 
Following a string of defeats against a neighbouring towns to raids in the Rathnir Possessions of Aristios, It was then that Skavier Castellan III and his son Marcus Castellan took up power in the nation, turning the tide by bringing many Castellan soldiers with them while pushing for independence. 
The government of New Castell was a barony, with the Castellan house holding absolute authority. Skavier's son Marcus acts as the minister of war. The Castellan house holds power through the legitimacy afforded to them by Meep the incarnate.
=== The coming of Grand Castell ===
Following Skavier's firstborn Son Sigismund Castellan stepping down as King of Axelm, he passed the nation on to his Father Skavier and the protection of his council, Skavier turned the Castellan Kingdom of Axelm into a theocratic feudal state, Axelm briefly merged with Schnee to form Grand Castell before separating once again, though Skavier was made its heir of Schnee, he later purchased the last vestiges of Mudrok from Yrsa Wolfsbane.
== Culture ==
=== Values ===
The Castellans do not concern themselves with creation stories, As they believe that they are for those trying to bring false meaning to a universe that needs no meaning beyond serving your family and your state with honour and duty being the highest priority and anyone who cannot be happy without there being some great thought-out plan to the universe is seen as mad or weak. 
Castellans have a strong connection to family and bloodlines, but aren't against adoption although it is rare we see culture as more institutionalised, more centralised and state like, less like the region you come from that determines your culture like many of the Rathnir newcomers, Castellans should be more loyal to their culture above whatever state they live in.
Noble lineages are prized among many middle and high ranking citizens, and military prowess is seen as an important virtue to make it true with noble knights have a somewhat high importance in Castellan society, with them holding much esteem and influence. 
=== Religion ===
The majority of Castellans follow the Orthodoxy of the Light Incarnate and worship Meep the Incarnate as their protector as a living Immortal saint and god of all Castellans, they are alternatively known as the Prophet or the Furnace God they that exists within the material world amongst them..
=== Subgroups ===
The Castellans are a large cultures with many sub-cultures as apart of their larger culture. From the Athi-Castellans who are Castellans that originated from the town of Athiel, who have their own faith, they were led by Zachary Castellan. To the Sons of Ishivald who originate from the brother of an ancient Castellan King, Siegfried I of Fort Castell. They are intensely loyal and have their own faith.
Category:Lore
Category:Native civilizations
Category:Traveler's Era
Category:Abexilas
Category:Castellan