Crusaders Empire

== Geography ==
The Crusaders Empire covers a portion of the Gulf, the one to which they assigned the name "Gulf of the Crusaders", and the surrounding peninsula which is located in the central-western area of ​​Halinn, in the south-west quadrant. The territories bordering these areas are Virtayn to the east, Taravor to the south and Reynaerte to the north. Additionally, the Empire has its power spread across other territories, such as New Greenfield, a colony, and an island. Many cities such as Crusadon and Crusaden are located near bodies of water, making it easier to transport animals and transport between cities.
== History ==
=== Early history [ ??? - 64 V.E. ] ===
==== First Era ====
The Crusaders are said to be travelers from many worlds, which is how they arrived in the Stoneworks universe and its worlds. Crusadon eventually evolved into a hegemonic city-state on the Isle of Hollenkries amid the domination of Lunaris and Sheepy. The city had surrendered to the enemy even after a failed rebellion and the king was in exile. The empire was declared over a decade later, on June 11, 2024, after usages of the name had returned by a new user, LukaFSB, aka Luka Crusaden. He revolutionized the empire, creating three primary royal entities: Architects, Ambassadors, Armed Forces (also known as the "Triple A's"). Emperor LukaFSB held the empire together through adversity, typically opting for diplomatic solutions, and generation after generation, a peace treaty with the Seawolf nation was reached. The Kingdom having been liberated from the Kingdom of Leyden consolidated and diplomatically consolidated the kingdom expanded. 
==== Desc. and Asc. Era ====
King Luka Crusaden and Duke Bibbi Crusaden were banished (from the server), leading to the temporary transfer of royal powers to the Supreme Council, made up of the king's three sons. Despite the king's absence, the kingdom continued to expand. On July 25, 2024, King Luka was freed, bringing joy to the citizens. A Royal Contributions System was introduced to encourage voluntary donations, but it was eventually abandoned. The kingdom faced multiple challenges, including an attack on the city of Michadam and a battle against the demon Fasach, which the kingdom won. The victory strengthened unity among the crusaders, though the threat from Fasach lingered. Internal threats also emerged, including a rebellion by dissatisfied citizens, leading the king to reactivate the Crusaders Secret Bureau (CSB) to maintain security. Diplomatic issues arose with Eternia, particularly with the hostile leader Milt. The crusaders chose not to engage in war to conserve resources. Under King Luka’s leadership, the kingdom successfully navigated both internal and external challenges, maintaining a strong identity and commitment to Crusadeism, the eternal struggle between good and evil. 
==== Middle Era ====
King Luka Crusaden left for a fortnight on a diplomatic journey, but during his absence, the Crusader Kingdom faced catastrophic events, like the appearance of the famous Crusader virus, Celebrephito, unleashed by the demon Fasach. The virus, a combination of dark magic and science, transformed infected individuals into dangerous "Puppets of Fasach" with horrific deformities. Even members of the royal family members were affected, heightening the panic in the whole Kingdom. Those who were not totally infected suffered strong auditory and visual hallucinations. However, divine intervention and new medical treatments brought by Markovich Tworey's studies eventually neutralized the virus, restoring order in some hard days of work. Tragically, King Luka died suddenly of an unknown reasons, but before his death, he reassured his people that he would always be with them. His son, Nicomedes C. Crusaden I, ascended the throne, modernizing the government and strengthening the Royal Family. This ushered in a period of growth, with the establishment of New Crusaden, a key port city, and the formation of the Adriutix Legion. Despite Nicomedes ruling, the spiritual presence of Luka continued to guide the kingdom. .In the future Luka Crusaden would be resurrected thanks to the will and loyalty of his knights. The era concluded with what supposed to be one of the greatest weddings of all Crusader History, the marriage between King Nicomedes and Princess Saerenya Caraenerys of Phoenix, that had to solidify the bond between the two kingdoms. 
The planned marriage between King Nicomedes and Princess Saerenya Caraenerys, meant to unite their kingdoms culturally and economically, never really took place. King Luka Crusaden, unaware of the union at first, strongly opposed it once informed, as it involved Zenoism, a religion outside of Crusadeism. Despite his rejection, Luka worked to maintain diplomatic and commercial relations, ensuring peace and cooperation between the kingdoms, old allies. On September 8, 2024, King Arthur Crusaden succeeded his brother Nicomedes, who abdicated in his favor. The coronation was a grand event, attended by crowds from across the empire. During the ceremony, Markovich Tworey was appointed advisor to the new king. A remarkable moment occurred when King Luka's ascension to the heavens was witnessed, symbolizing divine protection for the kingdom. On September 22, 2024, King Luka was crowned Emperor in a historic ceremony, marking the birth of the New Crusaders Empire. During his coronation, he announced radical reforms to strengthen the empire. Soon after, through skillful diplomacy, the lands of Kaiserstadt and FabrikHaven were annexed without bloodshed, expanding the empire Despite the prosperity of this period marked by growth and change, it was marred by betrayal. Former King Nicomedes, found guilty of leaking confidential information, was banished for his treason. 
==== Revolution Era ====
This Era was a pivotal and tumultuous period for the Crusaders Empire. The military was reformed and strengthened, incorporating the CSB and boosting resource production, which led to significant economic and territorial growth. Despite global inflation, the Empire remained prosperous. A statue of the Emperor was erected in Crusadon, and some external spies were expelled through reforms supported by the CSB. However, the era also saw challenges: Tataben, Luka Crusaden's grandson, was forced to leave the Empire, and the Empire left the Halinn League. Kings and princes were replaced with Regent Princes, marking the beginning of a shift toward democracy and the abolition of the monarchy. Diplomatically, the Empire regained Blackstone, but a rebellion led by the traitor Milt and backed by Leyden broke out. The rebellion was crushed diplomatically, and Milt was forgiven, going back in the Imperial Family as son of the Emperor. Political tensions arose with Leyden, which refused to return the territories gained during the rebellion. After a successful attack on Leyden by the Adiutrix, Crusadon, anticipating war, formed alliances with over 15 nations, positioning itself against Leyden, known for its deceitful reputation. The Empire thrived economically, expanding production and forming new trade partnerships, while the arts flourished with new propaganda and artistic works. The creation of the Crusadon Parliament marked a shift to a Parliamentary-Semi-Constitutional Monarchy, signaling a new era of governance. 
The last decade of the Empire's Early Growth era was the Empire's most confusing and perhaps busiest. There were fights, wars, betrayals. To save itself from total disappearance, and to return to the old growth of the past, the Crusader Empire decided to put a stop to the fight with Leyden, merging with it and becoming Reynaerte's Empire. However, the empire did not have good internal stability, and after less than a year (5 days irl) the empire fell, the Crusaders became autonomous again under the protection of Valera.
=== Reform and resurrection [ 64 V.E. - ??? ] ===
==== First New Era ====
With the collapse of Reynaerte, and the return to the democratic and expansionist growth of the Crusader cities, a new era of salvation and hope began. The government changed again to partially merge with that of Valera, who left a lot of independence to the Crusaders in their protectorate. Cultural relationships with other nations increased, and the Crusader generations and cultures evolved even further in other growing nations. There was a defensive and senate reform, to defend the cities and increase the structure of the senatorial body. New companies and guilds began stable partners with the Crusaders. The city style also evolved, a theater opened in Crusaden and a library in Sepulcheria. Now the new era of peace and tranquility had arrived.
==== The Cultural Era ====
With the arrival of a new era, Markovich Tworey is appointed Chancellor of Culture and Propaganda, with this new position he will open the new University of Crusadon, the Universitas Venjer. While Crusadon University was being born, the capital welcomed a new royal palace, to pay homage to progress, a palace so tall that it was said it could touch the stars and the Eternal himself. While Crusadon admired its own evolution, the attacks and increases of the Athoists finally ended, faithful of Anti Gonf (the demon that had fallen on all of Abexilas), which the crusaders together with the Gonfist church, had managed to drive away with harsh crusades, easily won, demonstrating once again the willpower within those knights. The First Caderistae, the fights against the Anti-Gonfists, were over (from the Latin "Athoist Struggles").
== Government ==
The Crusaders Government is characterized by a fluid and adaptable structure, evolving in response to changing diplomatic, military, and cultural circumstances, whether or not they find themselves under the influence of protectorates. Despite this variability, some key roles and institutions can be identified consistently within the Crusader administration. At its pinnacle stands an emperor, or in some cases two major monarchical figures (sometimes even a triumvirate), with absolute religious and political authority, serving as the supreme symbol of unity and governance. Supporting this central figure is a Council, which exercises substantial power and is responsible for overseeing the organization and management of the nation's affairs. Complementing this is a Second Council, or Senate, which acts as a crucial intermediary between the ruling elite and the population, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected within the broader governmental framework.
== Religion ==
The Crusaders Empire is a very religious empire, if not the most religious on the continent of Halinn, and in fact it only has one religion, Crusadeism, also called Eternalism. 
=== Original and Fused Crusadeism ===
==== Original Crusadeism ====
Maintains loyalty to the sacred texts, strictly adhering to their teachings without deviation. Followers of this doctrine believe in the absolute interpretation of these writings, which include a clear moral position regarding the nature of demons, who are seen as totally evil and irredeemable. Their faith is built on a rigid foundation that leaves no room for compromise or reinterpretation, ensuring that their practices are closely aligned with major religious laws and traditions.
==== Fused Crusadeism ====
Introduces a more nuanced approach. While still rooted in the core tenets of the Crusader, it allows for a more lenient perspective on some issues. Fused Crusadeism does not view all demons as inherently evil, granting forgiveness to some and integrating them into this branch of faith. This version of the faith also approaches the eating and hunting of animals through a more ethical lens. It allows these activities as long as they are carried out with respect for life, ensuring that the methods are neither excessively complex nor unjustified and never senselessly cruel. 
Despite these theological differences, both branches, Original Crusadeism and Fused Crusadeism, remain steadfast in their devotion to the Eternal, to Luka, and to the Empire. 
=== Crusadeism ===
Crusadeism is a belief system rooted in the creation and balance of the universe by the Supreme Being, the Eternal. The cosmos is scientifically accurate, with references to 780 stars symbolizing divine will and cosmic order. At its core, Crusadeism emphasizes the eternal struggle between light and darkness, where the Eternal’s first act was to create light to counter primordial darkness. The faith centers on the birth of the Son of the Eternal, Luka Crusaden, destined to restore divine order. The Crusaders, with divine weapons and guidance, protect the balance between good and evil. The creation of paradise, hell, and the realms beyond plays a significant role, with souls judged based on their actions, either ascending to the light or descending into eternal darkness. The Ten Commandments guide followers in their mission to maintain cosmic harmony, and the ongoing battle between light and darkness continues to shape the fate of all beings. 
=== Baptism ===
The initiation ritual into Crusadeism, called "Baptism of Iron and Flame", is a solemn and intense moment. It starts with a procession of fire in which novices advance with lit torches, escorted by armored Crusaders. After having sworn allegiance to the Emperor and the Eternal, participants dip their fingers in a cauldron full of glowing lava, burning their index and middle fingers’ fingertips permanently, before marking their left side of the chest (over the heart) with the symbol of the Holy Crusader Cross, a sign of purification and sacrifice. Subsequently, they receive a consecrated iron sword, symbolizing their commitment to fight and suffer for the Empire. The ceremony concludes with the novices walking over hot coals barefoot, symbolizing chasing the evil away from the body and relaxing the muscles, to be reborn as a devoted soldier of the Order.
=== Fasachism ===
Fasach is the Anti-Eternal, the most powerful demon of hell in Crusaderism, a despicable deceiver whose very essence is rooted in treachery and malevolence. The rise of Fasachism occurred during the outbreak of this vile demon’s influence, becoming a perverted version of Crusaderism in which the Eternal was mocked and ridiculed, while Fasach was undeservedly worshipped and revered. This twisted ideology had no legitimate foundation or reasoning behind it, yet it gained temporary traction among some who were swayed by the demon’s manipulations. The belief system, though, lasted only for a brief period, mere months, before it collapsed under the weight of its inherent falsehoods. However, its brief existence left a significant scar on Crusader history, serving as a reminder of the potential for corruption and deception, and of the strength required to preserve the purity of the true faith.
== Architecture ==
The Crusader architecture is as beautiful as it is refined, with a fusion of late Romanesque/Gothic (of the first half imperial) and nineteenth-century and Victorian (of the second half imperial) styles. In general, the style of the Crusaders Empire has evolved quite a bit over time, at the beginning we had simple, closed, small and intricate structures, with New Crusadon then we notice an evolution thanks to the Eternal's Temple and the underground joints of the city. We also notice a change in style thanks to the Parliament of Crusadon, which is more Victorian than the Castle of the Imperial Dynasty, a few steps away from it, all enclosed in the main square of Crusadon. Between the two structures there is the magnificent cathedral, where the new empire was crowned. New houses then arose in the new part of Crusadon, larger and taller than those in the city centre. But the architectural wonders do not stop here, but join the culture thanks to the Crusaden Theater and the Library of Sepulcheria (with its Arco Magno), both cities close to the capital. But Eternalsburg also hosts what was once supposed to be a fortress in honor of Bibbi Crusaden, son of Emperor Luka Crusaden. So Crusader architecture has evolved, and is evolving, day after day.
== Culture + Customs and traditions ==
The Crusader Empire is now recognized not only for its political and military power but also for the extraordinary richness of its culture, which spans a vast array of traditions, from music to popular customs. An example of this cultural heritage is the Imperial Anthem of Crusadon, which embodies the values of alliance and strength, celebrating the bond between the people and the emperor. During the medieval period, under the auspices of the Crusaders, the visual arts flourished, with works that commemorated chivalric deeds and depicted sacred texts. New standards were also created to symbolize imperial power, serving as tools of propaganda that helped garner popular support for the expansion of the empire. The theater, far from being despised, was a highly esteemed art form among the Crusaders. Every aspect of Crusader culture is deeply imbued with a strong sense of patriotism and religiosity, reflected in all of its artistic expressions. For the Crusaders, military strategy itself was considered an art, so much so that it was taught in schools, where intellectual preparation was regarded as equally important as physical training. Furthermore, the Crusaders speak an ancient dialect, Krusacòv, a language with a syntax rooted in Latin, which, unfortunately, is now spoken by only a small number of people.
We can define the city life of a crusader as one always ready to launch. Crusadon is known throughout Halinn (and Abexilas) for its great and vast events. Usually a crusader citizen wears black, purple or similar colored robes, or uses the strongest armor, always ready for defense in honor of the Emperor. Mainly a Crusader is always connected to the capital, given its centralization with roads and routes. A crusader citizen often participates in the political and mercantile life of the kingdom, in general he belongs to a workaholic society, always ready for progress.