Caldea

The Empire of Caldea is a nation in the Conquering Sea, although it is technically a part of Westrath. It is the second most populous nation in Westrath. Caldea is a major imperial power, with colonies located in both Ashar and Pantra. Caldea has around 28,000,000 inhabitants. It is an absolute dual monarchy, ruled by the married Queen Miralta Amalor Gendrigoza and King Victor Arduhuel Formosa. The capital of Caldea is the port city of Caldeus, which is also by far the largest city in the country. However, the naval capital of Caldeus is Mirador, and the religious capital is Valhenca.
Caldea is known for its hedonistic culture, egalitarian society, military history, naval dominance, warm weather, trading hubs, and outgoing inhabitants.
== History ==
== Geography ==
Most of Caldea has a dry, mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. The land is comprised of dry brush, golden grassy hills, arid ridges, and sparse woodlands. Cypress, olive, almond, sycamore, oak, walnut, fig, pine, and juniper trees cover the landscape. The northern reaches of Caldea are more forested, whereas southern Caldea is notably drier and warmer than the rest of the nation, bordering on being a desert. Arid mesas, plateaus, and shrublands dot the southern landscape. 
The isles of Eluzko and Gareixho contain alpine climates. The rocky hills and slopes are covered in shrubs, brush, and pine and juniper trees. The Sen Edrigu and Eluztador Mountains of Eluzko, and the Kalditze Mountains of Gareixho are the only true mountain ranges of the nation, and are the only locations where there is snowfall during the winter.
The eastern islands of Caldea have a quite different climate than the rest of the nation. Marshes, woodlands and humid forests cover the islands, with thick mists lingering in the air. The landscape is dense with rivers and deltas.
== Government ==
Caldea is an absolute monarchy. Unlike all other monarchies which have a single monarch, the king and queen of Caldea have equal power and neither is merely a consort of the other. However, as lineage is traced through the maternal line in Caldea, succession is matrilineal. In the event of the king dying, the queen will remarry and her new husband will be king. If the queen dies she is replaced by her oldest child, who will then marry. The previous king will no longer hold any official power.
The current monarchs of Caldea are Queen Miralta Amalor of House Gendrigoza, and King Victor Arduhuel of House Formosa. The heir apparent is their oldest child, Prince Aurelo Domeko of House Gendrigoza. The two have four children together, and three children born out of wedlock.
== Culture ==
Caldeans are famously outgoing and friendly, a trait that is emboldened by the prevalence of drinking and the liberality of romance. On a darker note, Caldeans are famous for their vengeful and vindictive streaks. Blood feuds, revenge killings and crimes of passion are common, especially between scorned lovers, former business associates, and rival houses. Corruption and incompetence have made enforcers in Caldea largely irrelevant, with most settling their disputes with guards, thugs, mercenaries, or the occasional duel. 
Compared to many of its neighbors, Caldean culture is very egalitarian. Women and men both hold positions of power in the nobility, military and clergy. While infantry are almost entirely male, many women serve as archers, cavalry, healers, and commanders in the military. Lineage is traced through the maternal line in Caldea. 
Caldean culture is stereotypically very hedonistic and lavish. The Caldeans are known for their parties, drinking, and sexual exploits. Caldean clothing is much more revealing than other culture's, in part due to the warm climate. Unlike much of the rest of the world, it is not unusual for men to lie with men, and women to lie with women, even if marriage with a partner of the same sex is unheard of. Infidelity is also not as much of a taboo in Caldea as it is elsewhere. Men and women alike will often have several partners at the same time, even while married, and polygamy is also commonly practiced. Caldeans hold no conceptions about differences between bastards and trueborn children.
However, despite its vice-filled reputation, Caldeans are also devoutly religious. Being fervent followers of the High Church, service and family tradition are ingrained in Caldean culture. Nearly all Caldeans attend worship almost every day. In addition to service, churches provide charity to the poor and community events. However, while the High Church is nearly universally attended, the religious doctrine is not very traditional or devout. The church holds no qualms with drinking, adultery, corruption or bribery. However, zealous factions in Caldea oppose the hedonistic vices that they believe plague society.
Caldean families are very large. Because of the commonly practiced polygamy and infidelity, it is common for families to include ten or more children. Additionally, because family is a core value that Caldeans hold, many families include cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and distant relatives, each of which may have spouses and children of their own. For the nobility, servants, advisers, guards and close friends are also considered to be part of the household. Because of the large families, social evenings and welcoming culture, it is not uncommon for family dinners to include over a hundred people.
Labor does not hold the same priority in Caldean life. Caldeans work for shorter hours, and often take days off work. This is a common and socially acceptable occurrence. Caldeans are also famous for their late mornings and even later nights, with most city folk spending their nights enjoying festivities and sleeping in the next morning.
== Cuisine ==
The cuisine of Caldea is mostly split between the northern and southern cuisines. The northern cuisine is closer to that of other Westric nations. Goat and sheep cheese, bread, ham, lamb, rabbit, oxtail soup, and bean stews are commonly eaten foods. Southern Caldean food includes more vegetables, fish, and spices. Common dishes include swordfish, goat, spiced potatoes, spiced cod, artichokes, peppers, and roasted tomatoes. While the cuisines are more concentrated in their respective regions, there is, however, significant overlap between the two. Figs, olives, cow cheese, and cured meats are common throughout all of Caldea. Common spices include paprika, rosemary, saffron, garlic, tarragon, anise, cumin, sage and black pepper.
Wine is integral to Caldean cuisine and culture. Caldean wine is prized throughout all of the world, and it is a commonly traded good. Caldean wines are famously dry, sharp, strong, and aromatic. Fortified wines are a common variant. Many Caldean wines are notably sharp and spicy, with peppery flavors. Caldean wine is almost always red. 
== Economy ==
== Military ==
== Religion ==
Caldea officially follows the High Church, of which around 95% of Caldeans are followers of. The remaining minority of around 5% are members of other religions, primarily the Crimson Order, although travelers from around the world have brought their religions to Caldea, many of which have small followings.
There are eleven bishops in Caldea, the most out of any nation after Ilorin and Lordamere. The Archbishop of Caldeus is one of the five archbishops of the High Church. The current Archbishop of Caldeus is Archbishop Santor Oxhovar the Righteous.
Similarly to other nations that follow the High Church, religious doctrine is followed laxly, with corruption, bribery, adultery, drinking, hedonism and occasional violence all practiced in the church, and the nation as a whole. Traditional, devout factions of the church are pushing back against the sins and vices that they see in Caldean culture, which has led to rising conflicts in the holy order.
== Noble Houses ==
Name 	Crest
House Abaranto 	
House Abrada 	
House Abrao 	
House Albazar 	
House Albora 	
House Alegre 	Three gusts of wind
House d'Almeidra 	
House d'Almorca 	
House Amaritz 	
House Aranza 	
House Argao 	Two silver coins
House d'Arque 	
House d'Axheiro 	
House Azmovar 	
House d'Azul 	
House Barboza 	
House Barre 	
House Boreia 	
House Brahe 	
House Branca 	
House Cabral 	
House Cadavao 	
House Calvao 	
House Calveza 	
House Candoval 	Burning armor
House Castenha 	
House Corexhe 	
House Culdeira 	
House Devao 	Crab
House Edantar 	
House Elondo 	
House d'Ergón 	Portcullis
House Etxebarria 	
House Ezalde 	
House Ezkabal 	Skull with snake in mouth
House Ezkeban 	
House Ezvao 	
House Farha 	
House Ferdinhe 	
House Formado 	
Royal House of Formosa 	Eagle with snake in talons
Royal House of Gendrigoza	Crossed spears
House Helarón 	
House Helbar 	
House Ibarra 	Three peaks
House Ilkaro 	
House Italé 	
House Kordes 	
House Kutinho 	Skeleton horse
House Madeiro 	
House Montro 	
House Moreira 	
House Morgado 	
House Mortega 	Vulture
House Olondo 	
House Olvares 	
House Ordonado 	Kestrel
House Orteza 	
House Otelho 	
House Oxhovar 	Catapult
House Perar 	
House Pereidra 	Grape trellis
House Ramal 	
House Rozar 	
House Sagar 	
House Salhandar 	Talons
House Sardinha 	Sheep
House Silvao 	
House Silvare 	
House d'Uxhembre 	Olive branch
House Valho 	
House Vieso 	
House Vilao 	
House Vilhencia 	
House Zelarón 	Helmet with peacock feather
House Zedinha 	
House Zura 	
== Provinces ==
* Province of Nazare
* Province of Medara
* Province of Petrál
* Province of Rialho
* Province of Andale
* Province of Ezekal
* Province of Caldeum
== Settlements ==
Name 	Population	Type	Province
Caldeus 	450,000 	 	
Almeidra 	270,000 	 	
Ardinho 	260,000 	 	
Mirador 	230,000 	 	
Ergón 	220,000 	 	
Novikarri 	180,000 	 	
Valhenca 	150,000 	 	
Brinkado 	140,000 	 	
Calhambra 	125,000 	 	
Almorca 	125,000 	 	
Sen Bovilar 	110,000 	 	
Revaia 	97,000 	 	
Alberia 	90,000 	 	
Malagoz 	78,000 	 	
Targona 	70,000 	 	
Petrador 	64,000 	 	
Sevoa 	60,000 	 	
Torina 	58,000 	 	
Inkiero 	51,000 	 	
Trinkar 	44,000 	 	
Arvelho 	40,000 	 	
Petral 	40,000 	 	
Toredo 	40,000 	 	
Sen Abrado 	38,000 	 	
Zalabasas 	37,000 	 	
Sen Alba 	36,000 	 	
Castur 	33,000 	 	
Castelho 	30,000 	 	
Amaranto 	27,000 	 	
Alzaga 	26,000 	 	
Aveidra 	25,000 	 	
Cordiva 	24,000 	 	
Seguovia 	24,000 	 	
Cadeira 	23,000 	 	
Sen Amalor 	22,000 	 	
Aberado 	20,000 	 	
Matral 	20,000 	 	
Veldad 	20,000 	 	
Arsifei 	19,000 	 	
Condar 	19,000 	 	
Ordohal 	19,000 	 	
Citudal 	17,000 	 	
Zalgovia 	17,000 	 	
Sen Lazero 	16,000 	 	
Vigosa 	16,000 	 	
Conqueira 	15,000 	 	
Nidal 	15,000 	 	
Algondra 	14,000 	 	
Sen Lucar 	14,000 	 	
Proxho 	14,000 	 	
Vitora 	14,000 	 	
Taveira 	13,000 	 	
Alzeira 	13,000 	 	
Barkado 	13,000 	 	
Progxeima 	13,000 	 	
Neivo Reus 	12,000 	 	
Berrezid 	11,000 	 	
Vizeu 	11,000 	 	
Murgado 	10,000 	 	
Nadeira 	10,000 	 	
Velim 	10,000 	 	
Abruxhé 	9,000 	 	
Albaza 	9,000 	 	
Barrera 	9,000 	 	
Castelhur 	9,000 	 	
Erexhador 	9,000 	 	
Racal 	8,000 	 	
Bilhao 	8,000 	 	
Buveira 	8,000 	 	
Castanza 	8,000 	 	
Garxho 	8,000 	 	
Rexhiador 	8,000 	 	
Seidra 	8,000 	 	
Vilado 	8,000 	 	
Xika 	8,000 	 	
Gaieio 	7,000 	 	
Progxheiu 	7,000 	 	
Rizkopa 	7,000 	 	
Sen Amalfes 	7,000 	 	
Teramo 	7,000 	 	
Vigosa 	7,000 	 	
Vizalé 	7,000 	 	
Xebarria 	7,000 	 	
Zelho 	7,000 	 	
Bruxho 	6,000 	 	
Candahal 	6,000 	 	
Contin 	6,000 	 	
Flurao 	6,000 	 	
Izkopan 	6,000 	 	
Ordeixho 	6,000 	 	
Oxho Rizo 	6,000 	 	
Tirife 	6,000 	 	
Urkaixho 	6,000 	 	
Vigadro 	6,000 	 	
Alzaria 	5,000 	 	
Brusku 	5,000 	 	
Bruxhao 	5,000 	 	
Druxhe 	5,000 	 	
Geroias 	5,000 	 	
Kelorxhia 	5,000 	 	
Mankala 	5,000 	 	
Orozko 	5,000 	 	
Rexhu Luxhe 	5,000 	 	
Teifo 	5,000 	 	
Urkaliz 	5,000 	 	
Zalahoria 	5,000 	 	
Zelao 	5,000 	 	
Andariza 	4,000 	 	
Caxheiras 	4,000 	 	
Cibao 	4,000 	 	
Cordeixho 	4,000 	 	
Demalo 	4,000 	 	
Kordezia 	4,000 	 	
Orazandia 	4,000 	 	
Tenife 	4,000 	 	
Urdinho 	4,000 	 	
Zalaga 	4,000 	 	
Abaxa 	3,000 	 	
Abruzkar 	3,000 	 	
Alevitzia 	3,000 	 	
Azko Rexho 	3,000 	 	
Berduhal 	3,000 	 	
Cambrao 	3,000 	 	
Caxhias 	3,000 	 	
Elezucen 	3,000 	 	
Karriz 	3,000 	 	
Maladra 	3,000 	 	
Ondevida 	3,000 	 	
Ordoliz 	3,000 	 	
Salerna 	3,000 	 	
Terike 	3,000 	 	
Vorezko 	3,000 	 	
Abrique 	2,000 	 	
Andahal 	2,000 	 	
Arxhedo 	2,000 	 	
Barazku 	2,000 	 	
Bruskao 	2,000 	 	
Elefino 	2,000 	 	
Eletzano 	2,000 	 	
Etxhebal 	2,000 	 	
Etxhoras 	2,000 	 	
Filao 	2,000 	 	
Fuixhal 	2,000 	 	
Gazkopa 	2,000 	 	
Getxo 	2,000 	 	
Iuruxho 	2,000 	 	
Kagorria 	2,000 	 	
Kuxhao 	2,000 	 	
Marruka 	2,000 	 	
Orozkador 	2,000 	 	
Pereixho 	2,000 	 	
Sedeima 	2,000 	 	
Vaxhias 	2,000 	 	
Abruzkado 	1,000 	 	
Ankudiz 	1,000 	 	
Arokaldo 	1,000 	 	
Azkarho 	1,000 	 	
Azketu 	1,000 	 	
Beletziko 	1,000 	 	
Bereiko 	1,000 	 	
Bregudo 	1,000 	 	
Brexhao 	1,000 	 	
Caxheira 	1,000 	 	
Ciuban Rexhiu 	1,000 	 	
Duxhu Caxha 	1,000 	 	
Elbarruté 	1,000 	 	
Elbirrek 	1,000 	 	
Eleheko 	1,000 	 	
Elgorria 	1,000 	 	
d'Emalfao 	1,000 	 	
Erkeda 	1,000 	 	
Erkuto 	1,000 	 	
Etxandia 	1,000 	 	
Etxhe d'Aval 	1,000 	 	
Etxhe d'Orha 	1,000 	 	
Etxhoras 	1,000 	 	
Garriku 	1,000 	 	
Garuxa 	1,000 	 	
Garxho Valid 	1,000 	 	
Gerexhé 	1,000 	 	
Gerkazo 	1,000 	 	
Getiko 	1,000 	 	
Getxhika 	1,000 	 	
Ibaque 	1,000 	 	
Iblitzo 	1,000 	 	
Irruka 	1,000 	 	
Itzobal 	1,000 	 	
Kerdón 	1,000 	 	
Lazeko 	1,000 	 	
Malzucen 	1,000 	 	
Muxiko 	1,000 	 	
Onde Varque 	1,000 	 	
Onkalo 	1,000 	 	
Opeidra 	1,000 	 	
Opelha 	1,000 	 	
Oraixho 	1,000 	 	
Orozko 	1,000 	 	
Orriku 	1,000 	 	
Oxho d'Alvuces	1,000 	 	
Oxho Elezé 	1,000 	 	
Pelandes 	1,000 	 	
Peleces 	1,000 	 	
Pelho Valid 	1,000 	 	
Pereixha 	1,000 	 	
Pertzoka 	1,000 	 	
Prexhao 	1,000 	 	
Riao Elucé 	1,000 	 	
Rizkupo 	1,000 	 	
Rubiko 	1,000 	 	
Sedika 	1,000 	 	
Seditzia 	1,000 	 	
Teikalho 	1,000 	 	
Teluces 	1,000 	 	
Teluzia 	1,000 	 	
Tenefo 	1,000 	 	
Urdalfon 	1,000 	 	
Urdazia 	1,000 	 	
Urrike 	1,000 	 	
Valfino 	1,000 	 	
Vaxho 	1,000 	 	
Vercaliz 	1,000 	 	
Vercar 	1,000 	 	
Xarriko 	1,000 	 	
Xheidar 	1,000 	 	
Xibul 	1,000 	 	
Xirrek 	1,000 	 	
Xolé Erid 	1,000 	 	
Zahalo 	1,000 	 	
Zerkedo 	1,000 	 	
Zirselo 	1,000 	 	
== Trivia ==
* Caldeus is inspired by medieval Spain and Portugal, with significant Basque influence. The Caldean language is based of off Portuguese, Basque and Galician.