The Holy Kingdom of Istra

The Holy Kingdom of Istra, often shortened to just Istra, is a massive and powerful nation to the northwest of Ikaria and bordering Shesla to the west. It, as its name implies, is deeply religious and follows in the will of their gods. They are home to massive knight orders, such as the Knights of the Mire, The Harvest Knights, The Tidal Knights and the Maple Knights. Each Knight Order is headed by a Knight Commander and pledges themselves to a certain patron God or Goddess whom they fight in service of. For example, the Knights of the Mire pledge themselves to Isemis, the God of Order. Though some allow Knights of all patron Gods/Goddesses to join.

## **Beginnings**

The Holy Kingdom of Istra began around the same time as the Kingdom of Inju, though was occupied by other nations for much of its early history. First by the Empire of Amendaria, and then by the Empire of Ardenia before declaring its independence around the year 2218 BSIY. After this, the Holy Kingdom of Istra was split into many different warring factions, headed by their regions respective Knight Orders, creating the framework which would become the current Imperial Government System.

## **Warlord Era**

The Warlord Era of the Holy Kingdom of Istra was an era just after its independence from Ardenia in which various factions vied for power in the region. Originally, 8 Knight Orders existed, however, after some time, many more sprung up around the region.

## **Three Kings and Five Sovereigns**

Shortly after the Warlord Era concluded, the nation split once again into 8 regions, 3 by Kings, and 5 by other warlords. It was soon reunited under one King, issuing in the Holy Kingdom of Istra.

## **Provinces**

The Holy Kingdom of Istra is very different than other nations in how its provinces operate. Each of the 72 Knightly Orders has their own Province, to which the Knight Commanders have autonomy over their respective regions. Istra's Provinces are called Commandries, and each of the capitals of these Commandries are the respective Knights' Headquarters.

## **Knight Orders**

The Following Knights Orders, in order of Province number, are the official Knightly Orders of the Holy Kingdom of Istra.

1. The Holy Knights of Istra
2. The Tidal Knights
3. The Knights of Geonei
4. The Knights of Yedros
5. The Harvest Knights
6. The Knights of Vaimis
7. The Knights of the Mire
8. The Moonlit Knights
9. The Knights of Xedian
10. The Knights of Ova
11. The Knights of Saona
12. The Knights of Nulena
13. The Knights of Malo
14. The Knights of Yasa
15. The Knights of the Crescent Moon
16. The Black Cat Knights
17. The Cait Sith Knights
18. The Ashen Knights
19. The Knights of the Divine
20. The Maple Knights
21. The Knights of Syntunea
22. The Knights of Komis
23. The Knights of the Silver Order
24. The Knights of the Golden Order
25. The Seraph Knights
26. The Knights of the Golden Sun
27. The Knights of Valor
28. The Knights of the Mountain
29. The Knights of Saint Cethleann
30. The Knights of Saint Joan
31. The Lost Knights
32. The Elucidated Knights
33. The Knights of the Crimson Blade
34. The Thundering Knights
35. The Raging Knights
36. The Silver Blood Knights
37. The Evercrest Knights
38. The Kingly Knights
39. The Knights of the Raven
40. The Bluestar Knights
41. The Knights of the Crimson Moon
42. The Knights of the Everblade
43. The Knights of Eastmont
44. The Knights of the Holy Blade
45. The Knights of Illyria
46. The Knights of the Seven Heavens
47. The Knights of the Burning Flame
48. The Knights of Justice
49. The Knights of the Forefather
50. The Loyal Knights
51. The Knights of Isemis
52. The Honest Knights
53. The Mercantile Knights
54. The Silver Lancers
55. The Wandering Knights
56. The Voyager Knights
57. The Ironclad Paladins
58. The Tranquil Knights
59. The Valiant Knights
60. The Knights of the Dawn
61. The Knights of Saint Serena
62. The Knights of Leore
63. The Knights of the Sanguine Rose
64. The Nightfall Templars
65. The Little Knights of the East
66. The Knights of the North Star
67. The Exalted Knights
68. The Imperial Death Knights
69. The Masked Knights
70. The Knights of the Divine Order
71. The Imperial Knights of the North
72. The Knights of the Northern Keep