Istunia

> "*Boots and Iron!*"
>
>
>
> —Istunian Warcry

Flag of Istunia

Istunia, officially the Istunian Federation, is a large human nation in West-Ciradon, bordering Midboria and the Kingdom of Šov. It is a highly industrial and militaristic nation ruled by the charismatic dictator Linus Messmann, and has vowed a furious vengeance against the Elderkin.

However, its extreme ideologies have perturbed even its Lesserkin allies, to the point that other human states have kept their alliances with Istunia a secret to maintain public favour.

## Geography

### Interior

Istunia in the modern day is a massive nation, having successfully captured land from a weakened Midboria after the War of the Dawn. It surrounds the mouth of the Obalan Rift, acting as a strong resource funnel for the region.

### Environment and Climate

Istunia lies to the north of West-Ciradon, typically experiencing a blend of temperate to cool weather across its large landmass.

## Culture

### Values

Istunia is a deeply militaristic country, valuing the industrial and military triumphs of its past and holding themselves to a very high standard. Much of this history has been used by Messmann to keep himself and his party in power, speaking rhetoric against the Elderkin and the sins of their past.

### Demographics

Istunia is almost entirely human, with only a few Lesserkin groups at its northern, eastern and southern borders.

### Politics

While they claim to be a Federation, Istunia is more a dictatorship to anyone willing to look deeper. Linus Messmann and his cabinet won the popular vote in 25AV (2939BBV) and have remained in power ever since. Messmann rules with an iron fist, keeping the countries industrial sectors moving and focused on warfare preparation and expansion.

### Religion

The primary religion of Istunia revolves around a single deity, but its teachings have shifted to supporting the government and their actions.

### Military

The Istunian military is extremely well funded, with much of the population actively participating in some aspect of the war machine. Most of its technological innovation has also been directed to the military, learning from the designs of Voskgardia and Mitannia.

## History

### Early History

The land where Istunia now resides was originally inhabited by warring barbarian tribes. Over the years, these tribes developed a warrior culture where only the best fighters ruled. This attitude eventually led a large coalition of these tribes to start raiding into the lands of Midboria. These raids were swiftly repelled, and only managed to draw the Elderkin's eyes to the region.

Within a few years, Midboria had conquered their lands, forming a multitude of city-states that would pass between the a number of Elderkin nations as time wore on.

### Early Modern History

Beginning in the 2871st year of the second age, the early states of Istunia were in a position of relative autonomy due to Midborian influence on the region waning. Some of these states; regions originating from the early city-states, recognised their chance at strengthening their internal position without direct Elderkin intervention.

These states, the North Confederation of Süteny, the Principality of Reinhart and the Haghen Republic, formed the Istunian Empire. Now presenting a new united front, and after gaining support from their Elderkin rulers, the Empire expanded and conquered many of the territory Istunia still holds in the modern day.

The Empire also saw major industrial advancements under the policies of the Chancellor Leopold Von Istarck; since remembered as a foundational figure in modern Istunia. He is viewed with mythical reverence as a hero in his own right, and his name is carried on through the naming of towns, ships and even a delicacy of meat known as Istarck Steak.

### The War of the Dawn

At the beginning of the War, Istunia was among the first of the human nations to support Voskgardia in her struggle against the Elderkin. In a matter of years through numerous tactical excursions, Istunia was able to occupy the northeastern region of Midboria along with the western Red Mountains area.

Though tactically successful, heavy casualties would be incurred as a result of the war, and by the 2930th year of the second age, the capital of Leiden would be surrounded before a ceasefire was declared. It was in the ensuing delegations that in exchange for ceding part of their territory in the western region, the newly formed Istunian Federation would be granted full exclusion from occupation.

Humiliated and shamed by the Dwarves and Elves, resentment brewed underneath the populace, and soon the clamor for revenge became too loud to ignore. This was when the Istunian Workers’ and Peasants’ Party would come into the picture, under the leadership of the charismatic and gifted orator Linus Messmann.

While dismissed as nothing more than a handful of lunatics by the Cabinet of Istunia, Messmann’s speeches soon transformed the party from a mere gathering of like-minded individuals into one of the predominant political groups in the nation, soon winning out votes in the 2939th year of the second age. Today it continues to shape Istunian politics with its rhetoric of human supremacy, vowing to avenge their country’s loss in the War of the Dawn through policy and politics.