Principality of Santèvara

“Sword in hand, faith in heart.”

Founded in the year 996 A.C., the Principality of Santévara is a relatively small, highly populated lordship that overlooks the Bay of Arnau to the north, and the Myridian Peninsula to the south-east. Its capital is Santésporum (Saintsport in common speech) and is currently ruled by Prince Rodrigo de Santévar.

## **History**

### Founding

Upon arrival to the then unnamed Isle of Sollustinia to escape religious persecution from those in his homeland, Rodrigo de Santevar, last surviving member of his House, pledged to start anew by restoring the honor and glory of his name, and spreading the true faith of the Archsaint to these untamed lands.

After several months of travel and familiarization with the area, Rodrigo subsequently gathered a size able group of like minded followers who too desired to escape their homelands and begin new lives. While encamped in the southern lands of Sollustinia, in what is now known as the Myridian Peninsula, it is claimed that Elena Herself spoke to Rodrigo in his dreams, granting him visions of splendor and prosperity he would bring upon his House and people should he settle in the very ground they had resided on. Seeing this visions as a divine omen and right to rule, the original temporary camp now had become framework of a new settlement, Santesporum, or Saintsport in the common tongue. The strategic and centralized positioning of Santesporum attracted a vast and diverse array of various immigrants, settlers, traders and travelers within the next few years, allowing for a slow yet consistent growth of the emergent realm, which Rodrigo had established as a Barony ruled in his name. After many more years of solidifying control of the entire Myridian Peninsula, as well as settling new lands for his growing realm, the once Barony of Santesporum was raised up to the more fitting title of Principality of Santevara, ruled by its founder, Prince Rodrigo de Santevar.

## Reign of Rodrigo de Santévar (996 A.C. - Present)

(A good method to not forget important events is as things happen in the server, add a 1-2 sentence note to this area, and as you get enough notes to form one paragraph re-write it as a cohesive body of text, and rinse/repeat until the reign of this character has ended, and begin the next one. **This is one of the most important sections of the entire wiki, please do your part if you are involved in this faction and contribute.**)

## Culture

The lifestyle of Santévaran culture largely revolves around faith, agriculture, livestock, fishing, and the brewing of fine wines and ales which are frequently sold and exported by local merchants. The geographical location of Santévara, particularly its capital of Santésporum, allows it to act as an epicenter of trade and travel for its neighbors, further resulting in an influx of exotic goods and a diverse array of immigrants.

Santévarans are generally quite religious, and many temples dedicated to the Saints can be found across its territory. Martial prowess is also widely respected and seen as honorable, with many either joining local militias, or forming bands of mercenary companies fighting in various foreign lands across the realm for coin and renown.

Elenism is considered to be official state religion of the Principality. However, adherence tp the state's faith is not lawfully required, and all are free to practice their own beliefs, so long as they do not break Principality law and do not disrespect or dishonor the Archsaint.

## Military

The Santévaran army relies on a small contingent of heavily armored and well armed retinues of mounted knights who swear absolute fealty to the residing Prince. These knights are commonly supported by local conscripted levies and trained militias given rudimentary training in the use of the halberd and crossbow.

A royal household guard of elite warriors, known as the "Citadel Guard", also swear absolute fealty to the Prince, acting as his personal bodyguard and enforcers of his will.

## Settlements and Titles

### **Principality of Santévara -**

#### **Barony of Santésporum -**

Santésporum (Saintsport) - Capital of Santévara and seat of House de Santévar

Harumura - Minor lumber and mining settlement