[hider=Dantia (WIP)][center][h2]Dantia[/h2]
[IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/344wle1.png[/IMG]
[sub]Dantia, the kingdom for sale, is a confederation of duchies in the heart of Lyria. Even though the Dantian culture is ancient and the people have been living since the land was settled, the nation itself was founded only a hundred years ago. It is best known for its many mercenary companies, some of which are older than the nation itself and famous, or infamous, throughout the continent. The nation itself is famous for lending its armies to one side or other in foreign wars, for a fee.[/sub][/center]

[h3]Geography[/h3]
[hider=Map] [IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/104gb3d.png[/IMG][/hider]
Dantia is a geographically diverse nation. The northern highland is dominated by forests of pine and birch. The summers here are short and warm, and the winters long but relatively mild. Apart from domesticated animals like cows and swine, you can find wolves, elk, deer and bear in the wilderness. The center of the nation is dominated by a great plain. The forests give way to vast grasslands in which wild horses can be found. When winter comes to central Dantia, it is mild and rarely brings snow or ice with it. Southern Dantia is, like the north, covered with forests. There are no pines though, but oak, ash and other deciduous. Here the summers are long and hot, and winters short and rainy.  

[h3]History[/h3]
Before its unification a hundred years ago, Dantia was a mess of rivalling duchies. There was always a conflict or border skirmish going on somewhere in the realm, and even though most duchies were relatively rich the realm was far from powerful. Then, following a great foreign invasion, a council was held in which the future of the Dantians and their culture was discussed. It was agreed upon that, in order to survive in this new world and age, the only road forward was through unification. The office of Protector was installed; an office that in all capacities had the powers of a monarch, and in true Dantian fashion, was duelled over. The champion that day was Henrica Monsellano, and her grandchild Abramo serves as Protector today.

(More recent history will be added when I've collaborated with my neighbours) 

[h3]Culture[/h3]Hoo boy. This section should be the largest, and cover as many facets of their culture you can think of. I don't just wanna know their clothes and religion, I want to know what their food is like, how other countries view them, what their view of death is, and so on. Do they use beds or rollout futons to conserve space? Do they bathe normally, or is regularly being submerged in water considered unhealthy? Are there foods associated with a holiday? Do they duel over honor or legal matters? You get the picture.

[h3]Military[/h3]
The Dantian regular army is exceptional in the capacity that it practically doesn't exist. The only troops serving out of fealty to their masters are the retainers of each duchy. These retainers are elite mounted knights, drilled from childhood in martial arts, tactics and horsemanship. They are exclusively of noble lineage, family to the master they serve.

The greater part of Dantias military might comes instead in the shape of mercenary companies. In Dantia these are more like institutions, rather than the bands of thieves and murderers one can find abroad, some of which are older than the nation itself. The companies sport thousands of soldiers of varying quality, but the foremost of their number can rival the elite troops of almost any nation. This tradition runs so deep that some norms and rules have become law in the realm, an example being the law of quarters. 

While one cannot question the power and might of these institutions, their loyalty is another matter entire. A common saying in Dantia translates to something like: "Mercenaries answer to but one god, and the name of that god is gold". This statement has been proven true more than once throughout Dantian history, as companies have switched sides throughout conflicts and sometimes even fought alongside foreign powers against Dantians. This is however accepted and tolerated in Dantian society as the way life is supposed to be.

[h3]Economy[/h3]In the simplest terms, [i]what do you import and export?[/i] Do you make a lot of things, or just one thing? Is your country in debt to another? Geography and culture will play a role here. Also, no country is self sufficient.

[h3]Relations[/h3]Don't just give me your trade relations you god damn minmaxer. Tell me what your peoples get called by racists, what your country's relation to the rest of the world is, what the popular image of your country is as a whole, etc.
That, and y'know, those trade relations.

[hr]

[center][h2]House Monsellano[/h2][/center]

[h3]House History[/h3]
The Monsellano family hails from central Dantia and has their seat in the town of Taberno, the current capitol of the nation. They came into power after a series of duels during the unification of Dantia a hundred years ago, in which their matriarch Henrica Monsellano defeated all opponents and was dubbed Protector of the realm. Today her grandchild Abramo holds the title, and will seemingly keep it for the forseeable future. The short rule of the Monsellano dynasty has been undramatic, by Dantian standards, having only featured a few domestic conflicts, assassination attempts and challenges throughout their reign. They are generally respected by their peers in Dantia, but have yet to attain the status of true royalty abroad.

[h3]House Members[/h3]
[list=Protector and closest family]
[*]Abramo Monsellano, 35, patriarch and Protector of the realm.
[*]Consansa Trivez Monsellano, 29, Consort of the Protector
[*]Isabella Monsellano, 10, firstborn and Protector-in-waiting
[*]Pabolo Monsellano, 8, child of the Protector
[*]Enrices Monsellano, 6, child of the Protector
[/list]
[list=Other family]
[*]Felicia Monsellano, 32, sister of Abramo
[*]Dantes Monsellano, 27, brother of Abramo
[/list]

[h3]House Specialty[/h3]
The Monsellano family might not be considered as equals to the other rulers of Lyria in matters of royalty and nobility, but generations of careful planning and cunning diplomacy has earned them a fortune like few others. According to some sources, they may be the richest individual family in the whole of Lyria, although some would contest that claim. 
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