Principality of Cilantia

History

Ages ago, prior to the formation of the principality, there was a great war that ravaged throughout the entire continent. No land, no town, no village was immune to this war. Many lives were lost, and the eradication of many nations occurred. Two neighboring kingdoms on the southwestern corner of the main continent were one of these struggling to survive: the northern kingdom of Bartona and the southern kingdom of Aldennia. Both had brave and daring soldiers under their command, but their military forces were too small to endure the war of attrition the enemy was counting on, throwing droves upon droves of their soldiers into the lands.

For twenty-five years the war raged on and Bartona and Aldennia were losing land and resources, despite their enemy having to fight on multiple fronts. Soon Bartona and Aldennia could no longer offer offensive power and took up a defensive, nearly isolationist state, waiting for the enemy to crush the two kingdoms larger allies and for them to return to wipe out what remained of their lives and culture. Both kings knew that an alliance with the other kingdom would greatly increase their strength and safety, but long-standing disagreements and feuds, along with cultural and organizational differences between the armies, prevented either man from initiating the alliance, each hoping the other's pride would fall first.

But, as they say, love can change the universe.

Five years into the war, the princess of Aldennia and the prince of Bartona found comfort with each other, and a child was born. This child, a boy, was secretly shuttled back and forth between Aldennia and Bartona during the next twenty years, learning both cultures, being treated as the crown Prince to both nations. He was taught the art of negotiation along with the art of war, how to wield both gun and sword, ride horse and sail ship. However the secrecy of the prince's identity could not be held forever, and once both royal families found out about the child's parentage, they came up with the same plan: capture the boy and demand an alliance, via a complete surrendering of the kingdom, be formed in exchange for his life.

However the prince was no longer a boy, but a grown man with the skills and wits of both nations. He escaped flawlessly from both Aldennia and Bartona, fleeing into the war-ravaged lands. For three more years the prince would wander the lands, struggling for survival, until he met a powerful mage hidden deep within a wood. From here the prince would be taught the ways of magical seals, their formation and use. He trained as a Diviner and learned to increase the amount and focus of his spiritual energy. He even mastered the Stylus Spell.

The war soon took a turn for the worst. The enemies of Aldennia and Bartona finally crushed their largest adversary and now turned their attention on destroying any who harbored opposition to their rule. The prince knew that Aldennia and Bartona would be in danger, and considering them both his home, would not allow either land to fall into ruination. He rushed back towards the borders of the kingdom, but came upon two small platoons from both nations under heavy enemy attack. He rallied the men using his negotiating skills as well as his knowledge of both cultures and formed a united force, routing their pursuers. The prince continued on towards his homeland, gathering more and more troops as he did. He then sent word ahead to both kings, declaring that he would surrender himself where the two kingdoms met, in the center.

But when he arrived with his forces, the prince did not surrender as he said he would, and instead demanded that a temporary Principality be formed, with each kingdom as a member. Both kings saw the prince's ability to muster troops from both sides and win battles, and relented, hoping that their grandson would be the answer to the problem. The Principality of Cilantia was born.

The Principality fought hard and won back many of their lands. Prince Cilantia had no interest in destroying their enemy, only reclaiming their lands and protecting it. Once the borders were restored, the Prince ordered the kingdoms to construct a massive wall to surround it. The wall was constructed quickly as people across both kingdoms gathered to build it, and protective magic seals Divined by the Prince himself were generated. The war, as far as it concerned the Principality, was over.

Neither king sought to reclaim their power. The kingdoms of Bartona and Aldennia were to be ruled by both kings as they once were, but now as provinces of a greater nation that could unite them when needed.

Government

The old kingdoms of Aldennia and Bartona are now provinces of the principality at large. Each is still operated like a kingdom and nearly all local affairs are dealt with by the individual kingdoms.

Both Aldennia and Bartona have a King as well as a parliament which in turn has a Prime Minister. The provinces are further divided into districts, which have various appointed rulers: earls, dukes, governors, etc. Nobles retain their title while newly appointed individuals are often given the title "Governor." Towns often have mayors.

The Principality is ruled by the Prince, a descendant of the line of Cilantia. There is also a parliament for the principality, called the "High Parliament," the Prime Ministers of each are members of the High Parliament, the rest are elected. Principality usually only concerns itself with inter-provincial issues, such as trade and taxes, as well as any military matter. The Principality also deal with any international affairs; the provinces are forbidden from making appearances on their own behalf to other nations.

The Principality's military is clad in White Armor with a duel-crown crest: The crown of both province, one upside down, connected at their base. The crown that is set on top is determined by where the soldier's home province is.

Bartonian military uses blue and white armor and uniforms, Aldennian uses red and gold.

Cilantia City is the capitol of the Principality and is built where the Prince first asked for the creation of the Principality.

Culture

Culture is based on a Steampunk setting, which is generally considered Victorian Era/Industrial Age/19th Century with added technology. Cultures bleed across both provinces, of course, but there is a quick formula for you to use in determining dress and architecture styles:

Bartona: Is based upon Northern European countries. For inspiration, you can use time-appropriate England, Northern France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Belgium. Weaponry styles and choices will be similar as well: use of the broadsword, heavier armor. Bartona is colder with high mountains in some regions, meaning warmer dress is appropriate. Bartonian culture tends to be more conservative on the moral spectrum.

Aldennia: Is based upon Southern European countries as well as Mediterranean countries. This includes Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Southern France. Aldennia is warmer, so lighter dress is appropriate. Aldennian culture is more liberal on the moral spectrum, though institutions like marriage are still very powerful.

Technology

If it's sufficiently steamy, you can do it. That's the general rule of Steampunk technology, and you're free to make whatever you like, however there are a few guidelines I'd like to keep in mind:

Energy Weapons: Let's...not. Anything energy-based would fall more on the magic side of things, I think.

Magic/Technology Union: In a world where Magic Seals can solve a problem just as effectively as technology, occasionally there is going to mix-and-match solutions to the same problem. In general society tends to follow the "easier" path, so if it makes more sense to do it with magic than technology (or vice versa) then that's probably the more used method. Then again, there's an exception to everything...

Airships: While Airships are an important part of this RP experience, they are still somewhat rare to come by and expensive to operate. The government will have airships, and there is more than likely a commercial line of airships, but keep in mind that trains are an equally viable method of transport, so perhaps airships are more expensive. Private airships should exist, but they won't be as common as our present-day automobile.

Speaking of automobiles...: I'd say the rich have it as something of a novelty. They can be steam-powered, but the average citizen will not be using it for grocery shopping, let's say.

Guns and swords: Yep, that's what we use here. Let's try not to go too far on the guns though: I'd say WWI era weaponry is probably fine, but if your guy is packing Matrix-style and spraying bullets from two uzis then I think you've gone too far D:

Currency and Money: Gold and silver's the thing. Some paper notes are used for larger sums. Banks are done by marks: an individual is granted a mark to indicate how much money their account contains and can withdraw amounts of that total from any bank branch. There are several throughout the land.

Basically, try not to break the world. I don't think this will be a problem, you were all invited for your creative ability, so.