Emprese du Marjolais

"I give my body, heart and soul, to the United gods whom I seek. No plea for help shall find me wanting. No obstacle will stand before me. No evil will taint the lands bequeathed unto me. When the call is sounded, I will ride out and fight in the name of Liege and Lord. That which is sacrament, I shall preserve. That which is sublime, I will protect. That which threatens, I will destroy, for my holy wrath will know no bounds. Honour is all. Chivalry is all. Rejoice, for we, the Chevaliers of Marjolais... will be your shield."
The Empire of Marjolais, also known as the land of Chivalry, is one of the more powerful nations in Tremalking, nearly rivaling the New Melentine Empire.
Having been founded by survivors from the old The Kingdom of Marjolais, they quickly rose to prominence having discovered that the old capital of Valois was relatively left intact. They quickly expanded and multiplied and regained all of their old territories, and retained it by giving their services to refuge, and in turn, gaining the protections of the Pantheon Undivided. You'll find many Chevalier squires in service to the Legion of the Wall in Refuge, serving as a good testing ground for the youths.
Marjolais is famed for its culture and extravagance. The old kingdoms legacy continues to heavily influence Marjolesian laws and social customs.
The capital city is Valois, which boasts the University of décret impérial: a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Azure with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes. This is likely to become a much larger issue in the future.
The Summervale holiday is particularly holy in Marjolais. This holiday celebrates the beginning of summer and on this day children who come of age wear white tunics and gowns and join a procession to the local Refugean Abbey. When they reach it, they are taught the responsibilities of being an adult. It is celebrated at the beginning of Junshin.
In their personal lives, many Marjolesians favor habits such as indulging in alcohol or smoking pipes. They also tend to prefer small "toy dogs" as companions.
Art is particularly prized in Marjolais, and has been a focus of the Empress Ulrese reign, who has inspired something of a cultural renaissance.
Marjolais also has traditions of puppetry, many of which were taken from Vercinia. The most famous puppet shows are baroquely ornate creations created for high opera or religious festivals. In the Post Second Fall, shadow puppetry has risen in popularity.
The Grande Imperial Theater in Antois is an important representation of Marjolesian cultural heritage.
Climate
Despite the equatorial shift during the Second Fall and the Marjolesians finding their own homeland on the equator, they discovered that their old lands maintained the temperate climate from the fourth age. They later learned this was because the divine effects and mists that the Pantheon used to keep refuge temperate naturally shifted and bleed off towards the east, allowing the Marjolesians to benefit from their divine patrons.
They experience the seasons of their ancestors, despite their location; summers being hot and dry, winters mild and wet along the equator itself. The further away from the center of the world you go in Marjolais, the more cold the weather, until it becomes a sub alpine climate along the north and south borders. This changes drastically once you leave the confines of Marjolais, returning to more natural climate patterns.
Warfare
The Chevaliers of Marjolais are feared and respected throughout the known world. Men of valour and honour, they are exceptional warriors and guardians who protect a land founded upon the most heroic of ideals. In the name of the gods United and for the glory of the dukes and Empress, they sweep aside evil on the field of battle, for none can stand against their glorious charge.
The Marjolesian military are a powerful army formed around a core of brave knights supported by scores of low-born peasants. They are a valiant people who willingly seek out battles as a way of securing personal honour and pride. Any who invade their domains face the fury of their powerful knights and few foes can match them on open ground. The Chevaliers range from the youngest Knights Errant, eager to prove their worth, through the Knights of the Realm, defenders of the land.
Rarer still are the Knights of the Clarion Call, wandering warriors engaged in a quest for the Blessings of the gods United, on the form of the Clarion, a wondering object that appears to the worthy. And then there are the legendary Clarion Knights themselves, who have succeeded in their quest and have blown from the Clarion itself, becoming imbued with divine power and longevity. Riding into war atop the finest steeds, from mighty Warhorses to soaring Pegasi and roaring Hippogryphs, the Chevaliers of Marjolais are warriors with few equals.
"Armored in faith"
Chevalier armor and weaponry is unique amongst the warriors of the world. More focused on intricate design than function, they yet still serve their purpose just as well. Many theologians theorize that this has to do with the concept of faith made manifest. The Chevaliers believe their faith gives them strength and protection, and therefor it is reflected in their arms and armor. This strange occurrence of faith gives the chevaliers the image of almost angelic warrior wading into battle in such beautifully designed armor that it defies logic.
"Honor and Glory!"
Chevaliers ideally are suppose to be the representation of a perfect warrior; Faithful, kind, charitable, and valorous. While many knights do represent most if not all the ideals, this is not a universal case. Every so often a chevalier can be found abusing their position for their own benefit. This can range from selfish pursuits to down right cruelty to those lower than themselves. unfortunately in many cases these bad apples tend to get away with their deeds, wether due to lack of proof, corruption in the law, or the chevaliers station itself providing them protection.
To be smacked in the face with a Chevaliers gauntlet is considered a deep insult, one not given out lightly.
Currency
Marjolais mints copper coins called Fleurs, silver coins called Etoiles, gold coins called Solei's, and every few years produces platinum coins called Lunes.

For empire, and the gods united

Founding Date

1, 5th Age

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital

Valois

Predecessor Organization

• The Kingdom of Marjolais

Demonym

Marjolesian

Leader

Ulrese

Leader Title

Emperor / Empress

Location

Tremalking

Controlled Territories

• Valois

Notable Members

• Ulrese

Related Ethnicities

• Marjolesian