Duchy of Armastria

Description

To the far northwest of Middenland lies the last bastion, the Duchy of Armastria. Historically it has been an important strategic area, because it borders the Dragontooth Pass that is the most easily traversable route between Middenland and the Broken Plains to the north. As such it has always been home to a relatively large portion of the region's military to ward off potential invasions from threats to the north such as the Magvar Empire.
In times of instability within the region, such a large military has led to revolt and formation of a junta that would sometimes try to conquer the neighboring regions such as Redden. The last true junta was almost a century ago however, but it was one of the more fearsome iterations and one that damaged the relations between the Middenlanders and the people of the Rinn Queendom who they fought with over the mountain passes.

Politics

The Duchy of Armastria is experiencing a period of instability. The former Duca of House Ignatio was fearful and incompetent, causing the duchy to deteriorate. To prevent this his son, Conrad Ignatio, had him poisoned and reported it as a natural death. Rumors surrounding the old Duca's death have continued to circulate however due to the suspicious circumstances. As a result, the current Duca has also become rather paranoid that he will be either prosecuted or assassinated as well, since he has little favor with his people. With less and less public appearances, the people have become discontent and the duchy is falling into disrepair. More importantly, he is losing the favor of the local military which holds a large amount of influence within the region. Some people think a forced abdication is imminent.

Culture

(See also Middenlanders for general sentiments of the region.)
The people of Armastria are typically pale and tall, with light hair colors. They are often of mixed heritage, partially descended from the historical Middenlanders from the south and partially descended from the Valleian humans from the Broken Plains. Due to their heritage they are generally taller and more muscular than their southern counterparts, standing on average almost half a foot taller. They take a pride in this mixed heritage however, considering themselves about as much Valleian as Middenlander and often looking down on those 'immoral southerners'.
They are generally considered rather uptight by Middenlanders from other duchies, as they practice a stricter division between the sexes. This originated from soldierly traditions to prevent distraction, but the practices have stuck around despite the peaceful times. Women are discouraged (but not explicitly forbidden) from taking up weapons and fighting, whereas men are prohibited from practicing the womanly crafts and arts. The rather militaristic nature of the Armastrians has had a significant influence on this divide, and Dukes have traditionally always been men. Any show of weakness or emotional openness is also often discouraged within Armastrian society, with those who do display such things being considered invalid or simple.

Military

Due to its position and history, the Duchy of Armastria has always had a relatively large military compared to the other duchies. It employs the majority of its troops as spearmen and archers, as horses are difficult to take care of in the cold north. Military service is voluntary within the region if one does not provide a necessary function in a town, guaranteeing a decently-sized garrison at all times near the Dragontooth Pass. Soldiers are also generally trained in a couple of additional labor skills to maintain morale, and ensure that the soldiers still support the country and retain a good standing within the community.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Armastria consists of a simple, light blue background with a central grey, jagged mountain. At the bottom in front of the mountain are two opposing knights with a red caste between them.

The cold creates men strong of body and mind.

Type

Geopolitical, Duchy

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Armastrians

Location

Middenland

Related Ethnicities

• Middenlanders