Republic of Keldwike
| Republic of Keldwike | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Geography | |
| Full Name | República de Keldwike |
| Pronunciation | Reh-pub-lick-ah dee Kehld-why-k |
| Ruler | Aleixo de Sousa |
| Government Style | Unitary Republic |
| Area | 35,890 square miles |
| Population | 6 million |
| Races | Primarily Humans, Venyra, Ferox and Nymphs. |
| Language | Marítigal |
| Religion | Philosophical doctrine of 'Mare Nos Defendit' |
| Primary Focus | Merchant trade and naval military might |
One of the longest standing Human settlements in Aesox, the Republica de Keldwike, or the Republic of Keldwike, is a coastal nation situated on the western shores of Aesox. Blessed with an extensive and rugged coastline, the Republic of Keldwike is renowned for its natural harbors and strategic maritime locations for trade and naval purposes. The landscape is dotted with bustling port cities, serene fishing towns and verdant vineyards that produce some of Pannotia’s finest wine. The capital of Keldwike, Portus Lusia, is a large and vibrant trade metropolis, a true hub that stands as a testament to maritime trade, with ships from all corners of the world docking in its sprawling harbor.
History
Keldwike's history began only a couple of centuries after the mass migration of humans from Ortim to the mainland continent of Aesox in 278AE. As human settlers formed feudalistic settlements, the growing need for trade between these communities became apparent as civilization progressed. Many human kingdoms settled by the seas they traveled through into Aesox, leading to a conglomeration of seafaring settlements uniting under a common banner for mutual protection and the establishment of much-needed trade routes for the burgeoning human settlements on their borders. This marked the beginning of Keldwike.
By 323AE, Keldwike had evolved into a fully functional townland with two sizable ports. Basic galleys transported goods in and out of mid-Aesox along its established trade routes. Horses pulled carts and caravans, delivering rare gems, basic farming equipment, and produce to neighboring settlements. Concurrently, the focus was placed on ensuring the creation of more seafaring vessels to expedite maritime trade across Aesox further. By 330AE, Keldwike expanded to various islands along its coast, establishing outposts and farms. These islands included Ilha das Marés, Ilha do Vento, Ilha das Pérolas, and Ilha de Neumar (which would later be known as Newingstone).
The next 500 years were relatively uneventful and passed by rather peacefully within the grand scheme of things. Keldwike continued to flourish as a dependable source of trade for its surrounding nations, expanding and forming towns and villages around Keldwike. Gradually, it became recognized as a significant conglomeration by other human nations. However, disaster struck in 824AE when the Dwarven Empire began attacking, raiding, pillaging, and enslaving most of the west coast of Aesox, including Keldwike and its surrounding islands.
During this turbulent period, Keldwike’s resilience was tested, and its people rallied to defend their lands and reclaim their freedom from Dwarven oppression. However, despite the unified defense of Keldwike and its people, they were no match for the Dwarven military and their advanced weaponry. Soon, all of Keldwike’s islands were turned into military outposts for the Dwarven Empire, and Keldwike itself was overrun by the superior Dwarven military might. Daily raids on the nation and its neighbors resulted in the enslavement of Keldwikeans in droves, prompting Keldwikean leaders to call for an immediate evacuation to the townlands and nations to the east.
For decades, the Dwarves reigned terror upon Keldwike and its people, pushing east into Aesox and expanding their occupied territory into what is now the Kingdom of Holzweald. With Holzweald under threat, the remaining Keldwikean forces joined Petty King Walter Durchdenwald of Holzweald and began pushing the Dwarves back. The sheer number of human nations united under the Holzweald banner proved overwhelming for the Dwarves, who had hoped for an easy acquisition of a slave workforce. Eventually, they were forced to retreat.
By 837AE, Keldwike was able to begin recouping their land and rebuilding what had been lost, though the process would take considerable time and effort. The scars of the Dwarven occupation remained, but the resilience and determination of the Keldwikean people drove them to restore their nation to its former glory. At this time, the Kingdoms of Holzweald, Provinciére, and Fermourne, along with others involved in the conflict, unilaterally handed back control of Keldwike to its former owners. They recognized the collective settlements as an independent nation, honoring their efforts in holding back the Dwarven threat just long enough for the other human nations to unify and defend Aesox. The death toll was catastrophic, and it took Keldwike another 300 years to recover its former population.
By 1204AE, Keldwike was fully operational, with its ports repaired and its trade routes secured. The population had recovered, but control over its surrounding islands remained tenuous. After the Dwarves departed Aesox, many humans on these islands had formed their own identities and outright refused to rejoin the Keldwikean fold. In the early years of the 1240s, Keldwike established itself as a republic, complete with a democratic system of governance. The focus was on regaining control over the naval trade routes around Aesox, as it vied for dominance against other human kingdoms in mercantile endeavors.
Efforts to reconcile with its former island outposts proved moderately fruitful as they were welcomed back into the Keldwikean Republic with representation on their Senado da Marinha. Half of the islands returned to Keldwikean control, recognizing the benefits of the nation’s trade monopoly. However, Ilha de Neumar, now calling itself Newingstone, proclaimed complete independence. Newingstone called upon the aid of other human kingdoms to ensure it could remain a neutral, yet powerful trade ally, acting as an agent nation for all Aesoxian trade routes.
The cityscape of Keldwike, now a capital renamed to Portus Lucia, was once again filled with the bustling sounds of commerce yet they remained resentful against Newingstone for not rejoining the fold, seeing the island as one of their ancestral claims, but could do little to enforce control over the island, at least for now. The next few centuries up until 1548AE proved to be fruitful for Keldwike nonetheless as it entered a renaissance, emphasizing its newfound philosophy of Mare Nos Defendit, a maritime doctrine that sought to unify Keldwike and its island outposts under one guiding creed. This renaissance reinforced national identity as they incorporated the necessity of maritime supremacy and unity amongst its people, and renewed a focus on the sea as the core of Keldwikean life and prosperity. Trade flourished like no other nation, and Keldwike was soon identified as a lynchpin mercantile nation necessary for the import of goods from around Pannotia.
Still with their sights set on Newingstone, Keldwike officials engaged again in reconciliation talks though were met with nothing but stonewalling. King Bartleby Caelock of the newly formed Kingdom of Galudon, high on his recent victory against the Dwarves by encouraging the Eiruks to revolt and settle on Galudonian lands, offered military aid to Newingstone and bolstered them against any attempts by Keldwike at forcing Newingstone back into their dominion. A short war then broke out, but fizzled out within two weeks as Keldwike was not prepared to deal with the steam powered airships and state of the art artillery that Galudon had been developing, and thus Newingstone was left behind.
In the present day, the República de Keldwike remains to be one of Pannotia’s leading naval and mercantile powerhouses. Bolstered by support from other Human nations in Aesox, they continue to thrive and build upon their naval national identity, and seek to rival the Kingdom of Galudon in the area of colonial expansion. However, despite their hungry and lofty goals, the scars wrought by the Dwarves and the feeling of dependency on other Human nations to bolster their mediocre ground army, Keldwike has yet to make any worthwhile attempts at full colonial expansion into uncharted territories. Yet, beneath Keldwike's bustling merchant cities and behind each and every cultural festival thrown, a shadow looms, as its leaders view Newingstone's strategic position with growing covetousness. Should war ever fully break out between Aesox and other Human Kingdoms, in particular the Kingdom of Galudon, Keldwike's desire to reclaim Newingstone may ignite a conflict that threatens to engulf the entire continent.
Geography
Nestled on the midland coastline of the continent of Aesox, the Republic of Keldwike is a coastal gem situated south of the Republic of Autarscrest, west of the Kingdom of Leydenmark, and north of the Provinciére Principality. Stretching along a rugged and scenic coastline on Aesox’s west coast, Keldwike is renowned for its strategic maritime position. This republic boasts numerous natural harbors, deep-water ports, and sheltered bays, making it an ideal hub for a nation powered by naval strength and trade.
The capital city, Portus Lusia, is the central hub of commerce for many of Aesox’s surrounding kingdoms. Its deep-water bay accommodates the largest of ships, both mercantile and naval. The well-fortified entrance to the bay is guarded day and night by a dozen sea bastions, equipped with state-of-the-art artillery, ensuring the security of its bustling port.
More inland lies the Cume dos Ventos mountain range, a lush, green expanse rich in natural resources such as timber, iron, coal, and crucial minerals essential for shipbuilding and trade. From these mountains flows the Ria Vale, a fertile river valley that runs into the West Aesox Sea. This river allows smaller mercantile ships to sail upriver with their wares, supporting local agriculture, which includes the production of wine, olives, salt and citrus fruits.
Keldwike enjoys a temperate climate similar to that of the Kingdom of Galudon, with wet, cold winters and warm, dry summers. This favorable weather permits year-round sailing and fishing, activities for which the Republic is particularly renowned. The combination of its rich natural resources, strategic location, and temperate climate makes Keldwike a prosperous and vital player in the trade and naval power dynamics of Aesox.
Politics
Keldwike encompasses a republican government style and is governed by an elected council known as the Senado da Marinha. This council is composed of elected representatives from the various guilds, merchant houses, and noble families that make Keldwike their home, all of whom have a vested interest in the nation’s status on the world stage, especially in the area of maritime ventures. The head of state is the Primeiro Navegador, a position elected by the Senado for a term of five years. This office oversees the country's naval strategies, trade policies, and foreign affairs. The remainder of the Senado da Marinha concern themselves with setting government policy, legislating laws and governance of the Republic by majority vote.
Keldwike’s society is highly stratified, with a clear emphasis on naval and mercantile prowess, and citizens are encouraged from a young age to take up trade apprenticeships or positions on smaller seafaring vessels. The nation controls several crucial trade routes across Pannotia’s oceans, and is one of the two main trade hubs for the entirety of mainland Aesox, making it a vital player in the global market. As a result, Keldwike’s merchant fleet is unmatched in size and efficiency, transporting goods such as spices, silks, precious metals and exotic fruits to and from distant lands to the Humans in Aesox. Additionally, Keldwike is notorious for its quality shipbuilding industry, producing some of the finest and most advanced seafaring vessels known to man.
The nation is considerably wealthy, derived from tariffs imposed on trade and its rich, natural resources. The fertile coastal plains support thriving agriculture, particularly the cultivation of olives, grapes and citrus fruits. Inland, the hills and mountains yield valuable minerals such as gold and silver. In terms of foreign policy, Keldwike tries to maintain firm alliances and truces with neighboring nations on the Aesoxian mainland, but has in recent years been embroiled in skirmishes over island territory both with the Republic of Autarscrest and the Kingdom of Galudon, with the latter fuelled over the historically Keldwikean held island nation of Newingstone, which Galudon has since become a suzerain over.
Society and Culture
Keldwike's culture, often referred to as Keldouro, is profoundly shaped by its maritime heritage. These influences permeate every aspect of Keldouro culture, contributing to the nation's current identity. Below are brief examples that highlight the workings of Keldouro culture.
Language and Literature
The primary language spoken in Keldwike is Marítigal, or Keldwinian to outsiders. It is known to be a melodic and expressive language, which shares its roots with ancient Aesoxian dialects and the old tongue of Ortim, the homeland of the entire Human race. Literature is highly valued amongst the Keldwikians, with a strong tradition of poetry, epic tales and maritime chronicles. Renowned poets, known as Trovadores, often perform their works in public squares, accompanied by the melancholic tunes of the guitar and various flutes.
Festivals and Traditions
Keldwike’s cultural calendar can only be described as brimming with festivals and nationwide parties that celebrate and reflect its seafaring heritage and vibrant community spirit. The most significant celebration, Festival dos Jornaleiros, is held annually in the first week of September to honor the republic's legendary explorers and maritime heroes for their accomplishments both in cartography (especially islands and coastal areas around Aesox) and for their successful wartime naval victories. The festival features grand parades of decorated ships, maritime reenactments in the ports and a spectacular display of fireworks over the various harbors, where a yearly speech made by the Primeiro Navagador is broadcasted aloud to all citizens of the nation.
Another major event is the Carnival de Flores, which starts on the 5th of February each year. The Carnival lasts for a full week, and celebrates the blooming flowers and the start of the year's coming bounty. During this time, the streets are filled with colorful processions, folk dances like the vira, and traditional dishes made from the last year's harvest, including wine, seafood and olives. Feasts, music and dance fill the streets of Keldwike’s towns and cities, all paid for by the Senado da Marinha as a means of giving back to the people after the harsh winter. The citizens are encouraged to dress in colorful attire, and wear flower crowns and other floral adornments.
Sports and Games
Keldwikean sports blend physical prowess with strategic skill. Traditional bullfighting contests, known locally as "Corrida das Marés”, with champions called ‘matadors’, inherited from ancient feudalistic practices, are a celebrated spectacle where participants demonstrate agility and bravery where they test their strength against a raging bull in an attempt to peacefully pacify it by tiring it out. These events are typically held in coastal arenas designed to resemble ancient amphitheaters, where the sound of crashing waves adds to the dramatic atmosphere. Unlike the traditional landlocked bullfighting, Keldwikean matador contests incorporate elements inspired by the sea, such as water-filled moats and slippery, seaweed-covered surfaces that add an extra layer of challenge for the participants.
The matadors, known as "Mareadores," are highly trained athletes who combine agility, strength, and finesse. They wear elaborate costumes inspired by traditional Keldwikean naval uniforms, adorned with intricate embroidery and symbols of the sea, such as waves and marine creatures. Each contest begins with a ceremonial procession, where Mareadores parade through the streets to the arena, accompanied by musicians playing rousing maritime tunes.
In the arena, the Mareadores face off against bulls specially bred for their strength and agility. The bulls themselves are often adorned with ribbons and garlands that reflect Keldwike’s vibrant colors and heraldic symbols. The objective of the Mareadores is to display their skill and bravery by executing precise maneuvers and avoiding the bull’s charges, all while captivating the audience with their daring and grace.
The contests are governed by strict rules that prioritize the safety of both the matadors and the bulls. Unlike some other cultures' practices, Keldwikean bullfighting emphasizes skill over harm, with the primary goal being to demonstrate control and artistry. The bulls are respected as noble adversaries and are often retired to lush pastures after their fighting days, where they live out their lives in comfort.
Fustal, a variant of futsal adapted for the coastal environment, is a fast-paced, competitive sport that thrives in Keldwike’s urban centers. It takes place within an indoor arena, with teams of twelve each facing off to score goals with a futsal ball against the rival team. It is a no contact sport, lasting 90 minutes until victory is achieved by the team with the most goals scored.
Rowing competitions, deeply rooted in Keldwike's seafaring traditions, are held annually, drawing teams from across Aesox to test their strength and synchronization on the open water. Its a simple sport, with teams of four each rowing the Ria Vale to its estuary, with the first past the finishing posts as the victor. The competitions emphasize strength and unity, and require the participants to row in complete synchronization to secure victory.
Drinking games in Keldwike are a beloved part of the nation's vibrant social fabric, reflecting the community’s love for camaraderie, competition, and maritime traditions. These games are typically held in bustling taverns and cozy alehouses, where sailors, merchants, and locals gather to unwind after a long day. The most popular of these games is "Marujo Bravo" or "Brave Sailor," a test of endurance where participants take turns downing shots of Keldwike’s strongest spirits while performing increasingly difficult feats of balance and coordination. Another favorite is "Navio à Deriva" or "Drifting Ship," a team-based game where players pass around a heavy mug of ale, attempting to keep it steady and prevent spills as it "drifts" from person to person amidst raucous laughter and storytelling.
The most cunning of the games is "Dados do Mentiroso" or "Liar's Dice," where players roll dice and bluff about their results, trying to outwit their opponents and avoid drinking penalties for false claims. Played in the lively taverns and alehouses, the game involves each participant rolling a set of dice hidden under a cup. Players take turns making declarations about the total number of dice showing a certain face, across all players' rolls. The key is to bluff convincingly, as others can challenge the claim if they suspect deceit. If a challenge is made, all cups are revealed, and the loser of the challenge takes a drink. The game blends sharp wit, keen observation, and strategic deception, embodying the Keldwikean spirit of cleverness and camaraderie.
Music and Dance
Music in Keldwike is a rich blend of influences from various cultures encountered through their trade and exploration around Aesox. The fado, a soulful genre often compared to the blues, is central to Keldwikean music, expressing themes of longing, love and the ocean’s expanse. In addition to fado, lively folk dances are popular, especially during festivals and community gatherings. Instruments like the concertina, mandolin and various percussion tools add to the vibrant musical landscape. However, despite Keldwike not lagging too far behind other Human nations in terms of technology, they completely disregard any mechanically created music, choosing to focus on live musicians with traditional instruments.
Cuisine
Keldwikean cuisine is a fusion of local produce and exotic ingredients brought back to the nation through Keldwike’s extensive trade network. Seafood is a staple, with dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines and octopus stew being particularly loved. The coastal climate and fertile land yield abundant olives, citrus fruits and grapes, contributing to a rich culinary tradition of olive oils, citrus-infused dishes and world famous wine.
Bread and pastries are also integral to Keldwikean diets, with pão de milho (cornbread) and pastel de nata (custard tarts) being local favorites. Spices from distant lands add a unique flavor to many dishes, reflecting the nation’s extensive trade networks. On particularly special occasions, Keldwikeans also consume porco preto, pork from black pigs that are native to the Cume dos Ventos mountains. However, due to the harsh, rugged landscape, these pigs are incredibly scarce, so can only be enjoyed a few times a year.
Art and Architecture
Art in Keldwike is deeply influenced by maritime themes, with paintings and sculptures often depicting ships, sea creatures and heroic naval battles. Tilework, or azulejos, is a prominent feature in Keldwikean architecture, adorning everything from grand cathedrals to prominent world religions and philosophies to humble homes with intricate blue and white patterns that tell stories of the sea and its legends.
Architecturally, Keldwike is a blend of gothic, renaissance and baroque styles, characterized by grand cathedrals, stately mansions, and charming village houses. The capital, Portus Lusia, boasts impressive landmarks such as the Cathedral de Primeiro Navegador, a cathedral with statues of each of the former Primeiros, and the Palácio dos Ventos, a palace looking over the sea where the Senado de Marinha gather for government related meetings.
Social Structure and Customs
Keldwikean society values merit, especially in the realms of navigation, trade, and craftsmanship. Social mobility is possible, particularly for those who achieve success through maritime ventures or demonstrate exceptional skills in shipbuilding, navigation, or the arts. The family is a central unit, with extended families often living close together and supporting one another.
Hospitality is a cherished custom; guests are warmly welcomed and treated to the best food and wine available in the house. Community and cooperation are emphasized, reflecting the collective spirit necessary for successful seafaring and trading endeavors. Traditionally, the Keldwikeans are considered cheerful and reasonable folk, despite their harsh history and consistent involvement in Aesoxian wars.
Education and Knowledge
Education in Keldwike is highly regarded, with a focus on maritime studies, trade, technology, and the arts. Naval academies such as the Escola Naval de Sagres are prestigious institutions, producing skilled navigators, shipwrights, and naval officers. Libraries and universities in major cities offer extensive collections of maps, charts, and scholarly works, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in maintaining Keldwike’s maritime dominance. However, while the vast majority of Aesox focus on technological advancements, Keldwike focuses only on improving their already formidable naval armada and trade networks, and thus prefer to use their vast wealth to purchase new technology from other nations, rather than develop their own.
Fashion
Keldwikean fashion elegantly balances functionality with sophistication, celebrating the nation’s maritime legacy while showcasing its prosperity and cultural richness. It is an elegant blend of practicality and maritime flair, reflecting the nation's seafaring heritage and wealth. The naval and seafaring aspects of the Keldwike culture is heavily represented within their choice of clothing and seasons of fashion, with the gentlemen of Keldwike oft donned in double-breasted coats inspired by the uniforms of their naval force for official appearances, or tunics with embroidered details and tailored trousers. These pieces are often in various shades of blue, green, or white. Additionally, vests and tunics made from sturdy, breathable fabrics are popular for their utility and style.
The Keldwikean people are extremely fond of their accessories, and have learned to balance their clothing between practicality and aesthetically pleasing. To combat the hot, humid heat, they will often sport a wide-brimmed hat to protect themselves from the sun, and tricorne hats for formal occasions.
Women can be found dressed to the nines in flowing dresses and skirts paired with fitted bodices, intricate embroidery and lacework spanning across the fabric with sea-inspired motifs such as waves, shells, and marine life. They are also extremely fond of fans, and each fan is personalized to a specific woman by their family as a gift when stepping into adulthood. These fans are often studded with pearls, sea-glass, coral, or carved to mimic the movement of waves and seaweed. Men and women both decorate themselves with highly intricate pieces of jewelry inspired by the ocean, with pearls, coral, and bright gemstones set in silver or gold. It is not uncommon to see a lady of Keldwike gifted a ring of silver set with pearls, sea-glass, and diamonds to display romantic intentions.
Military
The backbone of Keldwike's power is its formidable navy, known as the Armada Real. This fleet is a symbol of national pride and a deterrent against potential aggressors. The Armada Real is divided into various squadrons, each responsible for patrolling different sections of the coastline and protecting the republic's trade interests. Keldwike's sailors are highly trained and renowned for their skill and bravery, having secured countless victories against pirates and rival nations.
The nation's naval academies, such as the prestigious Escola Naval de Sagres, produce some of the most capable navigators, tacticians, and shipwrights in the world. These institutions are vital in maintaining Keldwike's maritime supremacy and ensuring the continued growth of its naval power. Beyond education, the crown jewel of Keldwikean naval might is its patented Wave Crawler Class Battleships. These formidable vessels, powered by advanced steam engines, boast over one hundred and twenty precision artillery cannons. Each cannon is meticulously engineered for accuracy, allowing the Wave Crawlers to unleash devastating broadsides with deadly precision.
The hulls of these battleships are constructed from hardened, tempered steel, designed to withstand the fiercest cannon fire head-on. The steel is treated with a proprietary process unique to Keldwike, ensuring unmatched durability and resilience in battle. These ships also feature reinforced bulkheads and advanced buoyancy control systems, enabling them to remain steady and operational even in the roughest seas. In addition to their formidable firepower and robust construction, Wave Crawler Class Battleships are equipped with cutting-edge navigational instruments and communication devices, all powered by steam. These technologies enable seamless coordination during complex maneuvers and enhance the fleet's strategic capabilities.
Keldwike’s land army, known as the Terranova regiment, consists of 90,000 battle ready and disciplined soldiers only. Though modest in size compared to other Human nations, the Terranova Regiment is known for its strategic versatility and unwavering loyalty. It is divided into several divisions, each specializing in different forms of combat - infantry, artillery, engineering and reconnaissance. These divisions are then further broken down into battalions, companies and platoons. The infantry are equipped with advanced steam-powered rifles and versatile bayonets. They wear protective gear made from a blend of steel and lightweight alloy, providing both mobility and defense. Artillery, such as cannons and mortars are also dispatched to the front alongside these soldiers, and soldiers are responsible for the operation of mobile steam tanks which provide crucial support in both offensive and defensive operations.
Keldwike’s Air Force, the Guarda-Céu, comprises one hundred and twenty steam-powered battle-ready zeppelins and airships. Though small in number, the Skyguard Fleet is a crucial component of Keldwike’s military might, providing aerial reconnaissance, support, and direct engagement capabilities. Their large, elongated airships known as Galeão Aéreo, serve as mobile command centers and heavy bombers. Each is equipped with an array of cannons and bombs, capable of delivering massive payloads with pinpoint accuracy below. These Galeão Aéreo also feature advanced navigational systems and communication arrays, ensuring continued coordination with ground and naval forces.
The backbone of the Keldwikean Air Force consists of the Junker-Class and Shrike-Class ships, which make up the majority of their fleet. The Junker-Class ships are smaller and more agile than their counterparts, equipped with steam-powered rotary guns and incendiary bombs. These nimble vessels excel in rapid maneuvers and swift strikes, providing critical support in aerial skirmishes. In contrast, the Shrike-Class airships are larger and slower but pack a significant punch. They carry all the armaments of the Junker-Class, along with bombards and harpoon cannons, and are capable of transporting hundreds of Keldwikean troops. Known for their prowess in close-quarters aerial combat, Shrike-Class ships are specially equipped to board and capture enemy vessels during engagements. Together, these two classes epitomize the strategic might of the Keldwikean Air Force, combining agility, firepower, and the ability to dominate the skies and seize control of enemy ships in any conflict.
Ultimately, Keldwike's military strategy emphasizes mobility, innovation, and the integration of steam-powered technology. The Terranova Regiment and Skyguard Fleet work in unison with the Keldwikean Armada Real, leveraging their combined strengths to achieve tactical superiority. The land army provides a solid foundation for territorial defense and offensive maneuvers, while the air and naval forces offer crucial support and the ability to strike from above and at sea
Religion
Keldwike, like most human nations, embraces religious freedom, allowing every individual, regardless of heritage, culture, or creed, to practice their faith without prejudice, provided it does not conflict with Keldwikean law. However, the Republic of Keldwike does not have any formally recognized faith. Instead, Keldwikeans follow a specific philosophical doctrine known as "Mare Nos Defendit," or "The Sea Defends Us," which encapsulates the nation's deep-rooted belief in the protective and empowering nature of the sea. “Mare Nos Defendit” influences every aspect of Keldikean everyday life, from governance and military strategy to cultural identity and daily practices.
Its core tenets include the following:
- Maritime Sovereignty: Keldikeans believe that their power and security come exclusively from their mastery of Pannotia’s oceans. The nation's maritime prowess is seen as the ultimate shield, and in some cases sword, against external threats.
- Exploration and Innovation: Keldwikeans embrace the spirit of exploration, encouraging its citizens to venture beyond known horizons, seeking knowledge, resources and opportunities. Innovation, particularly in the area of maritime technology and how to adapt steam-powered engineering to their naval vessels and day to day life, is highly valued and pursued with vigor.
- Unity and Cooperation: Just as the seas connect distant lands, Keldwikeans believe in the strength of unity and cooperation amongst both its citizens and its neighbors. The nation thrives on collective effort, whether in trade or community life.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The ever-changing nature of the sea teaches Keldwikeans the importance of adaptability and resilience. The ability to navigate through storms, both literal and metaphorical, is a cherished virtue. Flexibility in strategy and resourcefulness in adversity are key aspects of Keldwikean philosophical tenets.
In practical application of these tenets, the Senado da Marinha will often craft policies to enhance maritime security, promote naval excellence and support innovation in technology and trade. The government invests heavily in the navy, ensuring that Keldwike remains a dominant maritime power. Additionally, the navy operates under the principle that control of the seas ensures Keldwike’s continued security. Keldwike’s military strategies emphasize swift, decisive action and the integration of the latest steampowered technology into their naval vessels, ensuring no other nations could pose a threat to their crucial ports and harbors.
Educational institutions, such as Escola Naval de Sagres, focus on maritime studies, engineering and trade. Industries related to shipbuilding, maritime trade and to some extent, steam technology are prioritized in order to drive economic growth and cultural advancement. This national ethos encourages citizens to embody the virtues of adaptability, resilience and unity above all.
Notable Locations
- Portus Lusia
- The capital of Keldwike, and formerly the settlement known as Keldwike, which was harried extensively by the Dwarven Empire in 824AE. Portus Lusia is a dynamic and essential city in Keldwike, where trade, culture, and naval strength converge to create a thriving urban center. It hosts the Escola Naval de Sagres, thought to be one of the best universities in the world for those looking to engage in and learn seafaring, naval warfare and exploration.
- Águase
- A historic city famous for its vibrant vineyards and olive fields, as well as hosting a plethora of festivals and parties all year around. Águase remains to be one of Keldwike’s largest cultural hubs, nestled at the very base of the Cume dos Ventos mountains.
- Azulporto
- Azulporto is a serene port city celebrated for its aquaculture and pearl diving. It is located directly north of Portus Lusia, and is a prime location for sporting events, educational opportunities and shipbuilding yards. Azulporto is also one of Aesox’ prime vacation hotspots, and is popular with tourists due to its vast number of Keldwikean villas, sandy beaches and cultural attractions.
- Salgadal
- Salgadal stands out from the rest of the Keldwikean cities by being primarily an industry focused location. In contrast to the cultural gems of Azulporto and Águase, Salgadal is a mess of factories, farmlands and vast salt flats, each constantly producing vital trade exports and resources for the nation..
- Rivermoura
- A city at the confluence of the Ria Vale river and West Aesoxian sea, known for its intricate canal systems and elegant bridges. It sports large, Keldwikean styled buildings, primarily for residencies as well as one of the nation's largest and most spacious markets, selling exotic imports and a wide variety of Keldwike’s own products.
Trivia
- Many buildings in Keldikean cities, especially those of Portus Lusia, incorporate bioluminescent materials into their design. This unique feature gives the cities a distinctive glow at night, symbolizing the nation’s deep connection to its maritime routes.
- The Keldwikean language, Marítigal, has become the ‘lingua franca’ of maritime trade around Aesox. Its precise terminology for navigation, trade goods and ship mechanics makes it an essential language for merchants and sailors across the continent.
- Portus Lusia sports a network of underground waterways and tunnels, originally constructed to manage floods and provide secret routes for naval operations. These waterways have since been used for guided tours and covert transportation of valuable goods.
- Keldwikiean folklore speaks of enormous, ancient whales that are made up of flotsam and debris from early Human naval vessels that protect the nation's waters. These mythical ‘Baleia Campeã’ are said to guide lost ships back to port and fend off hostile forces.
- Keldwikean sailors are known for their rich array of superstitions. One of the most notable is the belief that carrying a piece of driftwood from Ilha das Marés aboard a ship will ensure safe passage and favorable winds for that voyage.
| Accreditation | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||||