[KOE] The Kingdom of Espérer

---

Technology Tags:

Expert Metallurgy – A prominent feature of Espérerian scientific and industrial activity is the emphasis on the research and production of advanced metals. Large quantities of metals and alloys are routinely made in the great forges and factories of the kingdom. They are two common components which are routinely used in both the civilian and manufacturing markets. Ship building and the construction of weapons are examples of industries that have benefitted from Espérer’s skill in metallurgy. This has resulted in the production of ships, such as those in service with the Royal Navy, which can withstand a staggering amount of damaging. Military equipment as well as Power Armour likewise benefits from this industrial factor and proves to be more rugged and reliable than most galactic equivalents. Consequently the effectiveness and survivability of the Kingdom’s troops and the Noble’s that lead them, has increased as a result.

Advanced Agricultural Systems – In terms of gross output, Espérer is one of the leading agricultural producers in the galaxy. Primarily this is the result of a large section of the peasant population cultivating and living on manors which are presided over either by a lord, the church or the Military orders. However, numbers alone do not necessarily result in high crop yields but rather a combination of technology, techniques as well as the availability of workers. Espérer with its high peasant population has made several significant technological advances in these areas. One such advance has been the production of Artificially Engineered Bio-seeds which are resistant to all but the most vicious of agricultural diseases and can grow with only a limited amount of water. Created for a large quantity of crop types, these bio-seeds help eliminate some of the many risks associated with farming. Artificial rivers and dams have seen a steady rise in construction, bringing water and by extension irrigation to areas which were previously inaccessible to farming attempts. These new rivers and dams are also being used as sites for the raising and breeding of fish, thus ensuring a plentiful quantity of fish for the kingdom. Massive greenhouses constructed above or below ground aid in the creation of significant quantities of fruit and Herbs. Artificial lightning, drones equipped with ultraviolet light and sprinkler systems ensure that nothing interferes with the constant cycle of growth and harvesting. In regards to husbandry much usage has been seen in the scientific use of cloning domesticated livestock such as cattle and sheep. With the aid of science, a steady supply of meat, milk as well as wool has been achieved thanks to the creation of these new plumb and hardy breeds. Power for the large amount of agricultural machinery is produced largely from renewable means such as hydroelectric dams and wind farms. Major advances have also been made in the field of Biofuels with Biodiesel and Biogas becoming a common source of energy and are now routinely used within the agricultural, domestic and industrial markets.

Military Elite – (WIP)

---

Species:

Being a far-flung and until recently an isolated nation, Espérer’s population has changed little since its humble origins and continues to be a wholly human nation both on a physical and genetic level.

In regards to their physical appearance the people of Espérer are made up Franco-Spanish descent and as a result share many of the physical characteristics that are associated with the people of those geographical regions of earth.

Genetically the Espérer people have diverged little from the original purity of their ancestors as treatments such as genetic therapy or engineering have been shunned by the established church. This has resulted in a more average lifespan being prevalent amongst both the nobility and commoners of the kingdom. To live over the age of a hundred is considered a very uncommon and fortunate event (depending on your social situation).

---

Culture:

The culture of Espérer has been largely influenced by those of the initial settlers who were primarily drawn from Spain and France. This has resulted in rather unique mix of both Spanish and French social norms and can be best seen in the language of the Espérerian people. The language is a strange blend of the two separate languages into a single unique vocabulary. As a result it is relatively common for people to have a French first name and a Spanish surname and vice versa. The situation is also similar for place names, with some regions of the Kingdom being influenced more greatly by one of the ancestral languages than the other.

Culturally Espérer has a rigid feudal class system with strong sense of militarism being prevalent within the land owning nobility. Society is clearly divided between the three estates of the realm: the nobility, the clergy, and the peasantry who are bound to the land by manorialism. There is also a growing middle class of traders and bureaucratic officials. However, this new growing class is predominantly centered in and around the towns and cities of the realm.

Life for the average peasant is a rather rough affair with their standard of living being considerable lower than what is experienced by the middle and noble classes. They live in crude dwellings made out of stone and wood and are expected to work six days a week, either on the land or in the factories owned by the noble family whose rule they live under. For the lucky few who prove talented enough they can find service in their Lord’s regular forces and while their standard of living may improve they now have to face the harshness of military life. For most peasants however, they will only see war whenever a full mobilization is ordered and all men of fighting age must report for military duties.

The existence of Militarism within Kingdom of Espérer arose out of the response to the slave raids and later full scale attacks launched by the vile Alien race known as the Draxxen who were a serious menace for centuries. Although the Draxxen have by now been driving from Espérer space, the societal changes which their actions forced upon Espérer society still remains.

Chivalry and Knightly valor are qualities emphasized and indeed encouraged amongst the higher echelons of Espérerian society. A noble is expected to gain his knighthood and be sufficient in the ways of combat and strategy once he reaches manhood. Deeds of great knights defeating alien enemies, rescuing maidens and completing noble tasks are common with Espérer and are routinely spread through the courts of the Kingdom. Nobles are granted the privilege of wearing Power Armour, this not only serves as a physical reminder of their status but also goes to improve their honed combat abilities.

Due to the high intensity of raids and invasions which the Kingdom previously faced from extraterrestrial forces such as the Draxxen; an understandable level of mistrust and even in some cases hostility has arose towards possible extraterrestrial contact. While the Nobility tends to be more enlightened towards the idea of having relations with Alien powers, the common people take an isolationist and hostile approach to contact with anything except their own kind.  

---

Education:

WIP

---

Religion:

Religion also has a large influence within Espérerian society and the worship of their deity; Sol Invictus is a common and daily occurrence. The cult of Sol Invictus is an organised religion and its rites and clerical hierarchy has been largely influenced by Christianity, a religion which at this point has been all but forgotten within Espérer. Growth in the belief of the religion has its roots in the early history of the Espérerian nation.

The head of the religion is called the Patriarch and the primary teachings of the faith revolve around the worship of the “Unconquered sun”, the father and protector of mankind who lights up the perpetual darkness of space and wards away the encroaching unknown alien horrors of the galaxy.

The cult’s main teachings originate centuries ago from the revelations of Saint Barnabas; a charismatic, half-mad hermit who prophesied the arrival of a skilled warrior who would unite the divided warlords and drive the vile Draxxen from the planet. The warrior, who later became Alfonso I the first monarch of a united Espérer, achieved all that the mad Saint prophesied and belief in the religion grew as a result. Saint Barnabas would later become a close adviser of the young king and the first Patriarch of the cult. The mad Patriarch would later die at the age of eighty years old, founder of a faith followed by millions of people.  

In the eyes of the clergy and scripture, the ruling dynasty of the kingdom; the House of Guiscard is considered semi-divine. This stems from the prophetic arrival and actions of its founder in defense of the people. As a result the church is a strong point of support for the monarchy and actively teaches adoration and loyalty amongst the common people towards the House of Guiscard.

The church has an active role in the daily life of the commoners and is generally considered to be the most in touch with the people, with the local priests sharing in the every-day lives and concerns of the common man.  

Organisation of church positions from smallest to highest: novitiates, canons, deacons, priests, Bishops, Arch-Bishops and finally Patriarch.

---

Military Orders:

Defenders of the Faith and Protectors of the Faithful. The Military orders of the cult of Sol Invictus play an important part in the protection of the church from threats which seek to destroy its power both physically and spiritually. Comprised of members who are entitled as “Knights” and supported by highly trained regular troops, the holy orders are often viewed as the professional troops of the established church. Many a times these holy warriors have been the deciding factor in the grand battles that decided the overall outcome of the wars of conquest launched against the Draxxen menace.

Military orders have their roots in the small bands of faithful warriors who defended the churches and kept the pilgrim roads safe and open from outside threats. It wasn’t until the events of the Second Crusade for Outremer that an official military order was established by Patriarchal degree. Founded by Patriarch Leo II, the Knights of the Snarling Sun were the first order of holy warriors that had an official organisation as well as purpose. Their performance in the Crusade was satisfactory with their high morale and religious zeal enabling them to overcome any obstacle that stood against them. For their services they were granted some of the newly conquered land in Outremer, where upon they built many fortresses and supporting infrastructure.

The success of this newly created order inevitable resulted in the creation of more Military orders. Some of these orders were raised for a specific purpose, while others were simply founded due to the churches’ need for more troops. All Military orders are either given land from the church or newly conquered territory to sustain themselves.

The Knightly ranks of these holy orders are recruited almost exclusively from the nobility particularly from the second and third sons of noble lords. Some men join once they reach adulthood while others enlist and begin training in their military and theological devotions from an early age. As of recent however orphans, many of which are newly born babes left on church doorsteps, have been adopted by the orders and raised as knights. The common soldiery that make up the majority of an orders strength join for a variety of reasons and overall are highly trained. These troops are commonly referred to as the battle laity of the holy orders and while not as glamorous as the knights that lead them; they are still capable and effective troops.  

A military order’s forces is organised into units of Sword Monasteries which comprises about the size and strength of a regular battalion. These Sword Monasteries are then subdivided into Sword Bands (Companies) and finally Sword Brethren (Platoons). Sword Monasteries are comprised of Knights, Battle Laity and finally support staff or equipment. These units are designed to be self-autonomous and can be sent to wherever they are needed. It is very uncommon for a Military Order to go to war as single unit, instead they will be usually work at platoon or company level. A Military Order will comprise of at least four Sword Monasteries and can increase to any size depending on the funds of the Order or the individual wishes of the Grandmaster.

Military Orders of the Church of Sol Invictus:

---

Economy:

The economic system of the Kingdom of Espérer has developed along erratic and disorganized lines. While the Kingdom itself does have the industrial capacity to maintain its armed forces and infrastructure there has been no planning to ensure the leveled development of its provinces. This reality is due to the system of feudalism that exists within the Kingdom.

Each noble has an area of land from which they rule and its economic development is largely left in the hands of the family that runs it. High Nobles with large tracts of land such as a Duke or a Marquis can easily afford to improve their lands while the smaller nobility may lag behind due to their limited resources. This has the adverse effect of the Kingdom not working to its full economic potential. The monarchy along with the ministers that aid in the running of the Kingdom, have observed this fact and great efforts have been made to improve the situation. Grants have been offered to smaller nobility and attempts of persuading the higher nobility to aid in the development of their vassals has also took place.

Agriculture like most Feudal societies is one of the primary sectors of the economy and serves as a large area of employment for substantial numbers of the peasant population. Following closely behind are jobs in a variety of industries such as manufacturing and mining.

In regards to the Holy Orders they work in a similar fashion to the landed nobility as each Military order is giving land to sustain themselves. The development of this land likewise is left in the hands of an Order's Grandmaster.  

---

Political System:

Autocratic Monarchy supported by a system of Feudalism.

The Monarchy rules the nations as its undisputed head, with support for the regime being found in the large class of landed nobility, the established church and the semi-divine origins of the House of Guiscard which ensures the devotion of the peasantry.

Nobles from many of the Kingdom’s greatest houses are regularly selected to serve as ministers to aid the Monarchy in the running of the nation. They inherit or are giving land at the King’s pleasure and are expected to rule justly and fairly. Administration and policing of their fiefdoms is left in their own hands. It is possible for a noble to lose his land, although they must commit a rather heinous act for the possibility of this action to arise. Members of the nobility are also given the privilege of raising and maintaining troops. In times of war the nobles will then lead their troops against the enemies of the King. No noble however is given the right to raise any naval forces, that privilege is reserved exclusively for the Monarchy.

Both the Nobility and the Peasantry are also afford rights worthy of their station. This is best seen in their rights to a fair trial and a presumption of innocence. Uniquely the peasantry is also given the right of petitioning the king if they feel they are being unjustly treated (more than usual). If these petitions are listened to or even acted on is largely up to the attitude of the monarchy at the time. However, the basic fact that they have this right goes in some ways in keeping the peasantry happy.

The church, being a large social power, has a significant influence on political affairs. The Patriarch is a close adviser of the king and members of the clergy routinely serve in positions of leadership within bureaucratic or local government positions. Military orders unlike the church, prefer to stay out of the political spotlight and instead largely focus on their holy duties. However, if advice on military policy is needed, then it is not uncommon for the Grandmasters of the holy orders to be consulted.

---

Noble Titles:

Order of Espérerian Noble Titles:

(Ranks shown include both male and female variants)

King/Queen Consort – Ruler and leader of the Espérerian people.

Crown Prince/ Crown Princess – Heir apparent to the throne of Espérer

Lord Paramount – Highest title that can be bestowed on a member of the nobility by the King. Signifies that the bearer governs a planet or disputed region and exercises their duties in the name of the Monarchy. Usually only given to the strongest or most powerful ruler of a Noble House within a planet. Typical recipients are either Dukes or Marquises. Lord Paramount’s are present on all planets apart from Espérer which is ruled directly by the King. Title cannot be inherited and is instead awarded on merit or ability.  

Duke/Duchess – Ruler of a Duchy and the Highest hereditary title of Espérerian nobility. Owners of vast territorial domains which are called Provinces. Dukes are liege lords to many hundreds of vassals. As a result, it is an important administrative and military role.

Marquis/Marchioness – Similar in many ways to the title of Duke; a Marquis is a primarily military title and is used to recognise lords who govern border areas or locations of extreme military value. A Marquis is trusted to defend and fortify against potentially hostile neighbours, for this reason it is the title of many lords within the Merovingian System.

Count/Countess – One of the most common hereditary titles, the name of Count denotes that the individual is the ruler of a county.

Viscount/Viscountess – An administrative or judicial position, Viscounts aid their Count in the running of their territory. A Viscount’s fief is generally centred around a handful of manors or castles.

Baron/Baroness – Small Feudal landholders, hereditary title which gives the owner the right to the building or maintaining of either a castle or manor.

---

The Royal Household:


The Royal Household forms the basis of Kingdom’s government as well as providing for the monarchy and his relations a court from which they can better interact with the nobility of the Nation. The Royal court is the center of the cultural world within the Kingdom and is regularly attended by a substantial number of the Planet’s nobility. The House of Guiscard is the ruling Dynasty of the Espérerian nation and it has been that way since the initial founding of the Kingdom centuries ago.

Current members of the Royal Family and heirs to the throne:

King Maurice IV “the hammer”, 50 Years Old.
Queen Consort Eleanor, Duchess of Anjou, 43 years old.
Crown Prince Samuel, 24 years Old, 1st in line.
Duran "the Brute" Royer, 20 years old, bastard of King Maurice, disqualified from inheritance.
Prince Ancil, 6 years old, 2nd in line.
Duke Eduardo of Gascony, 47 Years Old, 3nd in line.
Duke Gabriel III of Cardona, 45 Years Old, 4rd in line.

---

Power:

The Kingdom of Espérer is a middle power giving the nation the power to defend its borders and the ability to expand its domain. Having recently come from centuries of isolation, Espérer is now ready to interact with the other nations of the galaxy. Although internal mistrust may serve to be a barrier to this.

---

Homeworld Name: Espérer

Homeworld Location: Y2

Homeworld Description:



The Planet of Espérer is a large continental planet which is made up of a mixture of both large and small landmasses. It is of a temperate climate with the majority of the landmass being covered in thick dense forests, which are slowly diminishing due to the desire for more farmland for the peasantry and by extension the nobility. However, the forests grow back at a rapid rate and care must be taking to ensure that land is not reclaimed by the wilderness. The forests as well as the seas are teaming with life and all matter of strange and wonderful creatures call these natural regions home. The larger beasts of the forests are routinely hunted by the Planet’s nobility for sport and enjoyment. The population of Espérer are dispersed all over the planet’s surface, living in the towns and cities or on the vast lands owned by the nobility. Sprawling metropolises are not a feature of life on the planet with the only truly large city being the planetary capital Troyes.

---

Planetary Systems:


Escalona System, Y2:


The home system of the Kingdom of Espérer. It is a relatively small system with only four planets being contained within it. The planet of Espérer is the largest and only habitable planet, it is then followed by the planets Chartres, Nemours and finally the Gas Giant Dato. Being the only planet that is liveable in the system, Espérer is an unsurprising hub of activity and regularly sees a constant flow of space traffic going to or from the planet’s surface. The planet is defended by a ring of satellite fortifications which also serve as docking facilities for the Royal Fleet. As for the other planets; Chartres is a mountainous world and is home to extensive mining and industrial operations, Nemours being a desert world is primarily used for military training and is occupied by a series of forts that are spread across the planet’s surface.

Merovingian System, Y1:

The second system under Espérerian control and bordering the edge of the galaxy, it was wrestled from Draxxen control after a series of wars and is now firmly within the Kingdom’s dominion. Contained within the system are the planets: Andalusia, Sagrada, Bauffremont, Cádiz, Soria and the two Gas Giants Pedo and Mierda. Andalusia is a habitable fortress world with a tundra climate and as a result is home to the Royal fleet and large numbers of troops which are supplied by the Planet’s nobility. Extensive networks of planetary fortifications have been built on planet’s surface, turning Andalusia into a man-made hard point from which any renewed Draxxen invasion of Espérerian space can be stopped and repelled. The land of Andalusia is divided between the Holy Orders and the landed nobility who are generally referred to as the “Border Lords” due to the fringe nature of the Merovingian System. Sagrada and Bauffremont are both sites of industrial activity while Bauffremont is a habitable world with rich fertile soil which is extensively farmed by the local population. This reality has led Bauffremont to be known as the “Bread basket” of the Kingdom. Cádiz is a tomb world and Soria is an Arctic world which sees both scientific and weapons research being performed on its surface.

---

History:

WIP