Estalia

Geography

  The Estalian Kingdoms lie in the north of Endor, a warmer and drier area than the south. The threat of Chaos seems very remote here, far away from the incursions and beyond the immediate threat of Chaos bands. Unlike Amar and Borinth, which are unified nations under a single ruler, the Estalian Kingdoms are many and of various sizes.   The kingdoms of the Irrana Mountains are home to fierce, tough hill-fighters, while those along the south coast are prosperous trading nations whose ships ply the Violet Sea. The largest cities and towns war upon each other, as well as against the Sultans to the south, the Amarrians to the north and the Tileans to the east.   Today, the two most powerful kingdoms are the city-states of Bilbali and Magritta. Both are strong because of trade and access to the sea, a fact that causes much jealousy amongst the poor kingdoms of the Irrana Mountains.  

Politics

  The Estalian Kingdoms lie far to the south, where the threat of Chaos seems very remote and unlike their eastern neighbours they face no threat from Orcs and Goblins so they mostly fight amongst themselves.   Only one event had the chance of uniting Estalia and that was the invasion of the Sultan over a thousand years ago. Responding to Estalia’s call, armies of crusaders arrived from Amar, Borinth, and the Tilean city-states.   The Sultans were defeated and the land reclaimed but no outstanding Estalian leader arose in this conflict to unify the small kingdoms. Without a Sigmar or a Gilles to lead the way, Estalia fell back into familiar patterns. In less than a generation, the crusaders were gone and the Estalians were once again fighting amongst themselves.   There is little evidence of the influence of Chaos in the Estalian Kingdoms, but it is there. Subtle perhaps, but no less deadly. It is not the brute power of the raging Beastman, but the hidden plotting of secret societies and cults which is eating away at Estalia.   There are no Witch Hunters hunting Chaos in Estalia, but worship of Myrmidia is popular. She is patron Goddess of the art and science of war and the Estalians have learned her lessons well.  

Society

  Estalian cities are solidly built and well fortified, and of a generally younger foundation than those of the north(although the Estalians claim to be the first humans to have settled in the world). There is a strong tradition of seamanship and seafighting among the coastal cities. For example, the fleets of Magritta effectively control the eastern sea, patrolling against pirates and imposing an impromptu levy on trading ships of other nations.   Within its few fortified cities live people who make their living with fishing and trade. It is said Estalians are very hardy folk, who will slay a man for mistaking them for a Tilean or even greeting them in Tilean by mistake.   One thing Estalians dearly love is swordplay. If Tilea is known for its mercenaries, Estalia is known for its duellists. Fencing schools can be found throughout the region, many with long histories and deadly rivalries. Estalian sword-and-buckler fighters are well known.