Castellans

The Castellans are a culture spread around the world of Rathnir, and are one of the original human groups on Rathnir before the Human Migrations took place, they evolved separately from the Humans and other races that came from Jagdas, with the Castellans having very different ideas and beliefs about religion, the universe and creation compared to those who migrated from Jagdas, most Castellans worship Meep the Incarnate as their protector. Castellans have a historical language, Kestehilal, which is currently experiencing a period of revival.

The Castellan people as a whole are led by Marcus Emerald Castellan I as their Lord Protector, successor to Skavier Castellan III.

Prehistory
The Castellans were one of the original native human groups to live on Rathnir alongside other native races before the great migration, the Castellans had previously ruled an ancient kingdom called Castell, that had a strong culture of prolific warriors, traders, diplomats and architects that contributed to the state.

Post Migration
Following the great migration the Civilisation and groups that came across would rise to form Various other Nations, Kingdoms and Empires, with the nation of Castell being lost overtime with the new influx of settlers who carved up the nation, the Castellan people would be put into exile and would become scattered across the World of Rathnir.

Revelations from the Prophet
A Young Skavier Castellan III who had grew up into the Monshil-Nak clan in the Empire of Yimmu-Audal would one day be approached by a stranger called Meep in a tavern who he quickly became acquainted with, For the next four months he would be told several revelations from Meep detailing his ancestral past and of the Castellans, a culture of warriors, traders, diplomats and architects who once led a Kingdom called Castell in a far away land and that Meep was the immortal patron saint of all Castellans. These talks would persuade and convince Skavier that he must unite his people once again and restore the Lost kingdom with it now becoming his life's mission, with him after relinquishing his title of elder and after a sad farewell with the Prophet Meep he would depart from Ersetu in his quest to restore the Lost Kingdom of Castell that his forefathers had built.

Attempt in the New World
Following traveling for nearly a decade, uniting the Castellans scattered across Rathnir, Skavier would prepare to the new world of Eldham to restore new Castell. however upon their arrival onto Eldham they would met by hostilities and resistance from all sides with them coming into conflict with a coalition in a hard-fought battle when the Castellans were almost at a lost they recieve a divine omen where from the heavens rays of light fell, upon a single horseman in white robes bearing a black cross charged from downward, fiery streaks erupting from his great helm like a mighty furnace, Meep returned to his true form. The Castellans saw their omen and fought on, Skavier in the midst and heat of the battle would pick up a banner and sword once again, charging forward with his kin to victory. The Castellans would win the battle against the Central Forces Coalition, but far too many had died to start a nation. Even so, they all knelt before their lord on the field, as their Lord Skavier knelt before their true god, though their time on Eldham had in truth come to an end.

Settlement in Konushum
The Castellans understanding that their was little to gain in Eldham would return to Rathnir realising after a year of travel, Skavier and his people would return to Ersetu in Yimmu-Audal, where Skavier would later be given rule over a town called Oveuabao that he would rename to Konushum where he would become it's Sahrad, he would quickly settle his people into the city with him reviving his dream of making the city the Jewel of Yimmu-Audal, he and his people would start a new golden age for the Castellans in their new home as the city grew extensively and became more populated, Castellan Culture would then be spread around Rathnir by the Royal Family Castellan.

New Castell
New Castell would turbulently founded by Mrdubo as a small island nation to the east of Uldarash, and surrounded by Aristios. It was originally called the People's Republic of Freedom, with Mrdubo as minister of war for Alokhrad. Until they were demoted, enraged by this Mrdubo began protesting and prepared a rebellion. The rebel group raided and did some damage to the capital of Alokhrad, until they left after being threatened by Second Empire of Uldarash which would send a force to wipe them out. At this point the nation had around 15 soldiers, with many of them transitioning into other jobs. Mrdubo would launch another attack against Alokhrad, but with their lack of equipment they chose not to do so. Mrdubo decided to change strategies and buy land from Tortuga which came to nothing.

Following a string of defeats against a neighbouring towns to raids in the Rathnir Possessions of Aristios, It would be then that Skavier Castellan III and his son Marcus Castellan would take up power in the nation. Where would they would turn the tide bringing many Castellan Soldiers with them. Skavier and Marcus would seek to push for independence.

The government of New Castell is a barony, with the Castellan house holding absolute authority. Skavier's son Marcus acts as the minister of war. The Castellan house holds power through the legitimacy afforded to them by Meep the incarnate.

Grand Castell
Following my Skavier's firstborn Son Sigismund Castellan stepping down as King of Axelm, he would pass the nation on to his Father Skavier and the protection of his council, Skavier would turn the Castellan Kingdom of Axelm into a theocratic feudal state, Axelm would briefly merge with Schnee to form Grand Castell before separating once again, though Skavier would be made its heir of Schnee, he would later purchase the last vestiges of Mudrok from Yrsa Wolfsbane.

Values
The Castellans do not concern themselves with creation stories, As they believe that they are for those trying to bring false meaning to a universe that needs no meaning beyond serving your family and your state with honour and duty being the highest priority and anyone who cannot be happy without there being some great thought-out plan to the universe is seen as mad or weak.

Castellans have a strong connection to family and bloodlines, but aren't against adoption although it is rare we see culture as more institutionalised, more centralised and state like, less like the region you come from that determines your culture like many of the Rathnir newcomers, Castellans should be more loyal to their culture above whatever state they live in.

Noble lineages are prized among many middle and high ranking citizens, and military prowess is seen as an important virtue to make it true with noble knights have a somewhat high importance in Castellan society, with them holding much esteem and influence.

Religion
The majority of Castellans worship Meep the Incarnate as their protector as a living Immortal saint and god of all Castellans, they are alternatively known as the Prophet or the Furnace God they that exists within the material world amongst them..

Subgroups
The Castellans are a large cultures with many sub-cultures as apart of their larger culture. From the Athi-Castellans who are Castellans that originated from the town of Athiel, who have their own faith, they were led by Zachary Castellan. To the Sons of Ishivald who originate from the brother of an ancient Castellan King, Siegfried I of Fort Castell. They are intensely loyal and have their own faith.

Trivia
The legend goes that the Castellan name was derived from Steward of the castle. The Castellan culture may have started out as stewards, in the present day it consists of a wide range of professions such as architect's, warriors and traders.