Kestamilja Kingdom: Background Sketch

Geography and Scope
Kestamilja is an ancient forest kingdom located near the Temrina Wastelands (North Pole), centered around a few rugged mountains and surrounded by vast pine forests. Its territory spans harsh, cold climates with snow-covered landscapes and frozen seas. The kingdom’s proximity to the polar region shapes its environment and lifestyle, with natural resources such as pine nuts abundant in its dense woodlands. The extensive coastline supports a strong naval presence, enabling control over icy waters and trade routes.

Political Structure
Kestamilja is governed by a hereditary monarchy, with the royal family tracing its lineage to the original mountain clans that unified the region. The monarch wields supreme authority, supported by a council of provincial nobles who administer the kingdom’s various regions. This centralized yet clan-influenced system balances martial leadership with local governance, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and collective responsibility.

History and Formation
The kingdom was founded centuries ago by mountain clans who settled and unified the forested northern lands. Over time, Kestamilja grew into a powerful state through consolidation and military strength. Historically, it maintained tense and often hostile relations with neighboring powers Vozneslya and Isendryl. There were many naval battles with Vozneslya and Koshani forces for Koshtovyan Sea, - there lies many sea routes that connecting Western and eastern countries of the world. Another (in)famous moment in Kestamilja’s history is large invasion into eastern shores of Insendryl (currently Bogustabek). Allied with Morvia tribal alliance, Kestamiljan king Dragomyr led his forces against slowly decaying Isendryl empire. At first it went to success but sudden intervention of Vozneslyan fleet forced Dragomyr’s armies split out and defend Morvian homelands, simultaneously struggling against Isendryl’s legions and local resistance. The invasion ended with retreat of Kestamiljan warriors out of Isendryl, partial losses of Morvian islands and worsening of Isendryl’s political and economical crisises.
The fall and fragmentation of Isendryl into Norsudon and Bogustavek have shifted regional dynamics, leaving Kestamilja as a dominant force on the West-North part of the world. Bogustavek is sympathizing to its northern neighbor. However Cremania has gone into total neutrality, Morvia broke all relations with Kestamilja and there are still unsolved tensions with Vozneslya and Norsudon.

Culture and Society
Kestamiljan society is deeply shaped by its harsh environment and martial traditions. The people are known for their fanatic dedication to warfare and survival, valuing discipline, resilience, and communal effort. Despite their warrior reputation, the kingdom’s peasants play a vital role, engaging in hunting, fishing, and herding to sustain the population and military. Cultural identity revolves around loyalty to the kingdom, respect for nature, and a shared destiny to master the northern wilderness.

Religion
Kestamilja society has diversity at religious conversions. West was partially converted into Isendryl faith with Omnilord Isendar, - supreme deity that is worshipped at Norsudon and Bogustavek but not at Humanierra. North-western provinces are believing into various local deities (Seraphic Faith). Eastern Kestamilja reveres the solar deity Zharvyn (Auroran Faith).
However there are specific common trait unique for Kestamilja region. Local mythology has somewhat implemented into all faiths within the country. Zharvyn might be Omnilord Isendar while the latter can be count as supreme god in Seraphic polytheism. Each Kestamiljan provinces are aware of celestial Vestoczi that bringing good or bad fortune, of Leszki that habitating forests and Temrizyki that are protecting Temrina wastelands of mortal eyes.

Economy and Resources
The economy is based on natural resource exploitation and self-sufficiency. Pine nuts are a prized local product, harvested from the vast forests. Hunting and fishing provide food and materials, while herding—unusual for such a northern climate—supplements sustenance. The kingdom’s fleet facilitates trade and resource transport, ensuring supply lines remain open despite geographic isolation.

Military and Defense
Kestamilja’s military is renowned for its fanaticism and expertise in both naval and land combat. Warriors are rigorously trained and highly motivated, embodying the kingdom’s ethos of Total War and Manifest Destiny. The well-supplied army benefits from the support of a dedicated peasant class, ensuring readiness for prolonged campaigns. The kingdom’s fleet secures coastal waters and projects power across the frozen seas.

Challenges and Ambitions
Kestamilja faces ongoing challenges from its harsh environment, isolation, and historical rivalries. Maintaining supply lines and defending its borders against potential incursions require constant vigilance. The kingdom’s ambition is to solidify its dominance over the northern polar region, expand its influence, and secure its legacy as the unchallenged master of the frozen north. This drive fuels its military campaigns and shapes its internal policies, aiming to overcome natural and political obstacles alike.
One of serious challenges is simultaneous concurring with Erriovala and Vozneslya for naval supremacy at north. Cremania cannot be counted as serious rival. However Bogustavek and/or Norsudon can shuffle this complex political mosaic.