Some Notes on the Human Realm of Chersea

I. The Continent of Chersea

The Human Realm, also known as Chersea, is home to the majority of humanity. Other races co-exist in their lands, however, because of human nature (xenophobia to be exact), these races often face discrimination and occassional persecution. The place is ruled by several kings, princes, dukes and an emperor, but the paramount 'spiritual' leader is a woman known as the 'Great Saint of Chersea'.

Technology is still on the medieval level. Honor and words play a huge role in the conduct of diplomacy and warfare, and almost all countries place significant value on the nobility and knights. Monarchs rule by 'divine right', set up by the previous god Gauis. Men shun ranged weapons and gunpowder, considering those as a 'coward's weapon' rather than an actual asset on the battlefield.

The society of Chersea places emphasis on the education of the nobility, and restricts the social movement of the lower class. Women can have equal opportunities with men, but many of the daughters of nobility end up as a diplomatic weapon against rivals, both in domestic and international fronts.

II. The Major Powers

> The Empire of Chersea - a country south of the northern part of Chersea, the Empire is where the name of the continent itself came from. It has a long and proud history of being the 'overlord' of all Men in the past, and though it may be a shadow of its former self, the Imperials are still a formidable force to reckon with in the battlefield. Their rulers seek a return to its old glory, and thus, is often at odds with its northern neighbors. As such, it maintains a highly-disciplined, albeit smaller, army of professional soldiers known as legionaries, even during the 'Saint's peace'.

> The Kingdom of Nerfes - known for the martial prowess of its soldiers and knights, the Kingdom of Nerfes is a major military power north of Chersea's Great Sea. Even the Empire is wary of its might, as the men of Nerfes focus their country's time and resources in training and raising up their aristocracy to become well-trained knights that serve their king and state. Such unique setup has brought the nobility of Nerfes in the forefront of their society, and commoners end up being discriminated, due to their nature of 'dodging' from levies, and wars itself. It is not uncommon for these 'undesirables' to be called into military service only to become a 'cannon fodder' in which the elite of Nerfes' military would exploit.

> The Kingdom of Amaranth - Amaranth is always seen by others as the 'counterbalance' to the power of Nerfes. Located at the southwestern part of the northern half of Chersea, this kingdom is well-known for its use of its economic wealth and prestige for war. Mercenaries often find employment in this country back in the times before the 'Saint's peace'.

> Confederacy of the Eastern Kingdoms - the Confederacy is a loose military and economic alliance between the weaker kingdoms of Colveente, Galad, Calabria, Principality of Shent, and the duchy of Ven in the east end of the northern half of Chersea. It was formed as a response to the power and influence of the Empire, Nerfes, and Amaranth. However, in the course of time, the kingdom of Calabria emerged as the primary power behind the confederation, effectively handling the foreign affairs and the military matters of the other states in the alliance.

> The Holy Palatial Gardens - considered the most holy land in all of Chersea, the Holy Palatial Gardens is the official home of the Great Saint of Chersea. Though it is not a military power, it is still viewed as a great country since it exerts significant influence to all human countries due to the presence of the Human Saint herself. Because of this perception, the Holy Palatial Gardens is always a 'neutral party' in every affairs in Chersea.

III. The Saint's Peace

Madelaine Ann Rubinforth's desire to achieve peace between the human kingdoms had come into fruition with the 'Oath of the Saint's Peace'. This is actually an agreement between the rulers of every Chersean country and the Saint that they would never declared war on each other ever again, lest they suffer the wrath of the heavens, represented by Her Holiness.