he Kingdom of Csagrada was founded by two intrepid men from the lands of Tarislan and Valania. Jerem Gattier, brother of Alrec Gattier, moved down from Tarislan after his wife was stolen away from him by his insidious sibling. Tavran Gavvan, an explorer and claims officer from Valania, met with Jerem as he was traveling north along the Shadowside of the Cloudpiercer Mountains. The pair camped along a river that came down from the mountain peaks, making the spot a historic place as they agreed to travel into the Csegrean Peninsula and possibly to Valania beyond.

Returning to Csegre, Tavran again met with its natives, first observing them, then wholly interacting with their tribes as they worked to overcome new foes from the east. After lending aid from the Valanian armies, Tavran then became the primary force behind Valania’s colonization of the peninsula. Over time, the Csegreans were crafted into civilized, educated people and began to govern themselves. This coincided with troubles in Valania that required the kingdom to recall its armies, leaving Csegre a blank slate for a new society. Sorcery first ruled supreme and a conclave of wizards acted as the solitary form of government in the realms. Then, as their corruption was revealed, a king rose to properly rule his people and see they lived full, prosperous lives. Already, Csagrada’s history read like an engaging tale of political intrigue, power, and mystery. And this was only the beginning.

Csagrada Today
Today, Csagrada is ruled by Queen Rose Brennos, daughter of the last king, Christian Brennos II. It was her efforts, along with those of foreigners – notably Caerdwyn StormTalon – that helped restore Csagrada into a functioning, powerful kingdom. Much like a phoenix from the ashes, Csagrada is nearly as strong today as it was twenty years ago, before its fall at the hands of Gra’dulm.

Csagrada takes up the entirety of the Csegrean Peninsula. It’s lands are lush, with expanses of gently rolling hills and grasslands, along with clusters of higher peaks and numerous forests. Also, being surrounded by water on three sides, Csagrada’s fishing industry is a major entity on Athallas. These fertile lands are soiled only by the Blighted Plains – an area of dead, dry soil and sand that is the result of Gra’dulm tapping the Great Scar’s vile powers many years ago. Efforts are being made to reverse the effects of this and make the lands pure once again.

Queen Rose Brennos rules over the entirety of Csagrada. The kingdom is then broken up into Prefectures, each ruled by a Prefect. Further down the ladder, lords and ladies, many being military personnel, own large estates, towns, and other pieces of land. A Lord Mayor appointed by the local Manor Lord or Prefect oversees many towns and cities.

To Csagrada’s west is the Whitesands Coast and the Infinite Blue beyond. To the south, the Strait of Scales and the Breaker Isles separate the peninsula from Valania’s Northshore region. In the east, the Blacksands Coast is met by the Csegrean Sea and the Sawtooth Coast of Gilkhidar beyond. Finally, Csagrada’s northern boundary is currently in dispute. Originally, this boundary was the Jerem-Tavran River, though with the creation of the Blight it has become the Lower Revival Line – the land where the dry earth ends and grasslands begin again. The Blighted Plains themselves are not in Csagrada’s control, but are instead ruled by the Blightmen and their brigand leaders.

The Capital
Csagrada’s capital is Csagradeus Citadel, also known as RedMist Castle, a fortress located centrally on the peninsula. The structure was once a massive city fortress, but its destruction has reduced it to the inner keep alone: a heavily fortified castle with numerous towers and mounted siege weapons. A new effort is being made to rebuild the citadel, which would more than triple the current size of the remaining castle.

Csagradeus Citadel
Art by Christian Piccolo

Allies & Trade
Csagrada is working to restore its alliances with Cathardis, Guiron, and Fayne. Currently, Csagrada trades mostly with Cathardis and the lands of Thara across the Infinite Blue, as their enemy – Tarislan – has severed much of their connection with the rest of Athallas. Csagrada is also hoping to form an alliance with Kyatan, which it can reach most easily by boat, and talks have proven fruitful.

Csagrada, historically, has always been a secluded nation focusing on trade. They have never relied on any other nation for support, be it monetarily or militarily. This has left Csagrada with few allies when times were tough, and that is something Queen Brennos is hoping to change. Csagrada is a member of the Athlassian Compact and is bound by its rules.

The Army
The Csagradan Royal Army has become a finely tuned fighting unit over the years of their kingdom’s many wars against men and beasts alike. An average soldier’s pay is often twice as much as neighboring kingdoms and, along with the chance to serve their country, is more than enough to keep the army’s ranks properly filled.

Footsoldier - This is the main component of the Royal Army. Lightly armed with a broadsword and armored in chainmail and brigandine trousers, the footsoldier is a quick, capable unit that may be employed as a full time soldier or in defense of a structure or town.

Legionnaire - The pride of the Royal Army. These skilled soldiers have seen numerous battles and have mastered their blades. The legionnaires are armored in light field plate, carry medium kite shields, and wear a skillfully crafted longsword at their side. When not charging into battle, the Legionnaires will wear a heavy black cloak with a velvety red lining – the colors of the kingdom.

Longbowman - The Csagradan Longbowmen are a corps of archers trained by expert Valanoi bowmen. They were once an integral part of Csagrada’s armies, though their effectiveness died out during the Csegrean War. Today, they exist only in their surviving veteran members, though many have expressed a desire to return the corps to active duty.

Weimasters - Sorcery has always been a touchy subject with Csagrada, with many of its people first saluting its accomplishments only to later turn and shun the art when its effects are of a more negative nature. Christian Brennos II had a goal to help strengthen the trust of magic with his people, though he died before his dream was fully realized. Queen Brennos is following in her father’s footsteps, her efforts concentrating on calming her people’s fears and also employing numerous mages to strengthen Csagrada’s military might.