Denmark - unfinished page
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Denmark - unfinished page
Priority
Religion
Government
Dynasty
Play Style
P1
Catholic
Kingdom
Gorm
Recently Christianized Scandinavians, struggling to keep their lands Catholic.
Trading and diplomatic nation on the edge between the Christian heartlands, Holy Roman Empire and Pagan dominated north
Naval powerhouse
Current relationships
Alliance
Holds a union over Norway
Background
Most of the area around Galicia is nothing, but small fishing villages and small towns deep in the forests and hills. But there is one very unique and special thing about Galicia, in the 9th century,l there was a church where the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great. It quickly became the destination of pilgrims and by 1211 a massive cathedral was built, they named it Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Santiago is the local Galician evolution of Vulgar Latin Sanctus Iacobus "Saint James".
It quickly became the destination of visit for Catholics from all over Europe, including royalty. It was first in 1392 that Pope Boniface IX officially declared the Camino de Santiago to be one of the "three great pilgrimages" of Christendom, along with Jerusalem and Rome. Pope Boniface IX was born in Napoli and our relations with the Neapolitians have only increased since, as they are a great Catholic stronghold in a sea of heretics.
The Reconquista began in the year of 722 and slowly over hundreds and hundreds of years, the Islamiic scourge has been punished for their crimes and almost thrown out of Iberia. Granada still stands, but between Granada and Galicia are the three kingdoms of Portugal, Leon and Castile. Even the recently independent duchy of Toledo is between us. Galicia and the Reconquista is done, it is 700 years ago it began! Why should the King of Galicia send more men to die, for the southern Kings to gain even more glory and power? They are arrogant and if they deserve more glorification for their victories against the muslims, then they should earn it themselves.
The King of Galicia is a lot more concerned about the security of the pilgrimage route. When there is war in the nations where the route is, pilgrims get robbed and ambushed. The protection of the Way of St. James is of utmost importance. Yes, it even annoys the King that lots of pilgrims decide to take the route from Rioja to Leon instead of walking along the northern coast. Imagine how much Galicia would earn in gold and reputation if the pilgrims didn’t have to wander through Navarra, Castile and Leon. Imagine if the entire route was protected by brave knights from a religious order loyal to the King.
We know that none of the Catholics dare to invade Galicia, it would be too costly reputation wise. But things are happening in France with these Cathars, and what about the Jewish Kingdom of Catalonia - they don't walk the pilgrimage.
The king of Galicia originates from the noble family of Traba. It can be traced back to the eleventh century and grew into power through their success in the early stages of the Reconquista.
When people look at Rome, they do not think about the large palaces or the colosseum as the first thing. They think about the Cathedral of St. Peter.
It is the same for Galicia. Few people will think about our large palaces, university or religious colleges, they think about the Cathedral of Santiago.
Special Rules
The remains of Apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago.
You are playing as Galicia and one of the defining aspects of their nation is their utterly important position as one of the holiest sites for Christianity. The remains of Apostle Peter his located in the main cathedral and has just recently been proclaimed a pilgrims route by the Pope. This puts Galicia in a powerful position in regards to the Catholic church, as it would bring utter shame on any Catholic nation that would invade and endanger the thousands of pilgrims.
It is not forbidden to change religion as Galicia, as long as it is to another Christian faith. It would most likely completely ruin your powerful relations with Papacy.
It might happen that your nation gets impacted by other religions and therefor might be converted to another faith such as Judaism or Islam, for Galicia to adopt such a new faith would require some really interesting roleplay.
The Galicians are tired of the inefficient Reconquista and have grown into a more peace-loving nation. But the recent events with Catalonia becoming Jewish, Toulouse Cathars and France shattering, lots of pilgrims in nearby nations are endangered by these unstable nations.
Galicia has an interest in peace, but they will not be peaceful against heretics or heathens causing troubles for their Catholic friends.
Alliances
Aragon has been a great ally for centuries. They hold the thrones of Navarra and Valencia under them, making them a key partner in securing the routes to Santiago.
They too have become tired of the Reconquista and desires peace with the Cordobans, unlike the Kings in Castile and Portucale that desires more bloodshed. This recent change in attitude towards the Reconquista has reignited your defensive alliance with Aragon.
While you have no desire aid Aragon in any unsure wars against either the Jews or Muslims, it is important that the lands Aragon controls are kept safe - but not at any ultimate price.
One star alliance
Foix is in a rough situation after the Kingdom of France shattered. They are located between the sinful Catholics in Gascony and the satanic monsters in Toulouse, two mighty nations that for sure both drool over the small and independent Duchy of Foix.
We believe a defensive alliance with the Duke will ensure that neither of them just violently invade Foix. Maybe a peaceful solution can be found.
One star alliance.
Rivals
The people in Toulouse have chosen one of the worst decisions in European history. They have embraced the satanic religion of the Cathars. Not only have they damned all their own souls straight to hell, but they continue to proselytize for their faith and have even aided Jewish uprisings to split the lands in Aragon.
They are not to be trusted
Three star rival.
The Jewish family of Suasso has for centuries lived in Barcelona and became rich under the protection of the Catholics. They repaid our brothers in faith with betrayal.
The Jews will claim to protect the Catholics in the area from the tyrant in Aragon, but we know what they are up to and they are not to be trusted.
Three star rival.
The warmongering Muslims in Cordoba have been in constant war with the Catholics for hundreds of years. The Reqconquista began in year 722 and is still not over.
While we have made peace with Cordoba, we still see them as rivals for diplomatic reasons. But should they make some kind of change or deal that would result in more peace, we might consider it.
One star rival.
Other relations:
The Papacy is really a strong friend. You see each other as trustworthy friends and the world is better with both of you in it.
Napoli is a very strong Catholic stronghold and well loved by Galicia.
Whoever the Holy Roman Emperor is, as long as they fight for a Catholic Empire, Galicia will be a friend.
Knights and chivalry. While our nation might seem to be focused heavily on the religious side of life, the ordinary men and women of Galicia have a tradition for a high standard of behavior.
Tales of galant and brave knights and the beautiful elegant women set the expected standards of our people. We are not barbarians like so many others.
Most of Northren Iberia is hills covered in large and dark forests, the perfect place for brigands and highway robbers to ambush pilgrims for some easy cash.
Lots of young knights take it upon their shoulders to escort pilgrims through the dangerous parts, maybe this could become a holy order one day.
Traditions
+2 Yearly Naval Tradition
+2 Yearly Papal Influence
1. The Way of St. James
The pilgrims route to our capital became an official Catholic route in 1392, declared by the Pope. Since then thousands of souls flood across the lands across the 'Camino de Santiago' to see the remains of Apostle James. Hundreds of new people enter our cities on a daily basis and these people need food, water and places to stay, it thrives with business.
+20% Provincial Trade Power
+20% Trade Efficiency
2. Influence in the Curia
Our massive network of priests, bishops and even cardinals that has love for our nation are well used. We have a few options and tools avaiable that makes things other nations usually would get in trouble for to dissapear when we do them.
-100% Covert Action Relation Impact
Lowered impact on stability from diplomatic actions
3. Colexio de San Xerome
Colexio de San Xerome is located on the Praza do Obradoio, founded in 1501. It is a college for priests and religious clergy and it bears the name of Saint Jerome. He is famous for translating the Bible into Latin in the 4th century known as the Vulgate. Besides his pious life, he wrote an extensive amount of polemical and historical essays, always from a theological perspective. At least one fourth of the clergy in Europe has been educated by us, this will greatly benefit us in gathering knowledge.
+1 Diplomat
+33% Spy network construction
4. The fishing villages of Galicia
Even before the Romans came and built the Tower of Hercules, the famous lighthouse from the 2nd century in the city of A Coruña, one of the primary professions of Galicians were fishing. The entire coast is covered in small villages that breeds sea faring fishermen. They built great ships and has no fear of the great waves, only God.
+25% Naval Forcelimit
+25% National Sailors modifier
5. Gold for the opressed
We as Galicians have many cards on our hands and even more up the sleeve, even a few on the floor for desperate times. While we might show the world a peaceful face and be against war, we gladly support those opressed that fight for the correct cause against heresies or tyranny. No one will ever expect that Franciscan friar or that nun to carry all that gold to those who truly needs it.
+75% Rebel Support Efficiency
6. The Umayyad never got us
When the Jihad of the Caliphate of the Umayyad dynasty burned their way across Iberia into Francia and finally lost in Tours, they never conquered the top of Iberia. Galicia and Asturias. It has sprouted a part of our identity. While we have begun to focus more on the peaceful side of life, should someone dare to invade our lands, it will be at a deadly price.
+15% Morale of Armies
+20% Fort Defense
7. A New World to convert
The rumors of a new world to the west has come to our attention. A place full of unbaptised primitives that have not heard the Good News. We must bring the Holy Book to them! And their pilgrims to our capital so they can see the wonders of the Lord!
+1 Colonists
+1% Missionary Strength
Ambition +20% Heavy ship combat ability