### CALRADIA #World #Landmass #Continent <BR>**|** Created ::: 2023 . 12 . 27 **|** Updated ::: 2025 . 01 . 05 ![[calradia 4.png]] ### History and Origins <font color="#2a241d">—</font> The continent of Calradia was named one thousand years ago after [Calradios the Great](Calradios.md) first landed and took [Charasea](Charas.md)<sup>1, 2</sup> later known as [[Charas]]. [[Calradios]] went on to acquire all of Calradia’s western lands, which afterward became dominated by the [Kingdom of Vlandia](Kingdom-of-Vlandia.md), [[Kingdom-of-Rhodoks]], and [[Kingdom-of-Swadia]] [| 3 |](Bannerlord-to-Warband-Topography-of-Calradia.md). Later, following [Calradios’](Calradios.md) death, his successors carried on the colonization and proceeded to "liberate" the rest of the eastern half of Calradia of its original [[Palaic]] overlords (i.e., [the Myzeiad](Myzeiad.md), [[Dryatic]], [[Rhotian]], and possibly more) [| 4 |](3-spkingdoms-(Bannerlord).md).<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> With finally claiming western Calradia, [[Calradios]], along with his fabled [[Dragon Banner]] [| 5 |](3-module_strings-(Bannerlord).md), declared that his victory in conquering the land must have been the will of the [Heavens](Heaven.md)! Thus the legend of [[Calradios]] was sparked. Indicating that he, and his subsequent bloodline, have been entrusted with dominion over these lands [| 1 |](3-std_story_mode-(Bannerlord).md). This is at least how the legend goes. But ask any native during the invasions how heavenly they thought [[Calradios]] to be and the [Ialoi tribe](Ialoi.md) [| 2 |](3-settlements-(Bannerlord).md) might have argued otherwise. Stating that [[Calradios]] was less of a “man” – and more of a men.<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> The [[Calradoi]] weren't all that distinct from the people they subjugated [| 6 |](Blog_42_Empire_Pt.1.md)[| 7 |](3-spcultures-(Bannerlord).md). Besides being more aggressive and martially-adept there was little difference. Yes, the true origins of Calradia is a bit muddled. But not if you know where to look. Forget any in-game explanations, developer diaries, or game files. Instead, turn your gaze to a real life world history textbook. ### Inspirations ![[inspirations 2.png|inlR|150]]<font color="#2a241d">—</font>Calradia is a world whose low-fantasy setting is deeply rooted in real world history; generally all of Afro-Eurasia it seems (i.e., Africa + Europe + Asia) [| 8 |](Blog_62_Q&A_Omer.md)[| 10 |](Blog_28_Battania.md)[| 15 |](Blog_100_Horse_Breeds.md). For Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord the window through which the game's weapons, armors, cultures, and architectures date from around the 7th to 12th century (600 c.e. – 1100 c.e.) [| 2 |](3-settlements-(Bannerlord).md). This mixes both a proto-feudal society, beginning in the late 7th century, as well as a full feudal society starting in the 9th and continuing up to the 15th century (800 c.e. – 1400 c.e.) [| 12 |](Blog_128_Kingdom_Decisions.md)[| 13 |](Blog_36_Sturgia.md)[| 14 |](Blog_34_Vlandia.md). ### Feudalism ![[feudalism 2.png|inlL|150]]<font color="#2a241d">—</font>The factions of Calradia all adhere to the basic principles of feudalism [| 16 |](2-info_pages-(Warband).md). If given an oath of loyalty to a monarch, one receives a fief and a parcel of land, whose revenue the vassal would be expected to use to defend the interests of their new liege. This is, in theory, how feudalism is supposed to work. But the price of peace is not always the same. Some will not accept silver. Some prefer blood. ### Factions and Conflicts <font color="#2a241d">—</font>Calradia has historically been divided up between rival factions. For instance, each Age has had it's troubles, here are just a few:<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> During the [[Age of Myths]] (600 b.c.e. – 476 c.e.), the [[Palaic]] and other tribes vied with each other for control over rivers, mountains, and fields. While [[Calradios]] began the long fought and bloody [[Palaic Wars]], ending with the death of [[Calros]] the Wise, the prophet of [[Calronism]] [| 17 |]([https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord/mods/3015](https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord/mods/3015))—a rising religious sect focused on love and acts of kindness and not war or killing. This [underground cult](Calronism) was considered seditious and dangerous by [Emperor Akembra](Akembra.md) [| 18 |](2-strings-(Warband).md) and so [[Calros]] was captured and executed.<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> In the [[Age of Moonlight]] (476 c.e. – 800 c.e.), in the time of the [[Pax Calradica]] [| 19 |](Blog_43_Empire_Pt.2.md) and the seemingly unending growth of the [[Calradian-Empire]], Imperial Senators and Generals alike competed for favor with the Emperor as [Nordic sea raiders](Vaegir.md) began sacking the coasts of the Empire.<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> Throughout the [[Age of Oaths]] (800 c.e. – 1000 c.e.), when more and more raiders plagued the lands for loot and slaves, and [Senator Litos](Litos.md) broke off from the Empire to reignite the old [[Calradic Republic]] [| 2 |](3-settlements-(Bannerlord).md), [Emperor Vortios](Vortios) was captured by the [[Waland Seafarers]] of [[Balion-Isl.]] and the western half of the Empire was traded for the Emperor’s safe return home [| 18 |](2-strings-(Warband).md)[| 20 |](3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord).md)[| 21 |](3-comments-(Bannerlord).md). In the interim imperial control faltered greatly, the [Horse](Khuzait-Khanate.md) thundered into [[Transtanaesia]]. They slaughtered a whole legion, and conquered the merchant and [[Darshia-Cnty.]] controlled territory under their new Khan, [[Urkhun]] [| 4 |](3-spkingdoms-(Bannerlord).md)[| 23 |](3-spclans-(Bannerlord).md)[| 26 |](Blog_31_Khuzait.md). The [Wolf](High-Kingdom-of-Battania.md) through off their shackles and elected their own High King. The [Camel](Aserai-Sultanate.md) united under a Sultan, and effectively removed almost all imperial influence from the [[Nahasa-Dsrt.]]. This cacophony ended with the first Calradian civil war—the [[War of Banners I]].<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> Lastly, in the [[Age of Trials]] (1000 c.e. – n.d.) the [Bear](Principality-of-Sturgia.md) joined the party and revolted against Imperial rule, the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] results in the greatest defeat the Empire ever took, and the second [[War of Banners II]] begins after the sudden assassination of [Emperor Arenicos](Arenicos.md), the Last Son [| 5 |](3-module_strings-(Bannerlord).md)[| 23 |](3-spclans-(Bannerlord).md)[| 29 |](3-std_sandbox-(Bannerlord).md).<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> All this war and turmoil provides a haven for knights, mercenaries, cutthroats, and adventurers from all over—including outside of Calradia. All risking their lives in pursuit of fortune, power, and glory [| 30 |](3-std_sandbox-(Bannerlord).md).<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> Because these factions can neither live in peace with one another, nor completely eliminate each other, the rhythms of war in Calradia are often analogous to a slow methodical duel. These wars are fought by Kings who ask only that their generals be lucky [| 31 |](3-companion_strings-(Bannerlord).md). These conflicts may drudge on for years, decades, centuries even. With footmen not seeing their family or children for what seems a lifetime. These conflicts are made all the more tedious as, usually, both sides conduct them with one hand voluntarily tied behind their back, as half the population are discouraged from participating. ### Politics, Traditions, and Inherited Wealth ![[politics 2.png|inlR|150]]<font color="#2a241d">—</font>War, strategy, and politics in Calradia are traditionally male dominated. A husbands other half, their wives, are not encouraged to offer assistance in war. Instead, women are expected to tend to matronly duties like managing estates and childcare. This is seen as the 'natural order of things' [| 24 |](3-wanderer_strings-(Bannerlord).md)[| 25 |](3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord).md)[| 32 |](3-voice_strings-(Bannerlord).md). <br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> More yet, daughters are viewed as political assets, to be given away in pursuits of an alliance, or to cement an alluring business agreement. However, great families of Calradia still hold high regard for true love [| 33 |](3-concept_strings-(Bannerlord).md). Every so often a ruler or lord will hold a feast in Calradia. In towns, this gathering is done alongside a tournament. If held in a castle, a hunt. These feasts provide a chance for attendees to repair corroding relationships, as well as solidify new ones, either offering their daughter's hand in a potential marriage or a fat sack of imperial denars. Silver denarii are the standard currency of Calradia [| 33 |](3-concept_strings-(Bannerlord).md). ### Economic Classes <font color="#2a241d">—</font>There are about a dozen little things about a man that could tell you all you need to know, especially their economic status. Like whether they go to bed hungry at night or drop eastern spices like pepper and cloves on their meals [| 18 |](2-strings-(Warband).md) [| 34 |](3-std_taleworlds_campaignsystem-(Bannerlord).md). From the sands of the [Great Nahasa](Nahasa-Dsrt..md), to the grassy [[Calradian Heartlands]], to the icy [[Ircara Wildlands]] the signs hold true. A protruding gut, and laxed but stuffy attitude means they are either wealthy lords or wealthy merchants, both of which are perfect targets for highwaymen. ### Mercenaries and Thieves ![[trade 2.png|inlL|150]]<font color="#2a241d">—</font>Merchants often need guards to protect their investments. Usually these caravans are fitted with mercenaries—swords-for-hire, who are discovered in local taverns or inns.<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> In popular demand are ex-heavy imperial infantry, highly sought after for their durability which is first class in Calradia [| 35 |](Blog_25_Q&A_Meric.md). At the end of their recruiting phase if some gaps still remain in the line, merchants will settle for the less-desirables (e.g., looters, sea raiders, and even highwaymen). Although, one could say these ruffians are being undervalued. Sure, they have no proper training with a sword, nor the disciple to hold a line, but they do have skills particular to this trade. That is to say: who better to predict a thief's schemes than another thief, eh? After all, in the unfortunate land of Calradia, sometimes gamekeepers turn poacher, and sometimes poachers turn gamekeeper [| 36 |](2-conversation-(Warband).md). ### Scribes and Aerial Communication Networks <font color="#2a241d">—</font>Another underutilized asset of caravans is the scribe profession. A profession which is actually rare in Calradia [| 18 |](2-strings-(Warband).md). Asides from tracking inventory ledgers, or writing up letters of credit, scribes can read one of the countless papers flying just overhead [| 33 |](3-concept_strings-(Bannerlord).md)[| 37 |](3-concept_strings-(Bannerlord).md).<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> In Calradia there is a vast network of messages traveling by air. Indeed. Unbeknownst to the ignorant common traveler, many notes cross Calradia, from one hand to another, tied to the talons of birds. For every winged creature flying on by, there's a notable chance that they carry a letter. Many will hold something useless, like a grandmother's recipe. But one in a hundred hold a map showing the location of a secret passage into a long-besieged town. One side of the siege would pay out the nose to either have that map or to destroy it.<br><font color="#2a241d">—</font> The saying is certainly true, "the key to prosperity is trade" [| 38 |](2-info_pages-(Warband).md), and no law anywhere says that a transaction has to be purely material. Hypothetically, one could make a living off of words alone. Many preachers do it. ### “Trade Secrets” <font color="#2a241d">—</font>While other traders bring fur from [[Varcheg]] over to [[Pravend]], which was one of the biggest cities during the early days of the Empire, and another invests in white wine from [[Marunath]] and sells it to the people of [[Varnovapol]], the town with the dubious honor of being the most conquered city in the land, another merchant could be in [[Sanala]] [| 2 |](3-settlements-(Bannerlord).md). The most cosmopolitan city in Calradia, leaking out sensitive information—for the right price… ### Outside Calradia ![[outside calradia 2.png|inlR|150]]<font color="#2a241d">—</font>After raking in mountains of denars as well as quite the reputation – and potentially a bounty too – one could take their family and disappear. Pretending to go live off the rest of their days in [Kvol village](Sturgia_Villages_List.md) in the freezing forests of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]; a home to refugees, debtors, and other malcontents seeking isolation [| 2 |](3-settlements-(Bannerlord).md), but in actuality preferring the sea to the ice, catching the first high-class ticket out and away from Calradia's shores... maybe to [[Jumne-Isl]]—or [[Nordland-Cnty.]] [| 13 |](Blog_36_Sturgia.md)[| 18 |](2-strings-(Warband).md)[| 39 |](Map-of-the-World.md). ### Resources > [!cite] In order of use: > 1. [[3-std_story_mode-(Bannerlord)]] > 2. [[3-settlements-(Bannerlord)]] > 3. [[Bannerlord-to-Warband-Topography-of-Calradia]] > 4. [[3-spkingdoms-(Bannerlord)]] > 5. [[3-module_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 6. [[Blog_42_Empire_Pt.1]] > 7. [[3-spcultures-(Bannerlord)]] > 8. [[Blog_62_Q&A_Omer]] > 9. [[Blog_39_Q&A_Steve]] > 10. [[Blog_28_Battania]] > 11. [[Blog_7_Imperial_Declines]] > 12. [[Blog_128_Kingdom_Decisions]] > 13. [[Blog_36_Sturgia]] > 14. [[Blog_34_Vlandia]] > 15. [[Blog_100_Horse_Breeds]] > 16. [[2-info_pages-(Warband)]] > 17. Original author: [bloctheworkerbloc's]([https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord/users/43085797) mod, [Religions]([https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord/mods/3015](https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord/mods/3015)) > 18. [[2-strings-(Warband)]] > 19. [[Blog_43_Empire_Pt.2]] > 20. [[3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 21. [[3-comments-(Bannerlord)]] > 22. [[3-heroes-(Bannerlord)]] > 23. [[3-spclans-(Bannerlord)]] > 24. [[3-wanderer_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 25. [[3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 26. [[Blog_31_Khuzait]] > 27. [[6]] > 28. [[7]] > 29. [[3-std_sandbox-(Bannerlord)]] > 30. [[1-menus-(M&B)]] > 31. [[3-companion_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 32. [[3-voice_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 33. [[3-concept_strings-(Bannerlord)]] > 34. [[3-std_taleworlds_campaignsystem-(Bannerlord)]] > 35. [[Blog_25_Q&A_Meric]] > 36. [[2-conversation-(Warband)]] > 37. [[5]] > 38. [[2-info_pages-(Warband)]] > 39. [[Map-of-the-World]] Encyclopaedia Calradica—a massive Mount & Blade wiki. 1. About [Encyclopaedia Calradica](About-the-Encyclopædia.md) 2. About the [Project](Project-(Pillar).md) 3. About the [Author](Horseapple.md)