Order of Mount Sol
Order of Mount Sol Motto: Summa Fidis | |
| Capital: | Castello Solaire |
| Religion: Other Religions: |
Solarien Omnicanism |
| Demonym: | Solarien, Solien |
| Ethnic Groups: | Archadian |
| Currency: | Various Archadian Solidus |
The Order of Mount Sol, or officially, Ordo Equestris Sacrorum Montis Solis Locorum meaning Knightly Order of the Holy Territories of Mount Sol is an independent order of knights based around the holy site of Mount Sol. It's capital is Castello Solaire, a great fort built into the side of a mountain, though its economic centre and largest town is Cittello.
The full title of the leader of the nation is: Sovereign Grand Master Vincenzo di Formaggio of the Order of Mount Sol, Defender of the Faith, and Protector of the One True Omnican Church.
History
After the collapse of the Empire and the Heliarchy, many disenfranchised Omnicans were disillusioned with the new states. Some of these amongst the most pious and most wealthy fled from Garantinople, Leopoli, and Archadia to the mountains surrounding Mount Sol, having hired mercenaries to conquer the lands in the chaos. These new lords formalised themselves into a somewhat democratic Holy Order, giving themselves the moral advantage in reigning over their subjects and protecting their borders. Though some of these lords may have been motivated by political and financial ambition, most were motivated for religious reasons.
A Heliarchy was officially established in Mount Sol in 886 AIC, as a political move by the reigning Grand Master to instill more control over the populace and protect their independence. Occasionally, the office of Grand Master and Heliarch have been held by the same person.
Politics
The Order of Mount Sol, being a military order of knights, is led by a Sovereign Grand Master elected by his peers and rules from Castello Solaire. However, the Order's Heliarch, who resides on top of Mount Sol, wields significant influence in the running of the country. A new Heliarch is appointed for life by the Grand Master on the death of his predecessor.
The Order maintains an embassy-church-hospital complex in Archadia. It provides food and medicine to the poor and represents the Orders interests in the Empire by encouraging pilgrimage and meeting with citizens. A smaller consulate resides in Marcavalle.
Culture
Owing to their historic roots and inspiring independence, the Order has members from many different backgrounds. The majority of the knights are descended from Archadians, though some hail from as far as Vozdina or Montebianco.
The peasants and freeman around Mt Sol, who reside in lands occupied by the Order, are split into a north, centered around Schneeberg, who's culture is similar to that found in Nicoloviana and a south, centered around Cittello, who's culture is similar to that of Archadia and Leopoli.
The only tolerated religion is the Order's branch of Omnicanism.
