Duchy of Martilles

The Duchy of Martilles, contemporarily often just called Martilles, was a powerful state in the Kingdom of Dericania from 1575-1869. It was formed in 1575 as a Catholic duchy formed from the remnants of displaced Protestants following the Great Confessional War and the Dragonnades. By the 1650s, the duchy established itself as a prominent economic powerhouse, fostering a flourishing trade network that spanned continents and contributed to its affluent status. The wealth generated from its colonial endeavors served as a catalyst for the cultivation of a vibrant artistic and cultural scene, attracting notable luminaries and intellectuals from across Levantia and beyond. From the flourishing of the arts and the patronage of renowned artists and intellectuals to the establishment of cutting-edge scientific institutions and the promotion of cultural exchange, the Duchy of Martilles played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of early modern thought and creativity.

However, the Duchy of Martilles' long-standing independence was ultimately brought to an end with the unification of Burgundie in 1869 during the First Fratricide. Despite its eventual incorporation into a larger political entity, the cultural and intellectual legacy of Martilles remains a strong part if its unique identity within the broader Culture of Burgundie.

Cultural life
Martilles was a devoutly Catholic duchy which influenced its cultural and political life. The dukes leaned heavily on newly established Bishoprics and Abbacies to maintain control of their newly given lands, especially because the first dukes did not come from ruling families and had no tradition of governance. Martilles was an opportunistic and to a point idealistic land because the Catholics who were given the lands after the Expulsion of the Protestants were grateful and excited to be given a chance to increase their station. Then, the extreme wealth generated by the colonies further excited the minds and the spirits of the Martilliens who spent lavishly their new-found wealth. Despite its lack of religious and cultural tolerance within its Levantine territories, the Dukes of Martilles adopted a pragmatic and laissez-faire approach to their colonial policies, prioritizing revenue generation and economic prosperity above strict adherence to religious or cultural conformity. This pragmatic stance led to the establishment of highly diverse colonies, where Protestants of various denominations worked alongside native populations, fostering a rich and dynamic cultural exchange that served as a catalyst for unprecedented advancements in the realms of science, art, and culture. The colonies of the Duchy of Martilles emerged as vibrant centers of cultural, scientific, and artistic innovation, characterized by a blending of diverse perspectives, ideas, and traditions. The collaborative efforts between Protestant settlers and native populations resulted in the emergence of a powerful engine for cultural exchange and intellectual exploration, fueling a spirit of creativity and innovation that transcended the boundaries of traditional religious and cultural norms within the duchy proper. The dukes did however promulgate the work of the colonists throughout the Holy Levantine Empire as a demonstration of wealth and prestige.

Formation
The formation of the Duchy of Martilles under Etienne-Remvie Roncompte d'Onquay, a devout Catholic and cousin of the influential Bishop of the Bishopric of Bonavix, was marked by a confluence of strategic political considerations and familial ties that shaped the early foundations of the duchy. Etienne, a middling landowner with a devout commitment to his Catholic faith and a family of five children, including three sons and two daughters, was nominated for the position by the Holy See due to his potential for strategic marriages and the assurance of viable heirs, a critical consideration in the tumultuous aftermath of the Great Confessional War. Amidst the shifting political and religious landscape following the formal end of the war, Etienne's nomination as the head of the newly established Duchy of Martilles garnered the approval of the Emperor, solidifying his position as the appointed ruler in 1574.

As the founding Duke of Martilles, Etienne-Remvie Roncompte d'Onquay played a pivotal role in establishing the initial political and administrative framework of the duchy, leveraging his familial connections and political acumen to solidify its position within the broader political landscape of the Holy Levantine Empire. Etienne's devout Catholicism, coupled with his commitment to fostering strategic alliances through familial marriages and political affiliations, served as a guiding principle in shaping the early trajectory of the duchy, laying the groundwork for its subsequent growth and cultural influence in the centuries to come.

Truffle Races
1578 - 1601

Orixtal Crusade
1650-1655

Colonial ventures
Martillien North Levantine Trading Company (MNLC) established:
 * Eloillette (1611-1795)
 * Chaukhira colony (tbd)
 * Veraise colony (1593 - 1812)
 * Nauta Normand colony (tbd)
 * Wintergen colony (1823-1869)