Gusteko

The Holy Kingdom of Gusteko (グステコ聖王国), usually referred to as Gusteko (グステコ), is a country located to the north of Lugnica. It is one of the four great nations in the world.

Geography
Gusteko is located directly north of the Kingdom of Lugnica, and east of Kararagi.

As it is located in the high north, Gusteko has a cold climate. The region is very mountainous, which, combined with the cold weather, makes it a very difficult environment to live in. Because of the year-round snowfall, only cold-tolerant crops can be planted.

Culture
Molded by the harsh weather, among other unfortunate circumstances, Gusteko, as its official name suggests, is a deeply spiritual nation. Its national culture clearly reflects the geography and history of the region.

Seemingly as a result of living in the snowy environment, it is mentioned that the women of Gusteko prize fair, snow-white skin.

Population
Information about the population is scarce, but it can be assumed that like the other three great nations, it has a human majority with a Demi-human minority. Though not technically "people", the many spirits count for subjects within the Holy kingdom.

As the Demi-Human War in Lugnica is mentioned to have been a relatively distant event in the national consciousness of Gusteko, even during the war, it can also be assumed that race relations are, at the worst, indifferent. The harsh climate probably mitigates the tension somewhat, as the basic struggle to survive usually overshadows social issues.

It is also known that an extremely powerful individual known as The Mad Prince lives in Gusteko.

Government
Gusteko is a theocracy where the church holds a significant amount of power, starting with the Holy King and its Archbishops (not to be confused with the Sin Archbishops).

The ruler of Gusteko goes by the name of the Holy King and is chosen during an election by Odglass. It is mentioned that the race, blood and origin do not play any role when choosing who will become the Holy King.

Unlike Lugnica's southern neighbor, the Vollachia Empire, the Holy Kingdom does not seem as ideologically opposed to warming relations with its neighbor. In time, events culminated in the marriage of the Viscount Misere, lord of Lugnica's entire northern region, and the daughter of Gusteko's archbishop.

Religion
Spirits are far more commonplace in Gusteko, than any other country, and thus, the reverence of spirits has become incorporated into the national teachings of the Gustekan church.

Odglass, one of the four great Spirits, is revered almost as a deity in the country. According to tradition, she is the individual who chose the first Holy King, therefore founding the country.

Economics & Currency
Instead of animal husbandry, there are many mountains in the steep mountains with magical ore, relying on the mining industry and dealing with magic ore to maintain national strength.

Military
While next to nothing is known about the Holy Kingdom's military, a specific group of individuals have been brought up in some of the published side stories–the Acolyte Knights. These knights are said to be on par with the Divine Generals from the Empire, in terms of strength and skill. All of them possess a unique blessing similar to Elsa's–they're granted partial immortality, allowing them to survive fatal strikes. In addition, each member of the Acolyte Knights seems to train with their very own special set of weapons such as dual katanas, whips of different kind, twin snake swords and others.

History
As the founder of Gusteko, Odglass created a contract with a person known by the name Holy King, and now Odglass is associated with the election, also having the right to choose who the Holy King of Gusteko will become.

Many years ago, after the creation of the pact with Farsale Lugnica and Volcanica, the sorcerers moved to Gusteko from all over the continent. They were famous for killing people with various spells known as a Curse (呪い), however these are just a subclass of users of magic and spiritual arts of the place.

Locations
Leanotte (レイアノット Reianotto): A town which was destroyed by an avalanche caused by the Ice Thieves.

Inorandum (イノランダム Inorandamu): Is a great city built on one of the largest hallowed lands within Gusteko. It's known as the Snow Field City, and is located in one of the snowiest regions of Gusteko; though, the effects of the cold are felt less in the city due to it being built on the hallowed land.

Albis River (アルビス河 Arubisu Kawa): A river which originates from Kararagi and is for a small part located in western Gusteko.

Pardochia (パルドキア): A mountain where one of the four Great Spirits, Odglass, resides.

Orcos Territory (オルコス領): A stretch of land that was controlled by the former Baron Victor Orcos. It was mentioned to border the Kenash Territory. The main stronghold of the Orcos family lay deep within the territory.

Kenash Territory (ケナシュ領): A stretch of land that was controlled by the former Baron Igor Kenash. It was mentioned to border the Orcos Territory.