Duchy of Prussia

The Duchy of Prussia (Prussian: Prūsijos Kunigaikštystė) is a minor duchy in the south-western Baltic, stretching from modern day East Pomerania to Riga. It is shadowed by the Rus' States and the Ziemia Polska. It has an ancient history stretching back to before the Roman Empire, but has only existed in its modern form since 20 AIE, including its state religion, the Church of Marthas. The Duchy of Prussia has a turbulent history with the nearby Roman remnants, specifically the Imperium Romanum Cimbri, which has in the past attempted to subjugate the pre-ducal tribes, often with great success. The first duke, Tautvydas Galindias, united and reformed the tribes following Roman structure, though on a more directly absolutist scale, being closer to the Anglian doctrine of Frithdom.

Its heraldry consists of a black and white banner, defaced by the image of an old man, robed and clutching three spears

History
The Duchy of Prussia was founded after a long, intense conflict with Roman remnants in the north. The Old Prussian tribes, unable to hold as disorganized as they were, eventually adopted a culture styled after Roman practices and religion. Being as Mars seemed to bring the Romans victory, they abandoned most elements of their previous faith and founded an entire church and belief around Father Marthas. This, however, did not come without strife, and a great civil war threatened to destroy the Prussians. All the while, the Romans continued to push in on them. Though the Prussians fought hard, and won many a great victory in the name of Father Marthas, the might of Rome proved too much, and they were forced to sign a treaty. However, having won the respect of the Romans, the terms were far more favourable than what was originally planned, and many saw this as a sign that Father Marthas was true, and watched over the Prussians. The church saw an explosion of popularity after that, and the heretical uprisings were crushed by a newly formed Duchy - styled after the Romans themselves - lead by the tribal leader of Galindia.

Although initially called simply the 'Galindian Ducatae', after a collective vision of what they would go onto describe as 'demigods bearing the banner of black and white and an eagle and the label of Prussian' witnessed by those under the banner of Galindia, they begin to officially refer to themselves as Prussians. This event would eventually become known as the Great Vision (Debs Waīdawa).

Religion
The official religion of the Duchy of Prussia, the Church of Marthas, is a Romano-Baltic religion with heavy influence from organised Christianity. Father Marthas created the world, using the power of Jupiteris and Artemid. Eventually, after a fight broke out between the three, Father Mars, with the assistance of the Dangaus milžinai - the sky giants - forced the other two to swear fealty to Him. Jupiteris became an extension of his power over the physical world, the earth, water and sky, while Artemid became his power over life and death. Together they are worshipped as Marthas, but they are considered separate. Worship is given to all three, but as one. Worship is organised and liturgical.