Minstrel (Holo)

Minstrel is one of the great nations of earthland and one of the most populated and richest nations in Ishgar. The land of MInstrel is a bit different than it's neighbor countries. While they have a monarch ruling the kingdoms, Minstrel is democratic and is ruled by the Council of 12, a collection of the brightest and wisest of the nations twelve greatest noble houses. While Humans are not a rare sight in the nation, they are not the ruling race of Minstrel. The true ruling race is the Calcos, a humanoid reptilian race who treats the resident humans as little more than second class citizens.

Minstrel is a nation mostly consisting of a colossal desert, reaching as far as the eye can see. Despite being a desert, food and water is far from scarce, leading for a very fruitful nation that prospers with their trade of metals, gems and crafted goods. Minstrel is above all ruled by the Calcos people and they hold mankind in general in very little regard. Beyond some well established trade routes, Minstrel is largely untouched by outside influences, even to the point where the Magic Council itself lacks all jurisdiction in Minstrel. This is due to the fact that the Calcos wants nothing to do with the humans as far as rules and laws comes as they do not want to have any humans try to decide how they should rule their own country. Council authorities have tried to compromise with the Calcos by offering them seats in the council, but they have refused every offer becasue if they were to join, they would have to turn their attention to other nations than simply Minstrel and Minstrel is the only nation that matters to them.

Military
Due to how te Calcos society functions, Minstrel has the world largest known army, exceeding even the likes of the Empire Alvarez in numbers. With an army consisting of over three million proffesional soldiers and millions more basic combat trained men and women, Minstrel possesses effectively the greatest army in the known world. This is much due to the fact that the Calcos men are generally not permitted to own businesses, rule a family house or take part in any official political arrangements beyond listening and voting. So, as such, the options that are left for the men are to either work as common workers or make "better use of themselves" and join the military.