Lionstone
Lionstone is a province in the center of the ephean flatlands. It is home to the Humans of Lionstone and one of the biggest provinces of The Human Empire. The same-named capitalLionstone is one of the most important cities in Alendia, however, the province contains much more cities and villages than just this one.
The soil of the province is very fertile due to very high precipitation. Around 4000 acres are a major part of the province and supply not just the cities around them, but many other provinces close by. Due to deforestation, the woodlands in Lionstone are very rare. However, over the last twenty years, attempts have been made to afforest some minor open regions again.
Lionstone was the first city of humans and was founded in 9819 b. BF. The number of humans rapidly grew and with that, the size of the city increased as well. In 9805 b. BF with the beginning of the skirmishes against the orcs, humans built the first wall of Lionstone around the city, but the city kept growing and had to be extended beyond the walls, resulting in building another wall in 9436 b. BF. This procedure was repeated a few more times and with that, multiple walls were surrounding different parts of Lionstone. The main castle in Lionstone changed its location over time as well, claiming the most optimal defensive spot within the territory of Lionstone. In 6519 b. BF the humans built the artificial Lion's Channel, connecting Lion's Lake with Lion's Bay, enabling ships to sail from the ocean over Lion's Lake, all the way up to the mountain range of Ephea.
Geography
The province Lionstone lies on the eastern coast of Ephea, right in the center of the ephean flatlands. It borders the provinces Kafransien, Krungsfeld and Raens in the south and Roduaga, Meritan, Walofur, and Gwenia in the north. To the west, one can find Lion's Bay. The province contains the regions East and West-Aboria and the so-called "Lion Cities", i.e. Lionstone, Lion's Claw, Lion's Eye, Lion's Mane, Lion's Tongue. It measures about 15000 sq-miles and therefore is one of the largest provinces of The Human Empire. The Lion's Channel connects the sea with Lion's Lake and proceeds right through the province.The soil of the province is very fertile due to very high precipitation. Around 4000 acres are a major part of the province and supply not just the cities around them, but many other provinces close by. Due to deforestation, the woodlands in Lionstone are very rare. However, over the last twenty years, attempts have been made to afforest some minor open regions again.
History
The history of the province is very similar to the history of the same-named capital. For details look up the Historical Events about Lionstone.Lionstone was the first city of humans and was founded in 9819 b. BF. The number of humans rapidly grew and with that, the size of the city increased as well. In 9805 b. BF with the beginning of the skirmishes against the orcs, humans built the first wall of Lionstone around the city, but the city kept growing and had to be extended beyond the walls, resulting in building another wall in 9436 b. BF. This procedure was repeated a few more times and with that, multiple walls were surrounding different parts of Lionstone. The main castle in Lionstone changed its location over time as well, claiming the most optimal defensive spot within the territory of Lionstone. In 6519 b. BF the humans built the artificial Lion's Channel, connecting Lion's Lake with Lion's Bay, enabling ships to sail from the ocean over Lion's Lake, all the way up to the mountain range of Ephea.
Culture
Religion
Lionstone is the province of the capital of The Human Empire and therefore the most widespread belief is the The Pantheon of the Twelve-Gods. Since the province is pretty much in the center of the Empire, it is rather protected from other beliefs. However, most inhabitants in the cities are eventually quite tolerant of other religions. Although Lionstone lost the seat of the Church of the Sun in 4341 b. BF, the province contains many churches and believers and is seen as a rather traditional province of central Ephea.Lifestyle
The lifestyle of a Lionstoner can differ a lot depending on his residence. People from the cities are seen as very progressive and educated. Farmers and peasants live rather simply but are wealthy as well. Compared to people from other provinces, the Lionstoner are on average more prosperous, which is a result of the favorable position of the province. The economy of Lionstone relies on agriculture, trading, taxes, and services. It is protected by all bordering provinces and therefore was free to develop and advance. In total, you could describe the lifestyle of a person from Lionstone as very structured and peaceful. Of course, there are exceptions of people parting from the traditional way of life or some who might live a poor life in poor neighborhoods, yet still, Lionstone is one of the richest and most secured provinces of The Human Empire.Politics
Administration
Unlike all other provinces, Lionstone is directly ruled by the King of Lionstone, who is not just ruler of the province, but also the highest ruler of the whole Human Empire. A large government, containing administrators, judges, a large security sector aids the king to watch over the capital and the province.Foreign Policy
The diplomacy between most human provinces and Lionstone is very peaceful and cooperating. The only exceptions are Freeland and Nornuria. Most decisions about foreign policy affect not just the provinces, but the whole The Human Empire. Lionstone often is seen just as the representative province of the Empire and even shares the same official flag. Therefore, if you want to read more about diplomatic relationships, check out the section about diplomacy in the article about The Human Empire.
The flag of the Human Empire (and Lionstone) shows a golden lion and four golden stars on a red and white background. Red represents loyalty and power, while white stands for infinity and immortality. The lion is a symbol for Rondra and the classical heraldic animal for humans. The four stars initially represented the four gods of the Four Quarter Pantheon. Nowadays they represent justice, strength, loyalty, and wealth.
Geography
Membership: The Human Empire
Region: Eastern-central Ephea
Capital: Lionstone
Area: 15000 sq-miles
Aliases: Province of the Lion
Society
Government: Classical Monarchy
Races: Religion: The Pantheon of the Twelve-Gods, Others
Population: 1.500.000
Races: Religion: The Pantheon of the Twelve-Gods, Others
Population: 1.500.000
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Alliance, loyal part of the Human Empire
Oberland and Lionstone have outstanding relations. Oberland sees Lionstone (and the Human Empire) as their highest ruler. Lionstone can always count on Oberland following orders.
Alliance, loyal part of the Human Empire, religious alliance
The relationship between Rondrarien and Lionstone is outstanding, however not perfect. Lionstone is concerned about Rondrarien declaring its independence one day or another, while Rondrarien sees Lionstone's tolerance towards other races and religions as a big weakness.
Alliance, loyal part of the Human Empire
Middenland has an outstanding meaning to the Human Empire. It contributes a big part to the economy and army but also plays an important role in terms of diplomacy.
Alliance, loyal part of the Human Empire
Lionstone might be Unterland's only ally in the New World. The capital of the Human Empire appreciates Unterland for its military service but it is concerned about Unterland's aggressive policy in Lusitania, which could become a potential problem for the whole Empire.
Loyal part of the Human Empire
Rauland is loyal to the Human Empire. It might not have contributed a lot to the war against the Undead, but the quality of Rauland's craftsmen, miners, and architects increased Rauland's reputation and meaning for the Empire.
Alliance, loyal part of the Human Empire
Südland has outstanding importance for the Human Empire because of its huge mass of gold and resources. Therefore, Lionstone makes the effort to stay as good as possible with them. Südland has a good relationship with Lionstone, since being part of the Empire brings big benefits. However, the relation isn't perfect, because Südland initially didn't agree with the methods of the Empire.
Questionable, Part of the Human Empire
Mootland tries to hold good relations with Lionstone to increase its own power and influence. Lionstone meanwhile, is rather concerned about Mootland because of the dominion of the Yuan-Ti. However, they are not seen as an enemy, since Mootland is a part of the Human Empire after all.
