County of Boulogne
A coastal region of the cloth cities.
Structure
The County of Boulogne is a large, but mostly rural sovereignty, centered on the city of Opalport, its capital. The Counts of Boulogne, appointed by the Gallian Crown, oversee the formerly independent city-state and are sworn to the Count of Flandre, another Gallian vassal.
The Boulonnais do not have any landed vassals of their own in peerage, but a large number of urban gentry make up the noble class in the region. A local merchant's guild, once an independent and semi-democratic council, was disbanded by the Crown after it financed the War of the Golden Spurs against Gallia. Following the war, laws passed restricting guildmaster status to the nobility, the appointment of which was held solely by Gallia.
Culture
Through geography and historical quirks, the region became an early settlement for non-bediz peoples, leading to the widespread integration of large populations of Sidhe and Fomorians at all levels of society. A cosmopolitan city focused on its fishing fleets over other concerns, little distinction is given to species. Instead, all are required to follow a series of communal regulations guiding the use of the port and its facilities. The failed rebellion against Gallia, and the port's importance to the Gallian Crown in its ongoing conflict with Logres, has led to a constant and visible presence of Gallian military, which often leads to tensions between the independent minded sailors and fish-merchants.
Public Agenda
Opalport and the surrounding region is a crucial holding for Gallia, with its close proximity to Albia across the narrow sea, and it serves as a military port for their navy, Strict control of Gallia, even compared to the other rebellious provinces among the Cloth Cities, has rendered the region a puppet state, fully supporting its vassal.
However, strong political and economic ties to Logres temper this somewhat, leading to local opposition to many Gallian policies. For the most part, the life of the fishing port continues on as it always has. , undeterred by the whims of Kings.
Assets
The fishing port that gives its capital its name is the primary asset of the region, housing large fishing and whaling fleets, as well as Gallian warships.
The Tour d'Ordre, a large lighthouse built during Imperial times, dominates Opalport, rising in the center of the town.
History
Opalport, the largest settlement in the region, is an ancient city, created during the Empire of Tarif to serve as a connection between the continent and the nearby island of Albia. Following the collapse of the empire, the city remained an Imperial holdout, protected by the remains of the Northern navy. It swore allegiance to Magnus Maximus, Emperor of the West during the civil war and served as the main port for his armies during much of his reign. During the War of the Erlking, the treacherous sidhe lord Hellequin took control of the region.
The city became a settlement hub for Tuatha de Danaan from Logres and
Fomorians from the Orkney.
Demography and Population
Opalport's proximity to Logres translated into a surge of non-bediz communities, beginning with the Tuatha de Danaan and other Sidhe races, then Fomorians arriving from the Orkney Isles. By 900 SI, roughly 50% of the population was non-Bediz, a trend that largely continues to this day, despite population shifts in both directions.
Territories
Located on the Ar Mor Breizh in Northern Kornôgel, it is bordered, in clockwise order starting in the North by the County of Guines, the County of Santomer, the County of Santpol, and lastly the County of Ponthieu. Its largest border, taking up its entire Eastern side, is the sea itself.
The Ar Mor Opal (Opal Coast) dominates the region, a picturesque stretch of sandy beaches and white limestone cliffs. The interior of the region is dominated by forests and swampy wetlands. Aside from Opalport itself, much of the region is rural and underdeveloped, tended to by subsistence farming.
Military
The primary military force of the region sits within the walls of Opalport, supporting a large fleet of Gallian warships. The garrison is supplemented by Gallian forces.
Religion
The large population of Fomorian and Sidhe, as well as constant influence from Druidic Logres has prevented the Faith from pushing itself as strongly as it otherwise might have, resulting in a large split of religious communities.
Foreign Relations
The region is a frequent rival and occasional vassal of the County of Artois and technically sworn to the County of Flandre. However, like most Cloth Cities, it maintained significant autonomy until its failed rebellion against Gallia. Brought to heel, it is now a direct subject of the Gallian Crown.
While nominally serving Per-Ys, the city maintains a strong relationship with Kameled, sometimes even coming under the Sidhe Kingdom's control throughout its long history.
Agriculture & Industry
Opalcoast is home to the region's largest harbour, which serves both whaling fleets and herring fisheries, the latter making up the primary export of the region. The surrounding area, made of plains and gently rolling hills, is dominated by marshland, and remains largely underdeveloped, spotted with ill-defined Bocage and isolated hamlets.
Type
Geopolitical, County / March
Capital
Alternative Names
Ar Mor Opal, Opalcoast
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
See: Livre Tournois.
Major Exports
Herring and whale byproducts are the primary export of this region.
Major Imports
To assist in the shipping of the herring that is brought into the region, salt is imported in massive quantities, both overland and via martime routes. Gallian control has severely limited access to international markets in favour of Gallian salt, taxes of which go directly into the royal coffers. The majority of this is processed through the Anjevin Lordship of Durtal and the Lords of Durtal maintain representation in the city.
Legislative Body
The former legislative body, the merchant council of Opalport, was stripped of its power by the treaty ending the War of the Golden Spurs, reduced to an advisory body under puppet nobles. Legislation instead is passed down from the Senescal of Gallia and, for more local matters, the Counts of Boulogne.
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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