Minnosdale

Demographics

The grass grows greener in Minnosdale. While tracing the roots of this adage is all but impossible, its existence alone shows that Minnosdales reverence is not a recent one. However while today the statement is used to express a perceived higher quality of life that Minnosdales inhabitants enjoy, it once held a much simpler meaning. That the grass, indeed, grew a much greener hue in Minnosdale. Yet while at first glance, this conflation of figurative expression and literal statement of fact may appear little more than coincidence. One could very easily argue that the shade of Minnosdale's figurative grass has been heavily influenced by the same green thumbs that give their pastures that richer color.

While it's necessary for all of the Empire's regions to produce food and other key resources rather than relying solely on trade to keep themselves afloat, this does not change the fact that in the modern age of the Empire many provinces are heavily supported by this trade. Especially many of the Inner Provinces, in which the ratio of subsistence farmers to inhabitants physically could not provide enough food if they were cut off from all outside support. It is this environment in which Minnosdale thrives, fulfilling the demand for the simplest human need. Nutrients in its many shapes and forms.

Government

The famed stability of the Minnos economy has served as a perfect central pillar to support an equally consistent government. Under the guiding hand of House Howen, Minnosdale has done well to ensure that no matter how the world twists and changes around them, Minnosdale remains ahead. 

However to say that a stable economy is the only reason for Minnosdale relative lack of civil unrest would discount the effort taken by House Howen to ensure that the population's voices are heard. House Howen has always had a particularly transparent policy, and have even gone so far as to bring in several esteemed members of some of Minnosdale's oldest families as advisors. While this arrangement is far from wholly altruistic, as the complete cooperation and approval of their citizens are worth far more in the long run than any policy their advisors might refuse to let pass. Especially since this is in no way a real succession of power, as House Howen still possesses the legal ability to act however they see fit on a moment's notice. Whatever limitations they act under are self-imposed ones, however, in spite of this Howen has kept itself bound under these regulations no matter how testing the circumstances. Often resulting in great harm done to their personal assets or relations, a dedication that has earned the respect of their subjects time and time again. For so long as both parties validate the existence of those imaginary chains, there is no true distinction that can be made between reality and falsehood.

Assets

There is no inherent reason for Minnosdale's continued success when it comes to both agriculture and animal husbandry, the reputation they've garnered is one simply built upon multiple generations of mastering the same craft. Constantly improving upon their trade with minor optimizations and experimentation, placing themselves one step ahead of the pack in both quality and quantity of harvest. An excess that then translates itself into surplus.

Utilizing a four-field crop rotation, Minnosdale farmers cannot only produce a diversity of staples but can convert their arable land into ley in order to allow livestock to bred year-round. While the exact spread of crops grown by farmers very, the basic formula includes staples such as wheat, barley, turnips, lentils, clover, beets, peas, and corn. The advantage gained in such a vast spread of possible crops is not only in the variety of products one can trade but also as an effective means to combat weeds and disease. As infestations such as ergot require wheat to cultivate and spread, so while this simple weed might force other farmers to spend countless weeks every cycle pulling up weeds hoping to fight against the mass loss of crops that would occur if left unattended to. A crop rotation almost bypasses this problem altogether, for as the fields are only planted with wheat one-fourth of the year by the time the next time to seed rolls around the ergot has long since died out.

However, more than simply stop at a diverse quantity of agriculture, Minnosdale has always prided itself on a similarly varied set of livestock. A set of livestock supported by the fact that their crop rotations always include both an ample amount of fodder crops for feed, and grazing crops for grazing. Allowing farmers with enough food to breed and hold several species at a time. Ranging from standard ruminant cattle such as cows, oxen, sheep, and goats. While even allowing for the husbandry of pigs, donkeys, and various kinds of poultry. Giving farmers not only a varied selection of meats, but of wool, milk, cheese, eggs, feathers, and leather. Virtually ensuring that even if one of their harvests is unexpectedly low or the demand doesn't match expected levels, the diversity of markets will prevent the economy of the province as a whole from suffering too greatly.

Alternative Name(s)

Land of Bountiful Growth

Type

National Territory

Location under

The Outer Provinces

Owner/Ruler

King Evric vus'Byron

Owning Organization

The Empire of Bryonsworth