Torfe
The smallest of the ‘New North’ nations, Torfe has grown around a singular industry - Archaeology. A series of ancient dwarven ruins run under the mountains here, long since abandoned. It is still unclear when they were built, or why, but it is clear that great riches are hidden within, and a whole industry has grown around breaking into ancient holds and selling the contents to the highest bidder. In the midst of this free for all, the Legion of Progress is funnelling funds to a burgeoning government that is beginning to wrest control of the small nation back from the tomb-robbers and gangs. In return the Legion gets first pick at the most promising sites..
Structure
Torfe is ruled by Torfe Parliament, made up of elected representatives from the various settlements, with larger settlements having more representatives. The parliament is led by a Prime Minister, elected by the parliament itself to lead them. The parliament come up with the laws and policies that effect the nation as a whole, as well as spearheading diplomatic and trade deals with other nations. Outside of this structure, individual settlements are run on a day to day basis by Aldermen, who liaise with their settlement's representatives to achieve the best possible outcome for their constituents.
Demography and Population
The vast majority of the population is Human, roughly fifty percent or so. Dwarves make up a further fourteen percent, six percent are halfling, and five percent are gnomish. The remaining twenty five percent are a rough mix of almost any race imaginable. Most people in Torfe live in one of the two Cities, Filbend or Iarro, both located in the midlands of the country. The north is sparsely populated, but the south, and area known as the Hollow Valley, has a few larger settlements, such as Leviva, and countless farmsteads and hamlets.
Territories
Torfe is a small nation, occupying the valleys and highlands between the Kergamore Peaks to the South, Shattered Spine Mountains to the East, and Land's Edge Mountain's to the West. The Northern border of Torfe is defined by the Torik Ice Sheets, but as they retreat, the nation expands.
Military
Each settlement in Torfe retains it's own policing force or militia. The nation's military is known as the Antiquity Guard, and they have major barracks in Filbend and Iarro. A small branch of the Antiquity Guard known as the Border Watch polices the borders of the nation.
Technological Level
While Torfe has no real centres of learning and advancement of it's own as of yet, the parliament has struck a favourable deal with the Legion of Progress who are providing utilities such as docks for airships, advanced mining equipment, and mechanical weaponry for the Antiquity Guard, in return for access to highly controlled archaeological sites.
Agriculture & Industry
Torfe is not a great industrial producer, although a burgeoning Iron smelting industry is beginning to form in the eastern mountain town of Garrock. Agriculture is rife in the Hollow Valley, although it is just about enough to feed the country, and there is no real export of foodstuffs.
Trade & Transport
Internal trade within Torfe is usually carried out via road, or the Kuril River.
Infrastructure
The borders of Torfe are well patrolled by a branch of the Antiquity Guard known as the Border Watch, who have a number of forts and outposts in the mountains. The nation itself has a number of well maintained roads, and the larger settlements have adequate sewer systems. An underground railway run by the Legion of Progress, the first of it's kind in Hisenor, runs below the Shattered Spine Mountains, cutting travel time between the north and south of the country significantly.
Founding Date
2801
Type
Geopolitical, Republic
Capital
Demonym
Torfian
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Democracy, Parliamentary
Economic System
Mixed economy
Major Exports
The biggest export of Torfe is antiquities. The nobles, rulers, and well off inhabitants of many nations pay handsomely for the varied, exquisite, and sometimes unique dwarven artifacts that come from the ruins. Secondary to that, Torfe also exports small amounts of softwood lumber, silver, gold, and gemstones.
Major Imports
Hard lumber is difficult to come by in Torfe and is generally imported. While food levels are adequate, any exotics and luxury goods are usually imported. Fine fabrics and metals are also imported.
Legislative Body
The Torfe Parliament
Judicial Body
The Torfe Parliamentary Court
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Comments