The land you find yourself in is the beautiful region named Esvonia. It is a country distinguished by clear lakes and rivers, tall mountains, and green valleys. Take care however, for the beauty hides behind it a difficult type of terrain to traverse, filled with dark woods and dangerous lairs.— Ariston, first gnomish Wayfarer
Esvonia is home to the Free Cities. It is the only landlocked state on Albion, protected by a natural barrier of mountains, named the Esvonian Alps to the North and the White Mountains in the South. This natural barrier has kept the Free Cities safe from any invasion attempts by their surrounding neighbours. Instead, the Free Cities have mostly kept to themselves, cultivating their diplomacy with the other states and acting as mercenaries for various wars between the kingdoms of Albion. Esvonia was the last region in Albion to be settled by humans, and only after the Great Cleansing of the giants here could humans colonise the lush valleys.
Population
Esvonia is home to a large human population that settled here around 1400-1500 years ago. These local Esvonians are slow to trust, but once they have accepted someone they are willing to die for their friends, so long as the friends are ready to do the same. This strong bond is rarely shown to outsiders, but Esvonians treat all with courtesy.
Esvonia was once home to a large colony of Dwarves and even Gnomes, both of which have declined but still have outposts around the land. Dwarves and Gnomes are also regularly spotted working smithies or clock workshops in human towns and cities. Gnomish clocks from Esvonia are prized across Albion and cost a fortune...
Giants too are still prevalent within the countryside. The hostile Frost Giants inhabit the iciest peaks and only harm those who come too near, regularly causing avalanches. If you are to climb lower mountain passes, you will instead encounter Stone Giants, though their mysterious society is difficult to understand, to say nothing of their language. Far lower in the valley are Hill Giants, though they have been hunted to near extinction.
Economy
Esvonians have a reputation across Albion for being trustworthy. Many kings and queens deposit large amounts of currency for safe keeping in the Free Cities. More than that, Esvonian mercenaries are paid double than others, both for their skill and for never retreating. Both these aspects has made the Free Cities rich, some more than others.
In general, all currencies of copper, silver, gold and platinum are accepted. Locally, these are called
Pence, Shillings, Marks and Grosse. Something important to remember is that one Grosse (Platinum) piece in Esvonia is worth 100 Marks (Gold)! It is not recommended to take any Grosse across the border as their worth will be only a tenth of what it is in Esvonia.
Politics
Esvonia is home to the seven Free Cities of Zuon, Baver, Kraez, Uzter, Gotthardt, Lenzbon and St. Gallica. In truth however, only Zuon and St. Gallica qualify as "cities", with both having a population of roughly 15,000 people. The other five would likely qualify as "towns" in other areas of Albion.
Each City also owns the lands directly around it, known as Grand Estates. It somewhat resembles a system of provinces, except that few of the Grand Estates' borders touch. The rest of the land is considered a public good, to do with as anyone pleases. Compared to the feudal hierarchy of the rest of Albion, this system of estates is downright forward thinking.
The grand estates do not meddle in each others' affairs, as their combined diplomatic reputation demands a certain peace between them. They are also overseen by the Grand Council of Seven, each representing a Free City in order to debate, argue and discuss all manner of topics related to both internal and external affairs. Each council-member of a city in turn answers directly to the Burgomaster, the title of the regent of a grand estate.
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