Kingdom of Romatia
The northernmost landmass on Equexia, Romatia is dominated by snowy mountains, evergreen forests, and the surrounding sea.
Geography
Geography
In most respects, Romatia is a nation of extremes. Stability and safety are the top priorities of the day, and this sturdiness seems to carry to the very shape of the country.
A boxy sort of rectangle, except for the western arm, which extends outward into a peninsula. Running the length of the northern border is the Eros Range, jagged mountains. Only the strongest people dare to make a living on these perpetually frozen peaks. To the east lies Whale Water Port and naval base, the seat of much of Romatia's economic activity, defensive maneuvers, and population.
Just south of Whale Water, the mountains give way to gentler foothills and a rare stretch of grasslands which is arable at least part of the year. The capital city, Knavesmire, is within these plains. The capital is a sprawling metropolis: combined, Knavesmire proper and the surrounding suburbs house at least one-third of Romatia's people. The heart of the capital is the seat of government in the region, with the royal family making their home in Knavesmire Palace.
The plains give way to Alst Woods. The evergreens form a natural southern border with neighboring Falhara. A network of rivers extends through the woods, providing fresh water. The entire country is surrounded by the sea. Almost any place in Romatia is known for stunning views and picturesque natural beauty.
Seasons
Winter and summer are the longest seasons, with spring and autumn passing in the blink of an eye, or so the people joke. Rainfall is cyclical, with snow and ice all through the winter, and truly usable rain nourishing the crops through the summer. Spring and autumn are quite dry.
Even in summer, Romatia is temperate at best, never truly "warm." The warmest temperatures average at about seventy degrees Fahrenheit. In the middle of winter, it isn't unheard of for temperatures to dip as low as negative thirty degrees Fahrenheit. (Although, since most Romatians have European heritage, the country uses the metric system and Celsius.)Fauna & Flora
Only very hearty plants and animals manage to survive in this region. Pines and other evergreens are a common sight, along with maples, birches, firs, and spruces. All manner of wildflowers grow here, along with various ferns and shrubs. (Children are taught from an early age to be wary of holly bushes and poinsettias.) There are isolated groves of fruit-bearing trees, the most common being apples, plums, and pears.
Romatia is home to a great number of wild animals, and everyone knows they should respect the land. The forests are full of squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, rabbits, beavers, deer, and elk. Geese, ducks, and quail are common foodstuffs, but songbirds such as sparrows, doves, and even crows are right at home. Thanks to the climate, insect problems are rare.
Dangerous creatures are hardly a rarity. Moose, bears, and wolves are native to the area. The ocean is home to a large array of species, although there are most likely several left undiscovered, since the sea is usually too cold for scientific expeditions or swimming.
The most common domesticated animals are oxen, horses, sheep, and goats. Dogs and cats are pets as well as working animals.
Natural Resources
A surprising amount of resources can be found in Romatia's frozen heart. The mountains contain valuable deposits of coal, as well as metals and a small but consequential sprinkling of gemstones. The mountains are mined sparingly for the sake of the environment and the native Kyger people who have made their homes there for generations. The ocean fosters a thriving fishing industry and allows for easy trade between Romatia and her neighbors via ships and port cities. Because it is so cold, agriculture is a difficult business. They do manage to produce a fair quantity of food crops for internal consumption, chief among them barley, beans, greens such as lettuce and kale, and various root vegetables.
Romatians are known for their use of furry domesticated animals to produce milk, meat, etc. This affords them the ability to use the wool of goats, oxen, and sheep harvested internally to make inexpensive, high-quality textiles. (They are also one of the world's chief exporters of dairy products made from goat's milk, as well as maple syrup.) Trapping of animals for furs, particularly rabbit and fox, is a traditional vocation. The vast quantity of lumber available from the carefully-tended Alst Woods allows for a large amount of raw timber exports. The wood can also be used in the craft of skilled carvers to create furniture, trinkets, and even ships.
Romatians who do not make their living from the land are typically employed in the creation and manufacture of industrial goods, or service-sector jobs.
God save Romatia, Heart of the North! God save the monarchy, Keepers of the North!-National motto
Alternative Name(s)
Kingdom of Romatia (official,) referred to as simply "Romatia" outside of formal events or documentation.
Type
Subcontinent
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Colonies
Roughly analogous to the British Empire of old, previous generations of Romatian rulers made the habit of colonizing other regions and placing them under their own control for economic benefit. A series of long, drawn-out conflicts from many locations has substantially lessened the size of the territory they control.
The Romatians were the last holdouts of the nations with former colonial holdings in Constella. After their withdraw, Constella formally reunified. The memories of the years of fighting and the destruction of much of Constellan culture are still fresh. Many Constellans harbor strong anger and dislike toward Romatians.
The Romatians still hold control of the Losaitho, Constella's island neighbor to the south and east. Given the instability of Romatia itself, many are unsure how long they can keep hold of the island.
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