La Patria
The Homeland
It is in the bottom of the Worldspine mountain range that creeps down through the Northwest of La Patria where Artur created the first generation of Humans, and it is the ruins of Old Sicerrone where they first made their home. Naturally, most of humanity has spread far and wide throughout all of Nora just as Artur had commanded them to do so, while the few who remained settled and established long-lasting cities in their homeland. Now there is hardly any corner of the world besides the most inhospitable regions where humans have not spread to. And, as varied as their cultures and livelihoods may be now, all can trace their history back to La Patria. The nation itself is now the trade center of the world. It's central location to many countries causes La Patria to be the central pathway through which most travelers and merchants will pass through on their way to neighboring lands. On top of that, the warm nostalgia of an ancestor's homeland causes many to have a desire to visit and procure local mementos and learn the history of Humans. The capital, Sicerrone, sits in a large bay by Jerun's Strait, which allows for ample and encouraged access for ships travelling through. Though the nation has it's own trade goods from it's famous mead to the gold mines near the mountains, most of the trade profits it sees are from foreign goods imported for resale. Due to the sheer quantity of desirable importers, La Patria is able to keep it's taxes comparatively low to other countries and still reap major profits from the business conducted within it's borders. La Patria, while far from being the most populous or technologically advanced region, has become a nation of comfort and prosperous living in it's localized settlements. The import taxes have led to a well-manicured and developed infrastructure. Roads throughout the nation have been laid clean to further promote inland travel and trade, and a large budget has been established for security and maintenance. Latrines and inline sewers are commonplace throughout the cities to further promote the comfort and cleanliness of their civilized areas. Lavish living has allowed the non-farming civilians to embrace a culture centered around entertainment and vices, leading to stereotypes of a loose and indulgent people. The majority of La Patrians disagree with this sentiment, though their engagement in alcohol and romantic devices can't be denied. Outside of the few cities and the long stretches of roads, the land is mostly underdeveloped and left that way intentionally. La Patrians long ago declared the beauty of nature to be sacred and a gift to the Risen just as much as their lives on Nora. The natural geography of La Patria offers many scenic vistas and landmarks which would be utterly ruined would they be marred by developed housing. Even the farms are encouraged to adapt to the natural landscape as much as possible to avoid any drastic changes to the local ecosystem. A few exceptions are made, of course, for the meaderies and distilleries located in the mountains.Geography
Seated centrally between five neighboring countries, La Patria has a wide array of geographical features as varied as the travelers that frequent it's land. In the Central and North West portion of the nation lies the tail of the Worldspine mountain range and it's surrounding forests. Spreading out from those forests are a series of rolling hills that devolve into vast grasslands and plains that make their way to the coastlines. The city of Bonchance and the town of Montagne call these hills home and embrace the mountainous environment. To the North East lies the swamps of the Witchwood; named such for the rumors of a powerful witch that has turned the land into a vicious swamp, yet is kept restrained in that area. Beyond that is the forest surrounding Findolyr, in which lies it's own unique ecosystem fostered by the Ehlen within. In the North lies Lake Besson, where the island keep of Confortine can be found within. A great river connects the lake down to the sea through a pass between mountains of the Worldspine.Beloved Beasts
The two most prominent Magickal Beasts found in La Patria are the Azurite Ibexes and Golden Rocs alongside their mundane Ibex and Eagle cousins. Both are native to the mountains central to the nation, but can be found venturing out into the countryside or, in the Rocs' case, flying overhead well-travelled roads. These are featured heavily in La Patrian iconography with the Azurite Ibex and Golden Rocs marking the emblems of Bonchance and Sicerrone, respectively. The beasts are highly respected and treasured by the people of La Patria, and poaching has been strictly forbidden on all accounts - which has only led to an increase in value for their components. Though not nearly on the same scale of import as the Magickal Beasts of the nation, travellers and merchants have become incredibly fond of the Strait Seals found along the coast and prominently in the Bay of Sicerrone. A common superstition in La Patria is that if one of the seals allows a sailor to pet them, then that sailor will soon find their true love. Unfortunately, this has led to numerous nabbings of seals of the shoreline in an effort to bring them home for 'good fortune'.Ruling Hierarchy
| Marquis |
| Duke |
| Advisors |
| Noble Families |
Alternative Name(s)
The Homeland; The Fatherland
Owner/Ruler
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