Principato delle Aquile
Principato delle Aquile: the country of the Mountains
History of the Nation
The Principato delle Aquile (Principality of Eagles) is a unique territory, nestled between the inhospitable peaks of the Hellfire Mountains, a barren and inaccessible mountain range, with peaks that exceed 10,000 meters above sea level (where flying ships cannot reach), which has served as a bulwark against imperial invasions and against anyone who has attempted to conquer its precious resources. The origin of the Aquilans is lost in legend: it is said that the first inhabitants were clans of fugitives and rebels, banished from neighboring kingdoms and forced to survive in a hostile environment. Over time, the need to protect the land from the dangers of the mountains and savage humanoids led the clans to fortify themselves in rock-cut strongholds and develop a self-sufficient and defensive way of life.
During the centuries of Imperial rule, the Principato delle Aquile became a symbol of resistance. Imperial armies never managed to subjugate the land, hampered by the impenetrable topography and the fierce determination of the Aquilans. Underground cities and guerrilla bands, expert in mountain combat, made any incursion a disaster for the Empire. This tenacious resistance cemented the Aquilan's identity as a proud, autonomous and combative people.
After the fall of the Empire, the Principality joined the Confederation of Principalities of Hansa, but it did so in its own way, maintaining significant autonomy and contributing mainly with mineral resources and skilled warriors. With the election of Magna Domina Arba De Lucretia, the Principality of Eagles began to take charge of what happens in the Confederation and for the first time Magna Domina purchased a palace in the city of Diamantea, to attend the meetings of the Council of Principalities.
Government Structure
The Principality of Eagles is a matriarchy unique in the Confederation. The clans are structured around female lineage, with the Domina at the head of each family and the Magna Domina as the supreme leader of the Principality. The Magna Domina is elected in an assembly called the Council of the Peaks, where the Domina of the clans vote, often in exchange for financial rewards or strategic alliances; The sale and exchange of votes is a way for other clans to participate in the wealth that the position of Magna Domina will bring to her clan. The title is lifelong, and the Magna Domina's power extends to merchant tax collection, control of the army, and supervision of trade caravan rights. Smuggling is a crime against the Magna Domina and is judged with the utmost severity.
In the Matriarchy of the Principality of Eagles, women inherit the land and property of the family. Husbands are absorbed into the clan, keeping their original surname, but are considered members of the adoptive clan in all respects even if of lesser status (they are not women). They do not have a primary decision-making role and often dedicate themselves to practical tasks, from trade to defense of the territory. Male children do not inherit lands and possessions, but must seek a marriage to join a new clan or remain as a celibate man in their original clan. Men who do not find a profitable marriage often emigrate or join bands of mercenaries and adventurers.
The Domina gather regularly to discuss the internal affairs of the Principality. Although the matriarchal system has led to relative political stability, feuds between clans are common and can profoundly affect life in the Principality.
Political Parties and Organizations
Noble Clans
- De Lucretia: The dominant clan, based in the capital Belasia. The Magna Domina Arba De Lucretia is an ambitious leader, who is modernizing the Principality and opening the territory to merchant and adventurers.
- De Silvestri: Famous for managing forest resources, they control the few forests on the lower slopes and are experts in the production of timber and charcoal.
- De Laurenti: Linked to the Grand Duchy of Giglio, they manage important trade routes and are known for their diplomacy.
- De Magistri: Scholars and scientists, custodians of a vast library that attracts scholars from all over the region.
Martial Monasteries
- Corno Grande (Great Horn) Monastery: Renowned for their swordsmanship, the monks of the order live in isolation and train warriors from all over Valenor.
- Keepers of the Rock: An order devoted to Brumbarr, combining prayer and martial training. They are often tasked with protecting mines.
Altan Community
Recently settled, the Altan (avians) have colonized some peaks and contribute to the defense of the territory, thanks to their flying skills and knowledge of mountain currents.
Mining Corporations
Although managed by clans, mines are often entrusted to specialized corporations that guarantee a constant flow of gold, silver, iron, copper and magic crystals.
Current Situation
Despite its economic prosperity, the Principality of Eagles faces several challenges:
- Internal Tensions: Feuds between clans are undermining the stability of the territory. Magna Domina Arba De Lucretia is trying to mediate, but the system of economic promises for power has increased debt and competition between the clans.
- External Threats: The upper slopes of the Hellfire Mountains are home to monsters such as dragons, giants and wild humanoids that represent a constant threat to caravans and mines.
- Pressures from the Confederation: The opening to trade and adventurers is creating tensions between the traditionalist clans and those who want to modernize the economy of the Principality.
Another important facet of the economy of the Principality is livestock farming, in these barren lands they raise strong and resistant cattle, who have inherited the character of their own masters. They create even very large caravans that, after the snows have melted, descend to the valley to trade and bring back home goods that they cannot produce: Grain, Fruit, Fabrics and Alcoholic Beverages.
Important Characters
- Arba De Lucretia Magna Domina: A pragmatic and visionary leader, who is trying to balance tradition and innovation.
- Dera De Lucretia: Daughter of Arba, a warrior of legendary fame. Her refusal to marry is creating divisions within the clan.
- Sienna De Perfili Maximo: Arba's husband and a skilled businessman. He is the promoter of the opening of the Principality to adventurers. Her home Clan (De Perfili) is one of the main merchant clans and Sienna has been trained as a trader since childhood. (Maximo is the title of the Husband of the Magna Domina).
- Monaca Greta del Corno Grande: An elderly sword master, known for her wisdom and for having trained some of the most famous warriors in the region.
Locations and Resources
- Belasia: The capital, built on a mountain and surrounded by high walls. It is the political and commercial center of the Principality.
- Villalta: A commercial city, famous for its mines of magical crystal and their production of fine jewels and magical objects.
- Great Horn Mountain: Home to the most important martial monastery, a place of training and contemplation.
- Lost Cities: Carved into the mountains during the Imperial era, many are abandoned and full of danger. It is rumored that one of the lost cities deep within the mountains still holds the remains of the ancient civilizations that dominated Valenor before the invasion of the Empire; treasures, knowledge, and powerful artifacts are believed to still be waiting to be rediscovered.
Folklore and Details
- Declaratio: an annual festival in which unmarried women officially choose their husband or ask the Domina to approve a divorce from their current husband. The people of Aquile have no sexual taboos, women or men can have as many lovers as they want, the husband is a title reserved for a companion and ally with whom the woman shares interests, goals and aspirations.
- The Descent: It's a test in which those who want to prove themselves, descend into caves or mines in search of dangerous creatures, to make a name for themselves and perhaps be chosen as a husband.
- Brumbarr and Leida: The main deities of the Principality. Brumbarr represents the strength and stability of the mountain, while Leida symbolizes the freedom and adaptability of the wind.
- Stubborn and Asocial: The Principality has been invaded several times to take possession of its mines, but the territory does not easily allow the passage of armies. For this reason, the principality has gradually organized itself by building forts and bridges in strategic points that allow a small handful of defenders to hold off much larger numbers of attackers. This cautious attitude has earned the inhabitants the reputation of Stubborn Mountaineers, which they themselves share with pride. They even take this asociality to the limit, to the point of unleashing battles and quarrels between their own clans, villages or even families.
Conclusion
The Principality of the Eagles is a harsh and proud territory, where wild nature and martial culture blend into a unique society. Despite internal and external hardships, the Aquilans remain a vital force in the Confederacy of Hansa Principalities, guarding the riches of the Hellfire Mountains and a tradition of independence that makes them unmatched.
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