Duchy of Masovia
Nestled between warding mountains sits the twin valleys of Masovia, placid green fields protected from the outside world. Apocalypse had been unable to touch these lands when the Black Ash Days decimated its neighbors, leaving the people of the vale intact for the last 2000 years. Masovia's greatest draw however is not usually her fields and rivers and mountain crags, but the ruling power over the land, the magic-users of Skypiercer Fortress. A distinct sectioning is found between common folk and any and all who practice arcane talent, with the very highest completely segregated in their cloud-scrapping castle looming above the rest of the country.
This aloof nature of the ruling power is a blessing, as it permits traditional powers, headed by Duke Narien the Rockcaller, to tend to the realities of a country, and care for the needs of common folk. As of now, the power of Skypiercer is held in faith, when a command falls from the mountain, the Duke obeys. However, should push come to shove, perhaps the power dynamic will secede from the few, and into the hands of the popular many. Balance stands now, but for how long?
Demography and Population
The Duchy of Masovia covers an area of 7500 square miles. Of this, 34% (2602 sq. miles) is arable land, and 65% (4897 sq. miles) is wilderness.
The Duchy of Masovia has a total population of 450 thousand people. The largest city, Svetigrad, has a population of 13 thousand people, and Hrad Vidlik, the second largest with 6500. There are no other cities of note in the kingdom, and 11 towns; Stürze, Wolke, Roadfork, Ackerland, Rockfield, Lucerne, Turm, Foothills, St. Kleros, Revúca, and Biege. The remaining population lives in numerous small villages, isolated dwellings, etc. including the population of Skypiercer Fortress.
The Duchy of Masovia has 8 active castles and 5 ruined. Of these, 5 castles and 4 ruined are in civilized lands, and 3 castles and 1 ruined are in the wilderness, along borders, etc.
Territories
Masovia's borders are defined by her rivers. To the west, the Knight's Stones forms a barrier with Veliuona, with the Hornád River sitting on the eastern foothills. To the north, the Ondava River flows out of the Stormlord's Roost eastward to reach the Krovitya River, which in turn forms the entire southern border of Masovia. At the south bend of the Krovitya, sits the Jade Queen's Country, also known as the Krasta Forest, a heavily forested and hilly hinterland. In the center of the country sits the Skypiercer Peaks, unusually sharp and craggy peaks that hosts the colossal Skypiercer Fortress at the highest point. The Skypiercer and Stormlord Mountains form a wall dividing the two valleys, the Vale of Twilight to the west, and the Vale of Dawn in the east. The town of Ackerland serves as the dividing line between the vales.
Military
The standing military of Masovia is minuscule, standing at little more than 1000 guardsmen across the land. However, when times of war are called, peasants are summoned by the local regent to defend the local territory. Forts and castles are usually tucked onto the side of mountains, with vast tunnel systems within. Peasants are required to have some proficiency with the longbow, encouraged by holidays and competitions, the saying goes "born with a plow and a bow in hand." With impregnable castles, deep river borders, and a population of sharpshooter peasants, Masovia has little concern for outside invasion.
Religion
Much like her neighbor Rusulka to the north, state run religions are not to be found in Masovia. Faith is freely practiced, neither shunned nor encouraged, and shrines of many deities grace peasant houses, roads, and chapels within Svetigrad. Perhaps the only point of contention and debate falls when arcane gods are concerned. The likes of Mystra, and Selûne are openly supported by many mages, with even foreign gods like Corellon from the elves residing here. The point of contention involves gods of dark magic, which is practiced just as openly as the rest, despite the obvious discomfort for open involvement with Vecna, Hecate, and Orcus.
Trade & Transport
The lifeblood of the Masovia and the countries surrounding it is the Krovitya River. It is a long, wide, and calm river that is easily navigable. Orisinium serves as the highest point up the river a ship can navigate, flowing all the way to a delta flowing into the Sea of Fallen Stars. The Hornád is tumultuous, especially during the spring and summer snow melts, but is navigable up to Wolke, with the primary destination the canyon settled town of Stürze. The Ondava River on the other hand is almost always un-navigable.
The Wide Valley Road comes from Ezeras in the Republic of Istria and serves as the main highway to Svetigrad and eventually to Durrës in Rusalka. A fork in the road at Roadfork heads towards Dolyna Castle, a town formed at the split recently. The Road of Mages splits from the main highway at Lucerne, traveling to Skypiercer Fortress.
Due to the mountainous country, overland travel is less preferable to the barge travel, connecting towns far better than any road.
Maps
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Map of Masovia
Founding Date
14 Celeritas 712 AC
Type
Geopolitical, Magocracy
Capital
Alternative Names
River Kingdom of the Wizards
Demonym
Masovian
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Major Imports
The Duchy of Masovia takes great interest in the specialty of the orcish capital of Orisinium, the rare metal Green Steel. Uniquely, the metal takes to magic enchantment greater than any other material, holding greater amounts easier. This is perfect for the mages of Skypiercer Fortress, who use it regularly in study and experimentation. In a similar desire, the material dimeritium, found in the Kalen-Taure Hills of Dombrich is also popular, but for it's even rarer anti-magic properties.
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Friendly, Trade Partners
Diplomacy between the Duchy and the Republic have been remarkably amicable, with extensive open trade between the two.
Allied, Trade Partners
Of special note, Orisinium, the orcish capital, has Masovia as the largest importer of Green Steel.
Neutral
At Peace
Elbasan has no real reason to put themselves in to the mountainous region of Masovia, thus being neutral.
Cease fire
When the Veliuonans got to the Knight's Rocks, the fighting became impossible for the invaders, and interest was lost. The war is technically ongoing though.
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