Lasse
The state of Lasse covers the south west of the Flussland, bordered by the Greinar chain, the rivers Grein and Darine, and the sea to the South. Almost every square mile of the landscape is devoted to some sort of agriculture, with a strong emphasis on orchards and larger livestock. The fertile and productive landscape has given rise to an affluent and decadent nobility, but the common folk live well enough also and enjoy the fruits of their labours. Lassan venison steak with red berry sauce and rich red wine is widely regarded as the finest eating in the whole of Troyvalden.
Structure
Lasse is a feudal state, with a rich and complex hierarchy of nobility. At the top of the pile is the Archduke of Lassiton, but there are also around 60 duchies, earldoms and baronies, each of which maintain a court of minor lords and ladies. The common folk are reasonably independent financially, paying rent or taxes.
Culture
Lassan society is often maligned as lazy and decadent by other Flusslanders, which is not entirely fair but also not entirely unfounded. As a society, they place great value on the finer things in life - good food, good wine and good company. This extends to commoners as well as the nobility, with lazy evenings sharing food and stories with friends being common across all levels of society. The higher ranks of the nobility have taken this to a whole artform with lavish dinners featuring upwards of a dozen separate courses, wines, music and revelry. Lassan parties have a reputation for descending into debauchery of all kinds.
In most areas of Lasse, there are festivals in the worship of some god or another approximately every two weeks. They're not a particularly religious people, but any excuse for a good party is one worth taking.
Public Agenda
Lassans are historically non-interventionist and non-militaristic. Although minor disuptes do occur between lords, they are mostly over the price of goods rather than who owns what land. They joined the federation to ensure good trade links with Darstad, and maintaining those links is their main priority.
Assets
The Lassan nobility holds substantial reserves of gold, gems and fine products. The population always maintain ample stocks of food and drink - cured meats, jams, wines and cheeses. Coastal regions and those along the Darine will typically have a wide array of boats available, from small fishing vessels to seagoing trading ships.
The military force such as it is consists solely of the Order of Kapok, a knightly order consisting of highly trained nobility and sworn to the Emperor of the Federation. They are well trained, well armed and have the finest warhorses on the continent, so would be a formidable force if ever called into combat.
Demography and Population
The majority of Lassans are human, but there is a significant minority population of halflings, especially in the south. There are 4 or 5 so lordships where the majority of the population is halflings, including the lords themselves. These areas are very rural and often focused more on vegetable production than livestock or wine.
Territories
Lasse extends from the river Grein in the north to the southern sea, and from the Greinar Chain in the west to the river Darine. Dozens of small rivers crisscross the landscape bringing water from the mountains to the two large rivers and to the sea directly. The land is reasonably flat, fertile, and almost entirely converted to agriculture of some sort.
Religion
Lassans are not particularly devout, and there is certainly no designated state religion like there is in Offenland. Worshippers of many gods are welcome, and there are small monasteries dedicated to almost every known deity in the Flussland. Most Lassans would be able to recognise the symbols and festivals of the majority of gods, but it would be considered relatively unusual to pay attention to them outside of their festival season.
Agriculture & Industry
If Acaria is the bread basket of the Flussland, then Lasse is the rest of the kitchen. While Acaria does produce more food overall, Lasse can also produce much more than it needs. With that in mind, they choose to dedicate much more of their land to less efficient forms of agriculture - vegetables, orchards, vineyards and livestock. The wine and horses are what the region is most famous for, but their produce is much more varied than that. With their temperate climate, the produce has a somewhat mediterranean flavour, with tomatoes, citrus fruits, olives and peppers.
Fishing boats out of Darimouth and other coastal towns also bring in marine food of many kinds.
Trade & Transport
The southern Lassan city of Darimouth is the main port for all naval trade out of the Flussland. This is primarily with the Amathaan Empire via Daamath, but visits from sea elven ships are not unusual. Trade up the river Dar to Acaria and Kroningen is also very prevalent. Historically, much of the metal and stone goods would have been purchased from Vilknier, but long distance trade with Narland is increasingly common since the formation of the Federation.
Education
The common folk of Lasse are moderately educated, with most able to read or write. Children under 10 attend basic schools. Amongst the nobility, a much wider range of subjects are studied, and the brightest noble children may go on to study in Mustoir with the wizards.
Infrastructure
Most of the lords and ladies of Lasse live in unfortified country houses rather than castles, and those that have historic castles have often extended them beyond their defensive plans. The road system is reasonably well maintained, with local towns and villages well connected. Water is plentiful, but understanding of sewage is not, so this can cause some health issues.
Type
Geopolitical, State
Capital
Demonym
Lassan
Government System
Timocracy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Major Exports
Fine food and drink, horses
Major Imports
Stone, Wood, Metal
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments