Narland
The Industrial North
Narland covers the northern reaches of the Flussland, north of the rivers Nard and Dar, up to the Fire Peaks. Its humid monsoon climate makes its lands less arable than the majority of the Flussland, although it is still easily self sufficient with rice the largest crop. It is the most industrial and multicultural of the Flussland states, as enterprising folk from all parts of Troyvalden travelled here in search of the riches of the Fire Peaks.
Structure
Most towns in Narland are self governing, with extremely limited control exerted by the capital Sturmin. Smaller settlements are typically governed by a council of elders, while larger towns and cities ruled by guilds and mayors. There is no nobility, but those with successful businesses are generally held in highest regard and hold the most political power.
Public Agenda
Trade, profits and quality goods are the driving forces behind almost every decision that the varying Narlanders make.
History
Narland as a state is a relatively new organisation, only really established in the last 100 years or so. The cities of Sturmin, Karnath and Valdeck have long been allied since the days of the nobility, but after the guild councils officially took over these alliances were formalised into a state in order to join the Federation. As the largest and most strategically useful for trade, Strumin was chosen as the capital. Most residents feel no alliegiance to Darstad, but they largely agree that the official allegiance is worth the removal of tarrifs on trade into the city which has improved the finances and quality of life across the north.
Agriculture & Industry
The agriculture of Narland is dominated by rice production, with paddies terraced into the hillsides and alongside rivers across the landscape. Few livestock are kept, except those needed to work the fields. There are many pockets of woodland between settlements, where game animals are hunted and wild fruits gathered.
Mining and forestry are major industries in the north and east of the state, especially near the Fire Peaks and Erytill Jungle. These raw materials and processed into a huge array of goods in the larger towns and cities, and traded to the world.
Trade & Transport
Most trade is done by boats along the river Darine, but a major road from Sturmin to Tecard is the other significant trade route, with caravans there picking up the Great West Road out to the Greinar Chain and Amath-Ra beyond. A network of reasonbly well maintained dirt roads cross the landscape connecting towns together, but the monsoon rains make travel difficult for 3 months of the year as roads become muddy rivers, and the rivers themselves flood.
Some foods and spices are imported, but the population is self sufficient. Alcohol is one of the major imports, with beers from Acaria and wines from Lasse being in high demand.
Raw materials and finished goods of all kinds are exported in large quantities, mostly to Darstad. Metal- and woodwork are the most common exports, everything from barrels and chairs to chandeliers and plate armour. Raw materials are traded as well, but most Narlanders believe they produce the highest quality finished goods in the world, so why would anyone else want their raw materials?
Education
The population of Narland are often highly skilled but not particularly well educated. Most can read and write, and keep track of their finances, but their knowledge of how the world around them works or the lands beyond their towns are limited. History is primarily oral, with tales of travelling merchants and successful expeditions to the wilds.
Industry begets Prosperity
Founding Date
159
Type
Geopolitical, State
Capital
Demonym
Narlander
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Corporatocracy
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Market economy
Major Exports
Wood and metal work, weapons, some raw materials
Major Imports
Food, spices, alcohol
Legislative Body
The Guild Council of Sturmin is responsible for the few laws that span the whole of the Narland.
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments