Principality of Opona
The Principality of Opona was established in 2497 as a colony of the Ruthenian Empire. It was the first human settlement on the west coast of Vesperia, but was gradually left to its own devices as the Empire failed to profit from it. The colony was finally cut loose in 2565, partly due to a feud between Viceroy Alexander (twelfth child of the Emperor) and his father that ended with him being disinherited. Alexander declared Opona an independent principality with himself as Prince. As if to deliver an injury to follow that insult, prospectors discovered gold in the territory several years later, which triggered a gold rush, breathing new life into the Oponan economy.
Religion
As with Ruthenia itself, Opona counts Maeve the Raven Queen as its patron goddess, as evidenced by the name of its capital (Novo Voronsk, or New Raven).
The Raven Queen is the goddess of winter, so the cold north is where people worship her the most, mainly in the hopes of pacifying her so that she doesn't hit them too hard.
On the other side, Pelor is also popular; Ruthenians invoke him to bring relief from the cold, dark winter.
On the other side, Pelor is also popular; Ruthenians invoke him to bring relief from the cold, dark winter.
Agriculture & Industry
Agriculture is severely limited by the climate. People raise hardy cattle for sustenance, and other animals like sheep or chickens in the warmer southern regions. One peculiarity of Opona is that many people rely on dog-powered sleds for transportation; they imported sled dogs from northern Ruthenia (where the practice originated) and continue to breed them for the same purposes. These dogs are prized for their hardiness, intelligence, and high energy levels; they're sturdy, almost wolf-like creatures with dense fur that protects them from all but the worst cold.
As for industry, Opona relies mainly on fishing, whaling, and gold mining. The fur trade that started the colony in the first place is also still ongoing.
As for industry, Opona relies mainly on fishing, whaling, and gold mining. The fur trade that started the colony in the first place is also still ongoing.
Trade & Transport
During the warmer season, ships regularly ply the coasts, and that is the best way to get around for the most part; most settlements are on the coast anyway. But when the harbors freeze over, your only hope is to take a dog sled. "Mushers" run in organized relays from one town to the next, and this network is how people and supplies move around overland. The fees they charge for passengers can get high, especially in the winter, but it's not as though there are many other options.
Type
Geopolitical, Principality
Capital
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Official State Religion
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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