The County of Laria

[thesmellypocket 1859]

 

The County of Laria is a prosperous province crammed with a great volume of skilled craftsmen who toil with unmatched diligence and resolve in an equally great volume of occupations: lyre-shapers, shield-makers, armourers, blacksmiths, carpenters, bowyers, scholars, theologians, merchants, potters and more. Dominated by a sense of prosperity and optimism, the vibrant and lively heart of all this is the capital of Alsace, a rather pleasant and fast-growing town ruled by the house of Falkenrath. The inhabitants may be opportunists, but they are still fiercely loyal to their Duchy of Istria as well as their County.

 

Laria differs from other counties because it is not a traditional rural feudal territory inhabited by serfs, nor a crowded urban city, but a highly centralised county where all happenings worth speaking of happen in Alsace. Boasting a small but well-equipped guard force and a loyal populace, to rule this land is a birthright, but to control it requires the courage and skill few possess.

 

The Larians are a people renowned for being great fortune builders and fair and hospitable people, a place where the neutral and fair rule of law is master. Not being serfs, there is a high standard of justice a Larian can call upon without being automatically dismissed as a commoner, as in other realms.

 

Culture

 

“A Larian will burn his bed to kill a flea.”-Larian Proverb.

 

The Larians, being a new people, are a vibrant mixture of cultures, but the county has largely absorbed the Waldenian language. However, culturally they have many other customs taken from foreign peoples, including the Amaurians, Auverginians and Felseners, but the thing that unifies them is their sense of prosperity and the idea that any Larian may take up a craft and become wealthy. This is the thing that motivates them.

 

The Larians are thought to value self-reliance, individualism, skill in either the arts of the crafts, and hard work, but at the same time, loyalty. There is a stereotype that the average citizen of such a county will go to foreign peoples, and rant at those too slothful or lacking intuition. Because of this, many foreigners do see them as uncharitable. They expect each man to earn his keep ; those who do not will fall behind. Others, however, see them as a fair and hospitable people, for any man or woman willing to work hard in their lands will prosper and be rewarded.

 

 

Government

 

“A country can be judged by the quality of its proverbs.”-Larian Proverb

 

The Larians put a lot of stock in their County Council, containing key members of the territory. Each member of the council is respected, and the discussions are open, with each member granted a certain level of authority and responsibility within their specific specialisation. However, for the most critical of discussions, the count is the undisputed head of the discussion with the final say.

 

The council members are:

 

Octavius Falkenrath, Count of Laria

Alexios Falkenrath, Heir to the County of Laria

Julian Argansi, Steward of Laria

Emmanuel of Alsace, Captain of the Guard

Arstide Falkenrath, Head of the Istriot Trading Company in Laria.

Adolf IV von Manstein, Chancellor of Laria.

 

 

The Larians generally follow the policies of their liege, Istria. However, the county is recognised as her own political entity with her own interests, and the people will fiercely pursue those interests, in spite of equally vehement opposition.

 

As mentioned earlier, the people of Laria care much for their laws and privileges. Documents such as the Lexicon of Ashford and the Feudal Law are treated with great respect and reverence.

 

 

Istriot Trading Company

 

“He who commands wealth commands everything."-Larian Proberb

 

One of the largest factors in Alsace’s economic boom is the Istriot Trading Company, a mixture of skilled workers and entrepreneurs both eager and impetuous in gaining a foothold in the town. Already respected and with an excellent reputation, the guild has an astounding influence over the inhabitants of the county, who see the company as their key to economic security in coming years.

 

The company has a seat on the council and her interests are passionately defended at every corner. It is supported by an innumerable number of people, from all classes. It is generally regarded as an honourable and dependable organisation.

 

 

[KIIWIKILLA 342]

Count Roswell remembers that the counties of Istria are all under the rule of Istria, not their own political agenda. "Interesting." He grunts, as he eats his supper.

[ACanadianCraft (Nate) 682]

Emmanuel, flanked by his trusty second in command John Redimet; takes inventory within Alsace's Barracks. It had been a struggle to outfit the growing ranks of Laria's Guard so as to contend with the recent boom in population. At this time the following day however, he would finally distribute to his men their new uniform and armour. With his guidance, they were going to become soldiers that Istria, Laria and Alsace could be proud of.

Although he should have been exited at this prospect, something very troublesome weighed on his mind. Training the men of Laria was no longer just an honor, but a necessity. The recent movements in the neighboring County of Pampourelia had over time become more and more suspicious. The fear that Count Rosewell sought to extend his reach into Laria had swept through Alsace's citizens like an infection. The idea that their culture and rural lifestyle might be swept away terrified them. and it was his responsibility to make them feel safe. Or at least, give them cause to be.

"You alright, sir?"
"Yes John. I just have... a lot on my mind."

Emmanuel did not feel they had anything to fear from Arthur Rosewell. Though he was ambitious, Emmanuel felt that he would make a better friend than foe. Nevertheless, he would do all that he could to ensure that the only authority over Laria was House Falkenrath, an their superiors on the Ducal level. Even if it cost him his life.

Edited November 7, 2015 by ACanadianCraft (Nate)