On Arentania: A Traveler's Guide

[Asutto 2452]

On Arentania: A Traveler's Guide

21st of Sigismund's End, 1858
 

The Region of Arentania spans the most western parts of the Empire. It is primarily made up of the Arentania mountain range however, during the 1830’s it came to include the western marshes. Arentania is considered to be one of the most dangerous regions due to its frequent natural disasters and untamed wildlife. Despite the dangers, several peers of the Empire and frontier explorers have made their home here.

 

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Arentanian Culture

The culture of Arentania is split into two distinctive sub-regions. The smallest is South Arentania which encompasses the domains of the Duchy of Azor and the County of Aldersberg. North of South Arentania is Outer Arentania, the largest subregion. It encompasses the domains of the County of Halstaig and the Municipality of New Esbec.

 

South Arentania is vastly less populated than Outer Arentania as many South Arentanias use the region for summer homes instead of permanent residents. This, combined with the culture of House d’Azor and House Novellen-Aldersberg, has installed a sub-variant of Petrine culture throughout South Arentania. This can be seen in both South Arentania fashion and architecture. The largest notable difference between the two is that South Arentania culture is more geared towards a colder climate.

 

Unlike South Arentania culture, Outer Arentania culture greatly differs from that of the capital. Residents of Outer Arentania dress for efficiency instead of glamor and their architecture utilizes wood and stones in their builds instead of terracotta. Furthermore, women in Outer Arentanian culture take on non-traditional roles. Many serve in male dominated roles such as leadership.

 

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A Timeline of the West

1796 - Anne I & Joseph II issued the Imperial Charter for the Municipality of New Esbec, placing Anton Talhoffer in charge of the Municipalities administrative duties.

 

1797 - The Countess of Halsatig, Anastasia O’Rourke is afforded land in Arentatnia. She along with the rest of her house migrate west.

1797 - The Town of New Esbec finishes construction

 

1799 - Erin Hall, the seat of the County of Halstaig is constructed.

1800 - Home Secretary Dimitri Orlov completes the construction of the Western Highway which spans from the Pale to Halstaig.

 

1802 - Canonist Priests begin making missionary trips to New Esbec.

 

1804 - Missionary trips to New Esbec end.

1805 - Sir Henry Marshall creates the first map of the west and subsequently names many landmarks and features in Arentania.

1809 - The Count of Aldersbeg, Joseph Novellen is afforded land in Arentania.

1811 - The North-West Highway is constructed by Home Secretary Joseph Novellen.
 

1813 - The Viscount of Azor, Ledicort d’Azor is afforded land in Arentania.

 

1820 - The bandit organization known as the Redhoods blockade the Western Highway. The Imperial Grenadiers under Arthur Komnenos are deployed and defeat the Redhoods.

 

1821 - The Kingdom of Norland attempts to march an army through Arentania however, they are repelled by Imperial forces in the Battle of Outer Arentania.
 

1822 - Imperial citizens are ambushed at New Esbec.

 

1823 - The Imperial State Army begins sending garrisons to reinforce the west.

 

1824 -  The Mercatorii Revolutionary Army defeats the Imperial State Army and Ministry of Justice forces at the Battle of New Esbec.

1838 - The Azdrazi sack and raze New Esbec. New Esbec is completely abandoned as a result.

1852 - The Mercatorii Revolutionary Army issues the ‘The Fifth Foundation’, claiming the ruins of New Esbec to be under their control.

 

1853 - The New Esbec accord is published which permits the Mercatorii Revolutionary Army to settle in the ruins of the town under the administration of the County of Halstaig.

1854 - The County of Halstaig is assaulted by joint Sedanite and Urguani forces, the assault is repelled.
 

1856 - The Arentania Construction Corp erected Borderpost Centurion on the borders of Norland.

 

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Locations of Arentania

 

The Duchy of Azor

Ruled by House d’Azor, the Duchy of Azor is the largest estate and title in Arentania. It was constructed in the deepest part of the mountain range. Despite the land being allotted to the House in 1813, it took several decades before the estate was completed. Now, the estate is regarded as one of the most beautiful strongholds in the Empire.

  

The County of Halstaig

The second oldest landmark in Arentania, the County of Halstaig stands as the largest Adunian bastion in the Empire. The estate was originally constructed in the 18th century by Adunian laborers from the House of Rourke, House of Stahl-Elendil, and House of Armas. The County sits on Lake Halstaig which is the only body of water in Arentania.
 

 

The County of Aldersberg

The County of Aldersberg was constructed and designed by Joseph Leopold Novellen and his wife, Henrietta Pruvia The land for Aldersberg was allotted to Count Joseph for his dedication as Home Secretary. Upon the land, he constructed a large marble estate which was, at the time of its construction, the largest estate in the Empire.

 

New Esbec

The first functional frontier town of the Empire, New Esbec is widely considered the gateway to the West. It inspired waves of urban citizens to move west, and it is the main reason for Arentania’s growth. Unfortunately, the town was burnt to ashes by the Azdrazi following the ascension of Philip II to the throne. It now stands as ruins however, attempts are being made by the Mercatorii Revolutionary Army at reviving the city.

 

Boarderpost Centurion

The only military installation in Arentania, Boarderpost Centurion, was built by the Arentania Construction Corp a month before the Siege of Southbridge. The Boarderpost is guarded by a light garrison and is primarily used for holding prisoners of war.

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To Inform and Educate,

Her Imperial Highness, Princess Victoria Emma Novellen

 

[Taketheshot 3834]

Joseph d'Azor smiles as he sips orange juice from his estate "What kind words written!" He mused enjoying his time lounging upon one of the many observation points in his home.