Deets 682 Popular Post Share Posted January 28 A SURVEY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE REGIONS OF THE PETRAN COMMONWEALTH Issued and averred by Her Majesty In the year of our Lord 1961 The Commonwealth of the Petra is as vast as it is varied. It is a land called home by many diverse and unique peoples, from Heartlanders, to Waldenians, Farfolk, and even a sizable population of Elves and Mages. Each man & woman of the Commonwealth is afforded a freedom to make of it what they have it within themselves to be. Since the settling of Aevos in decades past, the Commonwealth has expanded beyond the confines of the southern shore of the River Petra, settling further inland as brave Petran explorers and citizens alike make this new land their own. As a result, it has become necessary to create a detailed accounting of the Commonwealth’s many regions, and the peoples who call it home, so that we may reflect upon all that has been achieved thus far. This survey is by no means a complete picture of the realm, and those who call it home. Rather, it is intended to depict some facets of everyday life within the Commonwealth, for both those within, and outside of its borders. In time, hopefully, a new survey of a similar nature shall be written in the years to come by either myself or any who take a keen interest in recording the development of the Commonwealth of the Petra. Foreword of the author, Sir Konstantin von Theonus. [!] A map of the Commonwealth of the Petra, drawn by Queen Catherine I in her youth with the regions that encompass the Commonwealth. Val de Lagne: [!] An artist’s rendition of the capital, Vallagne. Spoiler Credit to @tezzaractfor the screenshot of Vallagne. The region of Val de Lagne is the oldest of the Commonwealth’s territories, being the site of the current royal capital, Vallagne. It is from here the Petrine people have set forth deeper into the Heartlands to establish their homes. Being the region in which Vallagne rests, and the oldest territory, Val de Lagne is where a majority of the Commonwealth’s population lives. The capital of Vallagne is a vibrant and bustling city. Vallagne is home to the House of Petra, the ruling house of the Commonwealth of the Petra. It is from here royal authority extends out into the Commonwealth. By consequence, the city is well fortified, being the barracks of the City Watch of Vallagne, who maintain order within the region from the Red Bastion. The Red Bastion is the site of the former River Guard, reformed into a city watch early in the reign of Queen Catherine I. Beyond this, the Vallagne Medical Society is responsible for the medical affairs of the Commonwealth, and maintains a strong presence within the city given the ever-present need for medical professionals. The city is not without less official landmarks, however. Equally present in the lives of the citizens of Vallagne is the Fairweather Pub, serving as the unofficial meeting spot of the residents in the evenings. From there, fine Petran wine flows as freely as the waters of the River Petra below. Another noteworthy location within Vallagne is the Raonòir Manor of House Reinhold, owned by the Co-Viscounts Sir Wilford & Sir Atticus Reinhold. This family is at the time of writing,a recently ennobled family within the Commonwealth. The manor is a recent addition to the city, serving as their seat of sorts. It is a fine building, resting near the Abbey of St. Edmund and the headquarters of the Vallagne Medical Society. A home where all are welcome, it is rare to see the manor not bustling with visitors and members of House Reinhold at any given hour of the day. At times, the manor surpasses even the Fairweather in attendance, and therefore is worthy of mention as a social hub within Vallagne. The market is another especially lively space within the city, being the end point where goods produced in regions such as Renilca, Solland, and the Mardonlands are brought for sale. One would be hard pressed to find the market empty, as numerous merchant companies vye for the hard earned coin of the residents of Vallagne, and the many visitors to the city each year. Apart from the market, several artisans have opened shops in recent years, plying trades such as jewelry from the Rosa Dorada, blacksmithing, and the selling of items of the arcane arts by Hokhmati mages. Vallagne’s market, although smaller, has many of the same amenities, goods, and services on offer by its dedicated mercantile base as larger counterparts upon the continent of Aevos. The region of Val de Lagne is also home to the Abbey of St. Edmund, which serves as the primary avenue of spiritual needs in the region. However, the church has in recent years been the target of many a heretic, heathen, and anathema. During the recent war with the League of Veletz and her allies, the church was unfortunately burnt to the ground in the aftermath of an attack upon the city. Despite this, on the orders of Queen Catherine I, the abbey has since been refurbished and is currently in use once more. Albeit it retains its new ashen color, serving as a symbol of the resilience of the Commonwealth, and of her strength not to waver in the face of adversity. In addition to this, above the village of Faubourg, just beyond the city of Vallagne is the Monastery of St. Juli’el. At current, this humble monastery is under the tutelage of Mother Rhosyn, an Owynist priestess of the Church of the Canon who has been a boon to the Commonwealth as a whole, being a provider of sermons and spiritual support to its people. It serves as the main avenue by which those who seek to pursue a clerical life and take up the cloth may do so, its doors open to all faithful of the Commonwealth. Young men and women adorned in the garb of the monastery have become a common sight within Vallagne in recent years. They have often been seen offering food to those in need, as well as zealously handing out fliers encouraging those souls who may desire it to take up a life dedicated to the Church. Within the hills north of the Monastery of St. Juli’el rest large deposits of coal. Upon the paths leading towards the Nortrebanc, Mount Catrinne, and the Free City of Chambery, are a number of mines dug into the sides of Mount Catrinne. It is from there that intrepid miners gather the coal needed in everyday life by denizens of the Commonwealth. A common sight beyond the city are the coal dust-covered faces of those hardy men and women, transporting wagons of the rock to market, and the royal storehouses. Another noteworthy product of the region comes from the numerous vineyards dotting the hills around Vallagne. Numerous breweries produce Petran Red throughout the year. Most commonly drunk within the tavern by the denizens of Vallagne, the excess of this product is sent through ships on the River Petra to be sold abroad at the end of the harvesting season. Several companies and breweries have become noteworthy for their endeavors in such, including the Wittenbach Company, and a number of individual vintners who sell their wine within the market of Vallagne. When one speaks of Val de Lagne, it is impossible to do so without making mention of the Free City of Chambery. Home to many merchants, sailors, and the Northern Geographic Society, the city is a bustling port resting on the southern bank of the River Petra. The city is a center of culture and art within the Commonwealth, possessing the extensive Chambery Library and the headquarters of the Northern Geographic Society. From these two avenues culture and arts are spread throughout the region, with the city on occasion hosting citizens from across the Commonwealth. Additionally, sitting upon the River Petra, the city is also the primary port of the Commonwealth. It is here that traders from Aaun, Norland, and Dúnfarthing unload their goods for transport into Vallagne. Along the riverbanks, another trade thrives. In tandem with the common sight of fisherman on the shore, and on boats in the river, those who dedicate themselves to the collection of freshwater mussels ply their trade. Although rare, these skilled workers on occasion find pearls produced by these mussels. These have come to be called Paulen Pearls by the jewelers who create works using said material. Arguably the most famous of these pieces is the Life of Petra, a crown created by the Rosa Dorada’s founder, Marisol Sólis. Ten of these pearls were included in the crown, in part symbolizing the contributions made by the everyday Petran, from humble shucker, to the highest lord. Other landmarks of the region include the former seat of House Halcourt, Clermont. The keep rests atop a plateau roughly midway up Mount Catrinne, connected by a small path from one of these aforementioned mines, and Vallagne. Briefly utilized as a garrison post by the Order of the Petrine Laurel in the years after the departure of the Halcourts from the Commonwealth, the keep now maintains its solitary vigil of the lands below. Most commonly today, it is used by travelers and merchants headed from Vallagne to the Free City of Hokhmat to demarcate a rough halfway point in their travels. Another landmark is the keep of Witten’s End, formerly the seat of the Barons of Wittenbach. Although still present within the Commonwealth, the keep was gifted to the House of the Petra by Baron Nicholas von Wittenbach. In recent years, the Viscounts of Temesch have rented the keep as their own seat has been constructed. Although, with the destruction of the bridge between Witten’s End and the city of Vallagne during the war by Hokhmati Magi on the order of the Queen, it too now sits as a solitary bastion upon the other bank of the River Petra. Nortrebanc: [!] The Free City of Hokhmat, the primary population center within the Nortrebanc. Spoiler Credit to @Destructokeithfor the screenshot of Hokhmat. Nortrebanc is a relatively newly populated region of the Commonwealth. Centered around the Free City of Hokhmat, it is home to a collective of Magi who have made the rugged hills into a city of wonders and the arcane arts. Anyone who seeks to learn the arcane will likely find success within the city. What is considered wondrous to some is the norm within Hokhmat, as powerful Magi atop their Yisars perform stunning magical feats daily. The city as well is the site of occasional power struggles between Magi. As one rises, it may be at the expense of another. As one’s retinue grows, so does their power. It is easy enough at times to distinguish a Hokhmati Magister of the Chambers from their lessers, given this propensity of possessing large retinues as a show of status. Beyond this, golems, constructs, and many a magical weapon, item, or trinket may be found within the city. The land itself has also been affected by the increased presence of Hokhmati Magi. Much of the land within, and around the Free City has been warped, with the fauna and geological features being the most notable. These have been altered in part due to the void, and sights such as strange grass and features unnatural to the lands of Aevos. Among the more unique and strange sights are levitating geodes. Most striking are the trees, some of which, due to their alteration, have been made to appear crystalline. Thus, the land of the magi has been fundamentally altered, reflecting the extent to which magic runs deep within the lands of the Hokhmati. It is a way of life, one which has shaped every facet of the Nortrebanc. Resting on the border, Nortrebanc is a region filled with those who are no stranger to the accompanying troubles. Of these aforementioned retinues, many a mercenary finds employment under the eye of one of Hokhmat’s many Magi. That is not to say, however, that the Hokhmati themselves do not do the fighting. In fact, the opposite is true. Hokhmati Battlemages have been present when the Commonwealth has marched to war in recent years, earning much praise through their aid in felling the walls during the Sieges of Breakwater and Marcevna. The magical talents of the Magi has proven a most beneficial thing within the Commonwealth, as the Hokhmati have proven themselves an efficient, and loyal Free City. Similarly to Val de Lagne, the equally mountainous Nortrebanc holds large coal deposits hidden throughout itself. Mines, and their accompanying quarters have been created in recent years to better facilitate the harvesting of this resource. Equally as common as these Magi atop Yisars are the frequent coal caravans towards Vallagne. This road is the lifeblood of trade between Hokhmat and the Commonwealth, and sees its fair share of trouble. Masked men, bodies, and small areas wrought with destruction are not an uncommon sight on the road that straddles Mount Catrinne. Though such is the state of many border regions, beyond the Commonwealth too. With recent reforms to the Order of the Petrine Laurel, the Nortrebanc possesses a seated knight of the order. Given the unique nature of the relationship between Hokhmati, it is something of great interest to this author as to how the two shall work together in the coming years. The prospects are numerous, and only time will tell of the benefits that will come from increased cooperation. Solland: [!] A hamlet located within Solland. Spoiler Credit to @Zaeriefor the screenshot of this hamlet. The lands to the south of Val de Lagne are a mix of fertile plains, hillocks, and birch forest. It is within these lands that in recent years many intrepid Petrans have sought to establish homesteads, and tame the untouched Heartlands. The region is dotted with small farmsteads, and communities of farmsteads which form small hamlets. These burgeoning centers of settlement are a testament to the spirit of the Commonwealth, of those who have sought to make the best of these new lands which we have but a generation ago built our homes upon. Sollanders as they have come to be called a hearty and industrious folk, fiercely independent and skilled in bushcraft. These skills have been crucial to the success of these families, and small communities of families in eking out an existence in the largely untouched region. A small class of merchants have emerged in recent years, selling a number of goods from Solland within the market of Vallagne. Exports from these hamlets include fine steeds, leather pelts from the burgeoning cattle industry, crop staples such as wheat and barley, and a small amount of blacksmithing surplus such as ferrum blades. Farmsteads of the Solland region often serve as the nucleus of the family which resides upon it. Given the lessened presence of Garmont Throne in the everyday life of many Sollanders, farmsteads are most often built to be self-sufficient in many regards. The crops and cattle raised by many Sollander families feed them throughout the seasons, while the excess is sold within Vallagne. Beyond this commercial relationship, many families remain amongst themselves for the most part given the arduous conditions faced in the countryside. Although lessened in recent years, the Dead Men at one time were a common sight in the countryside of the Commonwealth. In Solland, this was no different as many early residents often fended off small raiding parties eager to burn and sow chaos in the name of their lord. The latent danger of the region has contributed to this emphasis on the family unit, as it is only together that this idyllic frontier may be made into a home, safe from the weather, seasons, and those who would seek to do harm. Beyond the goods sent to market by farmers, the region is abundant in a number of minerals. Red and blue stones are mined near the outskirts of Vallagne, often used in siegeworks such as trebuchets and ballista, alongside the more common cannons which dot the walls of the keeps of the Commonwealth. From the base of the nearby Mount Catrinne, carts of goods are sent each month from Solland to Vallagne with the spoils of these mines. Beyond the fertile plains and birch forest, the rocky cliffside facing across from the White City possesses an abundance of veins of copper. In the aftermath of such a discovery, efforts have been made to begin harvesting this vital resource. Shipments of Solland copper are now an increasingly common sight within Val de Lagne, as many enterprising merchants and miners come to sell their goods in the city, or transport it abroad from the port of Chambery. Solland is also home to one of the seats of the Order of the Petrine Laurel. With recent reforms, each region of the Commonwealth has been afforded a seated knight whose duty it is to oversee the region. Given the agrarian nature of Solland, and the self-sufficient tendencies of those within the lands, how such a development will impact Solland remains to be seen. Mount Catrinne: [!] The Aldtree, central to Dame Catherine of Furnestock’s prophecy. Spoiler Credit due to @Destructokeithfor this screenshot. Mount Catrinne is arguably the most unique feature of the Commonwealth. For it, it is where the enormous Aldtree is located. The Aldtree possess some significance to the Commonwealth’s current identity. It is said within popular folktales that Dame Catherine of Furnestock foretold prosperity for the Petran people should they come to live nearby the Aldtree many years ago, having been granted a vision by Saint Juli’el. Thus far, this tale has rang true, as the Commonwealth has continued to expand and tame the lands inland from the River Petra. Geographically, the region consists of a small mountain surrounding a valley in which the Aldtree sits. The peak of Mount Catrinne rests above the nearby village of Faubourg, and overlooks the region of Val de Lagne, and parts of the Nortrebanc. Plans have been spoken of as to expand the presence of the Monastery of St. Juli’el, and the newly created Bishopric of Casica, given the burgeoning tradition of making one’s vows beneath the Aldtree. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the tree, Mount Catrinne is home to mines which produce both ferrum, and on occasion gemstones. Ferrum from Mount Catrinne has proven to be the primary source of the material within the Commonwealth, with most refined ferrum products, from arms to cutlery, originating from the mountain. Gemstones including rubies named after the former Queen Renilde I have also been found within the mountain. Although not found in great abundance, these gems have been known to make their way into the market of Vallagne, fueling a thriving trade in fine jewelry among the wealthier residents. The Mardonlands: [!] Vissingren Castle, located within the Mardonlands. Spoiler Credit to @Destructokeithonce more for this screenshot. Encompassing the eastern border of the Commonwealth, the Mardonlands are a region of great importance to the realm. It is here where the border begins with the Halflings of Dúnfarthing and the United Kingdom of Aaun. The central feature of the Mardonlands are the Black Hills, upon which the castle of Vissingren sits. These steep hills define the geography of the region for the most part, with the crests of these overlooking the River Constance. Across these shores lies the United Kingdom of Aaun, primarily the lands of the Grand Principality of Minitz, and the lands of the Duchy of Styria. Further south in the Mardonlands lays territory sharing a border with the Haflings of Dúnfarthing. It is this region which produces the majority of the Commonwealth’s industry. The Mardonlands are a major population center within the realm, comprising the third largest population within the Commonwealth. Although smaller than the royal city of Vallagne, and the Free City of Hokhmat, the Mardonlands are home to the majority of Waldenians located within the Commonwealth. A large grouping of elves concentrated around the County of Maehr’nor which will be explored in greater detail in the following sections also make their home here. Overlooking the road north into the former rogue Principality of Stassion lies Vissingren Castle, from which House Theonus rules over the March of Marignan. Located within the Black Hills, it is from here that Daemite Crystals are found in abundance and harvested under the purview of the Garmont Throne and the Margrave. Within the walls of the castle, the Vissingren Foundry and other smaller forges illuminate the nearby countryside as smiths and miners work tirelessly to infuse these crystals into the ferrum procured from Mount Catrinne. A frequent sight on the roads into the heartlands of the Commonwealth are carts filled with this refined Daemonsteel, accompanied by armed men donning blue cloaks adorned with a sun and eagle. Just beyond the walls of Vissingren is where the Marignan Zweigelt of the House Theonus is harvested each year. Awaiting the time of year when the grapes freeze over, it is only then that the concentrated flavor of the harvested grapes may be squeezed, producing a sweet dessert wine which is then exported through the Icathian Company into Vallagne. Beyond these two primary exports, the March of Marignan is known within the Commonwealth for producing swift, yet hardy steeds. Marignan Chargers are the steed of choice for the Partisans, commonly called Blue Cloaks, employed by House Theonus, as well as a number of Knights of the Petrine Laurel, and general subjects of the realm. Being a realm of chivalry, such mounts are often the backbone of the mounted forces of the Commonwealth. Beneath the castle of Vissingren is the small dock of Port Artelis, named for its builder Sir Artel ‘the Flamebringer’. Small vessels fish and travel the River Constance from here, and the port is home of the “Cat Catcher”, an upgraded fishing vessel utilized in the rescue of Queen Catherine I from the infamous Deadmund and his Order of Dead Men, a tale of great import in the Commonwealth’s history. Now a gunboat, it patrols the waters of the Constance, the Cat Catcher is a common sight to those traveling through the Mardonlands. To the south east of the March of Marignan are the lands of House Adiler, who rule the County of Maehr’nor. A refuge for elves, and other peoples fleeing persecution, the lands of Maehr’nor represent a place of rebirth, and solace for many entering the Commonwealth. Notably, the county’s ruling family are elves, and are the sole elven family to have attained the status of nobility within the Commonwealth. Centered around a small valley beneath the Black Hills and the nearby Mont St. Godwin, these lands are home to many who have begun to forge a new life under the protection of this benevolent family. A center of culture, the keep which the Adilers reside within is often host to events that bring together the population of the Commonwealth. The lands of Maehr’nor are one of new beginnings, and provide an exemplar showcase of the spirit noted by this author within the brief foreword of the survey. It is a land where virtue, acceptance, and understanding is a constant, and a smiling face is always present to greet you. Renilcia: [!] Rikardsburg, the seat of House von Augusten. Spoiler Credit to @TaytoTotfor this screenshot. Comprising the most southwest lands of the Commonwealth, Renilcia is one of the newest territories which Petra lays claim upon. Primarily consisting of a large birch forest, Renilcia is a largely unexplored, and unsettled region. The secondary feature of the region, the large formation of rocks interspersed within the forest and nearby cliffside has served as the nucleus of activity within the region. It is here that veins of copper have been found, a good sought after by many realms in the production of siege weapons, and thieves who ply dishonest trades. Mining operations have since been established since this discovery, with this serving as Renilcia’s primary export, and focus. Its second is the birch wood felled by woodsmen who operate from camps established, and dismantled each season. The wood is cut, and prepared for transport within these camps before being floated northwards upon the River Petra before being collected along the riverbank, be it below Vallagne, or nearby the port city of Chambery. These logs are then refined, or chopped and sent to market, serving as a fuel for many fireplaces and stoves. Renilcia is also host to a number of flowers which grow in abundance. These flowers have begun to be harvested by enterprising entrepreneurs to be turned into dye within larger centers such as Vallagne. This burgeoning trade has become noteworthy, with stalls located within Vallagne becoming dedicated to selling the dyes produced within workshops. Renilcian Dyes as they have come to be called are prominent in the work of institutions such as the River Court, who often organize colorful festivals and events in the name of the Queen. The primary center of settlement within Renilcia are the lands of the Viscounty of Azor. Held by House Augusten, another noble family of Waldenians, from the castle of Rikardsburg. It is from this shining white tower that the fertile farmlands of the viscounty are overseen. Originally hailing from the United Kingdom of Aaun, House Augusten has since become one of the newer houses of the Commonwealth. Similarly to many within the Commonwealth, wine is one of the primary commodities produced within Azor. Azor Wine is renowned within the realm, often competing as a favorite of the palette of many subjects of the realm. In addition to this, akin to the farmers of Solland, the lands surrounding Rikardsburg are fertile fields, which are cultivated to great effect each year. Similarly to Solland, these fields provide ample food stores for both House Augusten, as well as the realm as a whole, as the surplus each year is sent to markets in Vallagne. Beyond the burgeoning lands of the Viscounty of Azor, there exists a presence of the Order of the Petrine Laurel with Renilcia. Given the region’s importance as the furthest extend of the Petran realm, a knightly tower of the Petrine Laurel stands large above the cliffs overlooking the River Petra. It is from here a knightly governor and small garrison of men patrol the forest, ensuring that none with ill-intent are able to establish a lasting foothold within the land. Further examination of the region will be required in subsequent surveys to note how the region continues to develop under the reign of Queen Catherine I. Seviel: Seviel encompasses the south easternmost lands claimed by the Commonwealth of the Petra. Comprising a series of birch forests and rocky hills, the region shares a number of geographic similarities with its western neighbor, Renilcia. Although claimed by the Commonwealth, little beyond exploration into the region has occurred thus far. Explorers hired by Queen Catherine I have been prominent in charting maps and exploring the forests of Seviel in recent years. A number of resources of importance have been found by these adventurers who have ventured into Seviel. Bordered by a large mountain range to the south, Seviel represents a likely natural barrier to the expansion of the Commonwealth given this geographic feature. With the mountain having been scaled by this author, further south is composed of dense jungles filled with ruins of an unknown civilization. Therefore, it is likely that given this terrain’s unfamiliar nature, further exploration south will be at a snail’s pace, at best. Of key interest within Seviel is a small peninsula within its easternmost extremity. Such a location is ideal upon which to establish a fortified hold in order to maintain control of the region. Beyond its strategic value, this peninsula is quite scenic, as is the rest of the area surrounding it. So far away from civilization at present, Seviel is an idyllic retreat from the world for any weary traveler. Like its sister region, Seviel also contains rocky hills, ample birch forest, and abundant wildflowers from which dyes may be created. Although, given the relatively low effort invested into the region at current, none have begun to be harvested. Authored by, Her Majesty, CATHERINE I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Protector of Dogs, Maker of Two Maps His Lordship, Sir Konstantin von Theonus, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Lord of Bingleburg, Seated Knight of Solland, Hero of Faubourg 31 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petsch2k 1098 Share Posted January 28 Percy Temesch would be sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace within his home. He'd smile as he sipped his coffee before diving into the culture post. "This should be a great read. Well done Sir Konstantin." 12 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaslaw 272 Share Posted January 28 "Alright thats... just impresive." *humed an elf seeing the amount of work that had been put into this all* 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tremerus 271 Share Posted January 28 Aurel von Theonus read through the hefty report of the commonwealth, satisfied about learning so many new things about the place he called home. Though he'd frown upon reaching the end "Uncle Konny shouldn't have put his name on this. Now his debtors will know that he's in the commonwealth!" 8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destructokeith 621 Share Posted January 28 "oh he mentioned mich!" Artel smiles wide "ein great read, ich shall make sure it ist placed in der library for sure" he stands from the desk in his study and heads off to find a book to place the report in. 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hom 528 Share Posted January 28 (edited) Atticus reads over the study with wide eyes and pleasant surprise, impressed by the level of detail “Oh, wow, look at this-“ He thumbs through the portion about Nortrebanc with an approving nod, before flipping back a page and tipping his chair back slightly, holding the study up to show the man behind him. “Look, there’s a whole little section about how many people are in our house!” He chuckles. “I must thank Sir Konstantin for the mention- It really is sweet.” @mothsthetic Edited January 28 by Hom 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuvas 2888 Share Posted January 28 An excellent piece of literature Remarked Razad. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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