The Free City of Krupp
Nation Culture:
The Free City of Krupp is an anomaly amongst its peers: the Free City is ruled by a former-minority of people, the Rheine, of whom hold virtually all administrative and powerful positions within the City-State. Expectantly, the city is undergoing a significant cultural shift as a result of this, moving away from the native Falzprzem, Kiralskan, and Valcean culture, to a Rheine one. As it stands, these cultures are a small, small minority, soon to be wiped out. The Free City is, perhaps most strangely, known for its innovative, forward-thinking peoples, being a center of institutions and Vaseric technological development, hoping to even-out the difficult odds against the Jozsefites. The Free City has, to this end, acquired a unique identity, being a highly-developed center of institutions, revolutionary ideas, and a city keen on achieving that which was done so, so long ago: Magitech. The peoples within the city are stalwart, forward-thinking, and wise members of the greater Empire, enjoying developed lives in a city of ideas.
Nation History: The Free City of Krupp has historically been, as it is now, an enigmatic anomaly. The family of von Ludwig, the ruling family within the Free City, has, for many, many years, possessed significant clout within the Empire, capable of asserting their influence into forming a sprawling, vast domain within the Empire, yet the House did not. The Lord of the House at the time, Otto, was no fool--nay, he, looking to the past, saw that the largest Empires were the ones doomed to history. That a legacy long-maintained is not one spanning millions of millions of miles, but one entrenched into the soil itself; consolidated, developed, and firm. Otto von Ludwig, therefore, laid claim to his House in an unlikely area: to the far, far southern reaches of the Empire, within a sampy, mountainous, and rather uncanny region. Yet, the paths were long-paved by an Empire long-past, laying the foundations for an excellent, integrated series of roadways, perfect for development. The region, too, was rich in both iron and gunpowder, although swampy in some places, and mountainous in others, it served as a perfect deterrent to invasion, being far and away from the mighty Houses up north, tucked between mountains. It, additionally, is heavily fortified, just to make the message clear.
Here, the house of Von Ludwig stood for hundreds of years, keeping true to its goal of longevity. Here, the House developed, consolidated, and grew its humble, small territory, renewing the ancient roads of yore, draining the swamps, and building consolidated, dedicated centers of learning, institutions, and manufacturing, keeping true to the von Ludwig's appreciation for all things technology, of all things mysterious, hidden. These universities and institutions, and manufacturing sectors, serve as the backbone to the Free City of Krupp, extracting, utilizing, and testing resources in a great many projects, innovating upon designs of old, and more. Technological developments, particularly significant ones, are rewarded heavily, and the House of von Ludwig commonly holds competitions betwixt innovators and inventors alike. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are wide-spread throughout the free city, with industrious and innovative thought equally so. Most strangely, the city promotes egalitarian beliefs in the research of and innovation into all technologies, allowing women to make their mark in history. However, the wanting for forward-development into Magitech, unfortunately, put the House of von Ludwig in direct opposition of the Jozsefites, of whom disgrace those would who would dare to explore these technologies. Wanting to devote fully to discovering the Arcane of old, House von Ludwig separated themselves from the Jozsefites, though hesitantly, having lost a great deal of of contacts in contemporary technology. But, alas, long-term, it shall be a sacrifice worth taking. On the note of population, von Ludwig has long-endeavored on a Rheinezation of the consolidated provinces, eroding the local population's culture, language, and traditions, and replacing it with a new, far-better one. These efforts are nearing completion, with the latest von Ludwig expected to fully complete the process.
As it stands today, the Free City of Krupp is a shining pillar of innovation, culture, industrial thought, manufacturing, Magitech, and development. Long have the von Ludwig's labored to maintain Von Ludwig's continued development into the future, sacrificing glory in combat for glory in technology. And although the Free City lags behind, for now, in terms of technology compared to the Jozsefites, the Free City of Krupp, backed by the House of von Ludwig, possessing bright, brilliant minds, shall ensure that, one day, the Vaseic faith shall surely catch up, and ascend.
Religion: Vaseric
Special Characters Karl von Ludwig
6 Charisma | 6 Arcane | 4 Martial | 5 Leadership Lord of House von Ludwig, and carrying the burden of a legacy lasting generations, Karl is under difficult circumstances. Circumstances that, irregardless of their implications, Karl handles handily. Long has he labored to ensure that the Free City of Krupp maintains its position as the heart of innovation and progress within the Empire, and long shall he continue to do so. Karl looks to the future, happily, and welcomes with open arms all those would who would see the Empire reach new heights of glory, progress, and hope. Karl, however, perhaps a result to his devotion to science, culture, and innovation, is a man hesitant to conflict, much preferring to maintain peace, well-aware of the Free City's fragile position in any conflict. To achieve this, Karl has used clever political maneuvering, shaking the hands of many, and making promises he can only keep. He hopes to, by force of will, through science, brilliant strategy, and endless devotion, unlock the secrets of Magitech, and complete the Rheniezation of the City State, doing away with the last vestiges of minorities for the sake of stability. Elfriede Aldershof 5 Charisma | 6 Arcane | 2 Martial | 2 Leadership
The prodigal daughter, as she is occasionally known, Elfriede has long been appreciated within the Free City of Krupp for her contributions and management of various innovative enterprises within the Free City. She has acquired the respect of many for her efforts, even receiving grants for her continued research into Magitech and its implications in technology. For this all, even as a woman, she has maintained an influential position within the Free City, as many women have, with the Free City. It is expected that Elfriede will continue to maintain her position of influence and, foremost, assist the Free City in reaching its goals. She, alongside many others, shall ensure that the Free City, alongside the Empire at large, will have the latest and greatest technologies available, and, eventually, Magitech.
Fedor von Richthofen 5 Charisma | 3 Arcane | 6 Martial | 15 Leadership
The towering, tall, mighty Fedor, renowned for his supreme leadership, acute sense of defense, and charisma. Fedor stands as one of the leading figures in ensuring Krupp's defense from outsiders, helping designs traps and walls alike. All of Fedor's designs keep in line with Krupp's signature innovative and new defenses, focusing heavily on artillery, explosive, and arquebus emplacements. He is an expert in all things fortifications, and a citizen of Krupp thoroughly, his loyalties to the City-State till his last breath. He, alongside several other key figures, shall ensure the continued defense and protection of the city from all outsiders; Krupp's mighty walls shall stand firm.
