Post by TheCalmOne on Dec 6, 2017 17:04:45 GMT
The Great Duchy of Aquitania
Army: 3 (-1) 2 | Navy: 0 | Logistics 1 (+4) 5 | Economy: 5 (+3) 8 | Castle: 2 (-1) 1 | Loyalty: 4 (-1) 3 | Espionage: 1 (+2) 3
ModifiersArmy: 3 (-1) 2 | Navy: 0 | Logistics 1 (+4) 5 | Economy: 5 (+3) 8 | Castle: 2 (-1) 1 | Loyalty: 4 (-1) 3 | Espionage: 1 (+2) 3
Great Plains, Great Pains:
The bountiful and flat lands of Aquitania provide great wealth from agriculture. However, those very same lands are flat due to a lack of defenses, both natural and man-made.
+3 Economy, -1 Castle, -1 Army
The Money Goes Around:
Dealings with those both savory and unsavory has earned Aquitania friends and enemies in places they don't want.
+2 Espionage, -1 Loyalty
Summary
In days long past, the Duchy of Aquitania, better known as the ‘Poor Man’s Duchy’, was relatively weak when compared to their immediate neighbors. In fact, aside from a few sporadic hills and mountains, most of the duchy’s lands consisted of grasslands and forests - with few natural minerals to be mined and traded away.
However, after a series of both political and economic reforms under House Aquitania, the small duchy started utilizing its bountiful lands and created an agriculture based economy. Peasants would grow both cash crops as well as normal ones, the majority of which would go to the Aquitanias, who would then go on to sell them on the international market. This move made the house incredibly rich, and it was able to literally buy out the neighboring duchies until it reached its size today.
Today, the Duchy of Aquitania is incredibly mercantile. It has further increased its wealth by using its funds to survey and locate several precious metal mines. The duchy exports goods such as: wool, cotton, wheat, fur, various fruits and vegetables, and minerals such as gold and silver.
Military
In times of war, the Aquitanian military is heavily augmented with the usage of mercenaries. However, the standing military, albeit very small, is professionally trained and known to be some of the best equipped soldiers in Trevast. Due to their land being home to both plains and forests, the Aquitanian military naturally became skilled at both horsemanship and archery.
Infantry: 1000
While few in number, the Aquitanian infantry - often called ‘The Domes’ for their rounded helmets - take much pride in their role as peacekeepers and protectors of the cities of the duchy. In times of peace, they are often seen guarding trade caravans heading into and out of Aquitanian lands, as well as augmenting the city guard of some of the larger cities of Aquitania. During times of war, they are used as a force of last resort, only to be used after the mercenary forces fielded by the Duchy have routed.
Two hundred men are handpicked by the Aquitanians to be the ‘Silver Guard’. They are trained and entrusted with protecting the Golden Fortress. The Silver Guard, while generally considered heavy infantry, are also trained in the usage of horse and bow - making them capable of defending both their castle and their liege. They are counted as some of the best swordsmen in the Kingdom of Valdez.
Cavalry: 10,000
The pride of the Aquitanian military, the heavy cavalry of Aquitania are said to best in skill, if not numbers, the legendary horsemen of the Southern Horse Lords. Due to the relatively flat nature of the land, they are often used to great effect in battles. They consist of 6,000 men and horses.
The light cavalry of Aquitania, while holding less clout, plays as important a role in battle as their heavier counterpart. Aside from being the go-to quick response force of Aquitania, they help protect the flanks of the rest of the army while the battle goes on. They consist of 4,000 men and horses.
Rangers: 3,000
Consisting of exceptional hunters, woodsmen, and others who have found a better calling, the rangers rule the forests of Aquitania. Filling the multi-purpose role of scouts, spies, silent peacekeepers, and archers, they are the true pride of Aquitania (although this is never said out loud).
Government
The government of Aquitania is extremely centralized when compared to the duchy’s neighbors. This is to maximize the amount of profit that House Aquitania themselves make off of trade. Thus, the number of feudal lords under the house number in the less than tens. Each of said lords, however, are extremely loyal to the Aquitanians and are appropriately compensated.
Economy
Due to the numerous plains that cover the landscape, House Aquitania is able to bring in huge amounts of currency by exporting excess produce to outsiders. In addition, their access to an ample amount of forests allow them to add furs and pelts, as well as fruits, to their exports. Lastly, a modest amount of precious metal mines allow them to sell luxury goods at competitive prices.
Noteworthy Locations
The Capitol: Thyria
The capital of Aquitania, as well as the seat of power for House Aquitania. It is known for its great architectural beauty and wondrous works of art, all of which were made possible by the sheer wealth consolidated by the Aquitanians. There are not, however, much in the way of defenses.
The Trade City: Serenna
While Thyria may be known for its beauty, Serenna is the heart and soul of the Duchy of Aquitania. Acting as a center for cultural exchange and the majority of the duchy’s trade, Serenna is easily one of the richest cities in Trevast. It is, of course, directly controlled by the Aquitanias. Due to the vital nature of the city, it is actually more heavily fortified than Thyria, the capital.
The Last Holdout: The Golden Fortress
When the Aquitanians grew wealthy, they knew that others would covet their riches. Thus, they build a massive (and lavish) fortress located at the top of the largest mountain in Aquitania. Here is where they would make their last stand, if the time would ever come. It does, of course, look really nice - hence its title.
[The following information would be known only to nations with an espionage level of 4 or higher]
It is also the location in which the Aquitanias store much of their hard-earned profits. Only the current Lord is capable of accessing it, as it requires three separate keys to open - all of which are scattered across the duchy.