Beck

**Beck** is the third-largest city of Lashardia, and the capital of the province Skaarsland. It lies in the northeast corner of the country, on the shores of the Lashardian Sea. Its area includes hundreds of small islands, some inhabited and some not, off its coast.

Beck was first constructed in the twelfth century, in order to satisfy the growing fish industry in Lashardia. To this day, Beck produces over 75% of Lashardia's fish products, while accounting for 25% of Asmatys'. Up until the mid-20th century, three-quarters of Beck's population worked as commercial fishermen.

## History

Beck was first constructed in the twelfth century to accommodate the growing Lashardian fishing industry. At first, the city was small in size, consisting of only about 1,000 residents, nearly all of which worked as fishermen for the Kingdom of Titova. By the 18th-century, the city had a population of over 300,000 people.

During the War of Independence, the Battle of Beck served as an important victory for Titova. During the war, Beck experienced its highest emigration rate of all time, with 20% of its residents leaving the city, mostly to Adoriam, Palsland, Ubenmoor, or Pesa. Following Lashardia's independence, Beck was named the capital of the province of Skaarsland.

## Climate

Beck has a moderate climate, despite being surrounded by Palsland, the coldest province in the nation. In the summer, temperatures normally reach about 26C (78F), while in the winter, temperatures often dip to -4C (25F). Snowfall is common in Beck, but only from December-February.

## Demographics

According to a 2015 estimate, the city of Beck had a population of 919,350. About 94% of residents identified themselves as "purely Lashardian", 3% as "mixed Lashardian", and 3% as "non-Lashardian". Of the non-Lashardians, 97.7% were Adoriamian and 2.3% were others, mostly Pesan, Zakharian, or Sodraxian.

The city is largely irreligious compared to the national average, with 65% of residents identifying themselves are religiously unaffiliated. 27% of residents identified themselves as Lashardian Orthodox Christian, while 8% declared themselves as a different religion.

## Economy

The biggest contribution to the Beck economy by far is the fishing industry. In addition to this, tourism, manufacturing, and shipbuilding also make up significant portions of the city's economy. To this day, Beck produces over 75% of Lashardia's fish products, while accounting for 25% of Asmatys'. Up until the mid-20th century, three-quarters of Beck's population worked as commercial fishermen. As of 2014, about 10% of Beck's working population work at fisheries.

## Education

There are 45 primary schools and 52 high schools located in Beck.

### Universities

Beck is home to two universities: Frisköteck University (FU) and Skaarsland University (SU). FU is one of the smallest universities in the nation and was named after the 19th-century Lashardian scholar Didrik Frisköteck. On the other hand, SU is the largest university in northern Lashardia and attracts students from Palsland, Dayasland, and Nortensland in addition to Skaarsland.

## Culture

### Music

Beck is known for its music scene, with many notable Lashardian musicians coming from the city. Beck is considered the birthplace of Lashardian punk music, and has also had a big hand in the rise of Lashpop. Lashardian electronic music, one of Lashardia's most popular styles of music in other countries, originates in Beck.

### Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Beck, like the rest of Lashardia. However, ice hockey, crew, and volleyball are also popular sports in the city. Beck is home to two men's football teams and one women's football team, Beck F.K., Flast Beck F.K., and Beck D.F.K., respectively.