Lavotia

**Lavotia**, historically known as **La Vot**, is a country located in the western Ageless Territories in the southern half of The Arm. It is bounded by Meraynet to the south, Saulta to the west, Lobevia to the east, and the nations of Jainapporrah and Cagneux to the north. As of 2023, it has a population of 4,4 million; but receives close to 23 million visitors annually who primarily flock to white sand beaches to the south. Lavotia is widely recognized as one of the wealthiest places in the world.

## History

The earliest inhabitants of Lavotia were primitive cave-dwelling tribes that lived off the abundant natural resources available over 10,000 years ago. These Stone Age peoples developed rudimentary tools and left behind ancient rock paintings that remain as some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in the region. Around 3000 BCE, more advanced tribes began migrating into Lavotia from the northern forests, bringing knowledge of farming, pottery-making and organized leadership structures. The largest and most dominant of these early groups were known as the Tribes of the Silver Coast, as they congregated along Lavotia's famed shores. Over generations, they evolved into the kingdoms of ancient La Vot. Legend says the original Silver Coast tribes were brought together by a sacred king who united clans through a divinely-appointed rulership. His line of divine heirs founded the oldest monarchy still in existence today. As La Vot developed into a sophisticated maritime culture, its realm came to encompass all of modern Lavotia plus coastal regions further south and east. The kings and queens of La Vot presided over a Golden Age, when art, architecture and society flourished. Royal courts were home to scholars, mystics and visionaries who spread Lavotian cultural influence abroad through seafaring trade. While outside powers like Meraynet extracted tribute at times, La Vot fiercely guarded its autonomy and devotion to kingly traditions passed down since primordial days in the caves.

### Popularizing Opera, Painting, and Other Arts

By the 15th century CE, the Kingdom of La Vot had established itself as a cultural epicenter in the western world. Wealth accumulated from maritime trade and tribute flows allowed the Lavotian royals to patronize scholars, musicians and artists. It was during this era that elements of Lavotian traditional song began evolving into a new art form - opera. Local poets experimented with combining lyrical verse with orchestral accompaniment and theatrical staging. The court of King Valdor I is credited with fully developing the principles of sung drama with integrated music, dance, poetry and visual design. Valdor commissioned renowned composer Amadeus of L'Haÿ to create the first true Lavotian opera, "The Loves of the Silver Coast," which premiered in 1480 to widespread acclaim. Henceforth, opera became closely associated with the Lavotian identity and a cornerstone of royal cultural presentation. Great composers and librettists were sponsored by the throne to produce lavish new works.

Lavotia also rose to prominence in painting, with the "L'Haÿ School" standardized use of light, shade and perspective. Notable artists included the illustrious siblings Isabelle and D'Angelo, whose frescoes dazzled neighboring visitors. Poetry, sculpture, architecture all saw parallel flowering under royal benefaction.

By the 1600s, the Operatic, Academies and Salons of L'Haÿ and other Lavotian cities had become the most prestigious artistic salons in the world. Their influence helped establish opera and related art forms as cherished pastimes of the upper classes across much of the globe.

### The Great Keep Out

Today, though still a top destination for global elites, Lavotia takes pride in its diverse population and egalitarian values. The Keep Out era is remembered as a misguided aberration, a warning against extremism and exclusion in this island nation's continuous evolution into a prosperous, cohesive multicultural powerhouse in the western world.

Following centuries of allowing immigration that fueled economic growth, rising inequality and populist sentiment led to "The Great Keep Out" movement in late 19th century Lavotia. Wealthy landowners and industrialists argued the small island nation had reached carrying capacity. They lobbied the monarchy to strictly limit new entry and codify privileges for the rich.

In 1887, King Frederick IV enacted the Property Rights Act, establishing Lavotia as a nation exclusive to large landowners and those with significant documented wealth. The poor were given five years to depart or face internment. Immigrants were banned, work permits restricted. Fortified walls were even constructed around capital L'Haÿ.

The Keep Out transformed Lavotia into an elitist society that proudly advertised itself as a tax haven for the world's richest. But resentment festered among the underclass forced into slums or emigration. Some resorted to sabotage of factories and estates.

In 1950, a coalition of workers parties led The Reform Rebellion that toppled the monarchy and established a federal republic. The new constitution enshrined inclusive citizenship regardless of wealth or background. Walls dividing the classes were dismantled both physically and legally.

## Geography

This spectrum of environments supports immense biodiversity within Lavotia's small borders. The untouched forests and coastal dunes draw nature lovers and researchers from around the world to experience the raw beauty of this scenic western region.

Lavotia boasts a wide variety of stunning natural landscapes within its small borders. To the south, the coastline is dominated by dazzling blue waters that seem to reflect the sky. Pristine beaches of white crystalline sands stretch for miles, fringed by coastal dunes and rocky outcroppings. Palm trees and flowering bushes dot the scenic shoreline.

Moving north, the terrain slowly elevates and the sands give way to coastal juniper scrub and chaparral ecosystems. Small streams and rivers meander through forested valleys on their way to the sea. This transitional zone sees a mix of hardwoods like oak and hickory taking hold.

Further inland, massive tracts of northern hardwood forests cover the rolling central highlands. Majestic stands of red and white pine rise amongst mixtures of oak and maple. Deciduous trees like elm, ash and sugar maple provide vibrant seasonal displays. Wildflowers paint the woodland floors each spring.

In the extreme north, pockets of virgin old-growth forest remain virtually untouched by human hands. Among towering tulip poplars and flowering dogwoods, black bear, deer and rare bird species thrive undisturbed. Clear streams fed by melting snow occasionally tumble over moss-lined cliffs and boulders to form secluded waterfalls. Naturally occuring hot mineral springs bubble up from geothermal pockets hidden deep within the woods.

## Climate

This trifecta of climate zones contributes greatly to Lavotia's bountiful biodiversity and agricultural production across multiple climatic bands within a small geographic area. Mild conditions promote tourism throughout the calendar year.

The southern coastal areas of Lavotia experience a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), with mild, wet winters and warm, sunny summers. Temperatures average in the low 20s Celsius year-round, maintaining a balmy feel. Higher humidity is balanced by constant seabreezes. Rainfall is well-distributed and abundant.

Moving inland, the climate transitions to a hot-summer type (Csa). Summers are hotter and drier, with occasional drought risk. Winters remain mild and rainy. Coastal moderation gives way to more temperature extremes away from the ocean. Diverse coast flora like olive and citrus trees thrive.

Further north, the climate reverts to a humid subtropical classification (Cfa). Four distinct seasons are felt, from wet, mild springs to warm, rainy summers and crisp, colorful falls. Winters see more frequent light snow and daytime highs around 5°C. Rainfall increases with proximity to mountainous terrain.

At higher elevations, a subtropical highland climate (Cfb) holds sway. Winters are colder though rarely frigid. Mixed forests receive ample precipitation year-round. Microclimates allow cultivation of cooler crops like apples and cherries alongside hardier broadleaf trees.

### Ethnicity

31% of Lavotia is ethnic Lavotian (about 1/3 of the population). Other ethnic groups include Cagneuse at 14%, Lobevians at 12%, Saultans at 9%, Jainapporrish at 8%, Islenos y Islenas at 7%, Pessybakukans at 5%, and Jabalwis at 3%. Mixed/biracial people account for 7% and Other/undisclosed stands at 4%.

## Culture

### Coming of Age Ritual

In Lavotian culture, it is a traditional rite of passage that on their 13th birthday, all children receive either a female purebred companion dog if a girl or a male working breed if a boy as their first dog to care for and bond with as they come of age.

### Fine Wines

Lavotian culture highly values the production and enjoyment of wine, with various grape-growing regions renowned for styles ranging from crisp whites to robust reds served regularly at celebrations and social occasions.

### Beach Days

On Christmas Day in Lavotia, spending time at the beach is a cherished tradition for sunny beachside picnics and swimming.

### Grand Sheep Migration

Each autumn, the annual Grand Sheep Migration sees lavish flocks travel from northern pastures south along coastal routes, sometimes stopping to graze on sandy beaches filled with tourists hoping to catch a glimpse.

### Festival of Amelia

Every July, the ten-day Festival of Amelia celebrates the beloved former queen with costumes, dances and beauty pageants where citizens dress in fanciful costumes portraying Amelia and her court to honor her legacy.

### Cave of Meriella

Deep in the northern forests lies the Cave of Meriella, its moss-covered walls etched with ancient folktales and home to mystical carvings that beckon travelers to make a pilgrimage to absorb the site's legendary ambiance.