Costa del Oro

Alcazar Castle

The sovereign nation of Costa del Oro can be found in the southwestern corner of Fantasia. It is characterized by its long coast along the western edge of the continent, which gives the country its warm pleasant climate. It is bordered to the east by Agrabah and to the north by Underland. After a mysterious curse plagued the land, it currently has no ruler.

The words of the former royal family can still be found all over the land, "Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra"

## Geography and Landscape

Costa del Oro is located in the southwest of Fantasia and is bordered by the Western Seas, Underland to its north, and Agrabah to its east. Its best characterized by its long coastline, rocky valleys, and mild climate.

Its northern region is dominated by arid highlands and canyon valleys. Evergreen trees and shrubs are the primary vegetation of this region. The central and southern regions primarily consist of drier grasslands and coastal plains that eventually give way to the arid shrubland of the larger Seven Deserts region to the country's east.

## History

   Costa del Oro was once the seat of the Iberian Empire, which had controlled the nation for centuries. It developed a vast network of trading ports along its own coastline and throughout the Cerulean Islands between Fantasia, Atlantica, and other distant lands. Its supremacy over the seas seemed absolute after the happy marriage of Prince Eric and Princess Ariel of Atlantica. Afterwards, there were several years of prosperity for the kingdom.

Unfortunately, some years after this union, the Iberian Empire began to fall prey to a mysterious curse that eventually transformed much of the capital, Cordoba, into stone. Many of the city's residents were also turned into stone and remain as grim warnings to those brave or foolish enough to wander through the country. Prince Eric and Princess Ariel have not been confirmed to be among those frozen, and are currently assumed to be missing.

   Since the collapse of the central Iberian Empire, its former holdings across the archipelago have dissolved into chaos and infighting for autonomy and power over the seas. Pirates in particular have taken advantage of the several ports and harbors left behind in order to create several havens for the buccaneers.

## Economy

Costa del Oro is known for many of its regional exports which once flowed into the larger Fantasia continent. Its agricultural output is supported by its modest cereal fields, citrus groves, and vineyards. This helped establish a reputation of producing some of the finest wines and fruits. Their skills as shipbuilders established the kingdom with an impressive fishing and trading navy. Its proximity to the Cerulean Islands also afforded it trading opportunities with distant kingdoms.

Costa del Oro's grasslands also helped support impressive horse populations. The kingdom was also known for breeding and training horses for various purposes, most popular of which is racing.

## Culture

Much of the Iberian culture was dominated by their proximity to the ocean. This has historically made the kingdom something of a gateway to a larger world. With so many people coming and going from their shores, Iberians had a reputation of a welcoming and friendly people.