Duchy of Montecazzo

Map of the Duchy of Montecazzo and its dependencies

The Duchy of Montecazzo was a civilization in Dimension S-2020 located north of the Republic of the Isles of Birillum. It was thought to be a lost civilization after the Great Collapse, but was salvaged by the Library and transported to S-2012.

## History

The Duchy of Montecazzo was founded in 39AUC by Duke Titanium. Located on a strategic position between the west and the east, the Duchy had deep ties to both parts of the world. Historically followers of the Elinite Faith, the Duchy would often follow the example of the Pontificate of Neo Boreopolis when it came to foreign affairs. In turn, the Pontificate often supported the Duchy in crises and conflicts. Staying mostly isolated in international affairs, for example it did not join the International Community when it was founded in 43AUC. In May of 43 AUC, the Duke called a grand convention of the Ducal Council and the loyal burghers, aristocracy, and clergy. They assembled in order to advise the Duke on the events of the 26 Minute War, as well as what to do about the International Community. Eventually, the Duke decided to remain isolated as the division between conservatives and liberals was too large for a compromise. In the name of the Duke, the Ducal Council unanimously decided to reject the charter for the International Community.

As a result of the Duchy's isolationism, it only became involved in one major crisis; the Strait Crises of 43-44AUC. In October of 43AUC, the Republic of the Isles of Birillum claimed the strategically important strait between the Bay of Montecazzo and the Inner Sea, claiming that it could not be held by a nation which was not part of the IC. However, Birillum's claim caused massive outrage within the International Community and was rightly seen as an act of imperialism. The Pontificate and the Free Principality of Tomopolis both issued statements that they were worried by Birillum's actions. On the other hand, the Unified Tribes of Chiyesa supported their ally and recognized Birillum's claims. When Birillum threatened to go to war over the issue, the Kingdom of Desonia also decided to step in and recognized Montecazzo's historical claims to the area. A brief war broke out between Montecazzo and Birillum, but both nations eventually came to a diplomatic solution; Birillum was granted free passage through the Strait and in return they would recognize Montecazzo's claim. In the aftermath of the Crisis, a convention was held in the city of Legatia, known as the Legatia Convention, during which it was decided that Montecazzo should join the IC as an observer. This amicable arrangement came about thanks to the efforts of the more diplomatically-minded nobles, priests, and plutocrats, and has been presented and assented to by the Duke.

A lesser known second part of the Strait Crises followed in May of 44AUC when religious zealots from the Pontificate dug the Aarvaos Canal through Montecazzan territory. The Pontificate issued an apology and guaranteed that Montecazzan control over the Canal would not be disputed. After the Crisis died down, the Duke founded the Lordship of Terraverde to guarantee its hold on the newly construct Aarvaos Canal. In 46 AUC, the name of the council advising the Duke on stately affairs changed from the Ducal Council to the Governing Council. In the lead-up to the Crusade against the Ahmanites, Montecazzo issued an embargo against the Theocratic State of Ahman. During the crusade itself, Montecazzo sent several divisions to support the Siege of Zarashemela. During the Great War, Montecazzo fought on the side of the Nations of the East against Birillum, the Wallaceian Empire and Chiyesa.

After the Great Collapse, Montecazzan nationals within Neo Boreopolis (mostly traders, pilgrims and diplomats) were teleported along with the Pontificate to Dimension S-2012. They received permits from the Council of Neo Boreopolis to build a new city quarters within the star fort on the coast on the condition that the Montecazzans would take the defence of the capital upon themselves. Renaming it to Fort Montecazzo and building a church in honour of their former Duke, who had been declared a saint shortly before, the Montecazzan quarters quickly grew into bustling area. When the Duchy itself was transported to S-2012 in 1144 AA (S-2012 date), only a few minutes had passed in the minds of the Montecazzans, while the diaspora in S-2012 had already gone through several generations. This caused a minor temporal shock, but also new diplomatic opportunities. Despite Montecazzo's historical isolationist tendencies, they participated in the Frozyland Accords of 1145 and subsequently became a member of the United Nations.