Herberstein

**Herberstein** is a city state in the France region of Europe. It is an underground city within the Alps mountains

**Economy:** Being a mountain and almost fortress like City within the mountain itself, Herberstein is primarily a mining city, with many metals and minerals being found in the Alps such as Quartz, Cinnabar, Amethyst and other crystals. Metal deposits have also been mined such as Silver, Tin and Copper. Despite the high altitude, farming still happens but Mining being its strongest sector with all miners working for the Metso Minerals company

**Climate:** Being in a high altitude, Herberstein is classified as a Cold Semi Arid Climate. While the region does not get much snow during the year, the temperature does get cold in the winter and has dry and warm summers.

**Government:** Herberstein operates a Social Democracy. It operates a mixed Economy with many Government utilities under Government control and with a lot of public services. Lobby groups also hold considerable sway over Politics with Labour Unions and Trade Unions protecting the rights of the workers, mainly in the mining sector.

**Armed Forces:** Herberstein has a large City Garrison but is not considered an army. The city walls aid in the Cities defense. The City has no navy and no Airforce.

**History:**

**A Secret City**

Explorers were sent to the Alps to examine the mountains area to determine what minerals can be extracted in 2053. It was found that many minerals and metals were found. A small town was founded on the mountain and mining began but at first, it was kept a secret from the Gold Empire. But it couldn't remain a secret forever. It took a few years but The Gold Emperor at the time, Matthaus sent representatives to the city, despite his reclusiveness. But the City had managed to build into the mountain itself. The Representatives threatened destruction upon the city if they did not yield to the Gold Empire but they still refused

**War?**

Matthaus sent his top general to deal with the rebellious City. The army managed to march up to the city. The General proposed single combat between one of his Kemiya commanders. It was fortunate for the City that a Kemiya, named Frank Millet was hiking in the mountains when he came across the town. He offered to help with mining operations. Franks opponent was Jean-Loup Deschanel. It took some time, but Frank was victorious, but only just. The General was enraged at the outcome and ordered his army immediately attack. Thankfully, Frank was helped back into the city and had earlier helped to reinforce the walls of the City with Iron walls.

**Deal Made**

The General ordered a bombardment of the City entrance over the next few days. He even sent word for another Kemiya to be sent to the front line. Frank Millet had recovered and led a counter attack of the townspeople, storming out of the city. The Gold Empire army was no match for a Kemiya. The General tried to rally his men, but they fled the battlefield. The General was forced to surrender. He was sent packing, but the townspeople knew it was only a matter of time before the Gold Army returned. They sent a letter to the Gold Emperor, asking to be recognized as a City State and offered generous terms. Matthaus, wanting to avoid more bloodshed and knowing it would be hard to maintain a siege in the area, agreed to the terms

**A New City is Born**

The City was officially recognized in 2056 and formed a Government, headed by the lead foreman of the Miners. Over time the city began to grow, with many prospectors seeking their fortune in the minerals of the mountains. Rail lines were created by Kemiya's to connect to Berlin and Athens with the lines running through the mountains themselves. But the City dug further into the mountains and even further down. By 2070, the City skyline was growing slightly larger and other businesses moving in and seeking to farm land in enclosed glass structures outside of the mountain. A new Government was formed with Elections held. Many of the leaders of the mining operation were chosen to be representatives. The Government nationalized several utilities such as Gas, water and even the Healthcare system, while promoting Private Business

**Mine, Mine and Mine some more**

By 2090, a new Government was formed and mining operations expanded to the point that maps were required to navigate the underground mining system. Many Kemiya have been welcomed into the city