Valpo

The Principality of Valpo is a small monarchy located in northern Velravin on the northern side of the Gulf of Argent. It is composed of four territories, two of which are enclaves inside Antargentina, while the other two are located on the coast, only bordering Antargentina.

### Demonyms

People from Valpo are called *Valpoini*, but the word *Valpoan* is used as a descriptor.

It is correct to say "*We are Valpoini*" and "*We saw the Valpoan Army*." It is incorrect to say "*We are Valpoans*" or "*We saw the Valpoini Army*."

### History

Valpo was established in the 7th Century by Lucanio Valpo, a minor nobleman, who established several independently-ruled Theophanite monastic communities in territory that his father had conquered. In 750 C.E., Lucanio's son Euganio was named Bishop of the assembled monastic communities, receiving a leading role in the region's religious development.

In 988, Valpo capitulated to a fleet sent across the Gulf of Argent from Liotain on behalf of the Revived Reman Empire. In exchange for their peaceful capitulation, the Bishops retained their autonomy, additionally gaining the title "Prince." During the next century, a number of Pictish immigrants settled in the region during the Imperial Period in order to farm land owned by the monastic communities, intermarrying with the local Antar peasants.

In 1212, the Revived Reman Empire withdrew from the region, leaving the reigning Prince-Bishop of Valpo in an excellent position to establish an independent kingdom. Valpo established itself as a regional maritime power, acquiring Breizh in 1240 in a marriage alliance, as well as other littoral properties throughout the Gulf of Argent and Nestorian Sea regions.

This maritime empire put Valpo in conflict with other powers in the region. The growing Antargentine kingdom failed to conquer Valpo in 1299 following the disastrous Battle of the Burning Cows, where the Valpoan army tied burning branches to a hundred cows, and stampeded them into the camp of the invading army; the ensuing panic caused hundreds of Antargentine soldiers to flee and fall into a nearby ravine, while dozens of Antargentine nobles were taken prisoner and held for ransom. The ransom paid for the captured nobles was reportedly so great that it started Valpo's banking industry.

During this period, the Bishopric of Valpo slowly assumed a preeminent role in the Theophanite Church. Valpo hosted or brokered several influential religious councils between 1270 and 1450, increasingly leading other church bishops to view them as "primus inter pares" - first among equals - within the church hierarchy. Over time, this influence only continued to grow, until the Prince-Bishop's palace in Paderna was recognized as the official headquarters and gathering-place for the Pankasmic Church. In spite of this state of affairs - largely completed by 1500 - the Church itself does not officially identify Valpo as its headquarters.

On the maritime front, Valpo also dueled with a rival city-state, the Republic of Sventoji (in modern Liotain). During the early 1300s, the two powers attempted to make peace by means of a complicated marriage alliance between the Prince-Bishops of Valpo and the Dukes of Sventoji. This miscarried as the two branches of the family squabbled ferociously between themselves, only banding together the moment a third party threatened the other.

In 1340, the port of Kernave, on Breizh - nominally under Valpoan suzerainty - was lost to a group of Liotainian knights (financed by Sventoji and Neris) who struck out against pirates operating from the port. Valpo's control of Breizh weakened until Valpo fought the Azularie War (1354-1359) against Sventoji. The war resulted in the loss of Valpo's territories in Breizh, which were taken as possessions of Sventoji, eventually being added to Liotain in later years.

The Azularie War weakened Valpo significantly enough that the Principality lost much of its continental territory to Antargentina during the Cheese Riot War (1369), the Siege of Navarro (1412), and the War of the Stinky Bishops (1490).

This final war caused massive changes in Valpo's political structure, wherein the Prince-Bishop's role was finally divided. The Archbishop of Valpo remained functionally supreme in the country, but appointed another individual with the title of "Prince," making them the day-to-day ruler and administrator of the country. Between 1490 and 1704, the elected post of Prince was usually held either by the younger brother or the oldest son of the Antargentine monarch, although on four occasions the title was assigned to other lesser Antargentine nobility. By longstanding tradition, the title of Prince could not be held by a reigning monarch of another state, meaning that an Antargentine crown prince usually dropped Valpo's title upon his ascension to the Antargentine throne, and in turn passed it to his heir.

In 1704, due to a vacancy in the office of Prince, the Antargentine monarch ordered Archbishop Salvatori to declare his son, a notorious rake, as Prince of Valpo. Salvatori, rather than comply, appointed a peasant girl's donkey as Prince, resulting in the Affair of the Princely Ass. Despite threats from the Antargentine Empire to invade Valpo drew widespread condemnation from around the Theophanite community. On April 18th, a party of fifty Antargentine cavalrymen crossed the border, rode into Valpo, and beheaded a donkey (though, it eventually transpired, not the correct one). A party of outraged Valpoini pursued the cavalrymen, overtook them at the Ponte del Molinio, and trapped the cavalry on the bridge.

To save the lives of his men, the Antargentine commander, Lieutenant Juan de Muliloa, offered to jump off the bridge in his armour to sate the local militia's demands for justice. The militia commander agreed. However, the stream was not deep enough for de Muliloa to actually drown (although he broke his leg in the fall). The Valpoan militia eventually pulled de Muliloa out of the water, threw mud at all of the Antargentine soldiers, took their horses and muskets, then returned them back to the border. Public outcry and international support for Valpo forced the Antargentine monarchy to back down, accepting the new status quo.

This embarrassing episode largely ended the period where Valpo's prince was selected from the Antargentine nobility, although one further Antargentine prince would be selected in 1744, ruling for only two years before his death from the bite of a rabid pet monkey. His successor, in 1746, came from a prominent family of Valpoan merchants, becoming the patriarch of the House of Corianino. In the same year, revisions were made to the National Charter, establishing a small parliament (the Council of Twenty), which handles select administrative duties and approves the Archbishop's choice for Prince.

During the Bonaventura Wars, the House of Corianino collaborated with Antargentina, accepting Walter Bonaventura's suzerainty. Bonaventura decided not to replace Prince Benito Corianino (who was a personal friend), and instead planned to force Valpo to unite with Antargentina on Benito's death.

Instead, Prince Benito lived long enough that the war ended with Bonaventura's eventual defeat. Prince Benito then immediately abdicated in favor of his son, appeasing the victorious allies.

Valpo largely avoided any land battles in their territory, although the coast was raided several times by the Liotainian and Firoccan navies, and Valpo was forced to contribute manpower levies to fill out Antargentine army and navy needs. The cost of this was quite high; Valpo suffered more per-capita battlefield casualties than any country in the war, even though they never fought a single battle under their own flag.

The National Charter was revised a further time in 1860.

### Geography

Valpo consists of two enclaves fully inside Antargentine territory and two coastal territories bordering Antargentine territory.

From west to east, the territorial components are as follows:

* Galavotto: situated between the Tormes and Ebro Rivers, with coastal access.
* Caladino: an enclave inside Antargentina, situated in the hill region north of Chiesanuova.
* Chiesanuova: located on the tip of the Torracchia peninsula.
* Marano: straddles the Rio Douro to the northeast of Chiesanuova.

By land area, **Chiesanuova** is the largest of Valpo's four territories, The Torracchia Peninsula, and the steep-sided Torracchia hills that form the backbone of the peninsula, dominates Chiesanuova. The hills are usually called mountains by the locals, but the tallest is only 945 meters above sea level. However, most of the Torracchias have fairly significant prominence over the surrounding terrain, and are favored by amateur climbers and hikers. The coast is rocky, but broken by beaches with bright white sand.

**Galavotto** is located between two rivers flowing out of Antargentina. The easternmost river is navigable for barges as far north as the Antargentine capital of Antaria. Galavotto is fairly flat, and the banks of both rivers are marked by wetlands; cultivation of rice is also prominent, although the higher inland areas produce grain.

**Caladino**, further north along the Torracchia hills, is the least populated territory of Valpo. The western portion of the territory is farmland, while the eastern half remains heavily forested. The prominent hill of Monte Bello, with its picturesque castle-monastery of Caladino, dominates the territory. It is entirely surrounded by Antargentina.

**Marano** is located to the east, straddling the Rio Douro. The river leaves Antargentine territory at the Bridge of Black Iron, and returns into Antargentina several miles downstream, whereupon it empties into the Gulf of Argent. Most of Marano consists of farmland and low-lying wetlands. A number of the towns in Marano have been built on fill-stones dropped into the wetlands to produce artificial islands, thus leaving farmland areas for more productive use.

### Government and Politics

Valpo is an elective constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.

The role of head-of-state is shared jointly by the Prince of Valpo (a secular official) and the Archbishop of Valpo (a religious official). The Archbishop is selected by the Pankasmic Church hierarchy, and his only official duty is appointing the Prince.

The Prince of Valpo is selected by the Archbishop, but must be confirmed by the Council of Twenty; he can additionally be ousted by a 3/4ths majority of the Council. The Prince appoints officials who carry out most of the day-to-day operations of the government, thus serving as a de facto head-of-government as well as head-of-state. Since 1746, the title of Prince has been held by a member of the House of Corianino, although it is not a hereditary title. The current Prince of Valpo is Alberto Corianino, appointed in 1886.

Since 1860, the Council of Twenty is appointed by direct vote, with five representatives, called Captain-Regents, elected every five years by each of Valpo's four component districts. The Prince then appoints a Portfolio (government specialization) to Captain-Regent, ranging from Defense to Education and Economics. In this fashion, the Council of Twenty serves as a government cabinet as well as a parliament.

A Captain-Regent is only permitted to serve one five-year term, and although their living expenses are paid, they do not draw a salary for their service. Election as a Captain-Regent is seen as a significant honour, however, as it represents sacrifical service for the good of the country.

#### Current Government Officials

-- Prince Alberto Corianino (b.1863): appointed 1886
-- Archbishop Pasquale Bonini (b.1860): elected 1900

### Foreign Relations and Military

#### Diplomatic Relations

Relations between Valpo and Antargentina can be somewhat tense at times, since Antargentina completely surrounds two of Valpo's four territorial components. This forces a high degree of engagement for Valpo's diplomatic corps in order to keep relations functioning smoothly. At times during its history, the title of "Prince of Valpo" was given to Antargentine monarchs, maintaining a degree of separation while still being functionally a vassal state of Antargentina. Valpo has agreements with Antargentina relating to free travel between its exclaves. Antargentina, in turn, possesses the right to run passenger and cargo trains through Valpoan territory (as they cross the border multiple times) without border controls, provided they do not stop. Trains stopping in Valpo, however, are subject to border controls.

Valpo's relationship with Liotain has been historically frustrated by the Liotainian adoption of, and leading role with, the Orthodox Church. Valpo once administered certain coastal territories and islands (most notably Breizh) which are now in Liotain; these territories were lost to the city-state of Sventoji during the Azularie War (1354-1359). Liotain is nevertheless Valpo's second-largest trading partner after Antargentina.

Valpo also sometimes has a frustrating relationship with Firocco due to their economic and colonial policies, which has drawn the condemnation of both the government and the church in the past. The Pankasmic Church has also struggled to deal with the Antargentine-Firoccan political rivalry (which dominates the two largest components of the church), and this has affected the Archbishops of Valpo, which tries to mediate between the two. Firocco is very narrowly the principality's third-largest trading partner.

Celtica sometimes claims a modicum of protection for Valpo, citing the Principality's (debatable) status as a Pictish enclave. Valpo's government has not been above playing this card in times of national crisis, but generally doesn't see themselves as any more Pictish than they are Antarian.

#### Military

The Royal Valpoan Marina (RVM) patrols the coast of Valpo. Although a small force, they have a lengthy history dating back to their glory days as a maritime empire in the 1300s.

Valpo does not have an official standing army, but the entire adult male population receives training as a National Militia. The militia is backed by the Prince's Corps of Carabinieri, who serve primarily as a hybrid of police, border guards, and the Prince's mounted bodyguard. The Carabinieri are distinguished by their black trousers, belted off-white tunics, and wide-brimmed black hats (with the left side pinned up and a pheasant feather stuck in the crest).

### Economics

Valpo's economy is a mix of both traditional agriculture and modern business. Due to its long-term stability, Valpo has served as a banking center for much of Antargentina, with ties to Firocco, Eirenn, Celtica, and elsewhere.

There is modest manufacturing capability within Valpo, largely focused on high-quality machining and tools, bicycles, and fine textiles. One of the most popular ladies' pocketwatch brands, Marano, is manufactured in Valpo.

Valpo is also well-known for its multitude of well-known cheeses, including *Chiesanuova*, *Paderna*, *Domagnano*, *Cerasolo* and *Corianino*.

On the agricultural front, the country is a net exporter of roses, both for decorative floral arrangements and use as perfume. Valpo also is a major grower of lemons; lemonade is Valpo's official national drink, and lemons are heavily-used in local cuisine.

### Demographics

Most of the population of Valpo is visually indistinguishable from their neighbors, but Valpoini identify themselves as their own distinct group, descended from a mix of Antar and Picts in the 11th, 12th, and 13th Centuries. Very little Pictish culture survives in the modern Valpoini, however, and there are substantial differences even between Valpoan culture and the closer Antar culture.

Most Valpoini speak a dialect of the Antargentine language, but there are substantial differences in Valpoan pronounciation, slang, and grammar. Some technical terms are borrowed from the Liotainian and Firoccan languages, and some slang from Celtican.

The Pricipality recognizes a total of thirty-five cities, towns and villages with a population over one hundred persons. Nearly a quarter of the population, however, lives in the three largest cities, named Rovereta, San Lucanio, and Paderna. Rovereta, located on the eastern side of the Torracchia peninsula, is Valpo's largest port as well as the country's largest city. However, Paderna, just up the coast, is actually Valpo's capital, a fact that is sometimes missed by many foreigners, who often think that Rovereta is the capital. Conversely, many people familiar with the Pankasmic Church believe Paderna is the largest city, and are shocked to learn it is not.

1. **Rovereta**, Chiesanuova: the largest city, a part on the eastern side of Chiesanuova.
2. **San** **Lucanio**, Galavotto: located in the west, identified as one of the primary ports for Antaria.
3. **Paderna**, Chiesanuova: the capital city, located quite close to Rovereta. Also the functional capital of the Pankasmic Church.
4. **Porto** **Salvatori**, Galavotto: the westernmost city of Valpo.
5. **Domagnano**, Caladino: a former monastic community that grew into a city.
6. **Serravalle**, Marano: the largest town in Marano, located on the east bank of Rio Douro river. It was founded by Valpoini who fled the 1412 Seige of Navarro.
7. **Monte Bello**, Caladino: located at the base of the titular Monte Bello, this town grew up to support Caladino Monastery on the hill overlooking the town.
8. **Porto San Leo**, Chiesanuova: a port city extremely well-regarded for its vacation beaches and hobby-sailing.
9. **Santa Mustiola**, Marano: a former monastic community that grew into a city.
10. **Monte Olivo**, Chiesanuova: a small town located near the base of Monte Olivo (Valpo's highest peak).

### Culture

Valpoini Regatta-Pedrace (aka the Prince's Prize): first held in 1774, the Regatta-Pedrace is a traditional event where newlywed couples race small sailboats from Porto Salvatori in Galavoto to Porto San Leo in Chiesanuova. At Porto San Leo, they leave their boats behind and race on foot to the top of Monte Olivo. The race usually takes several days,

Every April 18th, Valpoans celebrate the return of their full independence from Antargentina with reenactment of the Standoff at Ponte del Molinio. It is customary that the twenty Captains-Regent all dress in period costumes to portray the part of the Antargentine raiders. The celebration ends with people throwing mud at them (and then more generally at each other). The event sometimes becomes an opportunity for people to express their dissatisfaction with certain members of the Council of Twenty, and the Captains-Regent generally have an internal rule that it's the one day they can't call in sick to work. Somebody also usually breaks a limb trying to jump from the bridge into the water, because that's tradition, too.

Bicycle-racing, boat-racing (including yachting), dog-racing, and, since 1904, auto-racing are popular sports. However, most Valpoini play a handball variant called Castello, where each team has a small wooden castle they must defend from the other team. Professional games of Castello are usually played by two teams of four players each, with each team composed of two men and two women.

Valpoan historians note that most of their past wars have really silly names, but all were the result of background tensions that were significantly more complex than a one-sentence summary can describe. Valpoan children are taught in history class to aggressively defend their national honour when ignorant foreigners laugh at the "War of the Stinky Bishops" or the "Affair of the Princely Ass." These are serious national conflicts, dangit!

Valpo's national animal is Torracchia Donkey, a breed of small donkey known for its playful demeanor and enthusiasm for head-butting unwarry tourists in the back.

Ninety percent of the country claims to be part of the Pankasmic Church, but conservative estimates place only sixty percent of the population as practicing Theophanites. Of the remaining ten percent, roughly eight percent identify as Valpoan or Liotainian Orthodox, while the remaining two percent practice Celtican monotheism. Due to the strong ties between the Pankasmic Church and the Princedom of Valpo, Valpoini are regarded as one of the most consistently devout nations in the world.

### During the Antargentine Civil War

* Officially neutral.
* Fears that a Nationalist victory will result in increased political pressure against Valpo and potential loss of independence.
* Fears a Loyalist victory may result in increased socialism both in Antargentina and Valpo itself.
* Tentatively in favor of autonomy for Turagua and Gaboria.
* Borders are closed to armed combatants except for wounded.
* Accepts refugees who claim "mortal peril" but are trying to limit an overwhelming flood.
* The rising brutality of the war has severely alarmed the Valpoini, who fear they will be attacked by one side or the other.
* To an extent, these fears were mitigated when Liotain unilaterally guaranteed Valpoan independence, but some Valpoan nationalists now fear the move was an overture by Liotain to annex the princedom. This is not helped by speculation that Prince Alberto Corianino's oldest son and presumed heir Ezio (b.1893) would be a good marriage match for Liotain's Queen Kotryna (b.1895). The Valpoan government, upon being informed of the Liotainian guarantee of their independence, reportedly trolled back by guaranteeing Liotain's independence.