Alsatia

## **Geography**

An island nation about the size of Arendelle and Pridelands combined, however most of it is home to mountainous regions and some steppes. Alsatia, the main kingdom itself, lies on the east coast, where its strong navy guards the other trading ports that dot the eastern and southern shores. The northern and western part of the island is generally unhabitable, with strong currents and rockbeds that have wrecked ships from all centuries. Further north, only the special icebreaker ships are able to pass the straits between Alsatia and the north pole; and then every journey is perilous even for an experienced crew.

## **History**

The Kingdom of Alsatia was formed when several nobles who had settled and founded its port city decided to declare independence from Prydain. A civil war followed, resulting in Alsatia’s eventual success at protecting its own shores. The peace treaty signed with Prydain recognized Alsatia’s souvereignity over its shores and the agreement not to attack their trade ships. However, tensions still continued even as both kingdoms entered a period of recuperation. Alsatia’s own monarchies had troubling years in the recent century, finally doing away with its king altogether after the regicide of the Mad King, Darius Annuvin, by his own brother. The leadership of the kingdom was grasped by their uncle, Grand Duke Zepar Annuvin, and has remained in his House to this day.

## **People**

Alsatia is known for its mountains and steppes, which is roamed by nomadic tribes. Most of the ground is too steep for planting crops and the nomads travel over vast distances, guiding their herds of reindeer and mountain goats. The flatter lands near the main towns and cities can accommodate some crops, but much of their lifestyles also revolve around the sea. Alsatians are a welcoming folk, as anyone who ventures so far north normally needs medical attention and a good inn. They are also dependent on trade and thus enjoy learning about new cultures and items. They loathe Prydain, though some merchants aren’t so choosy of their clients.

## **Industries & trade**

Fisheries and whaling, along with healthy trade with Andalasia, Arendelle, ( Phillip’s kingdom ) and Camelot, supplement their food. Other major industries include mining, with many types of gems, ores and raw chemicals available in the mountains, metal-working, and specialized ship-making, wherein Alsatia is reknowned for producing some of the best icebreakers and kochi in the world. Alsatia has a strong navy which protects their ports from pirates and pillagers. A second maritime force, called the Vandread, contracts their ships and crews out to other countries or companies as naval escorts. Slavery is legalized, but with some laws protecting the slaves and serfs, according to their ranks.

## **Seeonee Ridge**

The mountains of Alsatia harbor the last school and stronghold of the Order of the Wolf. On Seeonee Ridge stands the one of the final bastions of the were-kind against the other monsters that inhabit the wilds. The castle was built in a time where dragons still prowled the land, its construction said to have been assisted by a great ice drake himself. Although its outer walls are starting to fall into ruin, the Order maintains the inner walls, the grand hall and the towers, fortifying what they can with wood and stones. Some distance from the castle at the smaller forts, the training camps where potential recruits are trained until their mid-teens.

### **Circle of Elements**

Further up the mountain, past the rock and ice troll settlement, lies the Circle of Elements – an ancient stone platform marking an area of immense magical energy. In the wolves’ understanding, the magical leylines running beneath the Earth intersect at certain points throughout the world, and the Circle marks one of these points. It is here that the elders journey to infuse artefacts with magic, activate new medallions and, at times, simply to meditate and spend some time away from the affairs of the Order.