Knyazes
Regional Description
Description
Halfway between the city of Eidulb to the north and the city of Golden Farrow to the south lays the peaceful rural region of Knyazes. Landlocked on all sides, it is flanked by woods on the west, densely populated townsland to the north, and rural areas to the east and south. The mountains of Chrysantalys, far to the north, are just visible from the hilltops on a clear day.
The market town of Knyazea is the leading village in Knyazes and is actually protected by a fifteen foot high light stone wall with frequent gates and a few watch towers. It doesn’t provide much protection against serious invasion but is proof against local robbers and wild animals. The viscount of Knyazes has his townhouse in Knyazea, and the regional courts, temples, and all official buildings are located there.
The terrain of Knyazes is given over to hills and plains. The climate is mild in winter and warm and wet in summer. The rivers provide water all year round.
The economy of Knyazes is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The hills provide excellent pasture for cattle, sheep, and horses, while the lowlands produce pigs and domestic fowl, olives, vineyards, fruit, vegetables, cereals and potatoes. The region does a brisk trade in leathers and animal products. Knyazean sausages and hams are famed for their flavour, and Knyazean red wine and cheeses are also widely exported.
History
In the early days of the Republic of Caerwyn the people of Knyazes faced famine and starvation, and frequent incursions of monsters and un-dead. There are still occasional bands of monstrous raiders, but the region has long been stable, prosperous and well populated. Today it is an important breadbasket for the Republic.
People
The common folk of Knyazes are a phlegmatic, unimaginative people, given to hard work and a stubborn loyalty to their land. They are provincial and conservative. The richer farmers and merchants live in town houses or small villas, and try to keep up with the fashions and culture of their more sophisticated cousins in Golden Farrow.
Influenced by Sanguis Astroism from the north and Verdis Elementum from the south, the folk of Knyazes make for an interesting mix of the two, although the majority of them are Elementalists.