Lataine

Castle Warden, Palais de Royale, Treves

Species: Human (dominant), Goblin, Ogre, Drake, Pech, Hobgoblin

Era: Feudal

Paths: Middle Sea, Ossitan (Mountains), Eomer (Wall), Saka (Gorge)

Contacts: Ossitan (allies), Sallust (vassals), Byth, Hansa, Eosium (trade)

Enemies: Eosium (Political rivals), Eomer, Saka, Arridea, The Lashings

Government: Traditional Monarchy, King Jean I, 'Vespers', King of the Lataine and Emperor of the West

Capital: Royal Palace of Treves

Origin Languages: Latainian

Typical Encounters: Apothecary, Attendant, Barkeep, Brigand, Devotee, Entertainer, Farmer, Fortune Teller, Goon, Knight, Nobleman, Outrider, Peasant, Scholar, Servant, Town Drunk, Wizard, Worshiper; Angel, Bugbear, Dire Beast, Demon, Dogs, Dragons, Eagles, Faerie, Imp, Shadow Beast, Tarasque, Will o' Wisp, Wolves, Wyvern

Keyword Qualities: Light of the West, chivalry and honor, great lords and humble peasants, a true warrior fights face-to-face, fields and castles, bandit heroes

PC/NPC's: Severin, Lammert, Strabos

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Lataine was at one time home to many warring and warlike tribes, all tied by blood to the ancient Nemedians. From their many hill-forts hewn of stone and timber they ruled their vast domain, pausing in fighting one another only so long to unite and vanquish a common foe.

The coming of the Sallustrians ended this cycle- as led by Milius the Conqueror the land was eventually brought under the rule of Pax Sallust, the mighty fortresses of Lataine falling one by one to the fearsome discipline of Sallust's legions.

Sallust brought the rule of law and the rule of tradition to this wild land - a tradition which seemed threatened when mighty Sallust itself fell prey to the northern barbarians. But Lataine endured- and under the rule of King and later Emperor Carolregis of Vinges the realm was reunited with it's mother city of Sallust and the mother church of the same - the Universal Church of the Ineffable Triumvirate, as led by the Grand Augur of Sallust.

Still led by the heirs of Carolregis, the Kings of Lataine claim the sole right of the Imperial Crown to themselves, and therefore leadership of all the lands of Vistria and the Middle Sea. To date this ambition exceeds their grasp, holding only barely on to the realm and a master/vassal relationship to the ancient capitol of Sallust. But dreams of glory and empire drives the rulers, nobles and knights of Lataine to ever more reckless feats whilst attempting to make this claim a reality.

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Lataine is till recovering from recent civil war- a war which pitted House Vespers against King Cloveris III, called The Unworthy by his enemies, and the Bard King or Cloveris the Peacemaker by his supporters. All of the major houses participated in this conflict, which eventually saw the Bard King killed in battle and young Jean Vespers crowned king of the realm and Emperor of West as King Jean I (currently aged 15 years).

Still too young to truly rule the new king relies upon the advice of Lord Councilor Lothair Arnault for his day-to-day decisions, which has led the kingdom to a prolonged war in support of Ossitan against their enemies the Arrideans.

Although their king and paragon is dead, the followers of the fallen Bard King have taken to banditry and an outlaw existence - their hope now residing in the person of exiled Princess Iolaine, daughter and heir of Cloveric III.

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Lataine produces excesses of grain, oil, tobacco, cured meats, arms and armor and leather-ware - but it's finest goods and exports are by far the wines and brandies produced in it's middle regions. Wine is everywhere- watered down and boiled to serve with meals to children and the aged, served straight in homes and taverns to the more hardy, and essential to the feasts and holy rituals of the church. In the colder north, wine is frequently served hot and in serving bowls in a syrupy mulled variety.

Brandy was an invention of apothecaries attempting to capture the essence or 'spirit' of wine for medicinal purposes. This beverage has much stronger kick but still maintains the essential sweetness of the grape, and is popular with the landed classes and working folk alike. Like wine itself, this beverage is considered pivotal to the health and well-being of the body and is often recommended by physicians for common and uncommon ailments. In some regions brandies are mixed with blessed or otherwise especially pure sources of water to enhance the flavor and restorative properties of the draught.