East Mentia
 | |
| Capital | Stalaburg |
|---|---|
| Head of State | Grand Duke Askan Draungo |
| Government Type | Centralized Feudal Monarchy |
| Cultures | ~90% Horbez Menti |
| Religions | ~98% Qinism |
| Population Density | High |
| Population | 2 million |
East Mentia consists of the dominion of Grand Duke Askan Draungo in eastern mentia - the nominally separate duchy of Thormark and Raudazlend. Askan Draungo administer his dominions in his personal capacity as their duke, and have claimed that Mentian Empire is in a state of interregnum - that there are no Emperor legitimately elected (Not so much as saying the Emperors are illegitimate) for Askan to recognize, but diplomatic letters have Askan refer to the other candidates as Emperor-Elect. Askan Draungo is considered the most capable of all the Draungos, showing great talents for both administration and military affair - far outpacing his nephews to the west. His son, Adelkuldah, too, is viewed as an excellent candidate for the throne.
However, Askan's ambitions are hampered by the small size of his domain - though it can well punch above its weight with its rich metallurgical wealth and administration. The duchy is also hemmed in on all three sides by nominally stronger opponents.
Due to this, East Mentia has largely followed a somewhat isolationist policy.
Government
East Mentia has a relatively centralized government, with the Grand Duke having squeezed out most competing political figures, and the few counts remaining in his domain largely neutered in power. Barons still exist, but most of the county is now ruled by grand sheriffs appointed by the Duke himself without any right of inheritance. The realm is centralized and efficiently ruled, but one may wonder if this method of administration is sustainable, especially if the Grand Duke suffers any lapse of judgements or expands his dominion. There are few overt internal conflicts and feuding and open warfare between nobles are strictly prohibited.
Important Figures
Askan Draungo, Male, Water Macen, 85, Duke of Horshäf, Duke of Dïtwedum
Askan Draungo is the oldest independent ruler in Mentia. Though he is not an actual pretender himself - having never claimed himself to be an Emperor. Instead, Askan Draungo rule as the Duek of Horshaf and Ditwedum - a title he was given by the last Emperor, Waltram I, and which he continues to rule. Askan has not declared allegiance to any of the pretenders, and have sat by the sideline for thirty years, developing his dominion.
One reason for his favored status by Waltram I was the fact that Askan was sent away from Mentia to study - and studied in Lymia, where he was impressed with the good sides of Lymian law and came back determined to make Mentia for the better. As a result, throughout his reign Askan has constantly strived to centralize and unite the laws of his two duchy.
Askan is a Water Mage and is known to have extended his lifespan, looking like he is still in his forties. Askan is known for his benevolence toward common subjects and an iron-willed focus on economy. He continued the previous duke’s policy of centralization, and has managed to turn the two duchies into the most prosperous and peaceful provinces in the Empire - helped by its rich mineral wealth. Askan is also responsible for reforming the Mentian’s standing army, and posseses a powerful, small but centralized army of twenty thousand men under his command.
Ädelmar Draungo, Male, 45, Earth Macen, Governor of Dïtwedum.
The third son of Askan Draungo through his second wife - a daughter of a local baron. Ädelmar has the blood of Earth Macen inside him and is renown throughout Mentia for his top mastery of Geo Magic, and is a consecrated Oracle, with some even considering him to have eclipsed his father already in power.
Ädelmar has an excellent relationship with his father, and is married to one of Salvain Haslan’s many many daughters - Roshin Salvain. The story of their marriage is as such - apparently, Askan Draungo personally visited Salvainia and asked for one of the Emperor’s daughter’s hand in marriage to his son, and after a while, managed to persuade Roshin Salvain- whom was considered attractive, to visit his son at his court, and soon the two were joined in marriage.
Whereas his father seems content to stay as an administrator - Ädelmar is known to be ambitious - and have the backing of a marriage alliance with a powerful neighbor…
Locations
- Raudazlend - Duchy of. (Lit. Red Land), which consists of most of Eastern Mentia, is the administrative and traditional capital of Eastern Mentia, in spite of being a smaller and slightly less hospitable province, consisting of the entire valley of the eastern mountains, running along a north-south line. Like the rest of Eastern Mentia, canals and waterwork cut through the mountain valley in which most people live.
- Hochberg - Mountain Fortress, a small-sized city built during the age of Adelhidh to support an eastern garrison against possible invasions. Now it is one of the commercial center of the east, a processing center for Raudazlend's vast mineral wealth.
- Thormark - Duchy of. (Lit. East March). Thormark is the trade and population center of East Mentia, consisting of its most hospitable and arable valley.
- Stalaburh - (Lit. Fort of Gold) The provincial capital. A medium-sized city. The city, like the rest of the cities in East Mentia, is under the direct rule of the duke - left in the hand of a governor - which just so happens to be his son. The administration here is bureaucratic, centralized and relatively efficient and just. The city is situated on both bank of the Rian river, a tributary of the Ebona river. The city is prosperous and a center of bustling metal and art industry, and is also an entrepot for Loran goods coming from the north.