*like Blackhill, destroyed in canon in AC 1006. Information post great meteor is simply for those that want to (or did like myself) eliminate that silly plot device but still keep in line with the later almanacs*
also. I found nothing regarding a coat of arms for Caurenze. If anyone wants to design one, just toss it into the thread and I'll put it into copy going to Shawn and Pandius.
Caurenze, Principality of
by Michael BerryArea:
1,232 square miles
Population:
AC 1000 - 31,820
AC 1014 - 28,628
Towns: (population values are given for AC 1000 and AC 1014)
Lizzieni - (4500/4000)
Oreggiano - (2400/2200)
Selected Villages: (population values are given for AC 1000 and AC 1014)
Sirrechia: (942/922) is 2 miles south of the Palazzo di Sirrechia
Scarvento: (844/737) is in the middle of the plains.
Nesci: (736/622) is in the hills North East of Sirecchia.
Petraja: (646/689) is a few miles West of Lizzieni, along the River.
Fonte Algida: (537/467) is halfway between Lizzieni and Oreggiano.
Naequinum: (453/399) is 12 miles West of Lizzieni, along the River.
Ethnic groups:
Kerendian 83%, Thyatin 10%, Hattian 4%, Lupin 2%, Others 1%
Languages:
Thyatian Common (Kerendian dialect)
Ruler:
Prince Prince Innocenti di Malapietra: Viscount of Sirecchia, Viceroy of Ylourgnè (AC 1000 - 1006)
Born AC 962, M17 (AC 1000) M31 (AC 1014), High Master of Earth, AL - Chaotic
House:
Sirecchia
AC 1000 - Voting Power: 16 at the Council, 35 at the Parliament
Allies: Lord Harald of Haaskinz, Archduke of Westheath; Signor Antonio di Tarento, Viscount of Castelbianco; Signor Griseo Fulvina, Viscount of Verazzano
AC 1014 – Voting Power 15 at the Council, 34 at the Parliament
Allies: Allies: Signor Antonio di Tarento, Count of Glenargyl; Signor Griseo Fulvina, Viscount of Verazzano; Signor Vincienzo di Randazzi, Baron of Edleview; Signor Tenebras Favosi, Baron of Fallsburg
Military:
Prince Innocenti was once Viceroy of Ylourgne but in AC 1006 the Fortress was decommissioned and made into a Viscounty. Innocenti also had peacetime command of the 4th Banner of Jaggar’s division but due to the reorganization and re-tasking of the Glantrian army after the Great War no units of the Glantrian army are currently stationed within the Principality. The Grand Army Expansion and Reorganization Act of AC1010 made internal policing and security of the individual principalities the responsibility of the ruling Princes who do not command army divisions. Prince Innocenti maintains a police of 250 men (F1) who handle internal policing within the principality and is stationed at Lizzieni.
History:
The region between the Arnus and Red Rivers was sparsely settled by Flaemish settlers prior to the arrival of the great Thyatin Alasiyan migration. After the Alasiyan refugees arrived in the Highlands the Kerendan faction settled here and there was only sporadic fighting here in the years from 730 to 734 as they were furthest from the main Flaemish settlements. However even if the Kerendans weren’t fighting Flaems, the region was far from peaceful as the Kerendians proved to be exceedingly good at fighting among themselves.
The di Sfonti family were the leaders of the Kerendian faction and established themselves and their base of power first in Oreggiano and later at Sirrechia. After many decades of war between the Flaems and settlers in the Highlands and then again against the Alphatians under Halzunthram the Republic of Glantri was established with the Thyatins not the Kerendians represented at the ruling council. However after the murder of Alexandar Glantri the Kerendians took the council slot. With The light of Rad and the establishment of the Magocracy Matteo di Sfonti II became a Prince of Glantri and the Kerendian lands between the Red and Arnus Rivers became the Principality of Caurenze. The di Sfontis ruled Caurenze for the next 90 years until a rash of deaths of a suspicious sudden nature struck down the heirs to Caurenze until it came to a 3rd daughter and her husband Francesco di Malapietra and thus Francesco was confirmed as the new Prince of Caurenze and the di Malapietra family supplanted the di Sfonti family.
Food:
Deficient.
Trails:
Neither the Arnus River nor the Upper Red River are navigable to ship or boat traffic above Lizzieni, which hosts the only port in the Principality. Passage fees are very high due to the high toll imposed by Alphatians in Volnay.
Caurenze has numerous trails leading in to Caurenze. The most important is the Volnay-Lizzieni trail, rated a good quality trail by Glantrian AAA (GAAA). It is the primarily route for trade and visitors into and out of the Principality of Caurenze via the Wildbeasts Bridge over the Red River connecting Lizzieni and Ponte delle Fiere in the Silver Sierra Free Province. A fair trail, called Vialœnga, departs towards Desana, in the Two Volcanoes Free Province, ending in the Viscounty of Verazzano. For those wishing to travel to and from the Viscounty of Castelbianco there’s no toll to pay if they’re licensed Caurenzan merchants; anyone else must buy the licence, which costs 1 sv.
Inside Caurenze the L’Anellare is a fair quality trail which runs the perimeter of the Principality, from Lizzieni upriver to Fonte Algida and Oreggiano, to Sirecchia via Scarvento, then to Nesci, Ponte d’Arno (Viscounty of Castelbianco), Naequinum and Petraja. Though unmarked on maps all settlements of note in Caurenze are connected by fair qualities trails.
Economics:
Despite the high population, number and sizes of settlements and lack of mountains Caurenze is not a producer of staple foodstuffs and must import food to feed its large population. Unfortunately Caurenze has had to rely on Blackhill for trading. Due to the bad relations with House Silverston much of the vital foodstuffs heading to Caurenze is heavily taxed thus substantially increasing the costs. This misfortune turns against the Viscounties of Castelbianco and Verazzano, too, since they both rely on the food imports. Other imports of Caurenze include: sulphur are imported from the Two Volcanoes Free Province, some food and coal are imported from the Silver Sierra Free Province, white marbles and iron are imported from the Viscounty of Verazzano and gold is imported from the Viscounty of Castelbianco
What Caurenze lacks in basic foodstuffs, and has to pay for, it makes up for being one of the most prominent producers in Glantri in other things. Caurenze is home to the most renowned weaponsmiths and armorers in Glantri. The northwestern hills hold most vineyards, Caurenze’s wines rivals those of Nouvelle Averoigne and there’s a strong rivalry between the two Principalities. One of the most renowned is the Candido, a white wine with a characteristic smell and taste. Carrenze rivals Belcadiz in producing olives, oil. Caurenze is also a leading producer of gold and marble. All bring in significant income which offset the significant expenses for importing meat and grains.
Caurenzian Monthly Financial Ledger (figures from AC1000)
Main resources: 1 vegetable (olive, grapes), 1 mineral (gold, marble)
7 hexes: clear; rural; pop. 7840; tax 784 dc
9 hexes: clear, river; rural; pop. 15120; tax 1512 dc
4 hexes: hills; rural; pop. 1120; tax 112 dc
2 hexes: hills, river; rural pop. 840; tax 84 dc
Lizzieni: large town; pop. 4500; tax 1350 dc
Oreggiano: small town; pop. 2400; tax 720 dc
Total population: 6900 small town/suburban, 24920 rural.
Tax Income: 4562 dc
Resource Income: 18248 dc
Standard Income: 28216 dc
Council Tax: 10205 dc
Net Cash: 12605 dc
Overhead (60%): 7563 dc
Available Cash: 5042 dc
With 228100 XP/year, in 10 years Innocenti di Malapietra could gain up to 2281000 XP, rising from M17 to M27 (limited to M27)
Alternate: With 54744 XP/year, in 10 years Innocenti di Malapietra would gain 547440 XP, and rises from M17 to M21
Cultural Curiosities: FOOD
The Piazza Food Network is again pleased to bring to you Micky and Mage and his reports of his experiences sampling the various cuisines of the many different cultures of Glantri. In the final day of his 7 day 7 principality rush across Glantri we find him today in Caurenze!
Hi all everyone. After enduring Boldavia and Bramyra it was with great relief I teleported into Lizzieni this morning. I felt like I really had not eaten in several days. I had heard from a colleague at FPN of this wonderful ristorante, Poggio Rosso, on Via di Sfonte so I immediately made tracks for it after I touched down. I was immediately seated and ordered a bottle of my favorite Caurenzian wine, Brunello di Montalcino Il Quercione Riserva from 990, and told the server I was in his hands and to surprise me with what he thought was best on the menu. Antipasto was Zuppa di ceci con funghi e patate. It was an excellent start to the meal. The fresh rosemary just popped and brought the soup alive!
Primi Piati was a incredible Gnocchetti allo zafferano con ragout di trippa, peperoncini friggitelli, salsa di olive taggiasche e scaglie di grana di capra. Now I LOVE Gnocchi but I had never had it with imported saffron from Sind. Amazing flavor combinations! I loved this.
Secondi piatti was a Guancia di vitello brasata con le verdure dell'orto di Caurenze. Any ristorante that grows its own vegetables has to be good and oh this dish was so good. Perfection!
For Dolce, the real test, my absolute favorite desert ever made. Zuppa Fenish! Poggio Rosso passed the true test.
After finishing the meal with a glass of my favorite Grappa, Nardini, I was ready to find a bed to crawl into. What a fabulous meal. 5 Stars in my book, and a fabulous recommendation I am pleased to pass on to my readers. I am due for a break before hitting the road again. Till next we meet, which will be in Erewan, buon appetito!!!
ARTS AND LITERATURE
Caurenzian sculptures are the most sought after in all of Glantri. The Lucina di Malapietra School of Art in Petraja only accepts the most talented of budding Caurenzian artists and pays all expenses so any truly gifted artist, regardless of social status or economic status, might gain the best education possible in Glantri in the arts. The school’s main emphasis in on sculpture and potential students are judging on their talents, and potential talents, as sculptures.
ARCHITECTURE
The greatest engineers and architects of Glantri come from Caurenze. No principality comes anywhere close to rivaling Caurenze’s claims to preeminence in those fields. The Collegium Fabrum in Lizzieni is not only the top engineering centers in Glantri, but is considered one of the top 2 to 3 technical centers in the world. Caurenzian architecture is defined by, but not limited to, working with marble.
SOCIAL CUSTOMS
It is common said and a widely held stereotype that Caurenzians are shifty, devious and untrustworthy. Well they are right to an extent! While rarely as malicious, or deadly, as the machinations of their ruling Prince are, Caurenzians have a well earned reputation for lack of forthrightness, double-crossing, and taking advantage of strangers and especially the innocent or naïve.
Once friendships are established Caurenzians are a warm, passionate people. The people of Caurenze do not make friends easily, but once the friendship is established it is understood to be for life. The Caurenzians also have a well earned reputation for the love they have for violence and for blood sport. Disagreements are not to be settled in courts but in a duel, or depending on the circumstances in more subtle underhanded ways such as poison or plotting their ruin or disgrace.
PASTIMES
Caurenzians love their football and the goings on of Metro Lizzieni. The Thyatin love of the game has been spread to nearly every corner of Glantri and is now considered by most to be the national game. The second love of any and all Caurenzians are the circus games put on in Lizzieni and in smaller scales all over Caurenze. Caurenzians consider a day at the Circus Lizzieni a wasted day in attendance if at least 100 monsters or animal are killed or at least 5 humans are killed out on the sand.
Notable sites:
Lizzieni
Ruler: Priore Giovanni di Malapietra (born AC 959, M9, Earth Elementalist of the 2nd Circle, AL – Chaotic.
1. Gate of Oreggiano (Porta d'Oreggiano): road to Oreggiano along the Red River
2. Eastern Gate (Porta Orientale): road to Volnay across the Red River Bridge
3. Arnus Gate (Porta d'Arno): road to Castelbianco along the Arnus River
4. Sirecchia Gate (Porta Sirecchia, a.k.a. Porta Sirocchia or Sister Gate): road leads to the Tower of Sirecchia
5. Circus Lizzieni
6. Piazza delle Fiere
7. Mercato Grande (Great Market Square)
8. Il Fosso (The Moat)
9. Garden of the Roses: a public garden built by the di Sfonti family near their private garden.
10. Palazzo di Sfonti
11. New Temple of Rad
12. Palazzo del Priore and Barracks of the Aalbanese Guard
13. Arnus Bastion
14. Moat Bastion
15. Castelbianco Bastion
16. Northern Bastion
17. Sirecchia Bastion
18. Western Bastion
19. Red River Bastion
20. Square Bastion
21. Southern Bastion
22. Monsters' Handlers Union Guildhall
23. Order of the Architects Guildhall (Loggia dei Giudici)
24. The Front Bastion: this bastion is not named for the road it guards, since it brings to the "enemy" town of Volnay. It is instead considered the first bastion against the Alphatians.
25. Eastern Bastion
26. Golden Cock Tavern
27. Collegium Fabrum
28. Arnus River Docks
Lizzieni is surrounded by a powerful, sturdy wall, boasting no towers, but a number of short but very large bastions, well suited for defence against magic-powered attacks. Four major gates open in the wall, leading to Sirecchia, Oreggiano, Castelbianco and Volnay. The walls were built by Prince Mario di Malapietra, and are therefore called "Mura Mariane". A long but shallow channel, Il Fosso (The Moat) provides water for domestic uses from river Arnus directly to the artisans' quarter of Lizzieni. The town itself is divided into eight wards, each named for a heraldic animal from the insignia of the founders of Lizzieni or for a major feature of the ward. The wards are: the Wolf, the She-bear, the Griffon, the Ice Worm, the Tower, the Falcon, the Hippogriff, and the Ward of the Roses.
The Wards are jealous of their own achievements and seek recognition from the Prince, competing with each other in the gladiatorial combats, where the Ward that provides the strongest fighter or monster is awarded a great battle standard, emblazoned in the old Thyatian style. Each Ward maintains fierce rivalries with other Wards, and sabotage and foul play are rampant -drugging or kidnapping enemy gladiators, doping or killing monsters are all common occurrences before one of the major games.
Lizzieni owes its fame to the marble that appears everywhere: squares, palaces, mansions, and dripstone facades. Everything made of marble, vases, little statues, fine craftworks and every other object can be cheaply bought. White marble is the most famous and used, but there are other types of marble, such as Persichino marble with its characteristic pinky colour.
In addition, the city hosts a several merchants which trade every good: imported (black stone from the Silver Sierra Free Province, marble from the Glantrian Alps Free Province, food from everywhere and those Caurenzian products to be exported. The trade of monsters and their parts is particularly active, and monsters and humanoids slaves are a common sight. There aren't any other sources of income, since the Circus has very high costs of maintenance. The taxation level is higher than the average, since the ruler, Giovanni di Malapietra, uses his position to exact higher taxes than he is allowed by the law, keeping the exceeding sum for himself.
One of the most unique and most visited sites in Lizzieni is the Circus Lizzieni, a large structure built from Caurenzan white marble. It is considered by all to the best amphitheatre outside the Empire of Thyatis. The Circus was started in 838 and opened in 849. Closed by Filippo di Sfonti in 932, due to its high maintenance costs, it was finally reopened by Francesco di Malapietra in 949. Weekly, on Soladain, events are schedule. Most common are gladiator matches. Most anticipate and widely attended are man versus beast. When beasts are involved in the Circus a parade is organized so everyone can see up close (when deemed safe) the participants of the days events. The annual parade of the monsters that are going to fight in the "Fiera delle Fiere" starts from Piazza delle Fiere, the original centre of the city, and weaves its way through Lizzieni before finally making its way to the Circus. The Circus also hosts Soladain, AC Lizzieni, football matches. The matches with Eriadna were often violent affairs, off the field especially, and once a border a border war between Caurenze and Blackhill erupted after rioting killed dozens after an Eriadna upset win over the favored Lizzieni.
The Collegium Fabrum is the Department engaged in the building of stone bridges everywhere in the Principalities. It took part in the building of the Ponte delle Fiere, Willemsbrug (Bergdhoven-Krondahar bridge) and Der Alte Bridge (Bergdhoven-Aalban bridge). Castle Malapietra, also known as the Palazzo del Priore is an ancient building. Its oldest part, built by the di Sfonti family, includes a square tower flanked by three cylindrical towers enclosed by a battlement at the bottom. It houses the ruler of the town, Giovanni di Malapietra, his Aalbanese bodyguards, and his family. On the shelves of the Private Library there is the original manuscript of the "Minerary Code", which is considered one of the most important juridical documents of Glantri, since it regulates all those activities related to the marble business.
Palazzo di Sfonti is a majestic palace, richer and more defensible than the one inhabited by Giovanni di Malapietra, but the paranoid Priore would never dwell in a mansion where so many members of the di Sfonti family have died. The palace is built in marble, and thanks to the Order of the Architects' magic it looks like it was carved in a single gargantuan rock, with a fantastic pattern of dark green and white shades, and tall, arched, mullioned windows adorned with slender columns. Life-sized, bronze statues of the former Princes of Caurenze stand all around the ledge of the building. The Mercato Grande is the most important market square of Lizzieni, where the goods from the northern fiefs and those the merchants bring from the other Principalities are exchanged. The market serves both the populace and the merchants. The Loggia dei Giudici (Judges' Lodge) is a wondrous palace of breathtaking beauty, the perfect guildhall for the Caurenzan section of the Order of the Architects. This jewel of the Caurenzan architecture holds the secrets of the Caurenzan Architects and Earth Wizards. It is a well-defended but beautiful building, and it is rumored to be protected by many traps. Among the burglars of Lizzieni it is a popular myth that all the statues that adorn the Guildhall are actually gargoyles.
Oreggiano
Ruler: Fabrizio de Andre (born AC 967, F1, Al – Lawful) Oreggiano rises near a hilly region, rich of minerals, especially iron and copper, but also lead and silver. The extraction and the working of the minerals employ the majority of the population, but it is its weapon smiths and armorers are what make Oreggiano famous in the Principalities. The town is divided in two areas: Borgo Infero (Downtown) entirely walled in, and Borgo Novo (New Town), raised 380 yards on the hill. The two areas are connected by a walled flight of stairs, departing from Porte de li Selci. The Walls have another gate, Porta Pazienza (Patience Gate), so called because it has been rebuilt several times. In the main square of Borgo Infero, a dais with 33 steps leads to the Temple of Stone, the Temple of Rad, which is said to have been carved from a single piece of stone. The Temple was built above the ruins of Palazzo Novellara, which burnt in 947.
Palazzo Priore was formerly known as Palazzo Disfonteo which was once the residence of di Sfonti family. Here in 777 Ottone and Matteo di Sfonti killed Carlo, a painting in the main hall commemorates this event. Nowadays, the Palace hosts the ruler of the town and his family, as the former residence, Torre Costanza, overhanging the river, was destroyed by an earthquake. Il Balestro del Palco is a Festival which takes place twice a year, on the 21st of Yarthmont and on the 14th of Fyrmont. It consists in a parade along the streets and a crossbow contest. At the end of the Contest the populace uses to bathe in the Fonte Pubblica (Public Fountain), with the statue of the current Prince at its very center.
Sirecchia
Sirecchia is a village devolved to satisfy the needs of the ruling family. Food is imported from the rest of the Principality and from the nearby territories, and the main product exported is olive oil. Beeches and immense chestnuts woods abound in the hills around Sirecchia. This territory is renowned among hunters its rich fauna. La Sagra del cinghiale (Boarfeast) takes place in Kaldmont.
Palazzo Sirecchia was built by Ottone di Sfonti soon after the death of Corrado, in AC 754. From here, Prince Innocenti rules over Caurenze, and constantly looks for any plots against him.
Several places display the greatness of Caurenzan art. The Private Library of the Prince, one of the largest in Glantri, kept since Astolfo di Sfonti was Viscount. Innocenti, however, never dares to read a book, since the pages might have been previously poisoned. One of the treasures found in the Library is a the wonderful busto of Alexander Glantri by the great Gérmino Flachi, which records the fact the founder of the Republic of the Highland had lived for a long while in this very tower. Whenever Innocenti is plotting against someone else he covers the busto with a black veil wishing "to avoid the inquisitive stare of Alexander": few even suspects Innocenti owns such a masterpiece. The Sala Picta, is an immense hall which hosts some of the most famous masterpieces of Glantrian painting.
The Stables are a place rarely visited by the Prince. Thanks to the efforts of the keeper, Dugo da Monsaere (born AC 961, Lupin 12th, Al N) the dogs are still in perfect shape. Training dogs has been a family tradition for almost two centuries, and the dogs trained by Dugo are greatly requested by those who love hunting. Amongst Dugo’s best kept secrets, there’s a mixture he uses to increase the dogs’ aggressiveness: it is told to be poultry, ale and lime.
Scarvento
The village of Scarvento is curled at the foot of a Keep, Rocca di Malapietra (formerly known as Rocca dei Pratajoli and Rocca di Sfonti), that rises on a hillock, dominating the plains, over a previously swampy region. For a long time, the Keep belonged to the Pratajoli family, a family of warriors loyal to Di Sfontis. Scarvento had witnessed various infighting amongst the factions of Di Sfontis family, but managed to profit from it thanks to Pratajoli’s ability to quickly side with the winner. However, when Matteo di Sfonti died in 855 AC, Rainaldo Pratajoli finally supported the wrong man, and after a bloody battle (la Battaglia dei Pratajoli), he was defeated and part of the Keep destroyed. Borso di Sfonti took possession of it and started exploiting the surrounding region for the breeding of horses. The Scarvento breed became the best war horse breed in Glantri during the early years of Glantri, and it’s today still one of the most renowned. During the third week of Fyrmont, a great Festival recalls people from all over the Principality and the Free Provinces, La Giostra de li Borghi (the joust of the villages). Originally every Kerendan Lord sent his Champion, and the competition was taken very seriously by the populace who travelled to support his hero, but nowadays the joust is open to everyone wishing to compete. Fighters are given a barded Scarvento horse, armors, and weapons crafted in Oreggiano, with the coat of arms of one of the villages. The Prince generally gifts the winner with some lands of a Free Province under Caurenzan control.
Naequinum
This village rises over an olive tree hill, overhanging the river, 12 miles from Lizzieni. Once a temple, it was razed to the ground by an expedition of Braccio da Oreggiano, a.k.a. il Condottiero. A petty noble of the area, Baldo de’ Balducci, built a Tower on the ruins. The family has patronized many Caurenzans artists, and the tower’s garden hosts a large sculpture collection. The village is famous for its painters and gold craftsmen.
Petraja
Petraja is renowned for its school of marble craft and iron craft. Founded in 755 by Guiscardo da Petraja, it has given birth to the most famous Caurenzan sculptors, such as Gérmino Flachi, detto "lo Scalpellino", who sculpted the bas-relieves of the imposing Temple of Rad, better known as Duomo di Petraja. The art of sculpting developed thanks to the proximity of Mount Altissimo, from which high quality marble is extracted, and it is handed down through the Art School named after Lucina di Malapietra, wife of Prince Francesco, and founder of the School. The School is for Caurenzans only, maximum twelve students at a time, and the expenses are entirely paid by the Prince. All the tools needed for sculpting are produced by the local ironcraftsmen.
Nesci
Built around Malgrato Castle, and named after a mysterious Kerendan noble who owed a favor to Di Sfontis and never paid it back. The castle was built originally as a military Keep, but it has since been converted to a private mansion. Agriculture is the main occupation for the locals, hemp, chestnuts and wheat, provide a good income for the local economy. The area is well known for its earthwares and terracotta statues that adorn the small Temple of Rad. La Sagra del fungo (Mushroomfeast), takes place during the last week of Sviftmont and the first of Eirmont.
Coat of Arms:
Useful links:
Principality of Caurenze by Thibault Sarlat, Giovanni Porpora, and Agathokles
History of House Glantri and House Sirecchia by Harri Mäki
The Economy of Caurenze by Aleksei Andrievski