Aurnaleth Commonwealth (OUR-nuh-leth)
The Aurnaleth Commonwealth consists of the islands of Aurnill and Eyrlesh, in the northern Lorthrai Ocean off the coast of Lanaria. It is a rugged land of fjords and mountains. Lake Halvine in the west is the largest freshwater lake on Kavrillia.
Citizens speak with a somewhat flat, clipped accent. They are known for being standoffish to mainlanders and for having a dry, often dark sense of humor.
Their cuisine, particularly Aurnillian pastry, is popular across the Empire (although raw oysters are an acquired taste.)
Aurnaleth is stingy with exports and chooses its imports carefully, as it prefers to stay self-sufficient whenever possible rather than rely on the rest of the Empire.
Climate
Aurnaleth is prone to frigid winters and stormy summers. Snow is plentiful from autumn until well into the spring.
Natural Resources
Aurnaleth has a robust fishing industry. Mining is also a significant industry, although the ore resources are not as diverse as those in Olaria and Surelia.
Eyrlesh and eastern Aurnill tend to be rocky with moss being the most common source of green. Western Aurnill, however, boasts thick coniferous forests.
History
In the early days of the Lanarian Empire, Melsar the Conqueror had united the entire known world under his banner...except for the kingdoms of Aurnill and Eyrlesh, islands off the north-west coast of Lanaria. It took years of bloody conflict before the two nations finally fell to the imperial army. As they shared a language and culture, the imperial government lumped them together into a state called Aurnaleth.
The two former kingdoms have never quite forgiven the Empire for this indignity, and remain the most independent and prickly of its twenty states. To make sure everyone remembers that they were two separate countries and that they are only a part of the Empire because they were forced to be, they refer to themselves as the Aurnaleth Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth tried to secede during the Great Civil War, but Emperor Xeres urged them to wait until the situation with the Vincaran rebels was resolved before making a final decision. He appealed to their shared history, reminding them that although they may not have joined the Empire under the best circumstances, that was thousands of years ago, and they were a valued part of it now. Eventually the Aurnaleth Commonwealth agreed to remain in the Empire if they were granted increased economic and legislative autonomy. Emperor Xeres agreed to their terms, and the matter was dropped--though not forgotten.
Tourism
Lake Halvine draws tourists with its beauty as well as fishing, boating, and other recreation. Only the heartiest souls choose to swim in its cold waters, however.
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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