Principato della Lupa

Scourged Lands of Valenor    The Land    Country & Kingdoms      Principalities of Hansa      Principato della Lupa

**Principality of the Wolf**

**General description:**

The Principato della Lupa is a land kissed by divine light, governed by Archpriest Gabriel XVI, who combines both spiritual power as head of the Church of Dawn and temporal power as the Principe della Lupa (Prince of the Wolf). The nation is an oligarchic theocracy, where the worship of Valenor's various gods is an integral part of daily life and governmental institutions.

**Main towns:**

1. **Cordelia:** Capital of the Principality, Cordelia is known as the Sacred City for its numerous temples dedicated to all of Valenor's deities. It is the religious and political center of the Principality, where Archpriest Gabriel XVI resides. The Cattedrale dell'Alba is one of the holiest sites in the city, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year.
2. **Ossia:** Located along the western coast of the Principality, Ossia is the only port in the region on the Dark Sea. It is an important commercial and maritime centre, from which ships loaded with goods from all over the world depart and arrive known.
3. **Pildonte:** Positioned in the north of the Principality along the road that leads to the nearby Repubblica del Leone (Republic of the Lion), Pildonte is a strategic and militarily fortified city. Here there is a strong army that serves to block the expansionism of the Republic of the Lion, maintaining an unstable peace for some years.

**Minor Cities and Important Places:**

**Vilegis:** A picturesque village located at the foot of the majestic Hellfire Mountains, Vilegis is famous for its annual fair, where skills competitions, theatrical performances and local produce markets are held.

**Luminaria:** A small city located along the western coast of the Principality, Luminaria is renowned for its temples dedicated to the Moon goddess, Sela. Sacred ceremonies take place here during the lunar cycles and celebrations in honor of the goddess. The Goddess Sela is opposed and often banished by many cultures, but the Principality of the Wolf maintains a strict state of neutrality in intra-religious matters, so no faith is favored or opposed.

**Customs and traditions:**

**Pilgrimages:** Pilgrimages to temples are common among the citizens of the Principality, who travel from all over the country to offer prayers and homage to the deities. Pilgrims wear traditional clothes and bring with them offerings of money or food, candles and flowers.

**Religious Celebrations:** Religious celebrations are an important event in the Principality's calendar, with processions, sacred ceremonies and festivals taking place regularly to honor the deities and seek their blessings on the nation.

**Art and Music:** Art and music are an integral part of the Principality's culture, with many works of art and musical compositions inspired by the deities and legends of Valenor's pantheon. Artistic and musical performances are often used during religious ceremonies and city festivals.

**Politics**

In the Principato della Lupa, noble families play a significant role in determining the policies and administration of the nation. Although Archpriest Gabriel XVI formally holds power as Prince of the Lupa, his influence on politics is increasingly limited due to his advanced age and the growing strength of noble families.

**Influence of the Noble Families:**

1. **Representation in the Church of Dawn:** Each noble family has at least one representative in the high hierarchies of the Church of Dawn, who governs together with the Prince. These influential members of the nobility help shape the decisions of the Church and, consequently, the policies of the Principality.
2. **Land and Resource Ownership:** Noble families control vast landholdings, natural resources, and industries within the Principality. This economic control gives them enormous influence over the nation's politics and economy.
3. **International Connections:** Many noble families have close ties to other nations and kingdoms, through marriages, alliances, and trade treaties. These international connections allow them to influence the Principality's foreign policy and protect their interests.
4. **Privatized Military Forces:** Some noble families maintain their own private military forces, which can be used to protect their interests, put pressure on the Prince, or act independently.

**The Prince's Poor Grip on Politics:**

1. **Old Age and Weakness:** Archpriest Gabriel XVI is an old man, whose power and authority have diminished with advancing years. His advanced age made it difficult for him to exercise effective control over the politics of the Principality.
2. **Manipulation by Noble Families:** Noble families often manipulate the Prince to pursue their own interests, exploiting his weakness and dependence on their resources and support.
3. **Conflicts of Interest:** Differences in interests between the Prince and the noble families often lead to conflicts and tensions within the Principality, further weakening the Prince's authority.

**Rise of the Noble Factions:**

With the decline of the Prince's power, various noble factions began to vie for control of politics and power in the Principality, contributing to its political instability:

• **Cordeschi Family: ** The Cordeschi Family is the family of the current Archpriest Gabriele XVI (whose real name is Gabriele Cordeschi) and has exploited his position for many years to grab lands, assets and leadership positions . Nicola Cordeschi, current bishop of Ossia, is, in the intentions of the Cordeschi family, the successor of the current Prince.
• **Bernardo Family:** The Bernardo family is a strong mercantile group. The matron Giulia Bernardo is part of the Mercantile League and is in command of their headquarters in Cordelia and controls traffic in the Principality. Their candidate for Prince is Isaiah Bernard, Bishop of Vilegis.
• **Valadier Family** The Valadier family arrived in the Principality fleeing from Sarleris more than a century ago, but immediately settled into the Prince's difficult court. The Valadier family controls the city of Pildonte and Venanzio Valadier is in command of the army of the Principality stationed in the city. Filippo Valadier is the bishop of Pildonte and the family's candidate as Archpriest.
• **Rovere Family:** The Rovere family is the family of the previous Archpriest, Enrico Rovere. Upon Enrico's death, Guinio Rovere was destined to succeed him, but he was murdered under mysterious circumstances. At the following conclave the nobles voted Gabriele Cordeschi as the new Archpriest. Lavinia Rovere, patriarch of the Rovere family and mother of the deceased Guinio, never forgave the other nobles for having voted against their family and above all the murder of her son. Even today, almost 30 years later, there is a reward of 1 million crowns for anyone who reports the instigators of the assassination.

Maps

• 

  City of Cordelia

  Cordelia the Holy City

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy

Capital

Cordelia, The Holy City

Alternative Names

the Wolf Pack

Leader Title

Prince/Princess

Government System

Monarchy, Theocratic

Power Structure

Feudal state

Parent Organization

Principalities of Hansa

Location

The Dark Sea

Official Languages

• Common
• Dulandir
• Merchant Slang

Related Ranks & Titles

• Prince/Princess

Controlled Territories

• Palazzo del Principe

Neighboring Nations

• Alfan Confederation
• Principato delle Aquile
• Repubblica del Leone

Notable Members

• Archpriest Gabriel XVI of Lupa
• Cardinal Luciano Giardini