Patlov (PAT-lawv)
Government
Patlov has only recently gained its independence in the mid 1700’s, separating officially from Eisen to which it had been a principality for centuries. The country is currently ruled by Queen Elzbieta and King Mikolaj. Elzbieta is rarely seen in public without her pet.Culture
Heritage: GnomishFrom the Land
Despite it’s monarchial government, Patlov is largely agrarian in nature. Gnomish heritage has left its mark on the country in the form of small towns, rural hamlets, and a focus on generational homesteads.Cultural Norms
Communal CarePatlov’s entire being as a nation is focused on community and familial support. Largely agrarian outside of a few major cities, families often stay in the same area for their entire lives, creating close-knit communities that rely on one another for survival in the often brutal east Europan winters. Community needs are put before individual needs almost always and for a Patlovian, leaving home is akin to severing a limb socially.
Military
The Patlovian military is strong but it's might has decreased in recent years as peace has reigned.Economy
Patlov is largely agrarian but does produce a healthy trade in both produce, lumber, and handicrafts - typically items exported for various feast days and holidays for the various gods. Wood carvings, elaborate embroidery, and rustic toys are among the favorite holiday exports to other nations. Patlov is not a rich nation and while a well established town may thrive on its own production, most of Patlov’s citizens would be deemed poor and provincial in other places in Europa.Religion
While two deities are favored, there are no outlawed religions in Patlov save for a few of the darker arts related deities. Fodla, Goddess of Home and Hearth Rhodena, Goddess of NatureHolidays
Drowning Day - In addition to the adoption of typical seasonal feasts and festivals, Patlov’s “holiday of note” is “Drowning Day” in which effigies of Eosphorus are thrown into rivers to celebrate the independence of Patlov and the turning of winter to spring.“Nellie! Get back here!” The market was busy today - it was near Drowning Day -and- the Queen was visiting from the capital of Wersal. Nellie’s mother, setting up her stall of embroidered kerchiefs, scowled at her youngest daughter who ran pell-mell through the crowds trying to get a glimpse of the Queen and - more importantly - her armoured bear. “But mama!” Nellie pouted but, after a moment, dutifully came to help her mother pin up the samples of their wares. The crowd around them buzzed, many of the village families here to set up temporary stalls for the festival day. Nellie’s mother huffed a patient sigh and tucked her daughter’s skirt and blouse back into shape and swatted her rear. “Go on. Go see if you can see the bear. But five minutes!” Nellie didn’t need to be told twice. She raced off through the crowds of people, dodging bodies nimbly, and wormed her way into the front of the crowd along the parade route. No one noticed her - or cared - all of these families were familiar with one another. A trumpet sound and the snapping silver and black flags heralded the Queen’s arrival. Nellie expected her to be on a horse or in a litter but there she was, -riding- a giant brown bear. The bear grunted occasionally but otherwise ignored the crowds as Queen Elzbieta waved to the crowds. The crowd stared, almost suspicious, as the bear came to a halt and the Queen got down. She regarded the crowd with a small, if sober, smile. Patlov wasn’t one for extravagance and her black dress, while finely made, was simple in cut and design. Nellie still tried not to hyperventilate as the woman approached her. “Little one, your kerchief is beautiful. This is your mother’s work?” Nellie nodded numbly and, at the Queen’s indication, she showed the regal woman where her mother’s stall was. As the two women talked quietly and the Queen purchased some of her own handkerchiefs, Nellie snuck closer to the great brown battle bear, Brazowy. The bear sniffed at her and, after a moment, licked her face with its rough tongue. It was a moment that Nellie would someday tell her grandchildren about when she taught them to embroider in generations to come.
Maps
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Patlov
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Major Exports
Produce, Lumber, Handicrafts
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories