City State of Uelzen

Found in the northern flat-lands Teutonia, east of Hague and south of its twin state of Uetze. The City of Uelzen is a trade hub, with direct sea access via the Illmenau River and connections to the Berlin and Wolfsburg roads. Once prosperous the state now is less financially successful, due to failing governance.

Structure

There is a stark contrast between the farming towns of Eimke, Horstel and Benenbuttel and the City of Uelzen. The prior are ran by mayors, who know best how the reap the benefits of their land. All harvests are then transported to Uelzen, where they are given to the Lord Uelzen, who in turn then sells these to local merchants. Though in name Lord Kaspar von Uelzen III, is the cities governor, his lack of a head for trade has made him rely more and more on his Trade-Master in matters of the cities governance.
Lord Kaspar von Uelzen III, 14th in line for the title of Lord Hannover. He is the official governor of the city-state, though in his time away fighting Sable his wife Lady Minerva von Uelzen, has gained exceeding influence with the locals.

Assets

A once great economic power, Uelzen had been in decline after much of its land had been granted to House Uetzen. Additionally, the Trade-Master Grauss seems more content to line his own pockets, an act which gained the House much resentment as he attempted to raise his prices during the War against Sable. Nevertheless, the House lays claim to some of the most fertile land in the region, producing a wealth in wheat, oat and the barley for which this region is famed.
Imports: Fish, Iron.
Exports: Wheat, Barley, Oats, Fish.

History

Founded by Kaspar von Uelzen during the reign of King Hinrick, proceeding its sister city of Uetze to the north. The trade hub was pivotal to the regions economic success with the Uelzen line, though greedy, having a head for commerce. The Uelzen’s laid claim to the majority of farmland north of the Aa, granting them enough influence to rival that of Hague and plans to expand their city to a similar stature. House Uelzen’s leader, Johan von Uelzen, pledged his loyalty to the Betrayer King Frederic during the Sack of Berlin (1056AS). His heir Ector however, was loyal to Crown Prince Gustav, betraying his Father and seizing the City of Uetze and facilitating the landing of Wolf forces loyal to Gustav (1086AS). King Gustav II, bequeathed Ector the title of von Uetzen as a reward, giving him claim to the lands surrounding the port City. This left the Uelzen family impoverished, their sea trade routes now heavily taxed while much of their farmlands and coastal settlements now belonged to House Uetzen. Since then the Houses of Uetzen and the neighbouring House of Uelzen have fostered a bitter animosity, arguing over tariffs and trade on the inland routes they both require for commercial success. The land itself has been untouched by both the Python War and Sable’s forces. Moreover, the latter of these events led to a lessening of the Houses ire, as Lord Fridolf Uetzen and Lord Kaspar Uelzen III found a kinship as they led their militia against Sable.

Territories

Part of a region known as the Aalands, Uelzen is home to an expanse of flat open fields interspersed with raised and heavily maintained roads. Mists often cling heavily to the air, giving the regions a haunted look.
The Illmenau River is central to the city-states prosperity, a slow running inlet perfectly positioned to allow barge trade out of to the inland city. Likewise, the Wettringen road is vital to trade and is constantly upkept.

Religion

The smaller farming towns surrounding Uelzen are devoted to Lorellai and have been for centuries. Though they revere her often in smaller more intimate gatherings their harvest festivals are vibrant affairs. As you approach the city of Uelzen the influences of Bacchus can be seen. Breweries are a common site as well as taverns and public houses for the weary caravanners and bargemen who make the city their temporary home. The church of Gul can also be found here, the Lady Uelzen’s favourite advisor, Bells Jack, leading the faith in the region. These Gul worshippers are cut-throat tradesmen and women, granting a certain reputation to those who say they hail from Uelzen.

Type

Geopolitical, City-state

Capital

Uelzen

Demonym

Uelzen

Leader

Lord Kaspar von Uelzen III

Head of State

Lord Kaspar von Uelzen III

Location

Uelzen

Controlled Territories

• Uelzen