Lastrovia

Once one of the pre-eminent military forces north of the Cohnar Valley, the mostly rural Lastrovia has since spent its years decaying and dwindling into a shadow of its own glory days. A nation with a solid foundation and long history, the kingdom has since faced obstacles of economic scarcity along with proximity to dangerous wilds. During the reign of the current king more than ever, Lastrovia wastes away into obscurity and poverty. Though people from nearby lands may have poor opinions of Lastrovia, none would doubt the determination and willpower of its people. However, despite those merits, the people are also known for being superstitious, desperate, and opportunistic.

Magic in Lastrovia

Though no forms of magic are officially outlawed in Lastrovia, the citizens of many smaller towns are both deeply superstitious and also unfamiliar with magic. Their opinions on different types of magic vary wildly from place to place. Someone may be celebrated in one town as a valuable seer and sage, only to be run out of the next town over for being a despicable witch. Divine magic is viewed with the same suspicion as arcane magic, as the laymen have little understanding of the difference between the two. Shetellar, Indignis, Lockwood, and Glodka are all Gods who see frequent worship in Lastrovia, and even the Forge-Mother, Shona, has a sizeable following in the nation, despite being a Dwarven Goddess. Many small cults and old, local gods still see worship, though mostly at hidden altars in backwater hamlets. The most notorious of these minor cults is that of Rilohkda, the Imprisoned Queen, whose worshippers spread sickness and famine. That being said, not all of these local followings are malicious, and many of them worship benevolent nature deities.

Demographics

Primarily a human nation, Lastrovia contains a very noticeable population of tieflings, especially after the fall of Tualey. A good number of Dwarves, Northmen, Half-Orcs, Orcs, Halflings, and Tengu/Kenku call the place home as well. Lastrovia is also one of the rare nations that has a decent population of goblinoids residing as (mostly) law-abiding citizens, though they tend to stick to large cities. Like most places, other, more exotic races can be found sparingly.
Lastrovia's population veers overwhelmingly into the very low class, being a nation stricken with very encompassing poverty. The nobles, though incredibly wealthy and powerful, are outnumbered to a far greater extent than in most places.

Government

Lastrovia follows a feudal hierarchy, with the King at the apex. Below the King are the March-Lords, sometimes called Princes, who rule over large areas of the kingdom outside the King's land. Below March-Lords are the Keep-Lords, commonly known as Counts, rule over either an individual town or city, or a small group of them. Many cities and towns that do not have lords who take residence in or near the settlement will have appointed mayors or town councils for day to day governance.

Industry & Trade

In times past, Lastrovia produced many luxuriant goods, especially those that were useful to Arcanists in Tualey to the west. But with the fall of Tualey, and the prevalence of misfortune, Lastrovia has mostly resorted to farming and ranching. Sheep and cattle make up a significant amount of the goods produced in Lastrovia, as do basic grains. However, fruit orchards remain common in Lastrovia, as does the practice of brewing a local fruit brandy, known as Palenka, especially on the Isle of Novar. Horses and other livestock are also raised commonly in Lastrovia, though livestock other than sheep and cattle are typically mostly confined to certain regions (such as horses in the north). One other luxury good that has remained, though niche, is Lastrovian Vermillion, a unique and sought after dye produced from a mixture of crushed Lastrovian Firebeetle and other ingredients.

Tourism

In 760, during Year's End, King Imrik dedicated the 2nd through the 4th of Year's End as a national festival celebrating the military victory at Brownrock Bridge against The Empire of Exer. This holiday was dedicated as the Dragon Festival, due to the draconic elements of the climactic battle.

Geography

Lastrovia is primarily hilly terrain, bordered on the west by the Black Mountains and by a small bit of coast along the Lake of Many Folk. The Northern shore runs along Baskwater Gulf, a stark difference of the dry shrubland that the southern border lies on. To the east, Lastrovia's rocky hills give way to flat grasslands and small streams. 
The thick mountain forests in the North-West makes settling the area difficult at best, deadly at worst. Central Lastrovia is dominated by rocky hills, deep ravines, and shallow lakes.

Maps

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  Lastrovia/Kasarai Border region

Alternative Name(s)

Lattland

Inhabitant Demonym

Lastrovian

Location under

Wulsten

Owner/Ruler

King Neboj Imrik