Arlesia

The Principality of Arlesia is an absolute monarchy in the southwest of the continent, below the mountains. Never part of the Empire, Arlesia was gradually united from a feudal society much like its northern neighbour the Westgauen into a unified and increasingly powerful monarchic state. It has a pleasant mediterranean climate. Under the rule of Prince Nicholas III Manchevieux, Arlesia has flourished, with the sciences, engineering and the arts taking great flight. Particularly the city gnomes under the patronage of the monarchy were instrumental to this golden age of Arlesian discovery. Among others, the Arlesians have recently experimented with early gunpowder weaponry and are looking for a way to take to the skies in machines.

Arlesia has a very particular rivalry with the Westgauen despite the many trade links across the mountains. Arlesians regard Old Imperials and Westgauers in particular as a bunch of unruly and uncultured simpletons, whereas Westgauers find Arlesians snobbish.