Madnestan
07-12-2005, 15:32
The Land
Between the mighty Pyrenees, Bay of Biscay and the Kindom of France lays the beautiful land of Aquitane, also known as the Dukedom of Gascony. It is formally a vassal of France, but this relationship is quite humble and far from warm. In reality, the dukedom is in every aspect very close to independent state. Compared to other factions of same formal status, meaning the dukedoms of Provence, Orleanais and Auvergne and alike, Gascony is much greater in terms of economical and military strentgh, plus the sheer size of her lands.
Most important towns are Bordeaux (which is also the capital) in the hearlands, Perigueux, Toulouse near the eastern border, Bayonne in the south and La Rochelle in the north. Of these, only Bordeaux and Toulouse are worth mentioning in pure terms of size and economical importance.
Rest are notable because the fact they are protected by mighty walls and a great castles. Of course, in the dukedom dozens of castles fly high the banners and flags of their owners and the Duke. These mentioned above are however the strongest, and play an important role in the strategical standing in the region.
However, just like in the rest of the continent, the towns and and even "cities" are rather small, and the vast majorioty of the people live in rural, areas dominated by agriculture. Trade and industry are very limited. Most important exports are wine, grain and fish.
Pretty nice income is made though by taking tariff from the growing trade between Spanish states and France, due the fact the Duke has the control of one of the two main passages through the Pyrenees.
The Leader
The current ruler is Duke Jacques d'Gascony, who has been in power for 5 years now after the death of his father, Gerald The Brave. Gerald fought a war against the "rogue king of Paris", and had some succes, but Gascony was eventually beaten and the duke slain. In the peace treaty he son was however given the right to keep the family in power. French knew that by declining this, a fight against the determined young duke and extremely loyal local population would have taken place for years.
Jacques in 24 years old, and has already proven his worth in several occasions. In Perpignan and several smaller clashes against his neighbours his skills as military leader have been shown, and the constantly crowing annual incomes and inner stability speak clear language of his administrative abilities.
He has been lucky with his advisors, though.
Luigi of Venice (also known as the Italian Wizard), the most trusted minister of his father and the person Jaqcues respects more than anyone still living has a great reputation in the courts of Europe. His talents with economical admininstration are stunning, and much of the great wealth that has come to the dukedom (= full chests in the Sealed Chamber of the Duke's castle) is because of his revolutionary tax system.
The Current Situation
Closest allies of Gascony are the Kindoms of England, Aragon and Castilia (OOC NOTE: This can of course be changed if Philanchez so wishes, just thought it would be quite natural), and it has royal marriages with Navarre and Aragon. Relations with Navarre are quite cold though, due the recent border violations.
Note: England has given support to Gascony in many times, and their relations are perhaps even tighter than with France.
Young Duke isn't too religious, really, but ambitious, that's something he certainly is. The whispers and rumours about Crusade For The Holy Land have found a very carefull listener from this man, and the idea of leading his marvellous and battle tested army to distant lands and great treasures and prestige seems to have rooten into his mind.
OOC: This is a news thread of a closed Medieval RP, who's "home thread" can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=457491)
Between the mighty Pyrenees, Bay of Biscay and the Kindom of France lays the beautiful land of Aquitane, also known as the Dukedom of Gascony. It is formally a vassal of France, but this relationship is quite humble and far from warm. In reality, the dukedom is in every aspect very close to independent state. Compared to other factions of same formal status, meaning the dukedoms of Provence, Orleanais and Auvergne and alike, Gascony is much greater in terms of economical and military strentgh, plus the sheer size of her lands.
Most important towns are Bordeaux (which is also the capital) in the hearlands, Perigueux, Toulouse near the eastern border, Bayonne in the south and La Rochelle in the north. Of these, only Bordeaux and Toulouse are worth mentioning in pure terms of size and economical importance.
Rest are notable because the fact they are protected by mighty walls and a great castles. Of course, in the dukedom dozens of castles fly high the banners and flags of their owners and the Duke. These mentioned above are however the strongest, and play an important role in the strategical standing in the region.
However, just like in the rest of the continent, the towns and and even "cities" are rather small, and the vast majorioty of the people live in rural, areas dominated by agriculture. Trade and industry are very limited. Most important exports are wine, grain and fish.
Pretty nice income is made though by taking tariff from the growing trade between Spanish states and France, due the fact the Duke has the control of one of the two main passages through the Pyrenees.
The Leader
The current ruler is Duke Jacques d'Gascony, who has been in power for 5 years now after the death of his father, Gerald The Brave. Gerald fought a war against the "rogue king of Paris", and had some succes, but Gascony was eventually beaten and the duke slain. In the peace treaty he son was however given the right to keep the family in power. French knew that by declining this, a fight against the determined young duke and extremely loyal local population would have taken place for years.
Jacques in 24 years old, and has already proven his worth in several occasions. In Perpignan and several smaller clashes against his neighbours his skills as military leader have been shown, and the constantly crowing annual incomes and inner stability speak clear language of his administrative abilities.
He has been lucky with his advisors, though.
Luigi of Venice (also known as the Italian Wizard), the most trusted minister of his father and the person Jaqcues respects more than anyone still living has a great reputation in the courts of Europe. His talents with economical admininstration are stunning, and much of the great wealth that has come to the dukedom (= full chests in the Sealed Chamber of the Duke's castle) is because of his revolutionary tax system.
The Current Situation
Closest allies of Gascony are the Kindoms of England, Aragon and Castilia (OOC NOTE: This can of course be changed if Philanchez so wishes, just thought it would be quite natural), and it has royal marriages with Navarre and Aragon. Relations with Navarre are quite cold though, due the recent border violations.
Note: England has given support to Gascony in many times, and their relations are perhaps even tighter than with France.
Young Duke isn't too religious, really, but ambitious, that's something he certainly is. The whispers and rumours about Crusade For The Holy Land have found a very carefull listener from this man, and the idea of leading his marvellous and battle tested army to distant lands and great treasures and prestige seems to have rooten into his mind.
OOC: This is a news thread of a closed Medieval RP, who's "home thread" can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=457491)