Population: It’s main cities are grand, full of artistic buildings and innovative public transport; it’s well known for having must-see destinations simply on the virtue of being a fantastic travel destination. A real-life equivalent would be older, established cities like Paris, Rome, or Venice with rolling planes and beautiful mountains. The quiet villages have more of a sleepy, Tudor-period feel to them.
Geography: In the mountains to the north, sheep are kept for a high quality wool trade. The wetlands and cold bogs are protected by various *Druidic* tribes who prefer to keep to themselves away from the bustle of big cities. In the south, grain is grown. Rye whisky is the main trade in the flatlands, although villages frequently make their own perry and apple ciders. Fruits like grapes and olives are grown on mountain terraces, run by old-money lords and their serfs. It’s not anything so feudal these days; keeps and quaint villages have turned into self governed small towns. For a real life climate example, it would be a similar stretch of land between Swiss Alps down to Venice.
What do they have?: Aprus is known for its diverse, yet extensive alcohol trade. The ancient volcanic activity in the southern end of the range makes for perfect fertile soil and altitude for expansive vineyards.
Culture: The country is steeped in old tradition and pageantry. In the northwestern region, the main royal city of Elderhamm is also a functional hub for those who take up the path of being a Warden. The south is known for collecting art, scrolls, or other cultural oddities with the central Quill’s Archive. The people are generally reserved and introverted, with a focus on personal growth and study. It’s a matter of pride to have children apprentice into their chosen life paths. Becoming a sponsored to become a Scribe or Squire is an immense honor. Although the nobility tend to fall into these coveted rolls, exceptional talent and drive is acknowledged as well. Despite the jovial nature of their alcoholic exports, the people tend to have a level of stoicism and deep respect for propriety.
Governance: Deeply vested in tradition, the ruling family of Rex Iridian follows the codes of democratic-monarchial to the letter. Everything is done by the book, and if there isn’t a law for it, the followers of the Quills and Wardens come together as mediating parties between the State and The People to write new ones.
Fantastical Aspect: Something in their loyalty breeds a steadfast, ironclad will. There are legends of ordinary people overcoming adversary with purely the strength of their character, or their sword.