City-State of Nouvelle Vhaston

    Nouvelle Vhaston is a smallish city-state ruled by a descendant and recognized heir of the old Emperors of Anhkvaris.  Seigneur Louis II de Vhaston (called by some Louis XVII, Emperor (or titular Emperor) of Anhkvaris) has ruled for the past 11 years and is the fourth ruler of Nouvelle Vhaston.  His great-grandfather (also a Louis) built the foundation of the state on the premise of creating a safe and stable haven in the chaos left from the wars.

 

Government :   
    There is no constitution for Nouvelle Vhaston and theoretically the state is under the absolute control of the Seigneur.  In practice however the seigneurs have shared or some would say delegated powers to others.  Except for the city of Nouvelle Vhaston itself, all the major towns and villages (those marked on the map to the left) are semi-autonomous.  As long as they pay their taxes and maintain the law they are left to pretty much govern themselves.  The slight exception to this are the four towns with garrisons, each of which have on average 100 soldiers sent by the seigneur.  The towns in which these troops are stationed are responsible for the day to day care, though the payroll is paid by the Seigneur.
  
Geography :
    The area under the city-states control is for the most part flat with a few rolling hills.  The Voire River runs through the state, roughly northeast to southwest, and is the main means of transportation for much of the population.  All in all the natural features of this area are very unremarkable.
  
Fauna :
    Most of this area is devoid of beasts usually dangerous to man, the exceptions are the odd intruder wandering out of the devastated lands to the north or the forest to the east.  That being said it should be noted that wolves and the odd bear of wild cat can be found here, but except for the killing of livestock generally leave the inhabitants alone.  One you get away from the towns game animals (deer, rabbits, game fowl, etc) are plentiful.

   
Industry :
    Farming employs a majority of the population, with wheat, pigs and vegetables the most common crops.  The central part of the state sees a number of sheep farms, the wool being processed into textiles at Caveis.  Woodworking to produce furniture, wagons and other large products is mostly handled in Jarouth.  There is some fishing along the river, but fears of what may swim down from the devastated area of the old capital keeps it low scale.

 

Population & Settlements :
    Nouvelle Vhaston has the largest population of the settlements with a little over 13,000 inhabitants.  Of the other towns only Caveis has a population above 3,000 and just barely.  Total population of the state is estimated to being around 35,000.

     The larger settlements have been marked on the map above, though there are a number of other smaller settlements.  These are typically farming villages of about 100 inhabitants each.  These villages are generally centered around a palisade guarded area with farms radiating out from there.

    See also Ouxelle - Caveis
 
Military :
    The seigneur by right is the overall commander of the military, but usually there is a commanding general in charge, currently General Antoine d'Orfreux.  The army is divided into companies of 20 men each, led by a captain., currently there are 40 companies (25 infantry, 15 cavalry).  Usually 5 companies are stationed at each of the garrison towns (Apriz, Surion, Jarouth and Ouxelle), 10 companies stationed in the city of Nouvelle Vhaston and 10 companies on patrol throughout the state.  In addition to these forces the seigneur can call on the Order of the Golden Dragon, which currently can count on at least 200 men-at-arms.  In emergencies the seigneur can count muster an additional 30 companies of militia.

    Nouvelle Vhaston also boasts 1 company of engineers (mostly manning ballistae in Nouvelle Vhaston) and 4 small patrol boats on the Voire river.
 
Prominent Families : Vhaston-Seigneurial, Mailley, Vramont

Prominent People : Seigneur Louis II, Princess Marie, Grand Seneschal Thierry, Steward Francois, Catherine de Saveiur, Philippe de Vhaston, Jacques de Vramont, Richlen Kondath, Helwise the Smith

Organizations : Order of the Golden Dragon