LAGRIUS (Kingdom of)

Location: Bellissaria, west of southern Skothar, southeast of Aquas.

Area: 244,677 sq. mi. (633,713 sq. km.).

Population: 150,000 (15,000 in Blueside).

Language: Alphatian.

Coinage: Crown (gp), mirror (sp), judge (cp).

Taxes: 15% income tax on everyone of servant status or higher and an import tax of 1% (NACE kingdoms and Karameikos excluded). 10% goes to the imperial treasury.

Government Type: Semiautonomous monarchy owing loyalty to the NACE.

Industries: Timber cutting, fishing.

Important Figures: Elenitsa (Queen, human, female, F10/T6), Siaron Lagrius (Former Queen, human, female, M13).

Flora and Fauna: Like most Bellissarian kingdoms, Lagrius boasts few indigenous monsters. Most animal life is of the normal variety and has been brought in from elsewhere.

Further Reading: Dawn of the Emperors boxed set, previous almanacs.

Description by Thalia.

After being in Dawnrim, Lagrius was a welcome surprise. There I found a kingdom with enough Alphatian flash to meet my expectations, but with enough practicality to be believable. Lagrius is actually rather unremarkable. However, our stay there was most pleasant. Perhaps it was even too pleasant, and by the week's end I was more than ready to leave.

The Land

Lagrius is a large kingdom situated in the centre of the continent. To the extreme south are the hills and mountains bordering Surshield. A bit north of these are miles of open plains. The northern portion of the kingdom revolves around Lake Lagrius. Surrounding this immense freshwater lake are hills and mountains and an expansive forest. The lake is the boon for the kingdom's fishing trade, the forest the source for timber for export.

On the southeastern shore of the lake rests Blueside, the capital of Lagrius. Blueside was nice, its buildings laid out in an orderly fashion and its streets kept clean. The view of the lake is quite enchanting, especially with the presence of sailing vessels out upon its surface. Blueside is a very busy place. The focus seems to be in harvesting lumber for Horken's shipyards, and fishing.

The People

The people of Lagrius are Alphatian. In general, they are a pleasant hard-working lot. When not at work, the people are rather laid back. For most, leisure time is spent at home, at the local pub, or basking on the banks of the lake. Those more privileged tend to add yachting to their free time activities.

Queen Elenitsa officially rules Lagrius, since the former queen abdicated during that mess with Zandor. I do get the impression that Siaron is still ruling though. The people of Lagrius are quite endeared to both Elenitsa and Siaron. I also get the impression that they realize the amount of influence Siaron has with Elenitsa. In fact, I got the impression that most see her as still being the real queen. But then again, Siaron's ancestors founded the kingdom so there is bound to be some affection from the locals.

The women of Lagrius seemed quite enthralled by Allstrick. I really had to keep on his heels to keep those jackals away. These attentions did not go unnoticed by several of the locals. There were several instances where suitors took great umbrage at their ladyloves showing affection to my man. Fortunately for them, word of Allstrick's reputation reached them before a challenge to duel was issued. Fortunately for Allstrick he behaved himself.

Recent History

Lagrius is one of the empire's oldest kingdoms. Founded by Siaron Lagrius's ancestors, it came as quite a shock that Zandor ordered her to abdicate her throne. The transition from her rule to that of her friend Elenitsa was quite peaceful. It is well known that Siaron is active in ruling behind the scenes, with both her and Elenitsa effectively being co-rulers. This arrangement seems to work for Siaron for now, for she has left Elenitsa in the position as the official queen and kept the official title of council representative for herself.

Though it was feared that Thyatis would launch its assaults upon Bellissaria, the kingdom has flourished since the war thanks to the need for timber by Horken. With fears of Thyatian aggression gone, work on the kingdom's defences has long since halted. Unlike other Bellissarian kingdoms, Lagrius seems more open to its growing prominence within the NACE. And with its pleasant demur, displaced Alphatians are attracted to the kingdom. All in all, the future of the kingdom looks rather bright.

Don't Miss

The city of Blueside is a gem. Its pleasantness and access to the lake is an attractant to those wishing to relax. Likewise, there is an underlying tone of gentility within the kingdom. In general, your stay in Blueside will be similar to visiting a resort, but the locals will not overwhelm you like you are at a resort town.

Do Miss

Life is wonderful for those in and around the city of Blueside. Venturing south things become a bit more difficult. Though dangerous creatures are few in number, those travelling that far south will be far from any nearby assistance, and essentially on their own.