Latveria - A Brief Overview
The Master's homeland is a small, landlocked country located in the heart of Eastern Europe. Surrounded by tall mountains on all sides, the Carpathian Alps to the north, and the Malhela range to the south, Latveria has remained physically and spiritually removed from the strife and turmoil of her less stable neighbors, a haven of peace and tranquility in a world of peril. However, it was not always so. Before the Master spread his wings to protect this land, the tiny country was in danger of being assimilated into the corrupt and ill-conceived Soviet communist bloc! The wisdom of Doctor Doom has been confirmed by the changing tides, as all but a few the surrounding countries now struggle to survive as they viciously battle among themselves, facing an uncertain economy and a chaotic future since the fall of the Soviet Empire.Latveria has remained a pure, pristine country, with the cleanest water and the sweetest air, unbefouled by the industrial pollutants that drown our neighboring countries in deadly toxins. Benefited by the Master's greater technological advances and far-reaching wisdom, our country has known neither poverty nor pollution since he has come to rule, while sacrificing none of the technologies that the rest of the world takes for granted. Always a favorite resting place of the great tribes of wandering gypsies, Latveria also boasts freedom from the oppressive racism that greets the Rom in many other countries. Feared as thieves and con artists in other parts of Europe, even as they are discriminated against in housing, jobs, and honest business, the Latverian gypsies are the picture of prosperity and contentment in this mountain haven! As are all of the Master's subjects. All the Master asks of us is complete and utter devotion to his word, and that we be happy!
Map of the Balkan States of the Marvel Universe, updated by DS 4/19/97.
Originally presented in The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, Issue No. 4, April, 1983.Legend:
A. In LATVERIA, Castle Doom on a hill above the town of Doomstadt, located just north of the Kline River.
B. In SYMKARIA, the location of the city of Aninna, location of the royal palace, home of Silver Sable.
C. In TRANSYLVANIA, the location of Castle Rusoff.
D. In TRANSIA, Wundagore Mountain, former home of the High Evolutionary.
E. Also in TRANSYLVANIA, Castle Dracula is known to be the mountainous regions northwest of Brasov.
BY THE WAY: Don't let anyone tell you that Latveria is located in the Baltic states, because it is Not! Although we're so small a country that people sometimes have a hard time finding us, the Baltic's are actually far to the north of here across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. You Americans are so poor at geography! Particularly you writers out there! Always getting Baltic, Balkan, and Bavarian confused, not to mention Latvia, Liechtenstein and Latveria! We do not have any players in the NBA, ok? The Master unfortunately had to eliminate the basketball team when they shattered the 13th century stained glass windows on the east wall during some particularly energetic jam sessions in the castle yard. Anyway, Bavaria is closer but still not correct . . . sheesh . . . try to keep them straight, ok? The Master gets really upset when the Editors (and you know who you are!) miss those glaring errors and try to relocate his country! It's in the Balkan states! We like it right where it is, thank you very much! Except the neighbors have been a little too loud lately . . .
Travel
HighlightsSightseeing In Latveria.
Castle Doom: By far the most imposing structure in all of Latveria, Castle Doom is a definite must see attraction during your visit to our fair country. Situated on the high hilltop overlooking the village of Doomstadt, you can hike or take one of the tour buses up the short winding road to the Master's residence. The original foundations were built in the 16th century, and subsequent rulers have added onto and restored the structure throughout the ages. In modern times it has been completely destroyed in battle three, four, maybe a dozen times, but it always comes back with a renewed vigor and usually a new wing. It is a working castle, and the primary residence of the Master, and as such it is not always open for tours. Call ahead to find out when it is
open for viewing, usually selected weekdays. Also, many parts of the Castle are restricted. But don't worry! The Master's friendly robots will be sure to direct you back to the tour group! Or, if you're lucky, you may even get to see a close-up view of the dungeons! More tourists are recovered down there every year!
You can also get great views of the castle from the Morkoff bridge just west of town, or if you're up for a short hike, the view from the University of Latveria bell tower on the opposite hill gives you a great vantage point of the Castle and surrounding village! Be sure to pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy it on the University grounds near the circle fountain.
(words), Mark Pajarillo (pencils), Bud La Rosa (inks), Mike Thomas (color) .Doomstadt: A tiny old village in the shadow of Castle Doom, Doomstadt put the "Q" in quaint! European style houses just bleed old world charm, complete with colorful flower boxes and wood shuttered windows! Many of the homes will open their doors to you to provide a warm and comfortable place to stay the night at reasonable prices. Just don't be surprised to find her residents well versed in computer technology and modern conveniences! It is the Master's way to see that we want for nothing! But alongside the sophisticated technology of the future, you'll find plenty of craftsmen who still ply their trade in the proven ways of their ancestors. Wooden marionettes, colorful hand woven rugs, delicate embroidery, regional pottery and metal works can be found in a myriad of shops along her busy central thoroughfare. On Saturdays from May through October the cobblestone city square becomes a bustling marketplace of food, wines, local beer and crafts of all kinds! Hunt for bargains amid the colorful tents, or sit back in one of the cafes lining the square and watch the parade of brightly dressed gypsies and maybe you'll be treated to an impromptu dance or a happy folk song!
The Countryside. No trip to Latveria would be complete without an exploration of our beautiful countryside. Gentle winding roads can be easily traversed by car or bicycle, and several hiking trails lead through the lowland hills of verdant forest and sparkling brooks. Ask for maps at the train station, or, if you're adventurous, head out on your own! You may find the ruins of an old castle (there are several ruins up and down the valley), or a lonely shack where a shepherd tends his flock, or a caravan of gypsies camping in a wide meadow under the stars! The falls at the base of Malhela pass are a sight not to be missed, accessible only by an easy walking path 15 minutes from the Silver Falls car park. A word of caution though, stay to the established trails, which are well marked with signs and directions every few hundred feet, whenever hiking in Latveria. Straying from these paths is not only dangerous, but may run you afoul of the Master's robots, which regularly patrol the outer boundaries for thieves, smugglers, and illegal immigrants. The Master wouldn't want you to get hurt!
Skiing and Winter Sports.
Some of the most challenging slopes you'll find in all of Europe! Fantastic and varied cross country terrain, too. Mechanically groomed downhill runs tended by our Master's very own Snowbots, to beyond vertical off-piste runs like the notorious triple black diamond "Victor's Shortcut" and the extreme skiers only "Chute to Heck!" (jet pack optional). Perfect snow is guaranteed everyday as the Master's state of the art snowmaking equipment blankets the slopes with fresh, light powder nightly. No archaic snow guns needed, the Master uses his own Environmental Maintenance Platforms which ensure good weather for your trip and the cleanest, freshest air in all Eastern Europe! Mechanical Servitor robots patrol the hills regularly to ensure your safety, to assist those in need, and to make sure that the Skier's Responsibility Code is rigidly enforced. No horseplay or reckless skiing or snowboarding will be tolerated, so you and your family are sure to enjoy a stress free day on the slopes without fear of some "Big Air" maniac crashing into you! But if you want to live dangerously and jump off a cliff, the robots will be there to pick up the pieces and transport you and your parts quickly to the nearest hospital! Whatever it takes to make this your most memorable vacation ever, we are happy to serve you. In fact, you just can't help but have a good time! You WILL be happy! That is the royal decree of our king! Please, remember it!
Due to its high elevations and surrounding mountains, Latveria has cold winters and mild summers. Always have an overcoat and hat with you in the spring and fall, for weather is subject to change suddenly and without warning.
The Master's Environmental Maintenance Platforms ensure temperate weather whenever there is a festival or holiday, so don't be surprised if the weather forecasts are wrong!
Population: 500,000 (This is an approximation since the government of Latveria has not allowed an outside census in over 20 years)
Type of Government: Dictatorship (Doom prefers to call this an "enforced Monarchy")
Languages: German, Hungarian, Latverian (local dialect, derivative of Hungarian), Romany
Ethnic Groups: Mixed European stock, Gypsy
Major Business Centers: None
Currency: Latverian Franc
Public Holidays: Doom's Day, Christmas, New Year (Note that Doom's Day is an eclectic holiday, celebrated whenever Doom declares it. The people seem to enjoy these impromptu holidays, but then again, Doom commands it to be so.)
Tipping: Service fees have been worked into all prices. Tipping is frowned upon.
Airports: The only airport for the country, Doomsport lies on the southern outskirts of Doomstadt. It maintains two runways and a modern terminal, but flights into and out of Doomsport are quite limited.
Entry Requirement: An up to date passport is required, as well as an invitation from Doctor Doom if one is visiting Doomstadt. Many governments require that you register with them if you are planning to visit Latveria. Check with the local authorities before finalizing travel arrangements.
Working Requirements: Royal work permits are required for all foreigners seeking employment in Latveria. These permits are seldom given and the potential employee is urged to look elsewhere for safe employment. Those who apply and are accepted are rarely allowed to resign their positions later, although the Master does offer a very generous benefits plan, bonus, 401k, and complimentary life insurance policies!
Vaccinations Required: None.
Health Tips: Drinking water is clean and safe. Medical facilities in Doomstadt are unsurpassed, however medical availability in outlying areas is unreliable. Obey all of the posted signs throughout the country, as ignorance of Latveria's travel restrictions is an excuse not programmed to work on Doctor Doom's robot guards.
Sources: The Domains of Doom by Scott Davis, with Steven Schend. � TSR and � 1992 Marvel Entertainment Group.