Viria

Viria

         Viria survives as the oldest established kingdom in Ropermai. Through a succession of strong kings, society emerged from The Great Silence by conforming to strict moral codes. Survivors flocked to the castle at Manche for protection and substance. The Almsford line emerged as fair, honest, and just royal leaders. In the beginning, most of the conflict centered around protecting the people from roving bands of marauders. The second king began his reign with a few years of relative peace. No matter how one plans, peace never remains. Whether rouge, tribe of malcontent warriors, or emerging megalomaniac, they will seek to do harm, focus on one's resources, or destroy for fun.     
           For two decades, Viria troops fought many skirmishes to keep other tyrants at bay. The king decided to established clear boundaries and defensible points. With a series of heavily armed and barricaded forts on the main roads, Viria could control trade, secure citizen travelers, and repel invaders. 

           The populace prospered. The king never forced people to serve in the national defense, most volunteered. The combat training of the troops sufficiently handled every threat. The second king established a tenure service in the army. Only the highest trained and highest rank servicemen stayed their entire life.
           Families grew large. As the wars subsided, craftsmen and food producers began to export their wares. The very countries that sought to destroy Viria, bought food and goods for their decimated population and infrastructure. Zan and Gneger emerged as major trade partners.

           Kindred countries made mutual protection agreements and dedicated trade pacts with the King of Gneger and the Premier of Zan. As the third Almsford king took the throne, all three countries prospered. 

         

         Viria has vast plains with ample yearly rainfall suitable for large farms and ranches. Rastal and Arvorle forests supplied ample resources for Virian families. Many major rivers crisscross the countryside. The Chapel Mountains to the south produces Major coal1, gold, silver, and precious stones as well as large granite sources. Most of the homes are stout oak structures on top of stone foundations. 

          Virians now pursue any vocation their hearts desire. The level of freedom for the common man is the most of any country in Ropermai. King Franko Almsford II rules the country with the understanding that he is only there because of his people. He makes every decision for the good of the most people possible, yet he still dispenses justice for the poor and down trodden. The immigration and population growth is unsurpassed by any neighboring country. The total number of citizens lingers around sixteen million. The total Gross Domestic Product is two million, five hundred thousand gold pieces.

 1. Major coal- a precious energy resource. It burns hotter and longer than Bituminous coal. It takes very small amounts to produce steam. Virian engineers and scientists have developed micro furnaces using dots of Major coal.