The Principality of Lothlorin

Lothlorin is a large island in front of the Empire of Evadrin, and was settled by the Empire a couple of centuries ago. It has gained some form of independence in the year 461 of the Fifth Age with its own leader, although their freedom is limited. Their leader, currently Princess Wynne Astley, is still required to report to the Emperor and make sure there is a flow of gold and trade goods between both nations.   Lothlorin may be a young nation, but it is a very proud and patriotic one. The call for independence is shared by nearly every citizen and the Princess is putting as much effort as she can in achieving this goal.   Most of the Lothloriners are descended from settlers originating from either the Empire of Evadrin or the Theocracy of Dorothel, and it is often said (by the Lothloriners themselves) that the most important traits of both nations have been passed on. On the one hand the Lothloriners are considered patriotic, determined, and ambitious like the Empire of Evadrin, on the other hand they are also elegant, with a passion for beauty and aesthetics, like the Theocracy of Dorothel. The former can be seen to be true in the citizens’ desire for independence. The latter is visible in the Principality’s 2 big cities, Lorrenveil (the capital) and Paragon, where one will immediately see beautiful architecture with enormous buildings towering over the coastline from atop the cliffs. These magnificent works of architecture are only apparent in the 2 big cities however, as the young nation does not have the resources or manpower to create more cities at the moment. However, even the small settlements and towns have generally very nicely crafted buildings, with clean pristine streets.   While religion is important both in the Empire and especially in the Theocracy, it is less so in Lothlorin. Initially the Lothlorin settlers stayed true to the faith of their originating nations and they worshipped Celios and his Circle above all other Gods. Over time however Lothlorin became far more liberal in terms of religion. With the exception of the obvious evil Gods, most Gods are allowed, and most temples also serve as more general temples where any Deity can be worshipped. Ryher, God of Protection and Nalena, Goddess of Peace, have meanwhile surpassed Celios and his Circle in followers, as there has been a general turn towards worshipping the more Neutral Deities in Lothlorin. This was likely done in a conscious attempt to shake off the tie to both the Empire and the Theocracy.   Because Lothlorin is only 2 centuries old it is still a very small nation. However, it’s proving difficult to expand on the island, as dangerous creatures lurk in the hills, forests, and mountains. It is the Lothlorin’s army main task to clear these out so new settlements can be placed, but progress is frustratingly slow and the army remains both understaffed and underequipped. The Empire refuses to trade much weapons and armour with The Principality, and pressures other nations into doing the same. This does not stop Princess Wynne however, as she recently has found a partner willing to trade the necessary equipment. This has given the army a boost it so desperately needed, and the plan now is to find the proper raw materials on the island itself so it can start its own production. This is of course considered a problem by The Empire, but Princess Wynne doesn’t care. They want to grow, and in order to tame the lands they need a proper army. The notion that her army would ever be used to attack something on the mainland is ridiculous to her, as they would never be able to take on the massive force of The Empire and their ally Dorothel.