Lesaboca

History of Lesaboca

Lesaboca was originaly founded as a fishing village during the Gafarrian Empire, over time the village would grow into a city which now has a population of 40,000 people. Since the collapse of the empire, Lesaboca played a leading role in the ‘League of Free Cities’ as it was the most powerful city within it; from this Lesaboca gained more power and wealth enabling investment into industries such as the shipwrights which are renowned across Gafarr. Prior to 174 AG Lesaboca would operate as a regional power due to the backing of the League, however this would change when Tiago II "Aravil o Ja Miran" of Aldarr would launch his campaign to bring the League into the Aldarrian fold leading to The War of 74 and the battle of the Bloody Fields where King Eloan IV would die at the hand of Tiago. The loss of their king would send the Lesabocan leadership into chaos and a regency council was established headed by Lord Palo Viegas who would also represent Lesaboca at the peace negotiations in Paloampo.   King Eloan De Julio IV was a young king dying at the age of 32, furthermore he had no son so the throne was passed to his younger brother Max De Julio who was aged 29. Max would be crowned the following year making him King Max de Julio III. Max would loyally support Tiago II throughout his reign due to both respect for Tiago and Lesabocas own weakness following the defeat. Max would reign for 12 years until 187 AG where he would die in a hunting accident, his son King Max De Julio IV of Lesaboca would take over the reigns of leadership. Max IV was a diligent king who sought to restore Lesaboca’s stagnant economy into a reinvigorated dynamic one. His large investments into the shipwrights paired with his expansion of Lesabocan industries such as Breweries would once again allow the economy to grow. Furthermore, Max IV would tackle the growing corruption within the aristocracy and bureaucracy which had begun to grow since King Eloan’s death. Max IV would remain loyal to Tiago II due to his personal renown and power, this paired with the fact Lesaboca alone could not stand against Aldarr.   When Tiago II died in 203 AG, Max IV like many would attend the funeral, however seeing the political instability sweep over Aldarr due to the succession crisis Max IV began to make his move to reassert Lesaboca independence. Ultimately Max IV had one weakness, he was a great steward and the realm prospered however he was arrogant, blunt and not very diplomatic. Eventually the nobles of the realm became fed up with Max’s attitude preferring his daughter Princess Belesa who was widely considered Gafarr’s greatest beauty. The aristocracy began to sow the seeds of distrust between the King and the Princess, Lord Marco Viegas became particularly influential and became the princesses most trusted advisor. In early winter 205 AG the nobles and the princesses would demand that Max abdicated the throne after a series of bad public performances and embarrassments of nobles; releasing resistance against this coup would only undo all his life’s work Max IV would go into exile in Margvel. Belesa would be crowned shortly after making Queen Belesa ‘the beautiful’ De Julio. As a monarch she has demonstrated no exceptional abilities however, she has managed to create an alliance with the town of Paloampo due to her close relations with Doge Leonor Oliveria. Lesaboca still thrives however only time will tell whether that is due to her or the efforts of her diligent father.

Current Politics/Figures

Queen Belesa resides upon the throne currently, however since her fathers death the influence of the nobility has notably increased. House Viegas has become the second most powerful family in the city (after the royal family) whilst other noble houses including House Faria and House Lomba have begun to dominate the council.   Diplomatic strides have been attempted to try and reassemble the League however success has been limited, Paloampo remains Lesabocas only ally whilst other towns such as Fluxpora and Vellar are proving hesitant to join. However the combination of Lesaboca and Paloampo can not be underestimated, together they are integral for the regions trade granting them notable diplomatic power.   Marco Viegas is a prominent figure within Lesabocan politics and he has the ear of the Queen, rumours state that Marco is a talented fire wizard. He is a cunning diplomat with the sole intention of enhancing his own position and heightening his personal power. His family have moved into some critical industries within Lesaboca as they possess a monopoly on the Breweries whilst owning many of the city's blacksmiths. Other nobles fear his growing influence however little can be done whilst he holds the ear of the Queen.   Lord Jonas Fernando VIII is another significant figure within the cities politics, he partly owns the ship wrights and is a keen military strategist, currently he is the martial of the realm and has notable influence over the armed forces.   House Pestana (lead by Lady Rose Pestana), is another powerful house within Lesaboca, Rose’s son Rodry has been appointed Master of Coin therefore granting the Pestana family significant authority over the city's finances.   The merchants guild of Lesaboca is very wealthy especially since the influx of trade from Aldarr, however they largely remain out of the politics of the realm, as long as their goods are protected and they are making profit they care little for the political ‘games’ which are played by the Queen and the noble houses.   Although the noble houses remain loyal to their Queen, much is resting on her aptitude within her role, much of her success has been built off the efforts of her father whilst poor leadership could turn the nobles against her.

Economy of Lesaboca

The economy of Lesaboca is focused around trade which has grown extortionately since the death of King Tiago II and the dawn of the succession crisis in Aldarr. Lesaboca produces large quantities of Ale which is then exported across Gafarr; another major industry is the shipwrights which produces many of the merchant vessels and galleys which are used throughout the region also. Beyond that Lesaboca has become a hub for trade meaning services within the city are booming, the Silver Market has become iconic throughout Gafarr as it is known for its trade of luxury spices and fabrics. Lesaboc does possess its own farmland also with around 35% of the people working in the fields, mainly growing crops necessary to fuel the booming Ale industry.   In recent years Lesaboca’s economy has been fantastic, reaching levels which haven’t been seen since the height of the League's power, however, much of the economy was built by King Max IV and it is unknown whether the Queen possesses the ability to retain this period of prosperity and economic growth.

Military Capacity

In recent years there has been a huge investment into Lesaboca’s military for a variety of reasons. Once Tiago II died it was clear they could no longer rely upon Aldarr’s protection, the rampant piracy demanded that Lesaboca was capable of defending its own trade fleets and the Lesabocan military remained tattered after the ‘Battle of Bloody Fields’ requiring re-armament.   The first step was to re-establish the famed Silver Legion and expand it to 150 soldiers. Secondly there was a massive drive for naval build up so the shipwrights would construct 15 new war galleys to be added to the fleet whilst 6 new war ships were added also, this brings the current naval fleet to 20 war galleys and 8 war ships. The final step which is still undergoing is the recruitment of more men into the standing army, the target has been set for 2,000 full time soldiers and a further 1,000 trained peasant levies. Currently Lesaboca fields 1,300 full time soldiers and has access to 1,650 trained peasant levies.

Places

The Silver Market- located in the centre of the city in the richest area where many stalls sell luxury goods Shipwrights inn- located by the harbour many people who come into the city from the river will say here, the Tavern is owned by Lord Jonas Fernando VIII and the tavern keep is called Stephen Perna   Silver Street- is the street leading onto the silver market, the bank of Lesaboca is located on this street as well as the administrative buildings of the city   De Julio Palace- The palace is found within the keep at the heart of the city it is a large building where the Queen and the royal family dwells   Eloan’s Inn- Opened by King Eloan III the inn is the biggest tavern in the city, the tavern keep/owner is called Levi Jose