Wide

[ Added 05/29/23 ]


Will this become the powder keg of the Southern Continent?



Overview of Wide

Like Jade, Wide was originally a demesne of the Southern Continent. Being one of the most prominent clans, they did not submit quietly and remained defiant even after becoming part of the Empire. Na has attempted to pacify them through arranging marriages and bestowing titles. Wide remained after the transition to a Federation, but declining influence from Na has allowed present day Wide to gain semi-independence. Relations with Na have continued to sour, but any evidence of such feelings are hidden beneath the surface thanks to efforts from the famous Commander Nebelstern. He is a mighty warrior with full authority over military affairs in Wide.

Wide does not pay taxes to the Country of Na, so tariffs on traded goods are low. Cheaper prices then allow trade to flourish and more merchant ships to visit the ports. However, pirates (calling themselves “privateers”) occasionally dock at the port and cause trouble.

Policies in Wide have been drafted and enacted by Mouton, one of several generations of skilled administrators serving the Principality. Mouton does not support hostilities against Na, but has made necessary preparations should the unthinkable happen.


Climate

Though cooled by sea breezes, Wide is located in the tropics and thus the temperature is rather high all year round. As with Jade, Wide is often the victim of tropical cyclones and walls around the castle town serve as windbreaks.



Emblem of Wide

The Emblem of the House of Wide is steeped in symbolism. Legends say that the original emblem only displayed the diagonal stripe with the sword, then the Emblem of Na was added once Wide fell under control of the New Empire. As Wide shifted its political policies to focus on overseas trade, the Emblem expanded to include the motif of a sea serpent, the guardian deity of ships. Perhaps the Emblem of Na will be removed if and when Wide gains complete independence?

Wide is a citadel constructed on a hill along the coastline. Though the residence of the Marquis does not look like a fortress, it boasts strong defenses thanks to the many walls and steep natural cliffs surrounding it. The Marquis has his own private harbor and, if necessary, can flee via ship.


The Citadel and its National Character

Wide is connected to other continents through trade. Merchants from abroad gather in the town, bringing various knowledge and rumors along with their goods. Among the visitors are unsavory types who often cause a ruckus and concoct various schemes to take over the city. This is the lifeline of Wide, however, so they cannot afford any reductions in trade. Therefore, the commercial district at the center of the city is completely isolated from residential areas and subject to rigid inspections to maintain public order. The residential area was built as a citadel, sitting atop the hill and managed separately, protected by the lord’s guards.

Several rumors have been spreading about this particular system of management, however, keeping the local gossips busy. Even whispers overheard at the port quickly spread through the town like wildfire with very little effort. “Oh, now the pirates are trafficking people!” “Oh, way back when, my brother was tricked by the feudal lord” etc.

None of the sources of these rumors can be confirmed, so their validity is questionable, yet people often regard them as fact. Important information can be concealed in whispers amongst the common folk, however. They may alter the course of someone’s life or even result in the replacement of the local lord.


The residence of Marquis Wide is also the heart of city administration since it hosts offices for Nebelstern, Mouton, and others. Though it may seem an inconvenience, managing all the affairs of Wide in this location is more efficient since the Marquis can easily be consulted on all matters.


Sentiments of the Citizens of Wide

The current Marquis of Wide is unfortunately very young, which is the primary cause of unease among the citizens, but there is no need to worry as long as Nebelstern and Mouton stay in good health. Both are renowned for their honesty and loyalty, neither harboring any ambitions to usurp the Marquis.

Then, what do the citizens think of this strange state of affairs? “Hmm, well… At this point, it doesn’t really matter who’s in charge. I just wish they would do something about those awful pirates,” said a homemaker out with her child at a Tool shop. This was overheard at the well: “Yeah, and then there was the matter of the previous Marquis…” It seems the general consensus is whomever is in charge matters not as long as Mouton and Nebelstern are around. Save for their strong faith in the pair, citizens generally are not concerned with politics unless it directly affects them. This is confirmed when very little chaos occurs after Gustave XIII conquers the city.



Concern for the Health of the City…

Under the leadership of Mouton, Wide has heavily invested in the cultivation of citrus fruits. They are essential for sailors since long voyages by ship often resulted in illness due to lack of Vitamin C. Mouton took notice and promoted the cultivation of citrus fruits. The plan was a great success and even more ships from abroad made sure to stop and replenish their supplies in Wide.


Trade Goods from Wide

A large amount of lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits are grown in Wide. They are not just for the sailors, of course, and are also made into marmalade that gets exported to other countries.


Role During the Game

Gustave XIII set his sights on Wide, wanting to use it as his stronghold. He ended up tricking the Marquis of Wide with a well-planned scheme and took the city for himself.

Afterwards, with Nebelstern and Mouton becoming his vassals, he used Wide to support his landing on the Eastern Continent. The legend of Gustave XIII lives on in this town.