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[hider=Laurensia Freeholdings]
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[color=gold][b]Province Name:[/b][/color] Laurensia Freeholdings

[color=gold][b]Province Ruler:[/b][/color] Maximillian Ferdinant del Marcasia Florentis Laurens de Laurensia III, Saritua Sustrai of the Laurensia Freeholdings

[color=gold][b]Position:[/b][/color] Far southeast of the Crownlands, bordering Qazad on the Great River and the Aborim across the Inland Sea.

[color=gold][b]Notable Attributes:[/b][/color][indent][hider=Commercial Thoroughfare - Foreign luxury goods trade links][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Commercial Thoroughfare[/i][/color] - The main advantage of the Laurensia Freeholdings is its geographical proximity to both Qazad and Aborim, allowing for trade to pass through the province briskly from the south and very briskly (and occasionally missing a few body parts) from the east. Access to the seller's markets in the neighbouring nations brings plenty of opportunities for personal wealth, but the tightfisted nature of the Laurensi people means that little of this wealth ever finds its way into the province's vaults. At least not officially.[/hider]
[hider=Rugged Lands - Naturally difficult terrain for outsiders, bonus movement for locals][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Rugged Lands[/i][/color] - With its thick forests, rolling hills and the wide open lake, the lands of the Laurensia Freeholdings are made up of scattered settlements linked with well established trade routes and hidden byways. As such the locals are well protected, able to keep watch on the well travelled routes while using the lesser known paths to outflank any interlopers intruding on their lands. Most of the time they only use this as an opportunity to set up stalls and markets in favourable locations in order to sell intruders new items and equipment, but at least they know when someone's coming in advance.[/hider]
[hider=Retreat Before Surrender - Tactical withdrawl and strategic pacifism][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Retreat Before Surrender[/i][/color] - Given the difficulty of manoeuvring large forces through the province, combat in the region is usually limited around the settlements, each of which have been heavily fortified against raiding parties and bandits. While in theory even a small army could seize control of the province easily, actually getting the troops close enough to any town to pose a threat without the natives spotting them and simply packing up and leaving before the invaders arrive is the biggest problem. Due to this few settlements have a standing armed force, with the only true army of the province located in the fortified ports guarding the Inland Sea leading across to Aborim.[/hider]
[hider=The Great Material River - Local religious belief in trade and redistribution of wealth][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]The Great Material River[/i][/color] - The predominant religion in the Laurensia Freeholdings is the belief in the Great Material River. Laurensi see the world as having hundreds of towns all with too much of one thing and not enough of the other, with the Great River flowing through them all, from have to want and back again. As such it is the force that binds the world together. To get everything you desire in life, you have to navigate your ship down the River with entrepreneural skill and grace. In practice, this means that material taken from one area have to be replaced or paid for through another means, while avoiding obstacles and pitfalls along the way.[/hider]
[hider=Homespun 'Magicks' - Enchantment, teleportation and persuasion based mental control]
[color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Homespun 'Magicks'[/i][/color] - While few Laurensi possess true magic, many craftsmen are skilled at enchantments and runic binding, allowing them to craft small items with a variety of uses and abilities. Or at least so they claim. Many a customer has purchased a Bracelet of Stoneskin or a Headband of Truesight from a Laurensi trader only to find the magics not working at inopportune moments. All Laurensi abide by the business practice of giving a full refund to anyone suffering lethal repercussions from such occasions upon personal request from the customer, along with a valid proof of purchase.

Along with this those from outside the province spread rumours of the natives' ability to seemingly teleport through the woods at will, always somehow managing to place themselves in a wanderer's path no matter the distance travelled since last meeting them. The Laurensi scoff at this claim, stating that their knowledge of the back woods and hidden trails are what allow them to move so freely, not supernatural trickery.

Darker words are spoken of the Laurensi's mind control skills, weaving words and gestures together to befuddle the mind, tricking their victims into making unwise purchases or selling valuable equipment for a fraction of its true worth. The Laurensi vehemently deny these allegations, claiming that their negotiation skills are merely formed through years of practice, and that no dark sorcery is involved in any way.[/hider][/indent]
[color=gold][b]Description:[/b][/color] Many centuries ago, the freeholdings of Laurensia began as little more than yet another collection of city-states similar to the Foronia nation as it stands today. Although to be fair the term 'city' overvalued most of the settlements in the region, as the dense forests, rolling hillsides and impassable waters provided little space for a full city to be established. Instead the region boasts many small towns, hamlets, and outposts kept seperate from each other by the natural hazards around them.

Over time these settlements began to forge paths through the terrain, establishing connections with their neighbours and trading valuable materials amongst each other for the betterment of all. While in the early times raids and invasions between settlements were still a regular occurrence it soon became clear that sending merchants to trade for resources rather than an army to seize them by force was a far less costly and more profitable use of manpower.

Around this time one merchant named Archibald Hogglesloth Laurens set out to do what had never been done, to build a trade empire across the lands, uniting all under the banner of prosperity. With this dream in mind the young adventurer packed up as many valuables as he could carry and began an epic trek through the land, meeting with and trading with every settlement he could find. At first people saw Archibald as little more than a bold dreamer, but over the years his network of contacts and associates grew until by the time it came for him to retire his name was known in every trade post in the region.

Settling down, Archibald called together his many, many children (quite a few of whom were illegitimate) and sent them out in his name, building stores and warehouses, stables and taverns. Before his rivals realised what was happening the business empire of the Laurens family held a monopoly on the land, buying up entire towns and reshaping them in the name of Archibald Hogglesloth Laurens. Finally seeing his dream made a reality Archibald turned his sights east, and picking up his pack set out with a retinue of traders and merchants to form a new business empire it the heartwoods of Aborim, forever looking to expand his portfolio.

After several years without word from their father, Archibald's children who had been running his businesses in his abscence decided the old man had either decided to cut them out of his new empire, or had been roasted alive by the Aborimites as an offering to their great stone god. Turning to the north, the family offered their services to the Kingdom of Viexmeur, seeing in that nation a far easier chance for profit than with their barbaric neighbours to the east. And so the province of Laurensia was formed, named in honour of the greatest merchant who ever trod the forests of the land.[/hider]
[hider=Carmella de Laurensia]
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[color=gold][b]Name:[/b][/color] María Carmella del Rosario Cayetana Laurens de Laurensia, third daughter of Maximillian Ferdinant del Marcasia Florentis Laurens de Laurensia III, Saritua Sustrai of the Laurensia Freeholdings
[indent]Commonly referred to either formally as Lady Carmella Laurens or informally as Carmella de Laurensia[/indent]
[color=gold][b]Age:[/b][/color] 32

[color=gold][b]Rank:[/b][/color] Noble

[color=gold][b]Title:[/b][/color] Onartu Sustrai - High Noble within the Laurensia Freeholdings

[color=gold][b]Features:[/b][/color] A striking 5'9" woman with fiery red hair and hazelnut eyes which can quickly calculate a person's worth with just a simple glance. Carmella is well spoken but direct when talking, perferring to cut to the chase rather than indulging in pleasantries and formalities. Generally robed in fine cloths and silks, crafted by only the finest hands, and prefumed with exotic aromas obtained through her province's extensive trade links and business partners. Always armed with a ceremonial weapon of some design, and well versed in their use should they ever be needed.

[color=gold][b]Strengths:[/b][/color]
[indent][hider=Something for Your Troubles - Trade connections providing luxury and specialty items][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Something for Your Troubles[/i][/color] - Carmella and her family obtained their stations by always having the right piece of equipment available for any situation. When in need she can call upon her trade contacts to find almost anything which could be needed, and is more than willing to share her sources with her friends. For the right price.[/hider]
[hider=The Silver Lining - Negotiating skills and backroom business contacts][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]The Silver Lining[/i][/color] - The Laurents made their wealth trading with those in dire need during the most troubled of times, and know how to twist almost any situation to their benefit. They don't do so well during times of peace and prosperity however, but have enough shady contacts to ensure things are kept interesting, and profitable.[/hider]
[hider=Cut-throat Deal - Mercenary contacts and indirect warfare strategies][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Cut-throat Deal[/i][/color] - While not unskilled in martial matters personally, Carmella much prefers a hands off approach to dealing with probelamtic situations. Usually simply providing the right piece of equipment to the right person at the right time can lead to problems simply disappearing, clearing her way to her goal without having to soil her hands, or bring her family's name into disrepute.[/hider][/indent]
[color=gold][b]Weaknesses:[/b][/color]
[indent][hider=Wary Welcome - Unfavourable reputation with new contacts][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Wary Welcome[/i][/color] - The people of the Laurensia Freeholdings have a reputation for shrew business practices which leave few eager to trade with them. While they are known to be able to provide much needed aid during trying times, they are rarely the first choice for their customers. This reputation follows Carmella in her dealings, with many second guessing her advice as they hunt for her hidden motives.[/hider]
[hider=Known Sympathiser - Suspiciously close relationship with foreign political rivals][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Known Sympathiser[/i][/color] - During the Great Schism, and many periods after, the Laurensia Freeholdings offered aid and succour to all those who came seeking it, including enemies, and potential enemies, of Viexmeur. Many question the loyalty of the province, especially given their close geographical proximity to Qazad and its beguiling riches, although the Laurensi have always been open and honest about their intentions in these situations. After all, gold buys many friends, but only for as long as it lasts.[/hider]
[hider=Profitless Endeavour - Unwilling participant in Council activities, distracted by personal business][color=6ecff6]»[/color] [color=lightgreen][i]Profitless Endeavour[/i][/color] - Life in the Laurensia Freeholdings is all about the art of the deal, and a person's worth is only as valuable as their latest trade. Because of this Carmella feels that her assignment to the Crownlands babysitting the new monarch is an attempot by her siblings to sabotage her persoanl ambitions, removing her from the opportunites she'd otherwise be free to capitalise from at home in the Freeholdings.[/hider][/indent]
[color=gold][b]Bio:[/b][/color] From a young age Carmella was raised as a merchant and dealer, able to profit from almost any trade and finding opportunities to advance her personal standing from any situation. After being married off to a wealthy Qazadi merchant at the age of fourteen in exchange for her family gaining access to several highly favourable trade routes, Carmella found the southern lands most disagreeable. Luckily less than a year later her husband found himself enbroiled in a duel with a handsome young swordsman who took his life, before being welcomed into Carmella's home as a steward and bodyguard. Unfortunately, during a journey back to the Laurensia Freeholdings the swordsman fell ill, and was buried on the side of the road.

For the next couple of years Carmella negotiated her way into Viexmeur society, rebuffing several suitors who came calling on the young woman before finally marrying into the family of a talented young jewelsmith. Together they opened new lines of revenue to the southern lands, taking advantage of her former husband's business contacts to ensure the eager Qazadi people were never left without trinkets and baubles of all types, styles and designs.

The next five years were spent travelling the southern provinces of Viexmeur, establishing a network of contacts and associates who ensured the safe and equitable distribution of goods and services across the kingdom. Shortly before her twenty-third birthday, Carmella was captured by a group of bandits on the Viexmeur-Foronia border. No-one is certain what exactly transpired during the next two weeks, but on the morning of her wedding anniversary Carmella rode into Laurensia accompanied by several dozen former bandits, now turned sellswords, whom she presented to her husband as a personal honour guard.

[color=gold][b]Quote:[/b][/color] [i]"That's a nice sword you have. I can sell you a better one."[/i]
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