Current Noble:- Duke Isaia Guerra
Provincial Capital:- Ballino
Other Significant Nobles:-

Archbishop of La Pineta - Mark Oswaldo

The area of La Pineta was considered a wasteland during the early days of the Empire. It had been heavily damaged by a series of natural disasters and very few settlements existed. It was originally part of a Kingdom that later became part of the Empire. In the 800's the King was visited by a missionary called Giovanni della Pigna. The King was not convinced about the power of the Christian God and so said if Giovanni and his God could restore the area to life then he would convert. Giovanni left and two years later returned. He asked the King to come with him and see what had happened. There Giovanni had established a chapel in a cave and around it was a significant forest of pine trees. The King was impressed and immediately allowed Giovanni to baptise him and his nobles. Soon on a ridge above the cave a new settlement was established and Giovanni became the first Archbishop for the area. While this folk story persists many believe that it was simply the case of a forest fire had destroyed the area and then in the aftermath, which likely was longer than two years, there was new growth which myths have exaggerated.

Over the years the people of La Pineta came to view the pine forest as sacred, a gift from nature and Giovanni’s legacy. The trees were not only a source of wood and resin but also symbols of resilience, growth, and spiritual protection. They built a Holy Grove at the heart of the forest, where legend says Giovanni planted the first pine tree. This has become a revered site, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking peace and inspiration.

Every year, the people of La Pineta celebrate the Festival of the Pines, a week-long event that honors the founding of the region. The festival includes the planting of new trees, processions through the forest, and a grand feast in the Holy Grove. It is a time of community bonding, celebrating the land’s fertility, and honoring Giovanni della Pigna’s legacy.

The Pineta Market, held monthly in Ballino, is a bustling event where locals and visitors can buy handcrafted items, organic produce, and pine-scented products.

Current noble:- Duke Dino Abramo

The Province of Campo was added to the Empire reasonably late. It was formerly a Kingdom in its own right but a very small one. Once it was conquered the Emperor of Abertone needed a settlement there that he could use as a port to help fortify the region and also had an issue that he had to give land to many of his soldiers who had joined his campaign. Wanting to create a city that would be totally loyal to him he gave each of the soldiers a gift of land on condition that they build a settlement and live there, rent free, on condition that they and their descendants render military service when needed. As such the people there saw it as important to keep this agreement and even today the city has an abnormally high rate of military recruitment. The fact the city was full of experienced veterans and well trained descendants the city was left alone by rebels and invaders. The city quickly became known as one that produced an abundance of fresh produce and was  where the arts, education, and trade flourished. The city’s residents took pride in their heritage, believing that they were living in a place blessed by fortune and the foresight of the Emperor.

Dasindo is a thriving city known for its rich cultural heritage and prosperous economy. It is famous for its annual Festival of Gifts, where artisans, merchants, and performers from across the region come to showcase their talents and share their wares. The festival celebrates the city's founding principles and draws visitors from far and wide. This takes place after harvest time every year.

The city boasts several prestigious institutions of education, among them the nations oldest surviving University. The St. Thomas Aquinas Academy was established in the 1300's. 

   

Current Noble:- Duke Isacco Di Antonio
Provincial Capital:- Tavodo

The province neighbours Daldoss and was considered rather insignificant until the time of the Crusades. There the ports of Daldoss were becoming overcrowded and so the Emperor tasked the Count of Tavodo, which at the time was a holding of the Province of Daldoss, to create a holding area of sorts for Crusaders. The result was that the area became home to a significant number of small towns each with their own parade squares and large areas of woodland were cleared to form camps. Following the Crusades the settlements found the camp clearnings perfect for large scale agriculture and the region began to flourish as a kind of bread basket for the Empire. It became so prosperous that when the Daldoss nobles found themselves short of money they sold the region to the Emperor who created a new Province.


The region is also home to the Monastry of Basilissa. The early saint is highly venerated in Abertone for giving honorable burial to other early saints at a time of Christian persecution. She was arrested for doing this and even though tortured refused to deny her faith. She herself was martyred at some time in the 1st Century AD. As such the Order of Basilissa was established in Abertone during the early days of the faith within the nation. It is still an active monastery today and site of pilgrimage for many in the nation. The monastry is also famed for its herb garden and honey.

Current Noble:- Duke Ivan Guinta   
Provincial City:- Moline
Other Significant Nobles:- The province also holds the title "Governor of the Veterans Hospital" which symbolically was a title given to a noble appointed by the Emperor to ensure that veterans were looked after. Today this title is distributed by the Duke typically for a period of five years to an individual considered to have served the military with great honour.

The Province of Molveno has a rather unremarkable history until the early 1800's. Following a series of local conflicts the Emperor found himself with a large number of injured veterans and with Moline being sparsely populated compared to other parts of the Empire he ordered the city of Moline to be used as a convalescence area. Many of the veterans found themselves with nowhere to go once healed and so the Emperor ordered a new part of the city to be built. These homes still stand today and have become a kind of heritage site. The rather unique dwellings were circular with drystone roofs. The Veterans Quarter has become a tourist attraction with many of the old veterans homes now turned into small artisans businesses or upmarket holiday rentals.

Noble:- Duke Lazzaro Nicolosi   
Provincial Capital:- Cavedago
Other Significant Nobles:- Stefano Nicolosi - Count of Bian -- This title was traditionally given to the eldest child of the Duke of Castel Belfort. Bian was the name given to the peak upon which the Fort the province takes its name from. In 1999 however the title was vacated when the family that owned the title died out. The then Emperor split the titles.

The Province takes its name from the Castle of Bian which was called by the then Emperor of Abertone as the most beautiful castle in the Empire. As a result the province had its name changed. It is a relatively small province but thanks to many nobles purchasing land there it had one of the highest GDP's

 

Noble:- Duke Agostino Acquati
Provincial Capital:- Mallaro

Montagna is a region made up of a number of deep and steep valley's such as the one the town  Mallaro sits in. The region is though well known for its cattle industry.

Noble:- Duke Graziano Lupo
Provincial Capital:- Tassullo
Other Significant Nobles:- Archbishop of Tassullo - Moreno Di Stefano

The province of Manzi is relatively small and sits in the mountains to the west of Abertone. It is believed to be the place where the first Christian missionaries found success among those who dwelled in the hills at some point in the early 8th Century. The Archbishop of Tassullo overseas the Cathedral of the Conversion which is said to actually straddle the stream where the first Christian converts were baptised by St.Emidio of Tassullo. Stories tell of how St.Emidio visited the various villages that dominated the region both preaching and helping care for the needy. In 778AD the region was struck by an earthquake and a young boy who was caching cheese in a cave used for that purpose was trapped. He was believed to have died but Emidio refused to give up hope and prayed for his safe return. After eight days of digging Emidio found the boy who was still alive. In the immediate after-math many converted to Christianity believing Emidio when he said that his God had protected the boy. The region even has a series of caves still used for storing cheese to age.

Noble:- Duke Peter Lupa (born 2020)
Other Significant Nobles:- Archbishop of Abertone - currently held by  Pancrazio Ricci.

The city can trace its roots back to around 600 B.C however much of the cities buildings are from more modern times thanks to a series of Earthquakes and fires. The last major fire came in 1720 which destroyed much of the older parts of the city. The city is though home to the Royal Palace, the Imperial Senate and the Palace of the Consul.

To: Professor Mercer

May I begin by saying your dedication and effort towards your field of study is highly impressive. We will not stand in the way of your investigation however we do have three conditions.

1. That a member of one of our nations historical associations is present during the work so as to be able to make a record of the work and advise on any Abertonian finds discovered.

2. That any finds are recorded with our national archives no matter how small.

3. Our nations government is responsible for the decision over what to do with any boat or human remains discovered.

If you can agree to those three terms then we welcome your team to begin your work at your earliest convenience.

We wish your search all the best.

Best Regards

Anette Cuso
Minister for Culture

In a similar manner as our friends from Aosta we shall not be taking part in these exercises. Our fleets are currently assigned to maintain a watching and potentially harassing brief of any Seaforthian vessels passing south through the straits en route to Marseille. Our navy therefore shall stand ready to support Aosta in line with agreements between our two nations. Furthermore we have attempted in the past to cultivate positive relations with nations in that region and believe that there is no real way such an exercise can take place without being seen as a provocation. To our knowledge our organisation has no official diplomatic ties in that region and in order to transit to the region required for your action it is likely we should pass through the Illumic which is likely to further damage your own issues with East Moreland and being a nation that had considered CNN membership we too do not wish to ruin that fledgling partnership. As such we would recommend these exercises not taking place, at least not without substantial diplomatic efforts made before hand to solve the issues.

Best Regards

Emperor Marco.

Princess Kivuli, leader of the Nzuni Tribe, has today used her seat upon the Imperial Senate to table a motion designed to bring in trade sanctions against two nations. The Imperial Senate is made up of two senators from each of the 42 provinces, a representative from each tribe with over 50,000 individuals and 13 members appointed by the Emperor bringing the total number of senators to 70. The Nzuni tribe have always held elections for their representative however the leaders of each tribe maintain the right to directly appoint an individual should they wish. The current Nzuni representative, Elias Uheigou, is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a car accident last month and his seat has been filled by a senior military officer from the Nzuni on an ad hoc basis. Today with the Princess in the city of Abertone to visit potential investors in the Nzuri Land Development Fund and used the opportunity to take the seat herself.

Raising from her position upon being recognised by the Consul, Prince Graziano, the 29 year old stated. "Generations ago the tribes of Albion and the explorers of Abertone came face to face in a meaningful way for the first time. There was of course a clash of cultures and close to a century of bloodshed, something that could have been close to be labelled a genocide. It was then in the early 1600's that it was determined that an Empire where all cultures could co-exist in equality was possible. That dream has not yet been fully reached but we are so very far along that path. It is true to say that the Western part, or as some poor historians may call it the "White" part of the Empire has greater economic power, has a much more visible presence on the world stage but the Eastern part, or what those same historians may call the "Black" part, perhaps what the Prime Minister of Espiria may call the "Coloured" part. We have, in both parts of the Empire mixed, the Empire becoming a melting pot of cultures, traditions and systems. We stand here witnessing the existence of tribal influence while we also see the democracy that came out of the West. We recognise that while to the uneducated the West is home to grand modern buildings and skyscrapers that vastly outnumber those in the East this does not equal civilisation. The Lafiag Codex, a set of human rights, existed for 800 years before the Empire came into existance. The port at Imache in the North of the Eastern part of the Empire was at one point one of the most thriving ports in the whole of Albion, a key port for those trading in the Kyne. It was only geography of the area and nothing else that saw it lose its influence as it could not spread. Today it can not handle the large cargo ships of the 21st Century and so other port towns have flourished, yet that ancient glory remains in its beautiful buildings and temples. In the East we see Catholic Churches just a few doors down frrom Vodou temples, across the street from tribal groves. The idea that segregation on grounds of race exists anywhere is an afront to humanity. To say it is homogenous societies that are raising the issue can no longer be stated. I therefore call upon the Senate to issue a ban on trade with Espiria in terms of all but medicine and food." The motion was put to the floor and passed 48-12.

The Princess then turned her attention to Nya Aland. "I do not bring this motion lightly. I believe that the people of Nya Aland have experienced hardships on a scale unknown to many across Mundus, a disaster that wiped out millions, a chemical disaster that saw mass evacuations, several terrorist coup attempts and now political chaos. They have currently seen their country ripped in two. The North under control of the Gungnir, the south under the control of a military counci, an emergency measure brought about by a lack of political clarity. My concern is the North. Should the Gungnir prevail then it is clear they intend to pursue racist policies. They have already called for, and we believe begun, deportations of any who do not confirm to their community ideals. I believe a handful of Abertonians may have been caught up in this. If we continue our trade with that nation then the fear is that the funds may trickle to areas under Gungnir control. That is a risk we should not take. I further propose that as we stop the flow of money we should also commence a flow of military aid, once the Gungnir threat is destroyed we should resume normal relations with our Nordic friends." The economic motion failed to pass with 39 voting against and 21 for, the remainder abstaining. The motion to begin supplying military aid was also defeated with it ending 52-9.

Speaking at the end of the session Consul Graziano stated "As Consul my duty will be to present the motion for trade sanctions against Espiria to the Emperor for him to issue a Decree. The Emperor may of course overrule the motion. I spoke against the motion in the Senate saying I believe that the sanctions will have little to no impact as we have so little trade with the nation and that I believe perhaps more targeted and diplomatic sanctions would have been better. That though is the past and as Consul I now act as a conduit between the Senators and the Emperor. Regarding Nya Aland I think it is too soon to take direct action but I am hopeful that should the need arise we would be ready to help drive terrorist from any attempts to hold onto a seat of power."

Meanwhile Stumiaga's Senator, Gianluca Alfonsa saw his motion to have Emperor Marco announce an heir defeated by a resounding 61-8. He has however said that he now intends to present a new motion at tomorrows Senate that would take the power to announce the heir out of the Emperors hands. Speaking following the Senate session Mr.Alfonsa stated "I and the people I represent want clarity and that needs to happen fast. We are not Lodja where insane rules determine who can have the throne meaning an endless round of young girls playing Princess end up with a Queendom of their own. We need to know long term plans and so while the Senate have been short-sighted in making the Emperor announce an heir I will now propose we ensure this happens. Tomorrow I intend to table a motion that would name Prince Graziano as heir to the Imperial throne." Prince Graziano has already gone on record saying, "I believe such matters as naming heirs should not be dealt with by the Senate. My task in Senate meetings though is to act as a kind of umpire and guide to ensure we don't just talk in circles. Should Mr.Alfonsa go against this guidance of this not being a matter for Senate and directly name me in a motion then I will take a unique action and will temporarily appoint a Co-Consul to run this debate and vote. I will take no part as I feel my presence could harm the nature of discussion which must be open, frank and allowed to flourish." Early polls suggest that should Prince Graziano be named as heir 72% of the Empire would support that decision.

It was yet another event where Emperor Marco had turned up merely as window dressing. He'd got his cousin Graziano, his counsel, with him to do the heavy lifting. When Marco had announced his "Deputy Foreign Minister" Aurora Napoli was also joining them it became even more apparent that this was more just a "dirty weekend" for Marco. Graziano though was determined to ensure things went smoothly and figured Aurora would not be saying too much, something he could live with. Graziano was keen to speak with King David and headed over with his cousin in tow. "Good Morning your Majesty. I'm sure you know my cousin." He said allowing Marco to shake hands. Aurora meanwhile had gone inside and waited for them as she scanned the room trying her best to remember the names of various people.

Add ABertone to everything please

With immediate effect the Empire of Abertone acknowledges the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Troyes and offers our help and support in running a fair and truly independent referendum as and when it takes place.

Additionally the Empire will stand by Article 4 of our bilateral treaty that establishes the Dual Empire Network that monitors shipping. We shall therefore be informing Aosta of any potentially hostile threats heading south through the Straits of Shaw.

We wish the people of the new Republic of Troyes well.

Emperor Marco of Abertone

Marco returned Adelheid's curtsy with a small bow. "Princess I must congratulate you on a wonderful fashion week, my understanding is that its gone very well. Sadly my understanding of fashion is somewhat limited, I simply have the good fortune to have a wonderful staff who organise that kind of thing for me. I do however enjoy a good soiree." he smiled as he took a glass of champagne. "As for visiting your homeland you're kind of right. This is my first time here as Emperor, however as a young man I was never supposed to inherit the throne and in those care free days I travelled Mundus a lot but only as a mere tourist, while I enjoyed it I sadly did not get to sample events such as this" He waved his glass gesturing to the room. "As for speaking the the Speaker of the Elder Senate....I hope I got that correct....I'd be delighted to speak to anyone who wishes, after all isn't that kind of what events like this are about?" He added "As for Lady Tonya I believe if your looking for fashion advice then a Lodjain is not a bad place to go to for advice. Now if someone should want to buy a fashionable Lodjain a thank you gift for looking after him what would be a good idea?"