Verbania

This page is about the province of Verbania

Verbania is an official province in the Empire of Apfeldonia, it is one of the most southern provinces. It is bordered by the provinces of Nersailles to the west, Lahn to the north, and Custach to the east. The bay of Verbania, of which derives it's name from the province, covers the southern coast. It is one of the more populous states in mainland Apfeldonia. It's capital city is  Fredericksburg.

Ancient History
Verbania was most likely settled by the Schulfen peoples before the Apfeldite migration, evidence suggests that this is especially true in the northern section of the province. After the invasion, the province saw a boon in importance during the classical era of Apfeldonian history. It was here, near the Sunshore, that a great naval empire would rise and dominate southern Apfeldonia. The Trident Empire(*), with it's massive cities, palaces, and temples of white stone, would challenge it's northern rival, the Lerz Empire. The region would enjoy great wealth under the empire.

However, due to the gigantic wars against the Lerz, the Trident became weaker, less wealthy, and generally fell into disrepair. This caused an alliance of smaller puppet states to rise up and deal the killing blow to the once great powerhouse. With the death of the Trident and the decline of the Lerz, the Apfeldonian middle ages were ushered in.

Early History
After the fall of the Trident, the province like most of Apfeldonia quickly broke into smaller warring states. One state would unite the rest, occupying all of modern Verbania and then some during it's full extent, forming the Kingdom of Verbania. {Schwanz, here you come up with history on how your family was the one to form the kingdom, which they would rule until...}

When Rutgar started his unification wars, it wasn't long before a sqaure off was set between him and his southern neighbor. The Verbanian army would prove a very tough match for Rutgar, almost foiling his attempts by defeating him. Despite almost coming out with victory, the Verbanian army would be defeated. The king of Verbania {placeholder} was killed in battle, his son had no choice but to surrender to Rutgar. Rutgar pulled the same tatic he used on the Summerfields, he would appoint the prince as Duke of Verbania, to serve under Rutgar, instead of desposing the family from regional power. The move was risky, but it did pay off, the Retzloffs and the rest of Verbania would remain loyal to the crown.

Imperial History
Verbania enjoyed all the prosperity of being apart of the empire, they also suffered when it was a time of suffering. Verbania would play a critical role in the upcoming wars, specifically the Civil War, where they would remain fiercly loyal to the crown under [another ancestor of yours schwanz, may want to give him his own page and backstory later, as a lot about the civil war has been written] whom would help achieve royal victory over the Apfeltskian rebels.

Verbania would supply and raise a large amount of regiments and supplies needed to fight in the Great War, in which several would achieve great fame.

Geography
The geography of Verbania is unique in its own right. Much like regular Apfeldonia, the whole province can be split up into two distinct geographical regions, north and south, although more so coastline and inland. The northern section of the province mimics that of the typical landscape and climate found throughout southern Apfeldonia, in most respects one would seemingly be just at home here than in Lahn or Custach due to the similarities.

The coastline and southern part is different however. It contains a very mediterranean climate, with chappral and a slightly more arid, but no less lush geography. It would be this climate that would inspire Verbania to be seen as one of the provinces that holds great romantic value, aswell as a huge tourist spot, especially the coast.

Government
Verbania's government is similiar to other traditional states within the empire. The government was established during the medieval era of Apfeldonia, thus the Duke is still the reigning governor of the state and thus rules for life. Verbania like every mainland province is granted it's own seats in the national parliament.

A unique feature of the Verbanian state is that the distinct Sunshore region of the province is granted it's own local government, though this government is subject to provincial law and rule under the duke.

Economy
Verbania's economy is one of the more flexible ones in the mainland, as it is heavily molded by shipping, tourism, and agriculture. Like most of the provinces in the south, it is a major supplier of the nation's food, being beaten out only by Custach and Lahn.

Tourism is practically one of the key economic tools that is unique to Verbania. Besides Ostcelestria, Verbania is the only state that is able to turn a major profit from tourists. The province's warm climates, scenic villages, and clean beaches are reknown worldwide.

Shipping provides Verbania a safeguard for economic beakdown, as a majority of the nations imported goods are brought in via the bay. The major ports have been keypoints of trade for centuries.

Infrastructure
Verbania is connected to the imperial railroad system, one can take a train to the capital of Fredericksburg from any bordering province. One can reach Lipton and White Oak easily from Verbania, aswell as Custach.

Culture
The culture of Verbania is rich and unique. The northern section of the province is heavily influenced by traditional Apfeldite culture. The Retzloff family is one of the few families that still use traditional Apfeldite names.

On the coast line there is a unique culture that belongs to Verbania, in a region called the Sunshore. This culture is closely linked to the cultural influences of the Trident empire.

Verbania is known for producing the best wine in Apfeldonia.

Symbols
The province has official symbols, they are as following

Official Bird: Mocking Bird

Official Tree: Mesquite Tree

Official Flower: Blue Bonnet

Official Fish: Guadalupe Bass

Official Insect: Red wasp

Official Mineral: