Lacoria is a large walled town located in central
Carmelyn province, on the western edge of
Libertas Bay. Originally founded by
humans from
Eutopia, Lacoria later rivaled
Thyatis as a political and economic center of the kingdom. During the last
Census, Lacoria reported a settled population of 23,500 inhabitants.
Founding
Established by the noted gypsy explorer, Manus Gon, Lacoria was founded in the late 9200s or early 9300s as a fishing village and trading center for travelers between
Thyatis and
Archadoon. With its central clearing on an open beachhead nestled in the
Zaler Woods, the site was a naturally defensible and logical choice for establishing an urban center. Over time, Lacoria became regarded as a secure and stable place despite being on the international borderlands of the Kingdoms of
Aelyria,
Aelyin,
Beryl, and
Eutopia, as well as playing vanguard to the skirmishes between numerous northern fiefdoms, most notably,
Kaldira and
Chesley. This sense of stability led to a stunning rise in settled population and a growth in innovative textiles, carpentry, and cuisine industries.
Colonies
Though nominally an
Earldom (and later, a
County) with mixed-fealty to both Aelyria and Eutopia, Lacoria enjoyed tremendous autonomy and operated as a de facto city-state, able to send legations of trade representatives and advisors to the courts of foreign princes. In this heightened global portfolio, the ruling family of Lacoria commissioned the founding of two colonies,
Khrystonia to the South in 9386, and
Vicacia to the North in 9409. The two sister-villages were trade and learning satelites that began to reflect a growing Lacorian cultural attitude towards the world. Following the annexation of House
Kaldira by the
Prelacy of Chesley in 9535, Lacoria's status was elevated to a
Barony and enjoyed the protection of the Aelyrian King through direct bloodpledge; this protective arrangement also extended automatically to the colony-cities, which were recognized as being wholly Lacorian in character.
Culture
The Gypsies of the North, sharing common traditions and folklore with the
Air'riela Gypsies, were a people afflicted with great wanderlust that had them nomadically adventuring throughout the countryside, establishing temporary camps between seasons. This mobility gave them an impressive affinity for magic, especially the magic of plants and herbs, as well as shamanistic commune with animals. Shrewd negotiators, the Gypsies also doubled as merchant traders between the cities and villages of the
Barbari and
Human kingdoms of the northlands. When Gypsies established a semi-permanent presence at Lacoria, abandoning their pastoral nomadic traditions in favor of a sedentary lifestyle, their new village reflected the lessons they had learned in dealing with the harsh peoples of the north. Cynical and hard-nosed, yet jovial and compassionate, stern and well-composed, the stoic Lacorians have a rich culture whose history spans the tapestry of time across civilizations that were touched by the gypsies.
Waterforth
Every year, the Lacorian Holiday of "Waterforth" is celebrated on Firstsummer Day, whereby parents are expected to teach their children how to swim. Fishing being central to Lacorian culture, the local holiday of
Waterforth is an essential part of the coming of age traditions, though it may seem like torture, since parents will often toss their children from the seaside bluffs into the ocean and expect them to either swim or begin drowning.
Cuisine
Lacorian culture is often expressed in its basic but wholesome and delicious cuisine.
Potage, a thick and creamy broth made with potatoes, sausages, white beans, ham, and spinach, is a key example of a treasured Lacorian dish that reflects both its simplicity and heartiness.
Picade, or seasoned ground beef, is often eaten simply with rice. Portions are moderately large, and garnish is kept to a minimum; the Lacorians do not appreciate pretentious meals. The one exception to this is their fascination with imported wines, especially those from
Charisme to the far south. Lacorians often erroneously fancy themselves as distant relatives of the Humans from Charisme, though, unlike the people of
Jaedaxia who were settled by them, there is no evidence of any connection between them whatsoever.
Lacoria
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