Sanguifleur

Location: Midlands, West

Affiliation: Valkian Realm

Rulers: Duc Matthieu Boucher, Comtesse Lydia Leclair, Vicomte Éric D'Amboise

Races: Humans, Arsa Sidhe, Fey-Touched

Cultures: Valks

Overview

Sanguifleur is a Duchy comprised of two distinct holdings, spanning a wide swath of land above the Doigt Céruléen bay. Reaching from the eastern border of Cazmuth to the center of the Midlands, the scenery in Sanguifleur is full of rolling hills, farms of golden grains, and fields of vibrant, red wildflowers. Over many centuries, Sanguifleurians have endured a storied history: growing from a small settlement to a monarchical kingdom, waging a brutal campaign to expand westward, and finally, staging a bloody revolution that overthrew the original dynasty in favor of two unified holdings under the Valkian banner.

The name “Sanguifleur” was first uttered in the 10th century, when a scorned noble from the pre-Rulanian kingdoms set out to make his mark on the Midlands. Settling within the rolling hills of what is now Auclair, he named his settlement for the fields of red-petaled wildflowers dotting the landscape. Generation after generation, the land claim grew, but the ruling family always stayed the same - even if not yet official, a dynasty was in the making, and their goal was singular: expansion. And by the 13th century, as one dynasty gave way to another, and another, the kingdom of Sanguifleur reached from Auclair to the western coast. But this wasn’t without brutal conquest, the consequences of which would be felt many years after: the bloody, 15-year conflict that dissolved the existing monarchy, established the modern county and viscountcy, and brought Sanguifleur into the Valkian fold. Under Valkian rule, the county and viscountcy became known as the "Bloodflower Holdings" to their Common-speaking neighbors.

Today, the region is over a century removed from the revolution. In that time, it has largely rebuilt and seen peace and prosperity - but the war that was waged within Sanguifleur was never forgotten; Arsa Sidhe still live to retell their war stories, monuments are put up to celebrate the heroes, and revolts from monarchical fanatics are not such a distant memory. These days, however, the lands are known for what more they offer: picturesque plains and hills, a rich culture of indulging in finer arts and sophisticated consumption, and a strong sense of pride. And, of course: the widely-renowned Sanguifleur wines.

Sanguifleur’s current socioeconomic climate is heavily informed by their historic charge to violent revolution. The border between County and Viscountcy is soft and assumed - no tall walls separating the two, no armed and armored guards patrolling the area. It is felt rather than seen. West of the border lies Coteaux, which largely consists of farmland and backbreaking work. People here consider themself to be making an honest living, farming the land to feed both holdings and maintain a surplus of produce and grain for trade within the Valkian Realm. East of the border, in Éclatier, the labor is different: politics, deal-making, financial matters - these are the sorts of professions one finds in abundance. 

Auclair, the capital of Sanguifleur, sits within Éclatier and near the border. The wealthiest and most influential members of society walk along the same streets plagued by a growing poor population; people too weak to work the land in Coteaux, but too poor to find proper housing in Éclatier. Relatively powerful figures from Coteaux - the farmowners - come to Auclair as well, often aiming to negotiate broader and more profitable trade deals regarding their harvests.

Both the Comtesse and Vicomte rule over their respective holdings from Auclair. Their duties largely consist of dealing with the day-to-day going-ons of Sanguifleur: settling disputes between people, knighting prospective warriors, bestowing land and a title upon those they deem deserving. The Duc tends to travel between Mariza and Auclair, managing relations between Sanguifleur and the Valkian Realm and ensuring the Comtess and Vicomte remember their hierarchy within the Realm.

Notable Locations

• Comté d’Éclatier, the larger and more prosperous holding within the Duchy, home to sprawling vineyards and breathtaking scenery. Lords and Barons control much of the land in the Comté, creating a mix of isolated manors and feudal cities.
• Vicomté de Coteaux, smaller than Éclatier and known for its agricultural output and rural living; a simple but hard life. Villages and small towns dot the landscape, but farmsteads are far more common.
• Auclair, the sprawling capital city of Sanguifleur, located in Éclatier. Home to both the unimaginably wealthy and the dirt poor, the city is known for being a hub for business, politics, and trade.

Bordering Locations

• To the north and east lie Sanguifleur's Midland neighbors;
• To the south lies the Doigt Céruléen, frequently used for trade and leisure; and
• To the west is the County of Cazmuth, with whom they share a storied history.