Woodshire
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[[Image:{{{coat of arms}}}|100px]] |
| Feudal Status: | County |
| Capital: | Woodshire Village |
| Largest Cities: | none |
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| Local Leadership Title: | The Count |
| Local Government: | Feudal Dictatorship |
| Current leader: | Thomas Gaudin |
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| Local language: | English |
| Local Religion: | Cedrism/Christianity/Judaism |
The County of Woodshire is located within the Earldom of Dolor, which is within the Duchy of Brookshire, which is within The Imperial Republic of Shireroth. It's current leader is Count Thomas Gaudin, appointed by Erik Mortis.
Land
The County is made up of a portion of land located North of Caverden, South of Shirekeep, West of Monty Crisco, etc. It is also located just East of Ashkenatza, and a large community of Ashkenazi Jews has been established within the capital city, Woodshire Village. It's land is generally flat and suited for agricultural work.
History
Most of the early history of the County is unknown. The population only learned basic reading and writing skills after refugees from Thither Tellia began to pour in during conflict between Tellia and Ashkenatza. Today, due to the efforts of Jewish immigrants and Count Gaudin, the area is only slightly less developed than it's neighboring counties.
Culture
Woodshire's culture stems mostly from it's not-so-peaceful past conflicts. The region was ruled, for many years, by two families - the Etzetteras and the Maltensteins. The families were bitter rivals - fighting for economic and military dominance. The fighting was eventually stopped when two of the heirs to the family fortunes secretly wed in the dead of night. Today, Thomas Gaudin claims descent from these original Woodshirer peace-makers.
The County's flag is generally smeared with blood, or blood-like paint, to indicate respect and honor for the fallen soldiers who were under the command of the Etzetteras and Maltensteins. Most of the county's citizens can trace their lineage to several who fought in these conflicts.
The County's religious groups play an important role in everyday life for Woodshirers. Cedrism, Judaism, and Christianity make up the largest religious groups, respectively.
Government
The County is ruled by the Count, Thomas Gaudin. All power flows through his edicts and decrees. All citizens are employed by the County to work in agriculture or military positions. All that is produced is handed in to the Count for fair redistribution. Some rabble-rousers in the Village have claimed that much of this produce, including apples, wheat, and pecans, is actually sold by the Count for his own personal profit...The Count denies these allegations, claiming that all food is redistributed to the citizens according to their need.
Great public works programs have been initiated by the Count. By his order, the citizens have constructed two palaces, a theater, a public forum, and the University of Woodshire. Other important public places constructed before the arrival of the Count included several religious institutions and buildings.
Militia
Leaning heavily on the development and ideas of it's neighbor, Monty Crisco, Woodshire has developed a small militia of 500 highly trained guards. They are stationed within The Maltenstein Fortress, in Central Woodshire. Small groups are also stationed in Woodshire Village and at both of the Count's palaces.
Economy
The economy is dominated completely by two things; the whims of the Count and agriculture. Popular exports include Apples, Pears, Pecans, and timber. Industry is limited heavily except within The Village, where it has begun thriving in recent years. The Village is also known for it's signature Chocolate Shop, still named after the family that founded it, Chocolate Etzettera.
Several families have been granted estates by the Count. They are under orders to employ all citizens in their regions for agricultural work on their estates.
