The bustling metropolis of Valentina is the jewel on Dawnwake's already luxurious crown. Located in the most westerly centre of the nation, nestled between peaks that merge into the spine of the island, Valentina is the trading hub of the world, if what you seek can not be found there, chances are it simply never existed to begin with.
Valentina is also a cultural haven, home to architects, engineers, artists, craftsmen, musicians, and many more, from all over the globe. Many Elves and Orcs have found their place in Valentina, as the trade they ply (especially those of the exotic variety) is often valued above wherever they hail from.
Ruling dynasty (including current ruler):
Hawke Dynasty
King Benjamin Hawke (57 years old) Queen Meredith Hawke (55 years old) Prince Isaac Hawke (Eldest at 35, married, with 2 children) Princess Elizabeth Hawke (33, married, 3 children) Prince Alexander Hawke (31, unwed) Princess Alison Hawke (25, married, has 1 child, is currently carrying her 2nd) Princess Charlotte Hawke (Youngest at 22, unwed, strong independent woman who don't need no man)
Dominant Race: With the exception of Valentina, which is home to many Elves and Orcs from various locations, Dawnwake is predominantly inhabited by Humans.
Kingdom Traits (including description): A web of whispers - Dawnwake, for the most part, maintains a steadfast neutrality in most international affairs. This neutrality is maintained via a thorough and effective spy network that allows the nation to gauge politics abroad and take necessary action to minimise negative impact on the nation.
Wonderous beauty - An architectural wonder, Valentina is built into the bosom of the mountain in such a seamless fashion, one could be forgiven for thinking that had always been the case. The vast majority of architecture in the city is fashioned from beautifully carved white stone. Even the near impenetrable walls of the city are a wonder to behold, dazzling white in the sun, they are the first sight one sees upon nearing the nation.
The other major cities of Dawnwake follow the same architectural style.
Military Traits(including description): Awe-inspiring fortifications - The walls that surround the major cities of Dawnwake are both an architectural, and engineering marvel. Making it extremely difficult for any naval force to even get into a position where ground forces are able to get a foothold on Dawnwake soil.
Good equipment - Dawnwake does not have a large army, and very little offensive capability, but the forces it does have are armed with the best equipment coin can buy.
Ships - The walls of Dawnwake are magnificent indeed, but very few have ever tested their metal against it, as the nation's defensive naval force is staggering, guarding the coastlines of Dawnwake from all directions, as well as the mercantile shipping routes between the other nearby nations.
Economy Traits (including description): Rich with ores - The very mountains that make up the spine of the nation are also its biggest commodity, as countless mines fetch precious metals and stones from deep within.
Important trade routes - Trade is the lifeblood of the nation, therefore Dawnwake maintains mutually beneficial trade routes with several other nations.
Ports - Valentina and other Dawnwake coastal cities have sprawling ports to dock the countless merchant fleets that continously visit its shores.
Industry - Gold and diamonds are all well and good, but the craftsmen and artisans add ever more value to Dawnwake's natural resources.
Ancient merchant families - Several large merchant families reside over Dawnwake's Merchants Guilds, these families are almost as old as the dynasty itself, and have been as integral to Dawnwake's politics as the lords and nobles of the nation.
Flaws (including description):
Sellswords - While Dawnwake's naval fleet is a mighty one, any offensive capability on foreign soil is taken up by mercenaries. Sellswords are predominantly used to protect trading caravans, and are paid well to do so, but any ground forces Dawnwake extends into battle are motivated only by one thing. Coin.
Overly powerful merchants guild - The merchant families of Dawnwake are responsible in no small part for the nations wealth and diplomatic success, however that comes with its own risks. Internal politics between the houses can get very messy, going against these houses, even as royalty, must be done so with absolute caution.
Reputation (what your nation is known as/for abroad): Many nations rely on the trade that Dawnwake propagates, especially some of the more isolated nations that others would deem too risky or out of the way to be profitable. Beneficial trade alliances have been a staple with Dawnwake for centuries, even during times of conflict abroad. It's influence in all things mercantile is rivalled by very few, however this gives many the impression that Dawnwake only cares about coin, as the nation very rarely participates in conflict.
There have been many a battle that could have been concluded a lot sooner, had Dawnwake taken a side.
Diplomatically, the nation is highly regarded, given its neutral status, Dawnwake has often acted as a advocate in political conflict, helping two or more opposing parties reach an agreeable resolution.
History (maybe a short story on its founding, but recent history is more important):
Dawnwake is a very politically stable nation, the original tomes that document the last successful invasion of the land are so ancient, a strong breeze would turn them to dust (Copies have been made over the centuries, of course). The Hawke family are said to have been the head family of a merchant guild who took advantage of the tired army of said invasion force, they sunk their entire fortune into a small mercenary army that they managed to sneak on the island via the eastern coast.
Ousting the invaders' short lived rule over Dawnwake, the Hawke family were in a prime position to seize power, as none of the current nobility at the time had lived through the ordeal. The details are generally sparse, most people take the history with a grain of salt.
The Hawke family have been steadfast rulers ever since then, generally the only betrayal and bloodshed in their history has been with a number of merchant families who saw an opportunity to capture power, a few assassinations here and there, but they all ultimately failed to dethrone the monarchy, and now those families are lost to time. Small footnotes in Dawnwake's long history.
It's business as usual for the small merchant nation, those who study such things often deem its history as generally uneventful, there have been some page turners referencing diplomatic master strokes, even preventing some all out wars, but the typical consensus is that Dawnwake is a rich little island that's very good at remaining a rich little island.
Peace does make for boring reading though, doesn't it.
