Under the Mask

Florence/Firenze

Geography

Florence is bordered by Milan and Venice to the north and by the Holy See to the south. Florence has a mountain range, the Apennine Mountains, running through it nearly bisecting the region in half between the Ligurian and Adriatic Seas.

Florence is able to make use of the Po River that is shared with Milan. It has exclusive use and access to the Arno river flowing from its mountains to the Ligurian Sea. Florence also has the Reno River flowing from the mountains to the Adriatic sea.

Economy/Industry

Florence depends heavily on the use of its rivers to transport goods from its port cities of Livorno and Pesaro to its capital in Florence. Florence makes most of its money in the textile market. Florence imports wool from other European nations and processes that wool into worsted cloth making it a more sturdy and valuable commodity that is sought after for its sturdiness.

A great deal of the region’s wealth comes from the Medici family. Their banks are used by many world powers and they have mastered the art of lending a sum to collect a greater sum as a repayment. Whenever a nation is at war, it’s likely that the Medicis are profiting the most.

Entertainment

The Medici’s have not been shy about putting their great wealth to use. They employ a good number of artists, inventors, and thinkers. They enjoy hosting lavish mystery play productions and masques. Florentine soldiers also enjoy fencing and horse racing to keep their skills sharp and provide for an opportunity to boast among peers. Florence is also the birthplace of ballet.

Government

Florence is a Duchy in the Holy Roman Empire. It is ruled by Cavalo Carro, Emperor of Spain and Italy. Cavalo restored the Medicis to power after a series of political maneuvers ousted them a number of years beforehand.

Presently, Duca di Firenze, Cicero Medici maintains alliances with Spain and the Holy See against France. There is some amount of clamoring within the duchy to implement a republic style government that more closely resembles Venice.

Who’s Who

  • Evelina della Chiesa– Cardinale di Firenze
  • Cicero Medici– Duca di Firenze
  • Jianna Medici– Duchessa di Firenze
  • Alexander Medici– Marchese di Firenze
  • Jacomo Diamante– Count
  • Maximo Ferranti– Banker
  • Loredana Ferranti– Banker’s Daughter
  • Roberto Stregone– Goldsmith
  • Oriana Muraro– Astronomer
  • Cortese Valerio– Author
  • Armani Beltrano– Linguist
  • Hilaria de Firenze– Entertainer

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