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.
The Stinche
Florence has a prison that is quite famous. It has housed political criminals, controversial artists, and debtors.
The building itself is most impressive. There is a stone brick tower with tiny windows. The building is surrounded by a moat causing its guests and visitors to refer to the structure as Isola delle Stinche- the island of Stinche. There is a single door in and out of the prison with a Latin inscription above it, “Oportet misereri .” The inscription is a reminder to the public that the prison is operated using private charity funds and not funds from the city coffers.
Executions are carried out at Mint Tower. Prisoners are marched from the Stinche, passed tents staffed by mercy workers from the public and the Church to Mint Tower. The entire area is surrounded by a 59 foot wall.
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.