Geography
Milan’s geography makes the city state very defensible. Its international borders are extremely mountainous and discourage mass crossing from its French and German neighbors. Because of the mountainous region in Milan, the amount of farmland is limited but that hasn’t seemed to be too impactful, as the yield of Milanese crops is strong. Milan’s Po River is filled annually from melting snow caps and it transports minerals downriver to farms and vineyards dotting its banks.
Economy/Industry
Their neighbor Florence has become known for wool. Milan, with less grazing land, has had to be creative with regard to industry. They have embraced industry more than any other Italian locale and as such, they import many raw goods so that they are able to export finished goods. Milanese silk, paints, and weaponry are highly sought after by individuals from all across the world.
Entertainment
Neighboring Florence is famed for its grand balls and masques. It should come as a shock to hear Florence complain about the excess and lavishness of entertainment in Milan. Milan has founded a new style of balladeering- the opera. The region has had a number of successful musicians within its ranks.
The Gargoyles of Milan
Milan was settled by Celts. The Celts were later driven out by the Gauls and Lombards, but whenever a people settle in a region, aspects of them clutch and cling to the place. Milan has been touched by the Celts like no other place in Italy.
Recently, the doge of Milan received a gift from the Stewarts of Scotland, stone gargugliato, to be used in the construction of the new Cathedral planned for the heart of the capital city. The figures are grotesque and foreboding and have a number of the citizens up in arms. Some superstitious individuals believe that the statues are actually a ploy from the French to spy on the Italians. Others feels that the statues are an insult from the Scots to imply that Catholics are grotesque, terrifying monsters.
Undoubtedly, the dispute will continue long after the cathedral is completed.
Government
Leadership in Milan is conducted by a doge. The doge is selected by an elected great council. The doge serves a lifelong term of office. This topic is presently under great scrutiny in Milan as the Milanese people believe that an elected king still acts as king; there are petitions to limit a doge’s term in office to two years. There have been some rumblings about changing who may be eligible to have a seat on the great council or serve as doge, but presently those positions are limited to those of class and standing.