Talk:Fresia

Like Flannary, the major change in Fresia comes from the collapse of its northern territories. Unlike Flannary, however, this collapse has actually lead to an *increase* in central authority. The so-called Emperor's power has grown over the past century, to the point that while there are still technically elections, they have become a formality -- a single dynasty now rules Fresia.

Economically, Fresia has also suffered since the Schism Wars. The "silver highway" -- once a valuable connection to the Bay of Shallows and the northern coast -- now runs through wild and hostile terrain. Additionally, as Dwarven and Gnomish fortunes have also been slow to recover, Fresia's primary trading partners have become more autarkic. Also, the Emperor's forays across the Kunduskaag, while generally popular, have been a constant drain on the state's resources.

Culturally, Fresia has changed in many ways. A century of emphasis on warfare and reclaiming lost territory has lead the people of Fresia to become more unified but also more bellicose. A strong "honor culture" has developed there with duals and other such challenges being very common, especially among the young. Indeed, "wizard duals" have become a plague at the University of Fresia and have been formally banned. (Which, perhaps, only increased their popularity) --dm