Montaigne's Story

Just south of Avalon, just north of Castille, just west of Eisen -- at the center of the world -- is Montaigne. For every civilized nation that cares, Montaigne defines fashion, civilization, art, music, and enlightenment.

The country's terrain is beautiful and lush. The soil is fertile, the mountains rich in ore, and the farmlands extend for miles. Unlike Castille, which benefits from the careful guidance of the Church, Montaigne have not maintained their land while they draw from it. Visiting Church scholars warn them of the probable consequences if they do not slow down their production and begin to rotate use of their land. There is no evidence yet that the scholars are right, however, and with their twin war efforts against Castille and Ussura conspire against such action.

Montaigne's observace of Church doctrine has been deteriorating since the early 1600s, and recently the Church sent an army to seize l'Empereur. The Montaigne army beat them back, and has since occupied one-quarter of Castille. The Church has since excommunicated the whole country. The nobility doesn't care much, but the peasants are apprehensive, fearing they all might be damned.

Notable People

Empereur Léon Alexandre du Montaigne XIV: Quite possibly the most powerful man in the world, and possibly also the most arrogant. He has gone through two wives, and is on a third with nothing but nine daughters to show for it. This impertinence has driven him to the limits of his patience.

Montegue du Montaigne: Commander of Montaigne's armies, he is from the peasant class. He doesn't follow fashion trends, sometimes forgets to comb his hair, and worst of all, he often expresses his true feelings when asked for an opinion. He has recently married Dominique du Montaigne, l'Empereur's youngest daughter.

Jean-Marie Rois et Reines: The head of the Musketeers. He never dresses out of uniform, and has sworn to protect l'Empereur. He maried the Empereur's sixth daughter, Anne, and received his position as a dowry.