Freie Provinz Zauberstein

Zauberstein
The Freie Povinz of Zauberstein in the southern Alps is a independent province in the Graubünden Region in the Alps. Neighbouring states are the Austrian-Empire, Sentry, Gradwitz Empire and San Stevensburg.

Terrain
Zaubersteins terrain is defined by a big valley ( the major town, the gun manufactory, and the Cavalry Barracks are located there) and also a big mountain, Zauberberg, where on top of it stand the Duke of Zaubersteins own Fortress. The whole valley and mountain are surrounded by high mountain peaks making it nearly impossible for invaders to get into the valley without using one of the two designated passes.

Economy and Population
The population is mostly made up of peasants and salmon fisher at the riverside. Surprisingly Zauberstein also houses quite an amount of Nobles and richer Merchants from afar which decided to settle there because of the wonderful ambience in the valley. The real language of Zauberstein is german but english became kind of the secondary language because of many new inhabitants (as written above).The currency in Zauberstein is and has always been the Gerro. Zaubersteins economy is if you think of its size notable. Its made up mostly of the very well known Gräfisch-Zaubersteinsche-Geschütz-Manufaktur (GZM,canon-manufactory).

Military
Zauberstein was often besieged and invaded throughout the history, thus providing a remarkable army. The main part is made up of trained-civilians, militia (4 companies) and skirmishers (2 companies). Every male inhabitant above the age of 20 must attend to formation and shooting drill each month at the Zauberstein Festung.

The other party of the army is made up of full-time soldiers and some mercenaries. This part contains the fearsome Zaubersteinsche Kanonen Brigade (4 Artillery companies) with guns from the local manufactory and the single "Graf Gerry" Guard Cavalry Company. The armies grey-white uniforms are rather old-fashioned as they were not changed since the last major conflict 80 years ago. The colours are similar to the coat of arms but without the famous white fox which is only portrayed on the soldiers Tricornes.

Political System
Zauberstein is traditionally a Duchy ruled by Duke Gerry Zauberstein. He represents the Duchy in all important actions and always has the last word in Zaubersteins decisions. Nonetheless once a month everyone that pleases can attend to a peoples assembly at the Festung Zauberstein to discuss major changes and decisions. Its being taken protocoll during the assembly and the voiced opinions will be taken in consideration when the Duke and the Major of the Zauberstein town come together to take upon the final decision.

Zauberstein has recently joined a coalition with San Stevensburg namely Alpenländischer Bergbund. Its aims are to unite all Alpine provinces.