Paix

The tiny province of Surlign was created by the Empereur when he built the embassy in Paix. It is bordered on three sides by water - the Sineuse River to the west, the Doigt River to the east, and the Trade River itself to the south. The Empereur gave this territory to one of his most trusted noble families, the Deneuves. Surlign's importance hinges on the continued success of the embassy.

The City of Paix

 * Ruler:Duchess Lillian Deneuve du Surlign
 * Dialect Spoken:South or Paix Montaigne
 * Population:100,000

Paix is best known for the embassy, locally known as Le Labyrinthe because of its enormous size and twisting, confusing corridors. Ambassadors from all over Theah are entertained there while the Empereur's delegates negotiate trade agreements, alliances, and other political coups. At any time, several hundred people stay in the embassy, and its palatial rooms house them easily. The Empereur himself never enters Paix, his jaded palate finding its pleasures somewhat passe. Those courtiers who wish to stay in his favor emulate him unless directly ordered otherwise.

The other dominant feature of the town is its nightly balls and parties. Many nobles come here to relax without the threat of the Empereur showing up. Typically, the nobles who frequent Paix are not currently seeking any favors from him, since they don't fear his disapproval. The parties these nobles throw are celebrations of decadence. They waste mountains of food, stir up duels among drunken guests, and inevitably provide the latest embarrassing rumors for the town gossips - in short, they're great fun.