Ethnic groups: Aalbanese 50%, Averoignese 15%, Flaems 15%, Kaelics 10%, Lupins 5%, others

Government: Burgemeister appointed by the Prinz of Aalban. The Burgmeister is the Head of Leenz deployment of Aalban Armed Militia, too.

Ruler: Burgemeister Leopold von Drachenfels (born 965) (OD&D: Al L) (AD&D: Al NG) , second cousin of Prinz Jaggar.

History: During the Republic of the Highlands (from 829 to 859) Leenz was an Hattian Barony, ruled by Baron Burkhard Schwassen, from 801 until 848 when he was succeeded by the husband of his granddaughter, Franz von Drachenfels. Franz accepted the Light of Rad declaration and the consequent annexation of Leenz to the newly formed Principality of Aalban, because his older brother, Friedrich 1^st Prinz of Aalban, named Franz’s son, Ernst, heir to the Principality. In addition, Franz was named first Burgmeister of Leenz. From then on, the city thrived, being the Northwesternmost major centre and starting point of the caravans directed to the Capital.

Economics: Leenz is the most cosmopolitan and mayor trading centre of the Principality of Aalban.

Notable sites: Drachen Zentral is Aalbanese University of Monster Lore and Hunting. Courses are opened to students of every principality, but Aalbanese students generally average 50%. Averoignans and Flaems quite complete the remaining 50%, with few Alphatian, Boldavian, Caurenzan and Kaelic students. Elves and, actually, Ethengarians, are quite unheard of. The University has few lodgings for most deserving students, but all around it there’s full of cheap accommodations, as the famous Libelle Gasthof* and Drachenhöle*. Annual fee is determined according to the student’s status, but it can also be bartered with services. The University, in fact, acts, as (Leenz’s only legal) Guards Employment Exchange: every day merchants ask for its services, paying them directly to the University. The University earnings, some 500 gp every month, become part of Aalbanese treasury, after having paid its 50 full-time employees.

It’s possible for non-students to act as guards in the Principality of Aalban; this is however discouraged by bureaucracy and costs. First they have to enlist to Aalbanese Guards Employment Exchange at the Drachen Zentral, cost 2 ducats per week, weekly renewal, then they have to pay 40% of their earnings in advance.

Since the University holds some 500 students, it’s very severe in evaluating them: every year a student has to pass at least 7 courses, failing for two years in a row means the definitive failure of the student.

The University keeps strict ties with the Syndicates of Monster Hunters, that holds an office in the University.

Drachen Zentral provides its students with the following basic courses: Animal Handling, Animal Lore, Direction Sense, Fire-building, Fishing, Hunting, Monster Lore, Rope use, Set Snares, Survival, Swimming, Tracking.

The Noble quarters are surrounded by the natural park with the Great Temple of Rad at its very center. A famous promenade, the Magiengasse, hosts the headquarters and residence for authorities and nobles. Krema’s Mansion, the private residence of Krema family, is the wonderful palace where Gertrud Krema, aka von Drachenfels, wife of Prinz Jaggar, holds the secret meetings of the Free Anachronistic Society of Aalban. The Palace stands apart from the rest of the Quarters, and was commissioned by Aens Krema, a very rich Hattian-Alphatian mage. It has 336 windows, a different view for every day of the year.

The Port quarters are safe and clean. The area is heavily patrolled and many cargoes are daily shipped downriver. Passages cost 2 sovereign per miles for first-class passages and 5 pennies per mile for second class passages. Third class passages aren’t provided. It’s possible to pay the passages offering one’s services as guard, however remember those wishing to do so have to enlist themselves as guards at Drachen Zentral.

Coat of Arms: A gules dragon rampant reguardant incensed on argent background.

Personalities:

Burgemeister Leopold von Drachenfels (born 965) (OD&D: Al L) (AD&D: Al NG).

* Libelle Gasthof and Drachenhöle appear courtesy of Fabrizio 'Brizio' Paoli.

Thibault Sarlat, Giovanni Porpora, Agathokles.

January 2001, All rights reserved.