Kusheth

Covering the westernmost penninsula of Terre D'Ange, the harsh, rocky coastline and soft fertile territory of the Lusande valley makes Kusheth the perfect claim for the oft misunderstood Angel who claimed it. Perhaps that is why the Punisher felt drawn to the land, which could express the same penchants for cruelty and gentleness that were his own hallmark. Either way, Kusheth has been the province held by Kushiel's scions since the founding of the nation. It was from among these blooded scions that the first Courcel King chose House Morhban to grant sovereignty to, passing over House Shahrizai though they could claim a more direct cast from Kushiel himself. Thus the first pieces were put into places for a Game of Houses that would unfold in this rocky land over centuries, and still today these two great Houses struggle for power and control.

On the east, Kusheth borders with Azzalle, on occasion squabbling with the proud scions of Azza over territory. Sea trade with Alba is also valuable to the nation and accessible to both provinces, and thus a point of competition now and again, even if its one with which the Azzallese have something of an advantage. The southern border touches L'Agnace. Namarre, and Siovale making Kusheth well connected to agricultural trade deeper within the nation. On the west it is the sea, and the prospect of trade with Aragonia, Caerdicca Unitas, and other nations that allows Kusheth to expand its coffers, as well as betimes to concern the rest of the nation as the personal fleets of houses Morhban and Shahrizai grow large enough to rival that of many Royal Navy ports. The largest city in Kusheth is Caen, seated at the tip of the peninsula in the territory of Morhban. The Morhban fleet is kept there, and much of the Kusheline sea trade comes in and out of that city, though other ports along the western coast grow in size as well. Overlooking the City of Caen is the sea fortress Ponite d'Oeste, the Ducal seat for Kusheth for near the last thousand years, and the ancestral home of House Morhban

Terrain
The coasts of Kusheth are especially rocky, and known for being treacherous to unfamiliar sailors. There are several small islands off the western shoreline counted amongst the Kusheline territory, the Isle d'Oeste being the most difficult to reach, and famed for the large temple built upon its zenith in honor of Kushiel the Punisher. Farther inland, the terrain of Kusheth is much more forgiving, with the grassy reaches of the Lusande valley kept green and fertile along the river from which it gets its name. It is here that much of the vineyards of Kusheth flourish, and that the prime grazing land for livestock can be found as well.

In recent time the province of Kusheth has laid claim and populated the island chain known as the Three Sisters, the ancient island prison that held the original Master of the Straights since the founding of Terre d'Ange itself. When the curse of the Master of the Straights was broken, and the newly appointed Master of the Straights relocated to Storm Keep in Alba, the three sisters slowly wilted away in population, the purpose of which the people lived their gone. Quentin de Morhban saw the island chain as a perfect place to use to anchor and expand the Morhban merchant fleet, and laid claim to the Three Sisters, a claim that is still hotly contested to this day by Azzalle, who see the claiming of the Three Sisters as encroachment to their territorial boarders, and think the Three Sisters should belong to them. Another small historical footnote, it was off the coast of the Three sisters that the Kusheline flagship, the Imperatus, was lost at sea during an odd summer storm, on a royal mission to Alba. Among those lost on board was the Duc Augustus de Morhban, Sovereign Duc of Kusheth and Prince of the Blood, brother to Queen Iphigenie de Morhban de la Courcel, and the Duc de Camlach.

Industry
Though the coasts of Kusheth are rocky and harsh, the land along the Lusande valley rich and fertile, and produces some of the most sought-after wine in all of Terre D'Ange. The best land for growing grapes lies in the duchy of Morhban, the cooling waters of the Lusande making the area perfect for growing grapes.

There are several different types of wine created in Kusheth, though all are typically much lighter and sweeter than the rich reds found in the wine country of Namarre. The Marquisate of Lusande is known for sparkling Rosé, while the Comte of Mornay crafts pale dessert wines often craved at court. Whatever the variety, all Kushelines take pride in the craft of vitnering, often claiming their product superior to that found elsewhere. It is said that unless he or she is craving the rich reds that cannot be found in their own lands, it is rare to find a Kusheline sipping Namarrese wine.

Along with fine wines, Kusheth is known for breeding quality horses, a trade which has flourished in these years of nationalism when fine Aragonian steeds have fallen out of vogue. The Tsingani horse fair takes place each year in the Hippochamp, one of the rich river valleys, and it is there that a great deal of talent culminates. Tsingani show the foals and yearlings that they have bred and raised in their kumpanias, and Kushelines select the best of them to stud with their own stock. Many Kusheline families have particular breeds that they are known for, the most noted being the blood-bays of House Charlot.

The rugged rocky backbone of Kusheth is a source of sandstone and other soft stones used in building materials. It is a favorite stone used by many artisans for sculpting for the ease of which for it is to work with, and near the coast are deposits of clay that when mixed with the grinded soft stone of the rocky region and other materials, form a remarkably strong mortar that is used throughout the nation in building. It is stored in sealed casks and shipped from the ports along the coast, or shipped over land to its neighboring provinces.

The coastline also provides income for the province, with a modest fishing industry and the trade routes out of Pointe d'Oeste padding the coffers of the nobles whose lands lie along the water. The most prominent houses of Kusheth, Morhban and Shahrizai, each maintain their own fleet, and thus often find themselves negotiating for the letting of ships with the Royal Navy.

Culture
The culture of Kusheth is defined by the nature of the Kusheline people, at once taking on the sharper tastes of the Punisher whose heritage is their own, and yet with the same loving natures and appetites for pleasure that all of the D'Angeline people share. The lower classes of Kusheth tend to congregate either in its capital city of Pointe d'Oeste, or in smaller fishing and farming villages spotted throughout the region. There is also a notable presence of temple life, with the largest temple to Kushiel located on Isle d'Oeste just off the coast of the mainland itself. The seas and the Lusande valley provide inspiration for a variety of local cuisine, and both the wealthy noble households and the village and city taverns all have their specialties. Coquilles d'Oeste are creamed scallops caught fresh off the coast and served still in their shells. Crêpes are a fine light pancake enjoyed all over Terre d'Ange that originated in the region, and Crêpes de Kusheth are made with sweet buckwheat and filled with either savories like sausage, duck, egg, and herbs, or sweets such as fruit. In addition, a variety of local seafoods are popular as delicacies, as well as the quail, chicken, and lamb that are raised in the area.

Recreation in Kusheth varies, with outdoor activities popular in the milder weather and indoor pastimes thriving when it is rainy and cool. Horsemanship is valued highly among the Kushelines, and riding or hunting is a common outdoor activity for those with the means to do so. Indoor entertainments can range from card parties to larger and fancier fêtes, with Kushelines known for engaging the local servants of Naamah to tend to the noble estates on a frequent basis. Even far from the City of Elua the taste for opulance among the Punisher's scions can be grand, as well as their competitive natures. Social seasons away from court can become one long attempt to outdo one another, with the result being drained coffers and wine casks, and tales of debauchery that are retold for months on end.

Noble Census

 * Duchy of Morhban: House Morhban - Ernest de Morhban
 * Marquisate of Lusande: House Morhban - Marquise Angelique Jehanne de Morhban
 * Viscomte of Malroix: House Morhban - Available 
 * Barony of Queven: House Morhban - Available 
 * Barony of Malestroit: House Morhban - Available 
 * Viscomte of Quimper: House Morhban - Available 
 * Barony of Morlaix: Gregoire de Morhban
 * Barony of Vannes: House Morhban - Available 
 * Comte of Mornay: Adalard Mornay
 * Viscomte of Serent: House Mornay - Available 
 * Barony of Rennes: House Mornay - Available 
 * Barony of Dinan: House Mornay - Available 
 * Viscomte of Plertuit: House Mornay - Available 
 * Barony of Julienne: House Mornay - Available 
 * Barony of Lancieux: House Mornay - Available 
 * Comte of Cognac: House Morhban - Available 
 * Viscomte of Lonnes: House Morhban - Available 
 * Barony of Campeneac: House Morhban - Available 
 * Barony of Brehan: House Morhban - Available 
 * Viscomte of Charlot: House Charlot - Available 
 * Barony of Lachase: House Charlot - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Le Cours: Rosemonde Charlot
 * Comte of Concarneau: Nikolás de Morhban
 * Viscomte of Landaul: House Morhban - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Brijoy: House Morhban - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Penfars: House Penfars - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Chauveau: House Morhban - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Bardenac: House Morhban - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Pereuil: House Morhban - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Sovereign Duchy of Shahrizai: Marius Shahrizai
 * Comte of Chartres: Herblay Shahrizai
 * Viscomte of Saumur: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Charente: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Guegon: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Mauron: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Cherbourg: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Deauville: Dorianne Brigitte Shahrizai
 * Comte of Anjou: Edwin Leon Shahrizai
 * Viscomte of Maignard: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Espinay: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of l'Aigle: Evony no Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Mazieres: Kole Shahrizai
 * Barony of Bonneuil: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">On Hold 
 * Barony of Amberac: House Shahrizai - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Comte of d'Aubert: Kataline d'Aubert
 * Viscomte of Alencon: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Caraduec: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Caen: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Montigne: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Poullignac: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Montchaude: House d'Aubert - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Marquisate of Cherevin: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Ahuille: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Craon: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Janze: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Viscomte of Brulon: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available 
 * Barony of Tierce: Lydia Cherevin no Jasmine
 * Barony of Vitre: House Cherevin - <font color="#7A272F">Available