Montarc: General Worldbuilding Thread

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Pronouns
He/Him
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Welcome! | Benvengut! | Benvegnesto!

Welcome to the general worldbuilding thread for the Eras RP nation Montarc.

This thread will feature large and small worldbuilding pieces regarding Montarci culture, language, faith, government, history and more.

Please do not post on this thread. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions regarding Montarc, you can always directly message me on the forums or my TNP discord account.
 
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Lo Duolfenc (1783)
Written by Joan-Benèdit de Arganha
Instrumental - Composed by Lois Mergantès
Montarci
Mercanti
Ausissètz pas los marrits passes,
De l'enemic en passant la campanha?
Dins los bòsques la bruta s'escampa,
E nostres soldats gardan las montanhas.

S'Abstenir:
Fraires, levatz-vos, lo jorn es arribat,
A ma patria, mon sang es versat per tu.
O es la mòrt per nosautres o es la libertat,
L'esclavatge es coma lo solelh sens matin.

Las bandièras sagnosas son estadas levadas,
Lo tiran serà aculhit per nòstres filhs.
Per qui an aquestas vils cadenas,
Lors sepulturas son estadas preparadas.

S'Abstenir:
Fraires, levatz-vos, lo jorn es arribat,
A ma patria, mon sang es versat per tu.
O es la mòrt per nosautres o es la libertat,
L'esclavatge es coma lo solelh sens matin.

L'amor sacrat de la patria nos guidarà,
Lo cap de la sèrp es estat esclafat.
L'eiretatge de nòstre eroïsme nos subreviurà,
Nòstra nacion prosperarà e nòstra fraternitat.

Jos nòstra bandièra de granda victòria,
Pintat de roge amb nòstre sang per totjorn.
Los nòstres còrs seràn sacrifici per la glòria,
E l'orribla nuèch serà un còp de mai jorn.

S'Abstenir:
Fraires, levatz-vos, lo jorn es arribat,
A ma patria, mon sang es versat per tu.
O es la mòrt per nosautres o es la libertat,
L'esclavatge es coma lo solelh sens matin.
Can you not hear the wicked steps,
The enemy stalking our fields and dales?
In shadowed woods, the brute lies in wait,
While our soldiers stand guard on mountains.

Refrain:
Brothers, rise, the hour has come,
For you my motherland, I give my blood.
It is death we face or freedom we claim,
For slavery is a sun without dawn.

The banners of blood have been raised,
And tyrants will face our sons' fierce gaze.
For whom are these vile chains forged?
Graves await those who would bind us.

Refrain:
Brothers, rise, the hour has come,
For you my motherland, I give my blood.
It is death we face or freedom we claim,
For slavery is a sun without dawn.

Sacred love of our land will guide us,
The serpent's head is crushed beneath our feet.
The legacy of our heroism will endure,
Our nation will flourish, and so will our unity.

Beneath our banner of grand victory,
Stained red with our blood for eternity,
Our hearts will be offered in sacrifice to glory,
And the darkest night will once more yield to day.

Refrain:
Brothers, rise, the hour has come,
For you my motherland, I give my blood.
It is death we face or freedom we claim,
For slavery is a sun without dawn.


Lo Duolfenc (Mercanti: The Duolfenian) is a patriotic anthem of profound significance, both historically and culturally, to the United Kingdom of Montarc. Originally penned as a poem by the esteemed 18th-century poet and philosopher Joan-Benèdit de Arganha in 1783, it has been the official national anthem of Montarc since 1828, following the establishment of a constitutional monarchy by republican revolutionaries after the Montarci Revolution. This momentous shift marked the replacement of the previous national anthem, Rei e Mon Drech (1665–1828), with Lo Duolfenc, a symbol of the nation's enduring struggle for liberty and against tyranny.

Lo Duolfenc first gained widespread recognition during the tumultuous period of the Mediventese Troubles of 1797, a period marked by the anti-monarchist clashes with the loyalist knights in often bloody battles, where it became a rallying cry for the rebels. These rebels, often referred to as "las sans-camisas" (the shirtless ones), embraced the poem as an expression of their revolutionary fervour and desire for change. The earliest documented use of the poem as a republican chant is found in the diary of Gabrièu Politjardim, a rebel leader and priest of Medivento. According to his writings, a group of five hundred guerrilla soldiers marched from the Bauxalan town of Bon Orizont to the city of Marcalhas on May 1797, singing the poem as they advanced, embodying the spirit of resistance and hope that would come to define the revolution.

The poem's transition from a symbol of rebellion to an official emblem of the nation occurred during the assembly of the Second Council of Bergat for the First Republic. On 14 June 1828, the council decided to replace the former anthem with Lo Duolfenc due to its profound symbolism and its deep connection to the democratic ideals that had come to the forefront of Montarc's national identity. The original version of the poem, consisting of eleven stanzas, was later modernised by Fiorento de Arganha, the poet’s son. Fiorento’s revision not only updated the archaic literary language to match the spoken Montarci language of modern times but also condensed the poem to six stanzas, making it more accessible and resonant with contemporary audiences.

The music that accompanies Lo Duolfenc was composed by the renowned Bellonese composer Lois Merganès. His composition was first performed publicly on 22 January 1830 at the prestigious Royal Damreu Hall in Duolfo in front of a crowd of sixty thousand. The anthem's solemn yet stirring melody has since become an integral part of Montarc’s national identity. The custom during performances is for the audience to stand in ovation, with their eyes fixed on the national flag and their right hand placed over their heart. This gesture of respect is maintained throughout the performance, typically encompassing the first two stanzas and two refrains.

Following its official adoption as the anthem, Lo Duolfenc earned its colloquial nickname after being sung by volunteers from Duolfo as they marched to the city of Sagranc, demonstrating the anthem's pervasive influence and its role in unifying the nation. Despite its popular title, the original name given by Joan-Benèdit de Arganha was The Song of the Brave Soldier of the Army (Montarci: La Cançon del Valent Soldat de l'Armada), reflecting its origins as a tribute to the courage and dedication of those who fought for Montarc’s freedom. Today, Lo Duolfenc stands as a powerful reminder of the nation's past struggles and a beacon of its enduring commitment to democracy.
 
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United Kingdom of Montarc (Mercanti)
Reialme Unit de Montarc (Montarci)

In regional languages:
Ream Unît di Muntarg (Lorgenese)
Reginavel Unì Muntarch (Mediventese)
Regn Ünì de Monarca (Bauxalan)

Reeriaght Unnaneyssit ny Monat (Lorcena)
Motto: "Non Ducor, Duco" (I am not led, I lead)
Anthem: Lo Duolfenc
Capital
and the largest city
Duolfo
Official languageMontarci
Recognised regional languagesLorgenese
Mediventese
Bauxalan
Lorcena
Ethnic demographics78.1% Montarci
10.3% Lorgenese
11.6% Others
Religious demographics75.6% Courantist Messianism
13.3% Irreligion
8.7% Rebirthist Messianism
2.3% Others
DemonymMontarci
GovernmentDevolved unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
MonarchGianmarco II
Doge(sa)Timotèu Vascelt
President of the National CouncilJoan-Pèire Berastell
President of the SenateAntuan Beneventura
EstablishmentMerici Empire — BC 1800
Kingdom of Montarc — 19 May 1206
First Republic — 20 April 1828
Reactionarist Junta — 23 August 1928
Second Republic — 01 January 1965
United Kingdom of Montarc — 18 January 1956
Area691,346 km²
(266,930 mi²)
Population
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136,833,057
Density: 198.3/sqkm
GDP (nominal)Total: £5.276 trillion
Per capita: £38,564
Gini
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29.5
low inequality
HDI
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0.901
very high
Calling code+3
Internet TLD.mt
Currency
Montarci Lira (£)
 
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POLITICS OF MONTARC

POLITICA DE MONTARC

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National Council
Conselh Nacional
  • RpM: 252 + 1
  • VER: 195
  • PP: 66
  • ÒC: 42
  • PAP: 20
  • REN: 19
  • PDR: 5

    National Coalition
    RpM-ÒC-PAP
    314 seats + Speaker

    Forward Coalition
    VER-PP
    216 seats
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Senate
Senat
  • RpM: 88 + 1
  • VER: 67
  • PP: 23
  • ÒC: 20
  • PAP: 8
  • REN: 4

    National Coalition
    RpM-ÒC-PAP
    116 seats + Speaker

    Forward Coalition
    VER-PP-REN
    94 seats

LogoNameIdeologyPositionLeaderCurrent seats
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Rassamblemant per Montarc
RpM
"Rally for Montarc"
  • National conservativism
  • Right-wing populism
  • Montarci nationalism
  • Sovereigntism
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iu

Timotèu Vascelt
Doge of Montarc
Party leader since 2017
252 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

in coalition with ÒC and PAP

88 out of 210 seats

in the Senate
in coalition with ÒC and PAP
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Verd
VER
"Green"
  • Green politics
  • Social democracy
  • Progressivism
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iu

Cristiana de Prèire
Senator from Duolfo
Party leader since 2022
195 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

in coalition with PP

67 out of 210 seats

in the Senate
in coalition with PP and REN
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Partit Populare
PP
"People's Party"
  • Social democracy
  • Labourism
  • Left-wing populism
  • Republicanism
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iu

Joan-Adrèu Aucèlvall
Former mayor of Alba
Party leader since 2014
66 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

in coalition with VER

23 out of 210 seats

in the Senate
in coalition with VER and REN
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Òc!
ÒC
"Yes!"
  • Social liberalism
  • Conservativism
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iu

Renata Abalgador
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Party leader since 2020
42 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

in coalition with RpM and PAP

20 out of 210 seats

in the Senate
in coalition with RpM and PAP
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Partit Agraria del Païsan
PAP
"Farmers' Agrarian Party"
  • Agrarianism
  • Conservativism
  • Right-wing populism
  • Christian democracy
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iu

Josèp Leucxell
MP from Medivento
Party leader since 2010
20 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

in coalition with ÒC and RpM

8 out of 210 seats

in the Senate
in coalition with ÒC and RpM
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Renaissençà
REN
"Rebirth"
  • Miègjornese regionalism
  • Federalism
  • Republicanism
  • Conservativism
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iu

Vinçent la Colomba
MP from Bas-Lorges
Party leader since 2017
19 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

4 out of 210 seats
in the Senate

in coalition with VER and PP
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Partit Reforma Democratista
PDR
"Democratic Reform Party"
  • Liberitarianism
  • Big tent
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iu

Elisabèt Gaurdes
MP from Bellona
Party leader since 2006
5 out of 600 seats
in the National Council

0 out of 210 seats
in the Senate
 
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Ràdio Television de Montarc S.m.A.
Montarc Radio Television Corporation
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Logo used since 2013
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RTM headquarters in Perignat, Duolfo (officially known as the "Broadcasting House")
Company type
Societat amb d'Accions (S.m.A.) - Public Limited Company (PLC)
State owned enterprise
Industry
Mass media
Founded
17 June 1910 in Guignes, Montarc (as Agéncia de Ràdiodifusion del Reialme, "ARR")
20 May 1932 in Guignes, Montarc (as Corporacion Reiala de Ràdio e Television, "CRT")
09 April 1965 in Duolfo, Montarc (as Ràdio Television de Montarc, "RTM")
Key people
Alfèns Ceusaderell (CEO)
Marionetta "Marin" d'Asgàrdes (Chairwoman)
Services
Television - Radio - Web portal - Printing
Revenue
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£5.47 billion (2023)
Owner
Ministry of Culture
Subsidiaries
Publicitat RTM S.A.
Cinèma RTM S.m.A.
InfraRàdio S.m.A.
Montarcb
Websitertm.mt

Ràdio Televisió de Montarc (RTM), officially branded as "Rtm" since 2000 and formerly known as Corporació Reial de Radiodifusió (CRR) until 1934, is the national public broadcasting entity of Montarc. Since the broadcasting reforms of 1986, RTM has been owned by the Ministry of Culture. As of 2022, RTM operates 20 terrestrial and subscription television channels and manages over 13 radio stations across Montarc, making it one of the largest broadcasters in Iteria. RTM has maintained a longstanding rivalry with the privately owned media giant Artemedia S.m.A. since the early 1970s, holding a substantial audience share of 38.2%. While primarily broadcasting in Montarci, RTM also offers services in other regional languages, including Lorgenese, Mediventese, Bauxalan, Lorcena, Santonian, and Mercanti, through various specialised channels.

RTM is 99% owned by the Montarci government via the Ministry of Culture and serves as the sole licensee (concessionari exclusiu) for public radio, television, and multimedia broadcasting services. The agreement with the government mandates that RTM adhere to specific rules and guarantees to ensure fair public service. The organisation's management and Board of Directors are appointed every three years by the ruling Parliament, following the recommendations of the Parliamentary Commission for the General Direction and Supervision of Broadcasting Services (Comission parlamentària per la direccion generala e la supervision dels servicis de ràdio e televisió). Although RTM is formally a private joint-stock company, all shares are state-owned, and its operations are governed by national laws, most notably the 2009 "RTM Reform," or law no. 113, which includes the "Lei consolidada de ràdio e televisió" ('Consolidated Law on Radio and Television'). The commission oversees RTM's economic policies, regulations, and the allocation of broadcast time during electoral campaigns.

Founded in 1910 as the Royal Radio Broadcasting Agency (Agéncia de Ràdiodifusió del Reialme, ARR) with funding from the Telegraph and Wireless Communication Society (STSF), RTM was initially tasked with regulating radio broadcasting and publishing government newspapers and journals. The station's first broadcast featured Queen Marienne II's Christmas address in 1910, heard by 230,000 listeners nationwide. Regular programming commenced on 16 January 1911, with the daily broadcast of the radio drama *L'Autra Femna* (The Other Woman), followed by the nation's first-ever publicly broadcast news report. Television programming began on 15 April 1927 with experimental broadcasts in northern Alba, featuring a slideshow of scenic images. As televisions became more widespread in the 1930s, ARR was restructured into the Royal Corporation of Radio and Television (Corporació Reial de Ràdio e Televisió, CRT). By 1965, CRT operated three channels, each dedicated to news, entertainment, and children's programming. However, CRT was heavily utilised as a propaganda tool by the Reactionary Junta during the regime of Guislan de Hermell until its dissolution in 1965.

Following the fall of De Hermell's regime and the establishment of a liberal democracy with the election of Zeïl Biancofornet on 25 December 1964, CRT was dismantled. The new RTM was established on 9 April 1965, under the Ministry of Culture, with its inaugural broadcast being the nationwide evening news in colour. RTM distinguished itself by promoting regional languages, which had suffered under De Hermell's rule, and by prioritising nonpartisan news coverage and educational programming. Iconic shows like Un Viatge in Alba and Una Nuèch Vicentese showcased the beauty of the nation, particularly to those without the means to travel. In 1977, RTM World News was launched to extend Montarc’s television presence globally.

Today, RTM continues to operate 20 channels that cater to a wide array of interests, including entertainment, news, cooking, children's programming, education, and documentaries, broadcast in over 10 languages. RTM is widely respected for its commitment to nonpartisan news coverage and its role as a reliable source of information.


LOGO
CHANNEL
TOPIC
LANGUAGE
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RTM Nòvas
24-hour news broadcasting
Montarci
with subtitles available in Mercanti
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RTM 1
Entertainment
Montarci
with subtitles available in Mercanti and Prydanian
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RTM Baü
News broadcasting, entertainment
Bauxalan
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RTM Lorges
News broadcasting, entertainment
Lorgenese
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RTM World
24-hour news broadcasting
Mercanti
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RTM Monde
24-hour news broadcasting
Santonian
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Montarc24
News broadcasting, documentaries
Montarci
with subtitles available in Mercanti
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VOX
Music programming
Montarci, original
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ToyBox
Children's animations, educational programming
Montarci
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TV24
Reality television
Montarci
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Super!
Children's animations (06.30AM - 23.00PM)
Adult animations (23.00PM - 06.30AM)
Montarci
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TiPiK
Teen animations and sitcoms
Montarci
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Prima
Reality television, entertainment, TV series
Montarci, original
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Prima Love
TV series, movies
Content targetted towards 16-40 year old female demographic, such as soap operas, drama and romantic comedies
Montarci, original
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Prima MAX
TV series, movies
Mostly movies about true crime, detective's stories, horror and thrillers
Montarci, original
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Prima Star
Reality television
Mostly reality competitions
Montarci
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Mega
Men's entertainment
Content targetted towards 16-40 year old male demographic, such as boxing matches, motorsports and sports tournaments
Montarci
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Gol-Play
Sports
Montarci, original
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TMC
Sitcoms, TV series, entertainment
Montarci
 
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DUOLFO
Metropolitan Municipality of
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Duolfo in the province of Fiuro
Motto
"Fluctat nec megritur"
(Tossed by the waves, but never sunk)
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Cathedral of Sant-Salvator in Quart Oèsministre
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Oèsministre and the River Gales
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Old City "Lo Vièlha" viewed from the Fiurian Gulf
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Mezotaire Palace, seat of the Corts Generals
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Royal Palace of Bergano
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Lo Garda, the business district
Region
Department
Fiuro
Illa-de-Montarc
Arrondiments26
MayorMontserrat de Juratà (RpM)
Area
  • Urban
  • Metropolitan

3 445 km²
18 226 km²
Population
  • Urban
  • Metropolitan

10 670 500 (3 097 per km²)
21 224 170 (1 164 per km²)
Demonym(s)Duolfian(s) (Mercanti)
Duolfenc(s) (Montarci)
Duogot(es) (Montarci, colloquial)
Time zoneGMT+3, Western Montarci Time
Postal code0073XX
Phone code+3 0024

Duolfo, the capital and largest city of Montarc, stands as a vibrant and dynamic hub with a metropolitan population of 21 million spread across over 18,000 square kilometres, making it one of the most populous cities in Iteria. Since the 17th century, Duolfo has been recognised globally as a leading centre for finance, diplomacy, culture, gastronomy, fashion, and commerce. Its influence in the fields of science, the arts, innovation, and religion has earned it the distinguished title of "City of the Sun."

As a major transportation nexus, Duolfo boasts three airports, including Adelaida International, one of the busiest airports worldwide, handling 93.4 million passengers annually. Gasconha Airport and Pompeu Auvenhet Airport further enhance the city's air connectivity, the latter being the newest airport in the nation, opened to service in 2021. The city's expansive metropolitan rapid transit system, Métro Duolfo, has beenoperational since 1897, serves 15.5 million passengers daily through its extensive 498 stations. Meanwhile, Gara de Montreial ranks as the second-busiest train station globally, accommodating 563 million passengers in 2023.

Historically, Duolfo has been a pivotal centre for Courantist Messianism, particularly following the 1433 Fernardian Doctrine first established by Umberdian priest and scholar Monseigneur Fernard Ixell, which reformed the Montarci church by rejecting the legitimacy indulgences, simony, and papal control over the crown and the state, limiting the authority of the Pope and the Holy See. During the Global Enlightenment era, the city became a beacon for the arts, philosophy, literature, and sciences. Renowned 16th to 18th century artists like Burdons, Jaïr Nedell, Aarò dels Menget, and Berguslo the Younger emerged from this cultural renaissance, producing realist, surrealist and symbolist pieces throughout their careers. Duolfo is also credited with the birth of the Vindico architectural style, known for its detailed, opulent buildings adorned with mascarons and pillars, still visibly present in its old quarters. From the 19th century onward, the city flourished as a literary epicentre, producing influential works such as Isaïes de Barsac’s 1823 novel Un Boda en Becel (A Wedding in Becel), a hallmark of Montarcian classicism. Prominent Montarci philosophers and writers such as Isaïes de Barsac, Henric Albanat, Pierjoanes dels Prahas, Adaïla Gamberes and Teudor Campanell have all produced their works in the city as a part of the great migration of artists to Duolfo around early 18th century.

Designated as a "Special City" from 1844 until officially becoming the national capital in 1928 under the Junta rule, Duolfo continues to serve as a global powerhouse in manufacturing, commerce, and finance. Nica Harbour, located in the Jaenhac district, ranks among the world’s busiest container ports, with 39 million TEUs processed in 2023, followed by other busy harbours near the city such as Minarha and Guterret, both renowned for their contribution to international trade. The Duolfo Stock Exchange headquartered in Lo Garda hosts 500 Montarcian companies, including global leaders like DeuNext and Nova in the technology, fintech, and healthcare sectors. With a GDP of £1.01 trillion and a per capita income of £47,665, Duolfo is Montarc's wealthiest city. Its economy is driven by banking, finance, information technology, tourism, healthcare, fashion, hospitality, and defence, with tourism alone generating £11.7 billion annually. Montserrat de Juratà, a member of the right-wing conservative Rally for Montarc party, has served as the mayor of the city since her first election in 2013 with three consecutive terms.
 
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ALBA
Metropolitan Municipality of
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Alba in the province of Camps d'Alba
Motto
"Sic semper tyrannis"
(Thus always to tyrants)
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Trabalhar Gate in Quart Madalino
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View of Quarter Montvista and the Po Canal
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View of Po Canal and Plaça des Grifons
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Cathedral of Nòstra Dòna dels Dolors
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Estate of Lindera
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Baia de Marina
Region
Department
Camps d'Alba
Alba-Mirnoble-Colgà de Besoras
Arrondiments15
MayorArturo Ensenhat (VERT)
Area
  • Urban
  • Metropolitan

2 884 km²
14 402 km²
Population
  • Urban
  • Metropolitan

4 021 400 (3 097 per km²)
14 230 100 (1 164 per km²)
Demonym(s)Albanese (Mercanti)
Albanès(es) (Montarci)
Time zoneGMT+3, Western Montarci Time
Postal code0021XX
Phone code+3 0095

Alba, a prominent city in Montarc, is strategically located on the southern coast of the nation, facing the Fiurian Gulf. As the capital and largest city of the Camps d'Alba region, it is also Montarc's second most populous city, with a population of fourteen million as of 2021, surpassed only by Duolfo. Situated between the Po and Abèg canals, Alba enjoys a prime coastal position, bounded to the east by the picturesque Besoras mountain range and west by the Valley of Alba. Alba's origins trace back to between 4500 and 4100 BCE when it was established as a trading post and colony by the Sevicii tribe, who named it Mevina, Sevicii being settlers from present-day Bellona province whom have specialised in trading and thalassocracy. The city’s founding is traditionally attributed to Andrianus the Tall, a Sevicii nobleman who ruled the settlement until his death, likely belonging to the bloodline of what would later become the House of Dignat in 2000 BCE. By 3900 BCE, Alba had become a centre of copper and silver trade, thriving as a key hub of commerce and religion throughout antiquity. Over time between many states and empires, it has maintained its importance as a major port city and a commerce hub, serving as a gateway to Iteria. Today, it remains a vibrant destination, hosting major events such as the Gamma Grand Prix - a renowned auto racing competition, and Torn de Montarc - a globally renowned cycling race. The Albanese Marina, located in the arrondiment of Hauntès with its yacht clubs and water sports facilities, highlights the city’s enduring connection to maritime culture.

Alba is also a distinguished centre of education in both Montarc and abroad, home to some of the most prestigious universities in the realm. In 2024, four of the nation's top ten universities were located in the city, including the Polytechnic University of Bourgat, ranked first in the realm, and the historic Feuxal University, founding of which dates back to 1093 as one of the oldest functioning educational establishments in the world. Alba has long been a hub for intellectual pursuit, particularly in the fields of alchemy and later chemistry. In ancient times, the city offered sanctuary to alchemists from neighbouring cities and towns who exiled from their communities, helping to establish its reputation as a haven for scholarly thought. As traditional chemistry emerged by the 9th century, Alba was already a leading centre for scientific research. The city also played a key role in the development of traditional Montarci medicine, with herbal remedies used as early as 2000 BCE. Alba’s historical contribution to healthcare is further underscored by the founding of Montarc’s first pharmacy in 1142 by Ferelinus the Pious, a local Courantist priest. Today, pharmaceutical giants like Medox and Biocent have their headquarters in the city, reflecting Alba’s enduring significance in the industry.

During the Celastine Period, Alba was known as Mevinium, a fortified citadel under the Merician Empire, built upon the ancient foundations of Mevina. As Darinium, the city continued to flourish as a vital port, but it was sacked during the Fortan Conquests of 1243. With a recorded population of 300,000, Mevinium was not only the most populous city in Merici but also a prominent religious centre, home to temples dedicated to deities such as Mediter, Aveser, Lenux, and Renus. In the medieval era, Alba became a thriving and independent city-state, including surrounding towns like Brandet, Albaxàll, Toborone, and Bascia in its borders at its peak. As the first republic in Montarci princely states, the Most Serene Republic of Alba originated the title of doge and introduced the earlier concepts of a constitutional monarchy during an era where absolute autocracy was widespread. By the late 15th century, the city had established a monopoly over valuable commodities such as silk, gold, and silver, and had earned a reputation as a hotspot for innovation. Notable Montarci inventions like eyeglasses, the compass, and blast furnaces were developed here, further solidifying Alba's position as a leading centre of technological advancement.

Today, Alba’s economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, including tourism, information technology, pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, finance, services, and engineering. In 2023, the city welcomed over 48.5 million tourists, generating a staggering £19.3 billion, with popular attractions including Montvista, Berlcort Hill, Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Po Canal and the Sant-Marg Clock Tower. The city’s Innovation Valley, located on the outskirts of Alba in the Colgà de Besoras region, is a global hub for high technology, housing the offices and headquarters of leading Montarci and international technology firms, such as the social media giant Gamma, consumer electronics manufacturer Citron, and artificial intelligence start-up FuturAI. Innovation Valley is often recognised as the technology capital of Montarc thanks to its great importance. Important government facilities, such as the headquarters for the Royal Intelligence Bureau (INT6) and the headquarters for the Ministry of Defence - the Octagon - are located in the city, making it the second most important city for governance, administration and industry after Duolfo.

Culturally, Alba has long been a symbol of diversity, with significant communities of Yihuddi and Taragonese heritage since the 11th century, a native Yihuddi community named Netzanim (Nesanian Yihuddis) first appearing in 1345, speaking a creole of the local Albanese dialect of Montarci. Quarters like Veniti, Montvista, and Madelino showcase this multicultural history through architectural landmarks such as the 15th century Lobergat Synagogue, Freda Pererat Hall, and Teatre Orvites. As of 2023, Alba’s GDP stood at £646.34 billion, with a GDP per capita of £45,420, making it the richest city in Montarc. The city’s high median income, recorded at £76,452 in 2022, further underscores its economic prominence by placing it as the first, however the city today suffers from the effects of growing wealth caps and growing unemployment. Since 2021, Senator Arturo Ensenhat has served as the mayor of the city as a member of the Greens (Verd).
 
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