The Golden Coast. Made with Wonderdraft. (Lore in description)
Formerly a collection of independent republics, city-states, and feudal kingdoms, the Golden Coast now serves as the Valathan Empire's primary trading region. The name "Golden Coast" may refer either to the geographic region as a whole or to its westernmost administrative province.
The Empire's territories have been delineated with cultural and religious ties in mind, allowing each Dominion to retain a strong cultural identity. In 1121 AD, plans were drawn up for a region-wide railway network, with the last stages of the construction finished as late as 1139.
**Dominion Golden Coast**
The second-largest Dominion by territory, the Golden Coast is nevertheless home to the Empire's largest and most populous city, Golden Harbor. Historically the largest trading port in the South, it also serves as the Empire's principal naval base. Once governed by a republican council composed of representatives from the wealthiest merchant families, the province is now ruled by a council whose members are appointed directly by the emperor.
Valathan's most recent conquest, Salvarra, was once a feudal principality that relied on its extensive network of mines to sustain its trade. Following the deposition of its prince, who remains at large, Salvarra was swiftly incorporated into the Dominion of the Golden Coast. Some local communities, however, continue to resent imperial rule. There have been proposals to establish Salvarra as a Dominion in its own right, but local unrest and administrative complications have delayed any such decision.
The coastline is dotted with trading ports, many of which were once independent city-states. Inland, however, much of the territory remains underdeveloped, with vast stretches of forest interspersed with rare villages.
**Dominion Gladar**
Gladar was once a patchwork of small, warlike kingdoms constantly fighting for regional dominance. Now unified under a single administration, it has become an agricultural powerhouse. Despite the Empire's longstanding efforts to eradicate the remnants of feudalism, Gladar is in practice divided among local lords, counts, and barons, each governing their lands as they see fit, according to local custom.
For the time being, the Empire largely leaves these rulers to their own devices, turning a blind eye to their autonomy so long as taxes are paid and quotas are met.
Although geographically part of the Dominion of Gladar, Zemalar is a separate administrative region. The city is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious magical academies on the southern continent.
**Dominion Upplanta**
A mountainous region in the east, Upplanta was once inhabited by a collection of tribes and chiefdoms that shared a common cultural identity. Sparsely populated and without centralized government, the region was incorporated into the Empire with little resistance. It was subsequently developed and industrialized at a rapid pace to serve as a vital link between the Golden Coast and the rest of Valathan.
Although the cultural identity of the native population is officially protected, in practice, native people make up less than 5% of the population.
\---
In-universe, this map was commissioned by the Ministry of Governance. In keeping with the Empire's policy of not designating official regional capitals, the larger markers instead indicate the most important cities in each region. Only notable towns and cities are shown; most smaller settlements have been omitted.
The map was made with Wonderdraft, it's an awesome map making software, you should try it :)