Monterroso

Monterroso, officially the Federal Republic of Monterroso is a country at the crossroads of Southwestern and Western Euteria. Geographically the country is bound by the Viguerian Sea to the south, the Casorian Sea to the southeast, the Volis River to the east, the Capine Mountains to the north, and the Neri River to the west. Monterroso borders the Serephanian Sea to the south, Gallone to the southwest, Lustenheim (capital is Toureind) to the west, Helvetica to the north, Vergondy to the northeast, and Lagusa to the east. The capital of Monterroso is Ersten, while the largest city is Ventura.

Monterroso has a complex history. Historically known as Serephania, the area has been settled and controlled by the Serephanians, Ancient Delliks, Viguerians, Leppians, Tonans, Bergaric peoples, and Gallans. Today the majority of Monterrosans speak Monterrosian, a Tonic language related to Viguerian. Minority groups in the country include Viguerian, Bergaric, and other Tonic-speaking groups.

History
Prehistoric Monterroso was parsley populated by Paleo-Hiberian Hunter-Gatherers (PHHG). The Serephanians, having migrated from Ancotania, Orillia, Itonia, Casoria, and Nardinia, eventually colonized the plains between the Capine Mountains and the sea. The Aquilonians also partially settled in the modern-day territory of Monterroso during their westward migration from Khozaria.

Monterroso remained relatively unaffected by the Euterian mass-migrations, owing to the relative isolation of the region. Over a period of several centuries, the Leppians slowly made their way into the area, but the various groups co-existed relatively peacefully.

Serephanian migrations
The history of Monterroso starts with the amalgamation of two Serephanian groups: the Sentinates and the Etrionans. The history of Serephanians in Euteria began with a mass-migration from their home in Atria into Euteria. They originated west of Aegeos as a branch of the Iseret people. They made their way east until they reached Ancotania and settled down in the region. A steady flow of settlers migrated into Orillia, specifically Theron, and gradually moved west across the peninsula, these people are referred to as Euterian Serephanians. One group of Euterian Serephanians appeared to venture into Ithados in southern Itonia, marking the beginning a new branch, the Western Serephanians. The Western Serephanians expanded to the north and onto the island of Casoria, forming the Insular Western Serephanian branch. The Insular branch continued to colonize Nardinia, while those in Casoria developed colonies on the eastern coast of the Casorian Sea, eventually developing into the Etrion culture. The Nardinians then founded colonies on the southern coast of Monterroso. This continuous colonization created the Sentinates. The two groups collided in present-day Monterroso, giving the area the largest Serephanian population in Euteria.

The Ancient Delliks arrived next, settling on the north coast of the Viguerian Sea. The Delliks and Serephanians shared many cultural similarities, since the Delliks adopted the Serephanian culture for themselves in Dellos. The Serephanians had trade routes extending from Tauressos to Lake Asta and the Aspean Sea. The Delliks would trade goods in the various goods and bring them back to the east, and visa versa.

Geography
Monterroso is located at the border between western and southwestern Euteria, located on the Serephanian coast. Its coast is divided between the Viguerian and Casorian Seas. To the east the country is bound by the Volis River, which begins in Lake Asta and drains into the Casorian. Monterroso is bordered by the Capine Mountains in the north, and the northwest portion of the country lies within the range. In the west, the country is bound by the Gula River and the Neri Delta.

Climate
Monterroso has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, enjoying mild winters and moderate rainfall.

Demographics
Monterrosans descend from native Serephanians who mixed with Dellik, Viguerian, Leppian, Tonan, and Bergman settlers. Serephanian culture is unique in Western Euteria and provides a strong sense of identity within the country. This is best represented by the numerous place names which bare a Serephanian origin.