Gazetteer: Department of Dravancore

As with Dhrataka, Dravancore is the quasi-conquered territory of a trading corporation, in this instance the Blue Crown Mercantile Marine Company of Francia. Initially just small outposts and a couple of factories near the independent city-state of Dravancore, the company has expanded its holdings through agreements and conquest. One of the Department’s strengths is it has also acted in not only its own name, but that of the Raja of Dravancore, giving their local partner power, prestige, and wealth at the same time as they’ve helped themselves.

The Department is broken down into smaller Territories, each focused around one trading outpost. Small units of natives or Continentals guard each, with the larger units being held centrally. The Department and the BCMM feel they are in the ascendant, with some talented individuals now in Mahindya and a large body of well-trained troops at their disposal. Expect to see some aggressive attitudes and operations from them in the near future.

The Department’s military, like Dhrataka, contains regular units from the home country, locally-raised Continentals, BCMM native troops, and native allies. Their specialist units include hussars, dragoons, and marines, although these aren’t quite up to continental standards. Their mercenaries are similar to those used by the RLTC – Rajputs and Sartisians (=Sikhs).

Quick Facts on Dravancore:

Power Structure: Governor – Generals – Raja – Princes
Governor: Florentin Signoret
Military Leader: General Joseph-Louis Frassin
Native Leader: Raja Janga
Capitol City: Dravancore

Notes on Personalities:

Governor Signoret is a handsome, middle-aged businessman who finds himself in charge of a Department far removed from anything he experienced in Francia. He is bright, but since arriving in Mahindya he’s been tempted by some of its excesses and opportunities for personal gain, but not to any crippling effect. It has, however, slowed down his plans for the Department, and only the arrival of General Frassin has started to get him back on track. He plays the natives against each other well, and is the most politically canny ruler on the continent.

General Frassin complements Governor Signoret well. Both are similar in age, and Frassin brings military skills to Dravancore that match Signoret’s political savvy. Frassin is also highly moral, popular with the troops, and has a keen and active intelligence. Unlike Signoret, he can’t be distracted, and he’s honed the troops of his command to a razor’s edge.