Cognac

Cognac is a small coastal village located at the eastern edge of Oldeshire, situated just outside the fortified city walls of Athitica. It lies within the Athitica subregion but is politically affiliated with the Commonwealth of Venezia Nuova, making it one of the few Enpeecee communities in the region not under the rule of the Athitican Empire.

Overview

Cognac is known for its lush green surroundings, unique red sand beachfront, and long-standing Enpeecee heritage. The village sits along the Skira Line and serves as a quiet but distinct cultural and political contrast to the Athitican Empire, which surrounds it on nearly all sides. Despite its proximity to Athitica city, Cognac has retained its autonomy and cultural identity— often vocal in its resistance to Athitican influence.

Architecture and Layout

Cognac features classic Enpeecee architecture— oak and cobblestone buildings, gravel roads, and steep oak roofs. The village is small but tightly organized, with a number of essential services and businesses clustered near the main road, and residential homes and garden plots stretching toward the coast.

The village's most defining natural feature is its deep green coastline, lined with rich red sand, providing both a picturesque setting and a unique aesthetic not commonly found in Oldeshire.

Political Identity and Tensions

Although enveloped by Athitican territory, Cognac maintains a firm allegiance to the Commonwealth of Venezia Nuova. Subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of protest dot the village— hand-painted signs reading “We were here first” and subtle jabs at imperial rule can be found on fences and inside public buildings. Cognac predates the city of Athitica itself, a point of local pride and a common source of tension between the two.

Notable Locations

• Cognac Skira Line Stop – A small but active rail station connecting the village to Athitica and the broader Skira network.

• The Distillery @ Cognac (Est. 1903) – A historic Enpeecee distillery offering guided tours and tastings of local spirits.

• Frederico’s Forge – A modest blacksmith shop known for practical tools and sturdy craftsmanship.

• Ayu’s Pub – A popular community hub and gathering place for villagers and travelers.

• Cognac Library – A quiet retreat filled with local records, histories, and Commonwealth literature.

• Waitrose Copy Grocery & Costa Copy Express

• Farming Store & Garden Plots – A supply shop supporting the village’s small-scale agriculture, located near neat rows of vegetable gardens and communal farmland.

• Village Gate & Watchtower – A modest wooden gate with an adjoining stone watchtower marking the main entrance to the village from the west.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Cognac stands as a living remnant of the pre-Imperial landscape of Oldeshire— an enduring example of Enpeecee heritage in a region increasingly dominated by larger powers. Its quiet resistance and commitment to local identity have made it both a symbol of independence and a quiet irritant to the Athitican Empire.