Couronne is primarily known for its great cathedral of Shallya and its spas. It is also an important market town for the agricultural produces of the Valley du Sannez.

    Godefroi de Guinard, Duc de Couronne, is governor of Couronne, an old and crotchety fellow. He owes his power to Cardinal Dumourieux, who renewed the Duc's family's declining position and installed him as governor; Guinard resents his need to obey the Cardinal and his brother Henri-Philippe, and from time to time makes motions towards revolt. But so far he has not summoned up the courage to do so.

    The governor is only responsible for civil affairs in Couronne; unusually, the city has a military governor with freedom of action who can even override the civilian governor's decisions during wartime. Gustave Beauregard, Seigneur d'Oche, was granted these special powers by the King Charles II De la Dure who recognised in him one of the most capable military Engineers in the Old World. Under him, Couronne has been developed into an important stronghold and military centre. The city's fortifications have been modernised, and the royal Manufacture was built, which produces cannons and firearms. Some citizens are trained in the use of artillery, and a large number of regular troops are quartered in the forts surrounding the city.

    Life in Couronne is generally pleasant: the city is clean and comfortable, with a temperate climate. Food is plentiful and most of the people are content. However, the presence of pilgrims and soldiers sometimes leads to friction.

    The spas and their visitors are an important source of source of activity in Couronne: all those who come need a place to stay and things to eat, providing much employment for the city's inhabitants. The high-quality agricultural products of the region are brought to Couronne, whence they are taken to Guisoreux or Marienburg; much of the grain needed to feed the populations of these large cities comes from the Valley du Sannez, which is also noted for its cheeses. The presence of the Manufacture and the army is profitable, too, though all military business is carefully watched and controlled by military governor Beauregard.