The "Free Cities"
"Every mercenary, sellsword and 'adventurer' eventually finds their way to the Free Cities. Their kind can always find work there..."The Free Cities is a collective term for a cluster of city states, duchies and petty kingdoms on the Royal archipelago and on the southern coast of Ryva. To its north lies the dwarven lands and the Myzian Empire , and to its south is Khandar. The island of Trumm is sometimes considered part of the Royal archipelago, but is not generally considered part of the Free Cities. The Cities are considered the world's "melting pot". Most long distance maritime trade passes though the cities bringing with them significant wealth. However, the area is politically divided. War between the various polities are common, often with the Great Powers backing one faction or another in an attempt to gain influence.
History
The Free Cities was not always divided. Once the area was a Imperial province. Following the breakdown of the Imperium the area was the site of a series of brutal conflicts, resulting in the crowning of Nessumontu ab Nebi as "King of the Isls" in 234. However, the kingdom was short lived. Upon Nessumontu's death his kingdom splitered. His children and generals fought among themselves, but none could unify the realm. Over time the area splintered completly into its component parts, and each city, town and fief became de-facto self ruling.
Demography and Population
The area is heavily populated. The Free Cities is unlike most of the world in being heavily urbanized. More than one third of the population of the area live in cities and towns. In all more than six million people live in the Free Cities.
Religion
Religion is a contentious topic in the isls. The Cult of Sol has a great many followers. However, the Imperial Pantheon also retain many followers in the Cities. The Cult of Umbra is a fairly modern religious group which has recently gained traction in the Free Cities. Especially among the nobility. Some cities restrict, prohibit, or encourage certain beliefs to a lesser or greater extent. Some cities may even be considered "cult cities", founded by followers of spesific sects. The largest of these is Sanctuary. A town dedicated to the worship of a moon goddess named "Selene".
Founding Date
275 (Death of last king)
Type
Political, Confederation
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Royal, Freeman/Freewoman
Currency
The cities use the standard imperial coinage. Although they have local names for the gold, silver and copper coins they use, their weights and measurements are fixed according to the Coinage Law of the old Imperium
Legislative Body
The royal parliament is the only common institution of the Free Cities. A single representative from each fief gather on some common neutral spot to discuss matters which affect all the cities. The council has no real legislative power. However, a motion supported by the vast majority of cities is risky to oppose.
Subsidiary Organizations
Neighboring Nations
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