Gathena
People of Gathena, no one needs to die today! Give me your general!
History
In the past Gathena was the capital of the Northern Province of the Empire of Atamor. It became rich thanks to the trade with the Merfolk of the northern sea and other cities of the empire.
After the fall of the empire people of Gathena dethroned the governor of the Northern Province. They decided that no king will rule over their city. It is said that the founder of gathenian democracy pierced his sword through the governor's throne to symbolize the people's independance. The throne with a sword stays in the so-called Governor's Hall to this day. Today the hall is an extension of the main market.
Political system
Gathena is ruled by the Assembly of Citizens in which every adult citizen can participate. A citizen is any man or woman who lives in the city or its territory and is a child of a citizen. Foreigners can get a citizenship as a reward for good deeds done for the city or through marriage. The marriage must last for at least 3 years and the couple must have at least one child. It is a way to minimize the phenomenon of people marrying just for citizenship.
Archons
The Assembly of Citizens annually chooses nine people to serve as Archons. They are the executive power in the city-state and the higest judges.
Strategos
At the same time as the Archons are chosen, the Assembly chooses also the Strategos who is the supreme commaner of Gathenan army. There is always one Strategos whose term is one year. However, it can be extended in the time of war.
I love the idea of a sword piercing through a throne. Gathena sounds like an interesting place. I like the way they have tried to limit marrying for citizenship too. :)