Nairobi Republic

Aristocracy turned plutocracy as the dignity and pride of an aristocrat lost to the benefits of the massive, hidden wealth of the desert. When the Goa Empire mediated a trade agreement between the mermen and Nairobi, a part of their objective was to hinder the aggression of the Nairobi peoples and befuddle them with their newfound wealth. Over the generations, the people have become more malleable in the face of wealth.

The Nairobi Republic

Justice System: Need-Based Justice with Merit-Based Justice for surplus/Retributive Justice (Welfare Maximization for the powerful.) Capital: The City of Litia

Loosely based on Ul'dah

The Nairobi Republic, situated in the "Blood Desert," is a crowned republic directly South of the Goa Empire. Their territories stretch from the Southern coast, its famous islands to borders of the Wastelands and the Delphinia Queendom. Their famous mineral refinement methods and plentiful mines has led to the Nairobi Republic being one of the wealthiest places in Avalon. Although officially a crowned Republic, the Nairobi royal family still holds great economical power relative to the people's representatives. The economic might behind the candidates endorsed by  the royal family almost always trumps any competitors and their policies have led to the prosperity of your everyday citizens, even though such prosperity exists at the expense of other creatures. Every seven years, a meeting of the seven district leaders named the Meeting of the Seven Sands or "Seven Sands" takes place to determine redistribution of resources both old and new and project developments.  Geography Comprises most of the Southern area of Avalon and borders the Wastelands, Goa Empire and the Delphinia Queendom. The country contains several climates where its border overlaps the climates of the other countries. To the North, the border ends at the forest which surrounds the Goa Empire's mountain range, and contains fertile grassland used for farming. To the West, the desert crosses into a swamp-jungle, the middle of which lies the border to the Delphinia Queendom. To the South are the beaches and several islands used for tourism and attractions as well as a port for meeting mermen. Divided into districts ran by representatives and their sponsors and each focuses on a particular industry within the country. Each representative's power and influence is directly influenced by their contributions to the royal family that rules behind the scenes through wealth, rather than force; receiving benefits based on their merits for the year. Litia is the capital district of the Nairobi Republic which contains the capital city Litia. Money and gold currency isn't used within the inner city walls. Kupis is an outpost town at the Eastern border and the closest settlement at the base of the Blue Channel. Centered around the Roost, a community circle where one can find the Cloisters and Umbra sect branches, several restaurants, a popular tavern, and plenty of merchant stalls that go down the main avenue. At the center plaza is a structure to keep track of time.  Kupis started out as a mining town located at the intersection between several now abandoned mines. Its close vicinity to the elemental zone occupied by the Blue Crow, the mountain border of the Goa Empire and the border to the Santori required direct approval of the royal family for most of its early activity. It wasn't until the mining operations took off that more merchants and miners in their employ came looking for a quick buck at the frontier of Nairobi territory and used the profits to develop Kupis into a trade outpost. With them came members of the Cloisters offering protection from the beasts of the mines and mountains who's carcasses and remains added to the prosperity of the miner town. Decades after the official establishment of Kupis, the mines dried up and many migrated from Kupis, looking for their fortune elsewhere. Those who decided to stay endured a long period of poverty until the establishment of the council. Under the leadership of their representative Dorn family, Kupis was re-established as the vanguard for the elemental zone and was put in charge to manage organized expeditions going into the Blue Crow's domain during the annual Blue Channel. The success of these expeditions and the tribute given to the royal family led to official support in the form of a paved road leading to the town, and being allowed to keep most of the spoils to re-establish merchant trade. Since then it has been a place where new recruits of the Cloisters could train in hopes of one being able to venture in the elemental zone. The primary business in Kupis involve hospitality and service industries tailored to those who profit and participate in the Blue Channel expeditions. Most migrants to Kupis come in hopes of participating in this annual event. Because of this, Kupis sees a sharp decline in commerce and economy every year right before the Blue Channel as well as few new visitors. Dunia is the district that cradles the Northern border between Nairobi and the Goa Empire. As the district furthest from the Blue Channel, most settlers of the Dunia district are nomadic in nature with a few well fortified towns near locations of interest. The nomads enjoy a long history dating before the development of the Nairobi Kingdom, following herds of sea whales that migrate between the sandy deserts near the Goa jungles. Agriculture To combat desertification, the royal family took several initiatives. Repurposing Devi and other mineral innovations in order to add more nutrients to soil being used for agriculture and agroforestry. Enslaving giants who serve to till the lands and assist in joga plant cultivation by rotating between farms in various districts. Farmers that can't afford to invest in Devi infused soil or giants, rely on the annual Blue Channel to keep their livelihood and most, their lives. Culture Economic might and survival of the fittest are the primary values of its citizens. Those without the talent to be Devi practitioners can make a name for themselves as successful businessmen or women. As one of the more progressive countries, women have positions of power in government and business. Emblem seals issued to "outstanding" individuals to afford them perks throughout the country and for others to recognize people in positions of power at a glance. The highest seal is the Dragon Seal issued by members of the  royal family, the Phoenix Seal issued by elected representatives, the Merchant Seal issued by council members of the merchant alliance, and local district seals. Each seal not only afford one access to key locations around the country, the bearers of these seals are treated as well as the person who issued them. As such, treatment is subjective to the person who witnesses the seal. Police 1. Point Troops aka Horn Troops 2. Two Point Troops 3. Tri-crown Corp 4. Knights of Bertrada 5. Royal Guard Military 1. The Scarlet Army 2. Spectre Ops Noble Families 1. Dorn Family - The Neso District - One of the seven major families of Nairobi in charge of the Neso district which means crow in ancient Avalonian. Although they share the same clan name, they are unrelated to the Verglassi royal family. Their district covers the eastern territory bordering the Wastelands and including the elemental zone. Although historically, their region included quite a few prosperous mines redistribution of territory and resources by the other districts, a lack of exception practitioners, and a series of bad choices led to their eventual downfall. Compared to the other district clans, the Dorn family rank at the bottom, giving them less weight during the Seven Sands talks. Some even say that if not for the elemental zone and the people wanting a vanguard to protect the Blue Crow's domain, the Dorn family wouldn't have the qualifications to be a district family. - Because of their precarious position, generations of family heads have authorized and participated in controversial practices from underground slave trade to performing noble baptisms on every generation. Their administration of their district is also some of the worse, with noble and merchant families that gained favor with the Dorn family through tribute, deep in their vices. They have gotten away with it for the most part since most people can't afford to travel through the desert to the neighboring districts. - Poor administration aside, the Dorn family's single most important task is managing the elemental zone during every Blue Channel. When the Blue Crow migrates across the Nairobi Republic, bringing with it rain clouds that span hundreds of miles, each district family is tasked with making sure the Blue Crow isn't disturbed and rain water collection for research and distribution. The Dorn family however is tasked with assembling parties to venture into the elemental zone for two months to collect minerals, herbs and beasts. A portion is given to the royal family, exported to other districts in exchange for food and water imports, and kept on reserve. This expedition is a joint operation that involves the esteemed merchant families, the Cloisters, noble families of the Crow district and even the Umbra sect. Everyone plays their role and everyone profits. It is at the third month that the Blue Crow reappears on Cyani's Peak and remains there for another year. 2. Ristz Clan - The Viridian District - One of the wealthiest district families and a direct supplier to the royal family. The Ristz family's district regularly contracts giants in order to manage their many joga farms. 3. The Kresha District Place

The Constitutional monarchy comprises several noble districts that together, equal the total land mass of the North American continent. Surrounded by the Ocean at the south border, a mountain range and forest at the northern border and swamplands, most of the Republic has an arid climate.

Typically dry climate, year round.

- The Storm Zone at the Southeastern border alleviates the dry season as winds blow excess storm clouds over the desert during the Summer months, capturing water along the way. The path these clouds travel, called the Blue Channel occurs every year and settlements have popped up along the channel in order to take advantage of the rainfall. - The Southern border of Nairobi has an artificial climate of almost perpetual rainfall coming from the cool airs of the Ocean and the makeshift volcanic crater North of the capital.

Natural disasters include the storm zone and dust storms during the dryer months before the Blue channel.

All arable lands are protected by district leaders and usually default to low maintenance vegetables.

- For the districts that can afford it, Northern, water farming is used in contained environments to grow premium vegetables that normally wouldn't survive in an arid climate. - The capital survives mostly off of imported vegetables while it exports fresh, nutrient rich soil that develops around their makeshift crater.

In most districts, meat isn't a natural part of one's diet. A hunter might get lucky and capture some avian creature to eat.

- In the capital, fish is a delicacy from the merfolk trades while imported meats from around Avalon are served in various restaurants. - Dried fish and dried Devi beast meats are occasionally gifted to other districts, but never served in common eateries. - Devi practitioners have no problem securing meat in unprotected areas and for those creatures which are endangered, one could find them in black markets across the Republic.

Exotic and expensive foods are usually those which are imported and foods which come from the sea. The exclusive trade the Nairobi Republic has with the merfolk comprises a large chunk of the national income.

Brews from the Verglassian frozen fruits are high class, as well as brews from the exclusive hybrid plants of the Delphi Queendom. Local ales vary in potency with the ales having the least amount of alcoholic content being drunken by all age groups. Ale consumption rises during the drier months.

Food and water availability meets demands most of the time. The time preceding the Blue Channel increases the cost of water for those who sell it.

The most abundant resources in the Nairobi Republic are minerals from their various mines.

The most valuable resource are Numina crystals followed by their crafted materials.

The most lacking resource is food and water

People travel by walking, giant rickshaw, flying by tamed beast, and most commonly by (beast that can contain water like a camel)

Border security amounts to soldiers and mercenaries keeping monster and beast populations under control.

The population of Nairobi is 500 million

Aside from the main roads, most people congregate in the populated districts

People generally avoid the Storm Zone, the coast where rumors of merfolk kidnappings occur, the border town Kupis where the Wastelands are located, the area surrounding the Fire Academy and the border of the Goa Kingdom out of fear.

The most common domesticated animal is the (water retention beast) which are domesticated for transportation and travel

The most common wild animal are desert hoppers and their cousins

Pets include birds of prey that can be used to scout and send letters and the least domesticated animal are weasels which hunt in packs and are full of poison

--- Time

Written history dates back approx. 10000 years for the common people who study and 13000 years for those with exclusive access to the records.

For those with the capacity to think about the past, the people believe history started with the first King of Nairobi.

The worse disaster Nairobi faced were the wars against the neighboring countries before the Goa Empire formed right after the god of equality disappeared

The best thing that happened for the Nairobi Republic was the formation of the council which gave people a "voice" and spread resources to districts that were once ignored by the royal family.

People are generally ashamed and prefer not to talk about what their ancestors had to do to survive in the desert.

They feel proud about being the only Republic in Avalon

They're afraid of things going back to a monarchy and not having enough food/water to survive the dry seasons

Most people don't believe anything else will change, but they hope that things don't change for the worse

The capital where the royal family lives has gotten even more wealthier since the establishment of the Republic due to the taxes levied on otherwise ignored districts. The people don't know this and only see the benefits unless they've been to the capital frequently

The most popular stories involve rumors about the Storm Zone, the scary merfolk, the Goan Emperor and what he's capable of, stories of the Chosen and of the giants of the capital.

The people believe the present is better than the past and they believe the future to be the same.

--- Sex and Family

Men generally have one spouse, and wealthy merchants commonly have mistresses. There are no laws against polygamy, but the people frown on those who have more than them, generally speaking.

Marriage is decided by whomever has the most to offer the marriage and whoever has the most agency over their own lives

The opportunity for divorce came shortly after the Republic formed, leading to many upcoming wealthy merchants to "trade" their wives off for something better once they had the money to find a better woman.

The children go to whomever both parties agree upon. In the case of a dispute, custody can be taken up with the law, however doing so usually leads to bad rumors and is used only as a last resort.

- If it comes to the law, custody is given to whomever can best take care of the child with consideration for who the child would rather live with.

Adultery is defined by a husband having sexual relations with someone else's wife and vis versa. If the party in question isn't married, adultery doesn't apply.

- Punishment for adultery depends on the offended party's desire to press charges. Full charges can end with divorce and half of the liquid assets of their former spouse, however this would also ruin their reputation in defying the "sanctity" of marriage in the perspective of a business relationship.

Families are named after the male

Orphans are left for dead unless they happen to find an opportunity to work or find another family willing to adopt them.

Boys and girls a like are trained as Devi practitioners to see if they have any talent.

- If either doesn't have talent, young men either carry the family trade or find work while women are either sent to schools where they learn various popular trades to be a good spouse/carry on the family trade.

Premarital relationships aren't against the law, but only after coming of age.

Sexual assault is punishable by death if caught or the assaulter is found guilty and can be punished. Strong Devi practitioners usually either don't get caught or are let off the hook with sanctions and privileges taken away.

Prostitution is believed to be widely practiced due to it being a great way to relieve the stress of early development and before marriage.

Strict monogamy is believed to be practiced in other countries, while people believe the Queendom is full of royal orgies.

Public displays of affection aren't common. Homosexuality exists behind the scenes, but no where else.

Prostitution is legal and taxed

Jobs have no gender, instead people look for talents generally speaking. Traditionalists exist

--- Manners

At a formal gathering, the person with lesser power speaks first after a physical confirmation to speak.

- Physical confirmation can be a nod, eye contact, or the person facing their body in your direction as well as a handshake.

Bad taste gifts are gifts that don't align with someone's standing. Being cheap is looked down upon

Young adults refer to their elders by speaking their full name with a light bowl

The colors of power are warm colors and death is usually associated with purple and black

Physical conflict is looked down upon by the law and broken up by officers/knights.

- Battles between two Devi practitioners is solved by whomever is in charge of those practitioners unless one of them dies or loses first

It's rude to laugh at someone with more power than oneself or someone in a position of leadership

Society buries their corpses if they have a public/private cemetery, else they are cremated

Inheritance follows the apprentice/protege or else next of kin

There is no health care service for those with mental illness, only herbs that deal with the symptoms by making the person high or sleepy.

Popular games amongst children and young adults involve competitive sports that test one's mastery over Devi aura.

- ...

In most districts, the body is most covered to protect from the Sun and save having to use Devi aura while in the more populated areas, there's plenty of opportunities for shade, allowing people to wear less

Physical deformity is looked down upon unless it happened in service to the country.

- Veterans are taken care of by their respective district and looked after by the community

Coming of age ceremonies depend on the culture of the family

- District recognized adulthood happens when someone reaches the lowest level of Devi practitioner. --- Faith

There are no clergy, but there are scholars who study the mysteries behind Devi as well as exclusive information concerning Revers.

- Scholars are taught and sponsored by their respective districts and can earn a chance to study and teach at the Fire academy depending on their merits - The royal families of each country recognize Revers as those blessed by some invisible, sentient being. They each have their own name for this being, but the secret behind Revers are kept only to those with great power since their existence isn't commonly recognized.

After death, it is believed that their Devi goes back into the world while burning the body completes this process. In general culture people that don't get burned instead aren't given a chance to come back.

- Other cultures place no significance on the body after death and instead rites and ceremonies are determined by the family tradition.

The most popular festivals concern the Blue Channel as the people who rely on it believe it to be the workings of a deity. Each settlement surrounding the blue channel has their own interpretation and festival that isn't acknowledged by Republic.

- People that come to these festivals are expected to respect them

For those who believe in gods, they want good weather and talented children

There are no major religious faction disputes. Religions exist for those who want them and most religions are based on the same concept.

People who wear their faith on their sleeve are seen as suspicious to those who deal with business and who's livelihoods depend on earthly matters

District leaders generally allow and give respect to traditions that bring in income and keep the people satiated.

- Leaders that are taken in by these pop up religions are looked down upon

Travel is expensive in time and money so there are various superstitions about the desert. Some remote villages even turn away outsiders in fear that they might be monsters or spectres of the desert to bring famine. The people of Nairobi aren't prone to change, just like their desert and the only change they welcome are fortune.

- Because of this, people who wish to travel or explore the desert are encouraged to keep gifts to earn passage depending on where they intend to go. --- Government

The Executive governing body:

- The Royal Family: The King is the leader of the council and the district leader of the capital. The other members of the royal family are in charge of the different departments. - The Kingsguard of the Capital: Comprised of the generals of the army and defense of the most important assets of the Republic to include the Academy, the Southern Coast, major agricultural farms, the border, beast and monster extermination, and secure locations. - Department of the Treasury: In charge of tax collection, levies, determining how much taxes one pays, the value of regular services and materials, ownership of natural resources, and the national bank/treasury including international assets. - Ministry of Defense: Comprises the protection of the country from domestic and foreign threats. Under the Empire, the Republic's Army is limited to self-defense and official personnel cannot go over a certain limit established by the Empire. - The Chamber of Transportation: In charge of policies and coordination of the main roads that connect Nairobi with priority in efficiency for commerce, defense, and safety of its citizens - ...

The Legislative governing body

- The Dark Congress: Suggested and backed by the Goa Empire to compete with the royal family. Comprised of the 10 District Leaders who discuss the drafting of new laws relevant to their districts. They also discuss new and old bounties and developments that will affect multiple districts. - Settlement Chiefs: The acting leaders and judges of their respective settlement. For small time cases and issues that can be amended without going up the chain of command. - The Chamber of Commerce: A union of successful merchants that vie for their interests by lobbying District Leaders. - ...

Political Titles:

- King: His Majesty the King of the Desert - Queen: Her Majesty the Queen of the Desert - Prince: His Crown Prince of the Desert - Princess: Her Highness the Princess of the Desert - Visier [Family name of the District Leader] - Kingsguard [Full name of the Kingsguard]

Military Titles:

- Phoenix Marshal: Highest Rank in the standing Army - Moonstone Corp: Black Ops equivalent - ...

The laws of the Nairobi Republic become convoluted for those with power and/or money. Arresting and seizing the assets of someone who not only has outstanding talent as a practitioner, but also makes contributions to the royal family for petty crimes or assault sets a dangerous precedent. These cases usually solve themselves for those smart enough to do so or else taking away privileges. Because of this, human rights issues surface every now and then.

- This isn't so much a problem in the settlements as it is where money and people meet in large quantities.

Government officials dress in their respective uniforms, unless they don't have to.

The law is written and it is interpreted by the judge of that area

The accused only stand trial when there's enough evidence to make them guilty, otherwise they're free.

Torture is only allowed by anyone at the level of District leader or above.

Possible executions are determined by their district leaders while official public killings are beheadings or colosseum fights.

Only foreigners aren't able to run for District Leader

Bribery isn't allowed, but occurs on a frequent basis.

A bad ruler is someone whose policies lead to the death of their subjects or constituents.

The most common criminals are thieves

The most dangerous criminals are rogue Devi practitioners

The highest judge is the royal family, followed by their respective district leaders. Within the district, court leaders assigned by the district leader to govern case in their respective region. A court leader is usually chosen by their popularity in that region while others base it off of money or respect.

Punishments are determined by the region. The idea is to do what makes the people happy and feel like they have agency over their lives.

- This places outsiders in a precarious situation. Especially if that region isn't doing well. It isn't uncommon for people to be "sacrificed" legally in order to appease the crowd.

New laws for the entire Republic are made by the district leaders in a council and approved by the head of the royal family.

- Regional laws are drawn up by the court leader depending on their cases and approved by the district leader to be established within the entire district. These regional laws usually have to do with trade and resources.

Leniency can be given to those who make contributions. Money, water, food, assets can be used to get away with crimes that would otherwise take up resources such as imprisonment or forced labor. Leniency for crimes that take away a person's assets are hardly ever granted.

Orders can be given by anyone granted authority by the council to include their assigned bodies and their assigned bodies' assignments.

--- Education

The language of Avalon is universal throughout all countries. Nairobi has an ancient language.

Everyone is taught to read and only those who have relevant professions are taught to write. All women who have a decent upbringing can write.

Books are rare and valuable due to paper being an exclusive import from the Delphinium Queendom. The major metropolises have libraries.

In merchant families, the head teaches their children. 

In small settlements, families teach one another how to survive and talented Devi practitioners are sent to larger settlements to be trained officially by government sanctioned schools.

The most talented are sent to the Fire Academy on a sponsorship.

Those who don't make it to the Fire Academy can go back home or join a guild.

General professions necessary for the development of the Republic are taught at schools

Scholars from other countries or even the Goa Empire visit on occasion, sponsored by the country to teach their most loyal students/subjects.

Doctors/healing specialists/clerics use holistic means to alleviate pain and dress injuries through alchemy.

Most citizens don't know what CPR is and don't bother with surgery due to relying on Devi aura and crafted armor protection.

--- Art

The most popular form of arts are crafters of Devi enchanted armors, weapons and jewels and musicians/bards.

Good crafters are held in high regard almost the same as the wealthiest merchants.

Devi practitioners that pursue music are well received as free lancers. One can even apply for a permanent position in the royal family or merchant family after building up enough fame and merits.

- Instruments used by Devi practitioners are refined versions of what would otherwise be considered "one-man band" instruments. They take advantage of a practitioner's good reflexes and coordination.

Everyday musicians and artists stick to an instrument that looks similar to the drums and some learned musicians use string instruments similar to the guzheng. These performances are usually accompanied by dancers.

Crafters aren't targeted so much as coveted. The same goes for alchemists.

Royal Craftsmen and Alchemists are protected nonetheless from most domestic affairs

Craftsmen and Alchemists usually find themselves in trouble with people unsatisfied with their works. Blaming the armor instead of themselves for when it fails. This especially goes for commissions from spoiled young adults. They can also be targeted or find their works circulating the illegal black market.

Successful artists are found in larger and safer settlements that can afford their services and also offer the luxuries they want.

Theater is used during festivals to tell folklore and tales in times of celebrations and in the capital theater is an official means of not only spreading royal propaganda, but also entertaining the masses when the Colosseum isn't open.

Artists who paint, embroider and craft appliances, stone masons, as well as woodworkers can learn their craft in apprenticeships.

The most respected are those commissioned by the royal family and those that give tribute to the Blue Crow of the Storm Zone and the mythical dragon.

The least respected works are those of poor quality or get people killed in the line of duty.

Censorship takes the form of official laws that forbid people from defacing political and military leaders.

Beauty standards are the same as Earth. With a preference for tanned skin due to foreign stigma.

--- Food

As the home to fire Devi arts, cooking is a big deal in Nairobi.

Most head chefs of famous restaurants are a part of a larger organization they leverage in order to secure ingredients for their menus. And all head chefs of restaurants practice some form of fire based Devi.

In Kupis, the most notable eatery is Carthage's Refuge. A tavern that started out during Kupis' golden age before the mines dried up, it has since then exchanged ownership several times until it's current owner took the reigns around the same time Kupis became the forefront of the Blue Channel expeditions. Head Chef Gisco, a retired admiral of the Nairobi Scarlet Army used his wealth to expand the Carthage's supply network and employ the local talent in taking missions to secure special ingredients which has since become one of the most popular contracts for new adventurers and practitioner grads. Anyone who participates gets a discount on all menu items for a month.

Those who live below the poverty line enjoy various fermented and dried foods, only able to eat fresher foods as a delicacy.

---

Law/Justice/Police

Citizens arrests for those who commit crimes in the midst of witnesses is encouraged in most districts while police teams of 4 are assigned to the more troublesome regions.

Bounties are used for Devi Artists and practitioners suspected of breaking the law and bounty hunters are given a certain amount of authority to investigate their whereabouts.

National guards referred to as the Knights of Bertrada or "Tradas" in slang. Each district is given a certain number of nationally trained "soldiers" to protect their assets and people.

Tradas are at least Class A practitioners armed with standard, crafted gear representing Nairobi's wealth and assets.

They're allowed to fight to kill anyone that resists their orders, question anyone suspicious and detain those who fail to quell their suspicions. Due to the close knit community necessary needed to survive during the drier months, most of these knights don't abuse their privileges and instead enjoy their vices in private.

Captain of each area usually find themselves above the law and can freely enjoy small pleasures at the expense of others.

The secret police are called the Spectre Ops. They're not as proficient as a highly trained Umbra sect practitioner, but many of their Devi arts are similar.

Informants come in all shapes and sizes, but are expected to have substantial evidence for their claims when they come forward.

Unranked practitioners fall victim to stigma whenever something goes wrong.