Republic of Menestia

One of the largest political powers within Duvrin is undoubtedly the Republic of Menestia. The Grand Senate in Vestreykil , the Republic’s capital, is an intricate web of intrigue, power, and ruse, and it has only gotten more tense since the death of the last Grand Counsul of the Realm, Victricia Minervalis. The menestian army, on the other hand, is reputed as fierce and indomitable. Raised to be fighters and rulers, the soldiers of Menestia are a force to be reckoned with. This might explain the country’s tendency to conquer new territory, always trying to further its influence in Duvrin. The climate is rugged, just like its locals, and if the rule of law is strong, bordering on oppressive, in the South, the communities of highlanders up North tend to take care of justice themselves…

Culture

Menestian life is very much the life of a soldier. Disciplined, proud and deadly, Menestians are a martial people, somewhat crude and lacking finesse in their relations. Those who reside in the South are often farmers, soldiers, or artisans, at least for the common folk. Families hold great importance in Menestia, as do those families’ honor, and being part of a well-respected household may make the difference between becoming infantry or general during your mandatory military service, and that’s without even addressing politics. Menestia is ruled by a Senate of 40 senators, each one elected by local citizens; from this pool of senators are selected a Grand Consul and a Co-Consul, tasked with keeping the latter one in check. Political life is as backstabbing as an actual battlefield and Senators are known to viciously hold onto power through any means necessary. So, when the stress of the city has finally exhausted you, you can accompany the locals to the colosseum, where you will find entertainment in the form of fighting shows, feats of athletics, and impressive fire-breathers.
Northern Menestia has a very different atmosphere compared to the villas down south. Up there, snow is as common a sight as blood, which is to say very common. The region knows very little rule of law, and justice rhymes with revenge. The residents may be rugged and brutal, but their warmth is unpaired. They are mostly shepherds, miners, blacksmiths, and lumberjacks. They reside in the Highlands during warmer months and, when the first snow makes itself known, they will start their journey to the northern grasslands where they will come home to those they had left behind last summer. Despite not being as close to political centers as their southern neighbors, they are still involved in politics and military, content to bring honor to their families’ name.
Menestians are probably those most easy to recognize for their family’s name, their status, deeds, profession and, sometimes, crimes, are all tattooed on their bodies, and their clothes often find a way to make those markings visible.

Type

Geopolitical, Republic

Capital

Vestreykil

Training Level

Professional

Demonym

Menestian

Leader Title

Grand Counsul of the Realm

Government System

Democracy, Parliamentary