Serran City States

Human dominated city states. They believe that wealth and assets are the only true form of power. Ownership of land, natural resources and especially precious metals directly translates to political power.

There exists a military coalition where the city states will band together against outside threats because they would all lose wealth if barbarians came knocking. Wars between city states are usually resolved through proxy wars between their respective colonies in the west.

Most normal people, many halflings among them, are lease farmers who cultivate the lands of landlords. A few are fishermen and hunters in addition.

Mages are rare and most who practice magic are shrewd business men who know to demand a handsome payment for their services. Even with spells that create food and magical healing, disease and famine are common. Wicards closely guard their secrets and it is very difficult for thepoor to learn magic.

Religion is largely personal and while some deities are considered evil and their worship is outlawed, most people are free to worship their chosen god. Most aristocrats worship the sibling gods Aurus and Argentia, Brother Gold and Sister Silver. They believe that precious metals are evidence of the existence of higher powers and that those who sowed their precious riches in the earth are the creators and arbiters of good and evil.

Adventurers gather in different Adventurer Leagues, competing businesses that employ people at different ranks. Quests may be issued for a fee and are assigned to members willing to take them. You need to at least match the rank of a quest to accept it but you may invite lower rank members to join your party. Succeeding at a quest results in payment and possibly advancement in rank.