Byzoria
The port city of Byzoria is far from the centre of the Empire in Arlessa. It stands at the mouth of two rivers, one of which flows underground, bringing and taking trade from Ironhammer, some of the richest mineral towns in the Empire. The Byzorian Commerce Guild is an association of wealthy merchants, cartels and trade organisations, with hired troops under arms to protect their interests. It was formed to stop the various freelance merchants of the city from coming into conflict some hundred or so years after Tarvala’s ascension and has since become one of the most powerful commercial interests in Markoth. The Guild favours taking a direct approach in resolving trade issues, as the church is not so often concerned with worldly matters like tariffs or margins.
War often does not befall Byzoria (Until recently) as they tend only to get involved when it affects them, or their commercial interests directly. Recently, Byzoria has been the target of Royalist aggression due to their profiting off sea trade with the Imperial nation of Tingzun.
Structure
Byzoria's populace are primarily divided into classes. These classes perform key functions within the cultural fabric of Byzoria itself.
- The Serf class, are people born or sold into servitude. These people typically work the docks, load and unload ships, transport products across the harbour, tend to the trade houses, auction house, warehouses, fields, or mines. They are also often without ownership or title. Many- due to their birth, lack a last name.
- The Trade class, Fisherman, miners, lower tradespersons, and those trying to scrape a living by trading goods on the street markets. The trade class own very little, but have worked hard for what they have. They are often referred to as the backbone of Byzoria.
- The Middle class, Owners of businesses, employers and middle management. These are the first real class of owners in Byzoria. They often are trying to build a business, or manage an operation for someone else. They are wealthy in that they can afford security, perhaps even bodyguards, or military escort when travelling Markoth. Serfs do not talk to the middle class or higher without invitation. To do so would be a faux pas.
- The Merchant class, This is the pinnacle class in Byzoria. The Merchants are movers and sharkers within Byzoria. When you make a deal with a merchant, you cannot renege that deal, lest you become a fugitive and flee Byzoria for your life. Merchants often own multiple operations that feed into eachother, they also often have financial stakes in large contracts underwritten by the Byzorian Commerce Guild. Killing a Merchant would see you hung and quartered after a humiliating trial and the seizure of your assets (if you had any)
Culture
Byzoria is a free market aristocracy built on trade, logistics and enjoying what you've earned. Regular night markets are held - along with festivities, in the town squares, whilst the constant bustle of the trade quarter provides a constant stream of foot traffic on the promenade.
Public Agenda
Byzoria is founded on hard work and wealth. If you can sell it for a profit - you should. Many of those who move or reside in Byzoria do so because of it's wealth. If you are a hard worker, gifted, or have a desire to lift your station in life, Byzoria is where you go to make that happen.
The Byzorian Commerce Guild openly work to increase the depth of Byzorian coffers, further increasing it's influence.
Assets
Byzoria is located southeast and downstream of Ironhammer, which yields tremendous amounts of Iron, Iron which is fashioned into steel and fittings for many construction projects across the Empire. Alongside this, Byzoria holds large amounts of Gold, gemstones and precious or rare resources which are brought to Byzoria and sold.
Byzoria's Navy was substantial prior to the Blockade of Byzoria Bay at the hands of Hardem Plains and Kirisaka - and then the follow up attack by Hardem Plains the following year.
Military
More to come.
Foreign Relations
- Byzoria keep trade ties with The Isles of Freefolk - In which they secure rare materials, seafood, and often labourers looking for work.
- They also have regular trade ties with Tingzun, who are their southern island allies, as well as Travesha - who predominantly trade out of Smoteport.
- Byzoria also deals infrequently with Kirisaka, and other Royalist nations - though this practice typically halts when in open conflict or wartime.
- Recently, Kirisaka and Byzoria have had major conflicts, the former became the driving force behind the recent conflict: Byzantine Bay - Blockade of the Korama Shogunate
Laws
More info to come
Agriculture & Industry
More to come.
Trade & Transport
More to come.
"Contracts Before Promises"
Founding Date
112AT
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Training Level
Levy
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Byzorian
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Gazetteer
- Byzoria
- Hellen
- Ridemarch Fortress
- Lorrington
Currency
Imperial Crowns
Major Exports
- Iron & Stone
- Gemstones
- Food supplies
- Ships
- Canvas from Flax
- Clothing
- Weapons
- Mercenaries
Major Imports
Food
Other
Legislative Body
The Byzorian Commerce Guild
Judicial Body
The Commerce Guild Authority
Executive Body
The Commerce Guild Authority
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Neighboring Nations
Comments