Salt and Scandal

Ilrien sits alone in the Midwater, both literally and figuratively at the center of the known world. In centuries past, the archipelago was discovered by a decadent, continent-spanning empire seeking safer travel across the notorious sea that divides the world. From her shores rose piers promising deep harbor refuge for imperial ships and, warehouses laden with goods for crews and merchants alike.

In time, a village grew. And then a town. And then a city.

Prosperity followed, drawing eager throngs from all corners of the continents. And Ilrien accepted them all, caring little for differences of history or language or culture. As the might of the empire waned, so too did the patience of this nascent city-state. The old ways had little to offer a people who refused to be defined by race or creed or circumstance of birth. Led by the wealthy and powerful among them, the Ilrienne threw off the yoke of their stagnant occupiers, and planted an independent flag atop their highest peak.

Generations have since passed, and now Ilrien is positioned as the greatest city in this or any other age. With unchallenged mastery of the sea, they funnel their cut of the world's riches into grand projects of technical, artistic, and magical innovation. The world boasts plenty of great cities, but none are greater than this center of learning, spirituality, art, magic, and romance.

But Ilrien is as political as it is wealthy. The nobility are constantly engaged in what, to outside eyes, must appear an exceedingly polite civil war. Political power is held by La Esultare, a council of the city's seven leading families. And while holding position as a Great House is no small prize, there can only be one First House. Through careful maneuvering, bribery, marriage, manipulation, and murder, La Grandai Domai de la Esultare advance their agendas while thwarting their rivals.

And so, the Great Game is played. Social sabotage and shadow warfare is waged as the Great Houses court the Minor Houses, the Minor Houses seek to improve their lot, and both manipulate the guilds, the church, and the common folk of Ilrien to rise in favor, and gain power and prestige.

Survival in the Sovereign Republic requires one to understand the difference between the laws, of which there are thousands, and the rules, of which there are three.