Repubblica del Leone
History of the Nation
Foundation and Origins
The Republic of Leone (Leo) was born in the aftermath of the Great Crusade, during the chaos that followed the fall of the Phan Empire after the Great Crusade. The survivors of the imperial army, disbanded and without a leader, took refuge on the coasts of an ancient territory, once home to an advanced civilization now in decline for centuries. These territories were sparsely inhabited and characterized by soils unsuitable for agriculture, but rich in ruins, natural ports and strategic resources such as salt marshes and coastal reserves of materials useful for trade.
Out of necessity, the refugees organized themselves into communities based on trade and seafaring, developing a culture that celebrated the sea as a source of wealth and survival. Over time, the Republic of Leone became the hub of a commercial empire, exploiting its strategic position on the Dark Sea to control the main trade routes.
Age of Mercantile Wars
The rivalry with the Griffin Republic, another maritime nation of the Hansa Principalities, marked an era of bitter conflict known as the Mercantile Wars. These conflicts were fought with both fleets and skillful economic manipulation. Although military victories for the Leone Republic were rare, their diplomatic and mercantile prowess led them to gradually expand their influence, culminating in the acquisition of key markets following the recent defeat of the Griffin by the Lamsedil Republic.
Modern Rise
The discovery of a mine of Violet Crystals in the mountains of the City of Tivere area represents a momentous event for the Republic. These rare minerals, essential to alchemy and magic, have ushered in a new era of wealth and technological innovation, making the Republic a world-renowned center of alchemical production. This, combined with the glassmaking of Laguna and Sant’Agasio, has solidified the economic supremacy of Leone.
Government Structure
The Republic of Leone is governed by an oligarchy governed by theMaggior Consiglio (Major Council), composed of the 30 families with the highest wealth. These families exercise power through periodic votes, electing the Prince of the Sea, the highest office of the State, every five years. Every year the leading families present the Monetary with a report with their income and taxes paid, the Monetary then draws up the list of the 30 largest families that will become part of the Major Council.
Election Procedure
The republic is controlled by an oligarchic system, which meets in the city of Laguna at the seat of the Maggior Consiglio (Major Council), to decide through a complex procedure the Prince of the Sea once every 5 years.
A particular role, during the vote, is played by the Ballottino, a child from the working classes chosen at random in the square in front of the Palazzo del Maggior Consiglio the day of the election. He is blindfolded and distributes the "Balote" (gold or silver balls) to the 30 members of the Council; the nine members who receive a golden Balota are those who will choose the Prince.
The Ballottino then enters into the service of the prince for the duration of his mandate and he is assured the best education and 100 Ducats.
All the less wealthy families hope that their son will be chosen as a Ballottino. The Ballottino, upon the ceremony for the election of the new Prince, leads him inside the temple of Thalassa holding the banner of the republic, in the temple the Patriarch of Thalassa officially proclaims him Prince of the Sea.
Roles and Controls
The Prince is responsible for foreign policy, investments and economic management. Every six months the members of the Council meet and "interrogate" the Prince on what he has done in that period of time and how this has brought benefit to the Republic.
First the Monetary presents the "Book of the Bucintoro", a ledger showing the economic situation of the Republic, and then the Prince gives his speech. At the end of this questioning there is a majority vote of approval or blame for the Prince, two votes of blame force the Prince to resign. Outside of this occasion the members of the Council cannot interfere with the actions of the Prince.
Noble Families and Factions
The government of the Republic is characterized by internal rivalries. Among the noble families, the most prominent opposition to Prince Enrico Dandolo is led by the Calderer house, which accuses Dandolo of concentrating too much power in his hands, in particular through the control of finances in his dual role as Prince and Monetary. This is creating tension in the delicate political balance between the leading families.
Political Parties and Organizations
The Sea Prince's Guard
A select corps of marines led by Ezio Furlan, Commander of Sea Prince Guards, charged with the personal protection of the Prince. Despite Furlan's absolute loyalty to the Prince, his secret feelings for Teresa Capuleti, the sovereign's wife, represent a potential threat to the stability of the leadership.
The Maschere
This sect of assassins represents one of the most feared organizations in the Dark Sea. The Masks, who hide under secret identities, carry out assassinations and espionage missions on behalf of those who can afford their services. Popular belief is that the Maschere have never failed an assignment. Their identity is secret and known only to the so-called Masked Lords who control the sect. The Masks, in exchange for the protection of the Republic, can be called upon to carry out espionage, infiltration and assassinations on its behalf.
Current Situation
With the hegemony over the trade of the Principalities of Hansa and the export of luxury goods such as mirrors, glass and alchemy products, the Republic of Leone enjoys unprecedented prosperity. However, the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few families increases popular discontent. Internal tensions, combined with rivalry with other nations such as the Repubblica del Grifone, the rise of the Granducato del Giglio and the Ducato del Drago, could undermine the current position and prosperity of the Republic in the future.
Important Characters
Locations and Resources
Città di Laguna
Laguna The capital, a city built on canals and islands. It is the administrative and commercial center of the Republic, famous for its shipyards, glass laboratories and busy markets.
Sant'Agasio
A major manufacturing city, home to various glass and alchemical industries. Its forges produce high-quality alchemical materials and tools.
Franaria
Home to the Academy of Alchemy, where Violet Crystals are refined and transformed into innovative products.
Folklore and Details
The Carnival of the Lion
Once a year, on the first three days of the month of Dracare, the republic celebrates its foundation and all the people take to the streets to revel. During these days, everyone can don costumes and masks and give vent to their frenzies. Even the nobles give vent and demonstrate their wealth and power, with parties, orgies and banquets.
The Bragozzi Regatta
Another event that is very popular among the people is the Bragozzi Regatta that is held every year on the first day of Thalassadas in the month of Aqualia, and in which crews from every neighborhood of the lagoon city participate, competing in a grueling rowing race of fishing boats called Bragozzo, along the Canal Maggiore channel of the city. The crew of the winning bragozzo receives the "golden oar", 100 ducats and a party in the Campo of their neighborhood.
The Ponte dei Refoli
The City Guard (called Sbirri) watches over public order and all convicted criminals are forcibly embarked on ships, always hungry for new sailors, for the entire duration of their sentence. The oligarchic system sometimes generates resentment among the people who have sometimes tried to rebel in the past.
These attempts are monitored by the Company of the Lion, a sort of secret police that answers only to the Major Council, which arrests the most determined and takes them for questioning to the infamous Cavana Prison, which stands on an island that can only be reached by crossing an armored bridge, also called Ponte dei Refoli.
The Cicchetti
A characteristic note of the Republic of the Lion are the "cicchetti", various types of snacks based on vegetables, meat and fish that are sold in all the "Ostarie" of the principality to accompany the famous local wines.
Maps
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City of Laguna
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