Balic

Overview

Located in the middle of the Estuary of the Forked Tongue in the Tablelands, Balic's secluded location is quite defensible as far as the armies of other city-states are concerned, for it is impossible to approach the city from any direction except the west. Unfortunately, its close proximity to the Forked Tongue Estuary causes the city more than enough trouble from giants who wade ashore to raid. Every citizen in the city, male or female, is a member of the militia. On a rotating basis, they spend every tenth month helping the normal army patrol the fields and scrublands in an effort to reduce the amount of crops and stock lost to raiding giants. Unlike other city-states and curtesy of the reigning influence of House Wavir, slavery is illegal in Balic, at least in principle. No Balican citizen is allowed to own slaves; instead, they may hire servants. However, without any laws regarding the pay of servants (other than the fact they must be paid), there are many lifelong servants stuck in debt that would consider themselves slaves all the same. This policy does not extend to slaves from other city-states, however, those are just frowned upon in a self-righteous glower and tolerated.

Map

Demographics

Human, Dwarves, Muls, Elves, Half-Elves, Half-Giants.

Government

Faux Democracy

Industry & Trade

Grain, Salt, Olives, Wine, Livestock, Leather, Marble, and Copper

Districts

Precincts

Balic is divided into 6 precincts, each ruled by a separate elected person termed an Archon, often appointed by Adropinis.

Arena

Primarily consisting of the Criterion, this district is unique among Athasian city-states since it is not primarily slave nor to the death combat that occurs here. Balic celebrates its athletes as much as its warriors, and the Criterion is a well-loved location to demonstrate that. Bouts are rarely to the death but in the most extreme cases, honor and respect for one's opponents is a popular and important part of Balican culture. This district is ruled by Archon Orrian Olarora

Guilders'

This is where tradesmen of the city live

Harbor

This is where the Silt Skimmer's of Balic launch from. The typical silt skimmer features a broad hull and ouversized wheels. It rides 10 feet above the ground and is powered by two large sails. The vehicle can also be driven slowly, using muscle-powered capstans to rotate its wheels. A silt skimmer is most efficient in flat, open terrain, but it can also make its way through silt or dust sinks up to 15 feet deep. These vessels cannot cross the deep Sea of Silt. An alternative across the silt is to hire a Shipfloater, who are psionist capable of levitating a ship. However, their prohibitive cost often outweighs any benefit a journey could provide.

Agora

This is the marketplace of Balic, always teeming with activity. The precinct is named for the infamous Elven agora, a smaller section of the market comprised of merchants of the precinct's namesake who will not hesitate to pull you into their stands and haggle you to death.

Villa

This is where the patricians, or nobles of Balic live. Well patrolled by praetors and house guards alike, this precinct is hostile to the poor and disdainful towards common merchants. They often are trade house leaders, money lenders, or relatives of elected Archons.

Guilds and Factions

House Wavir

House Wavir is the foremost house in Balic, making its headquarters in the city. Their influence over Adropinis and close relationship with the praetors are well known and the reason they had their anti-slave house policy codified into Balican law.

House Jarko

Another major house in Balic and staunch rival of Wavir, Jarko used to be the dominant house until their main export, slaves trained in the criterion, was suddenly made illegal. Many suspect they have not changed from their brutal slave master ways, but none want to cross the many gangs that report to the house.

Addar's Eye

here

Nas Quatali

Often hired out by nobles to guard their new constructions from Giant raids, the Nas Quatali always have plenty of roaming squads ready for hire in Balic.

House Vordon

Vordon exports a lot of iron to Balic, but its influence in the city is minimal

House Inika

Though small, this house is industrious and keeps a lively presence in Balic due to the ease of harvesting Erdlu and Crodlu feathers from the plethora of creatures roaming the plains outside the peninsula.

Alabaster Hegemony

A recent arrival in Balic, this group draws primarily scorn and distaste from common man to patrician.

History

Balic is ruled by the Dictator Andropinis, a powerful sorcerer-king who was elected to his post over seven-hundred years ago. Though the term dictator originally referred to the power of dictating (as in stating) a city policy sanctioned by a democratic assembly of property owners, Andropinis has converted the title and office into one of total authority. Anyone who speaks against him is executed by a dictatorial decree. Balic's templars are known as Praetors, unique in that the free citizens of the city elect them to their posts for ten-year terms. Andropinis is generally tolerant of these elections, though he sometimes lets the citizens know which candidates he would like to have elected by having their choice meet an untimely and swift death.

Points of interest

Mt. Laeron

This stepped plateau offers a great view of the sea of silt, provided the dust storms have died down. Its large shadow reminds the city of the protection it offers as it breaks up dust storms before they crash into the buildings.

Megaleneon

The magnificent white columns of the palace as the residing place of Andropinis and where the Counsel of Archons meets.

Architecture

Marble

Geography

Arid Plateau Coastline

Natural Resources

Estuary of the Forked Tongue

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Sails

Population

30,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Balican