Free Cities

Free Cities

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The Free Cities are a conglomeration of several cities and numerous small towns and villages that have banded together to resist the rule of a great host nation. Seeking independent rule and autonomy to do as they wish but needing the protection of their sister cities from enemies they banded together for the right to rule themselves yet they still possessed the aid of one another if need be. Thus far the plan has worked and since their inception they have managed to remain free of the rule of the other nations and kingdoms of the Dragons Maw region. Their pact means that in times of trouble each shall do what they can to defend the others. To date each major city has managed to uphold its end of the bargain. With complete freedom each city or town is left to rule, defend, and provide for only themselves with no obligation towards the others unless the need was dire. In smaller areas several towns have formed various communal governments to rule over three of four villages and defend one another if need be. Politics and relationships are extremely important to the smaller settlements to ensure that when the time comes their neighbors will lend them the aid they require. The larger cities are unable to get away with such tactics for fear of being ostracized and cast out of the agreement by the others.

The people of the Free Cities tend to be extremely independent and self-reliant. They value hard work and have no time for people who refuse to pull their own weight. Since there is no standing army to protect many of the smaller villages the people of each town are fairly proficient in the use of weapons, never knowing if they can really rely on anyone else to defend them when the time comes. This isn’t to say that the area is completely safe, quite the contrary. Marauding bands of humanoids have destroyed many villages and small towns over the years and they continue to plague the area. On occasion an attack will force the cities to discuss the possibility of starting a standing army to patrol and defend their lands but in the end they can never reach an agreement. Some of the smaller villages have taken to buying protection from their larger sister cities, ensuring they have proper patrols and men to protect them in case of danger. The towns that can afford this usually are rich is some mineral or trade good and as such the relationship is beneficial for both parties as the protector is often given breaks on the price of their goods.

The Free Cities adopted the use of a standard form of measurement for coinage determined by weight early on. Over the years other countries have continued this practice, printing their own coins with their own unique stamps at the same weight as those used in the Free Cities. The universal system of weight became so popular that nearly every government in the Dragon’s Maw regions uses it now. While the coins may vary in size and shape they all retain the same mass ensuring safe and easy trade between kingdoms.

Locations Within the Free Cities

Port Trilea

Port Trilea is the unofficial capital of the Free Cities. Not only is it the largest city in the region but it is also the location where official government matters are settled and representatives from the cities meet once a year to discuss important regional matters. Controlling the city from both a political and religious position of authority is the church of Dannis, god of law and justice. The influence of the church extends to nearly every aspect of the city and visitors often remark on how well ordered and organized the city is.

At first glance Port Trilea appears to a jewel of perfection in comparison to most civilized cities. Progressive public works projects maintain the streets and clean up garbage. The guild of wicks maintains all of the cities light poles and their workers keep the lanterns lit all through the evening. Yet for all of its shine the city houses several guilds that operate within the shady grays of the black and white law. Always problematic these groups are continually attempting to bend and break all of the rules to gain an advantage over their competitors. Among these groups are four reputed thieves guilds that are under constant attack from the church and various other watchdog groups, including the adventurer’s guild. Despite their suspicions the residents are forced to deal with these merchants and swindlers as long as they don’t overly break any laws.

The sprawling city overlooks the Deepwater Bay and sits at the mouth of two rivers. Occupying the hills and bluffs the scenic city rises and falls among the trees and bluffs, granting panoramic views of the bay and the rivers. Most of the buildings are two and three story half-timber construction, though all of the administration buildings are comprised of stone or marble. Even though officials take great pains to keep the city clean some of the low lying areas near the river contain small hovels and buildings cluttered together. Here many of the darker secrets of the city hide among the refuse, including most of the lawless thugs that patrol the streets.

Dominating the skyline of Port Trilea is the temple of Dannis, which is located in the center of town on one of the larger hills. The immense temple is the center point of the city and many of the administrative offices are located in the sub buildings nearby. Priest rule the city and they perform all of the public services at the temple. On holy days all businesses and government offices are closed as tens of thousands of people descend on the temple to worship. While other religions are tolerated in the city most of the priests find it difficult to gain approval for public works projects or building construction permits to build their houses of worship. These passive aggressive tactics have proved to be effective as only one or two other religions have any sort of following of note in the city.

Ravens Reach

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