History and Lore:
Serra is a unique country in Canascus. It's the only country with two separate governments. It has a capitalistic government and a monarchy. Originally Serra was a much smaller country. It was about a third of it's current size. When the Dol Empire expanded across Canascus many countries were given the option to accept Dol rule or be crushed. The King of Serra was one of the few that accepted Dol's dominion. As a reward Serra was left unharmed; but Dol built military outposts as insurance and to further its conquest.When Dol collapsed, Serra helped rebuild it's neighboring countries. Their gratitude and poor state forced them to accept Serra's monarchy as their own and were annexed. With Serra's newly gained land, it now had access to the sea. Serra turned the small fishing village of Tithen into a bustling city in which it could export goods and trade with other nations easily. Serra made friends with many nations to trade with. Large companies and businesses began to form as Tithen grew larger and larger.
With the Royal City on the other side of the country it was hard for the monarchy to keep tabs on Tithen. The King appointed Erinor Blenn as Lord to govern over Tithen and started increasing taxes. But the many companies and businesses were large and powerful; they ignored Erinor and the tax bills. They instead established a new government that is run by the owners of the biggest businesses and became it's own kind of city-state. Lord Erinor Blenn tried to arrest the the new government officials, but the market government paid off the soldiers and had Lord Blenn arrested instead.
Lord Blenn was returned to the Royal City and banned from Tithen. They sent a representative with the soldiers to declare the new ruling government of Tithen. Any cities that pledged allegiance to the "Market Government" were considered under their protection, all others may continue to follow the King and Queen but may not export goods by sea or set up shop in Tithen's plazas. At this point Serra was completely reliant on trading and exporting, so this ultimatum put them in quite the dilemma. With the army on the side of the Market Government, the monarchy had no choice but to yield to Tithen. Tithen allowed a compromise with the King. They returned command to the Royal Army but gave the soldiers in Tithen the choice to remain under the employ of the Market Government. Many soldiers remained and formed Red Gauntlet Security.
In the end this didn't really change much. All it did was make it so that the King left Tithen and all the other port cities alone to manage themselves. The Market Government left the monarchy alone and intact and in overall control of the royal army. The King also continues to tax cities and villages near the Royal City, those of which that export many goods through Tithen. The monarchy continues to profit and Tithen gets to rule itself. The two essentially leave each other alone and continue about their own businesses.
Major Cities:
-Tithen Trade City-
Tithen is the largest city in all of Canascus. It is comprised of many districts that vary greatly. From slums to rich neighborhoods, you can find all sorts of areas there. The districts vary in appearance and in population, Tithen is a true melting pot. Travelers and traders from all parts of the world come to sell and shop.
Tithen was originally a small fishing village that belonged to the country of Hinveld. However, the country of Hinveld was dissolved when it was invaded by Dol. After Dol's collapse, what was left of Hinveld joined with Serra. Over the next 300 years Tithen would grow from a tiny village to the largest city on the continent. It is often called the "city of endless opportunities". You can find almost anything and anyone here.
The main governing body is the Market Government. It is comprised of several of the largest companies in Tithen. Some of the major companies include: Smooth Sailing Shipping, Archaeis Construction, Red Gauntlet Security, Mighty Fine Stables and Transports, Duric and Sons Rare Goods, Lissa's Proper Fashions and others. These companies helped shape Tithen and were responsible in helping it prosper and expand.
Smooth Sailing Shipping is the largest company in Tithen it is responsible for all of the exported goods and ships that come in and out of Tithen. No ship docks in Tithen without going through them. The current owner, Binten Spelder, is the richest man in Tithen.
Red Gauntlet Security originally started as a large number of Royal Guards that were payed off by the market government. The Captain that was in charge of Tithen was the man who re-branded the defecting guards as the R.G.S. They became Tithen's private police force. Their responsibility is to keep Tithen and it's companies safe from criminals. They are usually very disciplined and respectable. R.G.S. has been expanding and even has started to protect other cities, often establishing new branches in those cities. From time-to-time they hire mercenaries to perform simple jobs if they are short on manpower. They often pay residents for any tips about stopping potential crimes.
Tithen is comprised of many styles of buildings, it usually depends on the district. Most buildings were made or renovated by Archaeis Construction. Some of the middle class sections have identical looking buildings, made quickly but efficiently. Those are primarily made from Tithen Forest trees. In the richer districts, the buildings vary much more. Those houses are made to custom specifications; some are made of Golden Forest wood, others are brick or stone. They are usually very elaborate and spacious. Any construction that is done in Tithen is controlled by Archaeis Construction. Even if the work is on private property, they require a permit from Archaeis or they will be fined.
-Serra Royal City-
When Dol began it's conquest 320 years ago, many countries were afraid and sided with Dol; others resisted to the best of their abilities but most were trampled. The Serran monarchy was one of the few that folded to Dol's dominion. For their loyalty, Dol's emperor left the country intact. At the time, some considered Serra to be cowardly, especially by the newly unified Bolstat. But after Dol collapsed, the citizens of Serra were grateful to the King and say he saved the kingdom. Many pledged loyalty to the king after that. Especially once Serra started to help build the surrounding areas up again.
When the king invested in renovating Tithen, it was considered an ambitious project. It wasn't a popular decision with many nobles to spend so much money and resources on a small fishing village. But once they started seeing the income from the project they quickly retracted their stances. King Edrin Velix was the monarch responsible for Tithen's growth project. He is a highly respected idol in Tithen.
Nowadays, King Rickten Hindrell and Queen Candriss are the current monarchy. The monarchy now has a bitter-sweet relationship with Tithen. They understand how much Tithen is helping Serra thrive as a country; but they detest how the Market Government has become the ruling force of Serra. The monarchy are essentially figureheads and any power they hold can be overruled by the Market Government. The King proudly holds on to the fact that it was the monarchy that saved them from Dol's empire, and it was the monarchy that funded Tithen in the first place.
The King and Queen are very respectable people. They desperately try to gain the favor of their public. They still need to collect their taxes but they try to keep the peace and play nice with the villagers and Tithen.
The Royal City is mostly made of stone; including the castle. They export and import a lot of goods from Tithen.
-Songwater-
When people talk of Serra, they usually are going to talk about Tithen. Sometimes they talk about the Royal City and the monarchy. But every once in a while people will talk about Songwater and the Song Lakes. The Song Lakes got their name because their natural beauty is so inspiring that you will want to write a song about it. Songwater is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape, the Song Lakes, the lush Neithe Forest, and the breathtaking Mount Ulgen.
Songwater was a small village, but it was renown for it's beauty. After Tithen began attracting traders; word spread about Songwater's vistas. Eventually people began to visit Songwater to view the sites. As Songwater began to attract visitors it began to grow. Now it is a large city with many inns and taverns. There are many tour guides and recreational services. Songwater became a huge vacation spot. To this day it attracts people from all over the world and has developed it's own famous market as well.
Mount Ulgen is considered a sacred landmark. There is a religious monastery at it's base. The monastery worships the goddesses of nature; Geinel, Errotha, Tierrin.
Songwater is mostly comprised of log houses and cabins made from the trees of Neithe Forest.
-Fenglinn-
Fenglinn is one of the few cities that is still completely loyal to the crown. This is mainly in the fact that it is still run by noble families whom are still loyal to the crown. While they would never defy Tithen, they still believe that one day the monarchy will regain control of Tithen and regain their power. So they still play favorites with the King and Queen and try to gain their honor. It is run by a Count and several advisory noble families.
It is home to one the most famous libraries in all of Serra. It salvaged books and stories from all of the fallen kingdoms that were annexed by Serra. Many historians visit The Fenglinn Historical Library to learn the histories and legends of the surrounding areas.
-Tanora-
Tanora is another one of the few countries still faithful to the throne. This city is one of the few that stick to the old traditions as closely as possible.
-Sandedge-
The city of Sandedge was founded as a gateway to trade with Harka. There is actually a fair percentage of Harkan residents in Sandedge. The city's culture is a nice blend of both countries. It's a nice transition from Serran to Harkan culture that usually gives traveller's a sample of the proceeding towns.
Buildings in Sandedge range from wooden or stone cottages to the clay houses of Harkan culture.
-Reenah-
Tithen is not the only trade city in Serra. Reenah is another city that is trying to follow in its footsteps. About 50 years ago, they began by trading and exporting goods to Tithen. After a while Reenah blossomed well enough for itself. However, unlike Tithen, Reenah had mixed successes. It managed to get large enough for itself. But without the protection of the Red Gauntlet Security, Reenah was not immune to the attraction of pirates.
Pirates began attacking Reenah and it's ships and imports. Soon after, Reenah's officials appealed to the Red Gauntlet Security for protection. They accepted, as long as they get paid, they will offer their services to any Serran city.
After R.G.S. began protecting Reenah, the pirate attacks lessened dramatically. But the R.G.S. only patrols the docks and the sea, they do not guard the city itself. That is still under the jurisdiction of the Royal Guard. But once it began to openly simulate Tithen, Reenah started to lose favor with the King and Queen. This resulted in the Royal Guard pulling out from Reenah.
Soon after, the poorer districts began to see an increase in crime without either the Royal Guard or the R.G.S. to patrol the streets. A large criminal population began to take hold and 3 rival gangs formed and began claiming territories.
Now, Reenah is comprised of many districts, such as Tithen. The districts under R.G.S. protection became very posh and safe, while the unguarded districts became poor neighborhoods with some being under gang control.
The main governing body is the Market Government. It is comprised of several of the largest companies in Tithen. Some of the major companies include: Smooth Sailing Shipping, Archaeis Construction, Red Gauntlet Security, Mighty Fine Stables and Transports, Duric and Sons Rare Goods, Lissa's Proper Fashions and others. These companies helped shape Tithen and were responsible in helping it prosper and expand.
Smooth Sailing Shipping is the largest company in Tithen it is responsible for all of the exported goods and ships that come in and out of Tithen. No ship docks in Tithen without going through them. The current owner, Binten Spelder, is the richest man in Tithen.
Red Gauntlet Security originally started as a large number of Royal Guards that were payed off by the market government. The Captain that was in charge of Tithen was the man who re-branded the defecting guards as the R.G.S. They became Tithen's private police force. Their responsibility is to keep Tithen and it's companies safe from criminals. They are usually very disciplined and respectable. R.G.S. has been expanding and even has started to protect other cities, often establishing new branches in those cities. From time-to-time they hire mercenaries to perform simple jobs if they are short on manpower. They often pay residents for any tips about stopping potential crimes.
Tithen is comprised of many styles of buildings, it usually depends on the district. Most buildings were made or renovated by Archaeis Construction. Some of the middle class sections have identical looking buildings, made quickly but efficiently. Those are primarily made from Tithen Forest trees. In the richer districts, the buildings vary much more. Those houses are made to custom specifications; some are made of Golden Forest wood, others are brick or stone. They are usually very elaborate and spacious. Any construction that is done in Tithen is controlled by Archaeis Construction. Even if the work is on private property, they require a permit from Archaeis or they will be fined.
-Serra Royal City-
When Dol began it's conquest 320 years ago, many countries were afraid and sided with Dol; others resisted to the best of their abilities but most were trampled. The Serran monarchy was one of the few that folded to Dol's dominion. For their loyalty, Dol's emperor left the country intact. At the time, some considered Serra to be cowardly, especially by the newly unified Bolstat. But after Dol collapsed, the citizens of Serra were grateful to the King and say he saved the kingdom. Many pledged loyalty to the king after that. Especially once Serra started to help build the surrounding areas up again.
When the king invested in renovating Tithen, it was considered an ambitious project. It wasn't a popular decision with many nobles to spend so much money and resources on a small fishing village. But once they started seeing the income from the project they quickly retracted their stances. King Edrin Velix was the monarch responsible for Tithen's growth project. He is a highly respected idol in Tithen.
Nowadays, King Rickten Hindrell and Queen Candriss are the current monarchy. The monarchy now has a bitter-sweet relationship with Tithen. They understand how much Tithen is helping Serra thrive as a country; but they detest how the Market Government has become the ruling force of Serra. The monarchy are essentially figureheads and any power they hold can be overruled by the Market Government. The King proudly holds on to the fact that it was the monarchy that saved them from Dol's empire, and it was the monarchy that funded Tithen in the first place.
The King and Queen are very respectable people. They desperately try to gain the favor of their public. They still need to collect their taxes but they try to keep the peace and play nice with the villagers and Tithen.
The Royal City is mostly made of stone; including the castle. They export and import a lot of goods from Tithen.
-Songwater-
When people talk of Serra, they usually are going to talk about Tithen. Sometimes they talk about the Royal City and the monarchy. But every once in a while people will talk about Songwater and the Song Lakes. The Song Lakes got their name because their natural beauty is so inspiring that you will want to write a song about it. Songwater is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape, the Song Lakes, the lush Neithe Forest, and the breathtaking Mount Ulgen.
Songwater was a small village, but it was renown for it's beauty. After Tithen began attracting traders; word spread about Songwater's vistas. Eventually people began to visit Songwater to view the sites. As Songwater began to attract visitors it began to grow. Now it is a large city with many inns and taverns. There are many tour guides and recreational services. Songwater became a huge vacation spot. To this day it attracts people from all over the world and has developed it's own famous market as well.
Mount Ulgen is considered a sacred landmark. There is a religious monastery at it's base. The monastery worships the goddesses of nature; Geinel, Errotha, Tierrin.
Songwater is mostly comprised of log houses and cabins made from the trees of Neithe Forest.
-Fenglinn-
Fenglinn is one of the few cities that is still completely loyal to the crown. This is mainly in the fact that it is still run by noble families whom are still loyal to the crown. While they would never defy Tithen, they still believe that one day the monarchy will regain control of Tithen and regain their power. So they still play favorites with the King and Queen and try to gain their honor. It is run by a Count and several advisory noble families.
It is home to one the most famous libraries in all of Serra. It salvaged books and stories from all of the fallen kingdoms that were annexed by Serra. Many historians visit The Fenglinn Historical Library to learn the histories and legends of the surrounding areas.
-Tanora-
Tanora is another one of the few countries still faithful to the throne. This city is one of the few that stick to the old traditions as closely as possible.
-Sandedge-
The city of Sandedge was founded as a gateway to trade with Harka. There is actually a fair percentage of Harkan residents in Sandedge. The city's culture is a nice blend of both countries. It's a nice transition from Serran to Harkan culture that usually gives traveller's a sample of the proceeding towns.
Buildings in Sandedge range from wooden or stone cottages to the clay houses of Harkan culture.
-Reenah-
Tithen is not the only trade city in Serra. Reenah is another city that is trying to follow in its footsteps. About 50 years ago, they began by trading and exporting goods to Tithen. After a while Reenah blossomed well enough for itself. However, unlike Tithen, Reenah had mixed successes. It managed to get large enough for itself. But without the protection of the Red Gauntlet Security, Reenah was not immune to the attraction of pirates.
Pirates began attacking Reenah and it's ships and imports. Soon after, Reenah's officials appealed to the Red Gauntlet Security for protection. They accepted, as long as they get paid, they will offer their services to any Serran city.
After R.G.S. began protecting Reenah, the pirate attacks lessened dramatically. But the R.G.S. only patrols the docks and the sea, they do not guard the city itself. That is still under the jurisdiction of the Royal Guard. But once it began to openly simulate Tithen, Reenah started to lose favor with the King and Queen. This resulted in the Royal Guard pulling out from Reenah.
Soon after, the poorer districts began to see an increase in crime without either the Royal Guard or the R.G.S. to patrol the streets. A large criminal population began to take hold and 3 rival gangs formed and began claiming territories.
Now, Reenah is comprised of many districts, such as Tithen. The districts under R.G.S. protection became very posh and safe, while the unguarded districts became poor neighborhoods with some being under gang control.
The People of Serra:
Serra is home to a fairly wide variety of people. I'll try to cover the major groups. In general though, physical features of Serra's citizens are just as varied, especially since absorbing the smaller neighboring countries. You can find all variations of height, weight, and color of skin, eyes, and hair.
Citizens of noble lineage often are very pampered and pompous, they think that Serra is theirs by birthright and often resent Tithen's capital boom. They love the money it brings in, but hate that the private companies have more wealth and power than they do. Usually they pride themselves on their noble family history and wear some sort of symbol that denotes their family ties. Most residents of monarchy controlled areas can easily identify each noble family by their insignia, but citizens of the market government cities usually don't notice or care. The monarch controlled townsfolk often adore there noble families but would never do anything to cross the large companies of Tithen. They understand that Serra's economy depends on Tithen's imports and exports.
Tithen is a beautiful mix of cultures, especially in the business heavy districts. Almost every kind of culture can be found here. People can usually blend in with the crowds without drawing too much attention. People may be curious in others but they see interesting people almost every day and probably wouldn't think too much of it. You will see people of all sorts of cultures and styles. The shopkeepers are generally very active and friendly, they usually enjoy bright colors to attract customers. The poorer districts go with more earthy tones, as they cannot really afford to care for bright palettes. The personalities in the poorer districts can very in hospitality. Some people welcome outsiders, whether if it's out of curiosity or for gain depends on the person. Others tend to be tired of the strange people and keep to themselves for the most part. The middle-class city folk are very capitalistic. They would do almost anything for coin and are very materialistic. They love to wear the popular brands and designer clothes from the fancier clothes shops.
The rich citizens of Tithen are a very elite group. Tithen's most powerful individuals are practically royalty in Tithen. They enjoy the high-life. Often they have very fancy get-togethers that are extremely private and hard to get into. Many of them are very intrigued with expanding their businesses and contacts. The heads of the companies generally wear some sort of official identifier specific to their business. Usually they wear the best designer materials from Lissa's Proper Fashions.
In Reenah, they often try to replicate Tithen culture, even down to the clothing styles. Many shops even try to mimic a lot of Lissa fashion designs. The gangs of the poorer districts usually wear specific colors to try to keep themselves easily identifiable.
In the more wooded areas such as Songwater, the fashions of Lissa don't quite make it here. They usually make their own clothes and are usually quality furs and fancy tunics. The people in these areas are much more mellow and down-to-earth.
Sandedge is an interesting blend of cultures. Many Serran citizens mingle with Harkans here. Harkan people live quite comfortably among the Sandedge population. Usually the popular style is to wear light, breathable fabrics. Being near the desert calls for lighter dress. Usually the people have a tanner skin tone here from being in a hot, dry, and sunny environment. Citizens of Harkan decent have much darker skin and black hair.
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