Gerontocratic Republic of Barcagenia (buhr-cuh-geh-nee-uh)

When the rubran fell to the cretian armies, the prestigious Barcagid family fled to Najha, swearing vengeance. Seizing the seas created by the Great Deluge, they stablished themselves in the southern coast of Najha and it's archipelago. The family quickly began to shelter war refugees, giving them a new life, and with this, they grew as a nation. With years passing by, they became a bulwark of resistance and a prestigious nation, rivaling the cretian empire. Thus, the Barcagenian nation was born, made of collective society who's goal is to end the Cretian imperiliasm.
The barcagenians are governed by a gerontocratic republic, a selected council of elders elected every year by the diverse barcagenans houses. On the daily basis, the districts of Barcago, the capital, and other small cities are usually led by one or more oligarchs. These currently leave their armies in the hands of one of the most feared and respected general of the era, Anibal Barcagid. The barcagenians are lords of the seas of Najha and Varsemia, sharing this maritime supremacy with the Confederate City-States of the Varsemian Isles. But, while the later gambled on a merchant focused fleet, Barcagenia has a more homogenous fleet, being well prepared for naval warfare.
With a strong and sustainable economy, focusing on a vast piscatorial economy and a effective maritime commerce. The barcagenians have a strong trade, relying on their allies, from where they acquire vast quantities of silver, lead, copper e - most important of all - tin, which is used in the majority of the objects in Najha. With a powerful trade allied with a naval fleet capable of envying most nations in the human kingdoms, they garantee the monopoly of this resource in the seas. Barcagenia is also the biggest producer of silver in Najha and Southern Varsemia. They also have an healthy textil business, which includes silks, cotton, linen and wool. They craftsmen are also known for their work with ivory, glass and alabaster. This solid commerce garanties economical growth even in times of war.
This nation founded a religion that spread mostly through Southern Najha called Mechanism. Consisting in a politheistic pantheon of mechanical deities, with the most popular with the barcagenians being Tarnat, guardian of the barcagenian capital, Barcago, and Bahal Ahmot, her husband and god of fertility and energy. The religious cast has a notorious role in the barcagenian society, acting as advisors and tutors. These also practice sacrifices, asked by the population, that can range from animals to children, thought the sacrificed are always male. Seldomly, the priests organise great feasts in honor of the gods, where everyone dances around big pyres. Calcarian Steles are typical from this nation, erected on the grave of the fallen inside open air sanctuaries.
The barcagenians have a balanced army, specialized in units that can cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time, thus they train the best scouts in the continent. Not only that, they also focus on light cavalry, light infantry, and a weapon that makes the cretian alliance shake in fear: The najhian great elephants. Thanks to Anibal's supervision, these beasts are trained for combat in any land and are known to be unstoppable, destroying everything unlucky to be on their way.
On a daily life, barcagenians dress themselves with rich clothing made by their master craftsmen, mostly made of linen, with more expensive materials reserved for the wealthier population. The men own thick and well treated beards, usually adorned with various acessories, like rings. Women like to wear their hair long and braided.
Diplomatically, they have a solid military alliance with the rubran. They also have good commercial relations with the same nation, from where they import tin and silver. Currently both of them are in an armed conflict known as the "First Cretian-Barcagenian conflict" against the cretian alliance, where they help the southern varsemia resistance against the cretians and directly battle the zancians in Najha.
Their banner is a woman with her arms open, drawed in red and in a very simple way, on top of her, resides a green eye, observing nonstop, with a with background.
Since they originally came from the mountains of Salacia, in Varsemia, they belong to the rubran culture.
A typical barcagenian is 1.60m to 190m tall. Most used dark and long hair, but nobility usually wears short hair. They have dark and intense eyes. The women have light skin color, while the men a bronze color.

Main Hub

Barcago: Jewel of the Barcagenian Sea

Nestled along the cerulean coastline of Barcagenia, the city of Barcago stands as a testament to ancient grandeur and maritime might. The city is a bustling metropolis, an amalgamation of cultural richness and bustling trade. The city sprawls across a series of hills overlooking the azure waters of the Barcagenian Sea, its white-washed buildings glinting in the eternal sunlight.

Architecture and Layout

Barcago's architecture is a blend of majestic design and exotic, intricate details from neighboring lands. Grand structures, adorned with colorful mosaics and intricate carvings, dot the cityscape. The heart of Barcago is dominated by the Acropolis, a monumental complex perched on the highest hill. Here, the Senate of Barcagenia convenes, and the great Temple of (Barcagenian Ocean God) stands, a symbol of the city's maritime devotion.

Harbor and Maritime Trade

Barcago boasts one of the most expansive and efficient harbors in the known world. Ships from all corners of Najha dock here, bringing exotic goods, spices, and stories of distant lands. The harbor is a mesmerizing dance of sails and seafaring folk, a testament to Barcagenia’s prowess as a maritime power.

Market Districts

The city's lower levels are a labyrinth of narrow alleys and vibrant marketplaces. Here, the air is thick with the scent of spices and the sounds of haggling merchants. The influence of various cultures is evident in the bazaars, where one can find rare artifacts, fine fabrics, and exotic perfumes.

Cultural Hub

Barcago is a melting pot of cultures, welcoming people from various nations and walks of life. Scholars, artists, and philosophers gather in the city's numerous academies and theaters, exchanging knowledge and creating masterpieces that echo through the ages.

Aqueducts and Gardens

The legacy of ancient engineering lives on in Barcago's aqueducts, which channel freshwater from distant springs to the city, ensuring lush gardens and vibrant green spaces amidst the urban sprawl. The city's elite boast magnificent estates adorned with cascading fountains and fragrant orchards.

Defenses

Massive stone walls, equipped with imposing watchtowers, guard the city from potential threats, a testament to Barcagenia's commitment to safeguarding its wealth and heritage.
Barcago stands not just as a city but as a living tapestry of history and ambition, where the echoes of ancient times mingle with the vibrant voices of the present, painting a portrait of a nation that thrives on the legacy of its forebears.

Barcagenian Gerontocratic Republic Traits

Fiery Speeches

+1+⅕ their level to Diplomacy skill checks.

Notorious Scouts

+1+⅕ their level to Perception skill checks.

While wearing light armor and unemcumbered, +5ft move speed and +1 to dodge AC. This bonus increases by +5ft and +1 Dodge every 7 levels.

Used to Heat

+4 to Fortitude saves against Heat conditions.

Notorious Seamen

+1+⅕ their level to Profession (Sailor/Fisherman) and Swim skill checks.

+1+⅕ their level to Fortitude checks versus water pressure.

+1+⅕ their level to Constitution checks versus drowning.

Maritime Expertise

+1+⅕ their level to Craft (Ships) skill checks;

Characters with this trait get the following as long as they are at sea: +1 to attack and damage rolls, acrobatics skill checks and saving throws. This bonus increases by +1 every 7 levels.

Elephant Masters

+2 to Handle Animal (Elephants) and ride (Elephants) skill checks. Elephant Animal Companions have the Advanced Template.

Heavy Armor Restrictions

Characters with this trait can't use heavy armor.