Cico: A Confederation Across The Seas
A hub of trade sat in the middle of the Elysian Ocean. Cico has been a crossroad of trade and culture for centuries. Even with the cyclical volcanic eruptions, they have been integral to trade between Alus and Edrinia. A haven for sailors, pirates, and islanders alike. As long as the wind is fair and the ocean ever flowing, Cico's islands will continue to stand for centuries to come.
History
During the first half of the Eternal Age, a powerful Empire known as Nevar rose to prominence in the Cican region. With chaos on the continent of Alus and the Edrinians focused on internal matters, Nevar chose to not just raid and pillage but invade and conquer. The kingdom of Nubia was founded as an outpost during this time to make a forward base of operations for the Nevarran invasions of the 600s - 700s.
Nevar was a constant thorn in the side of Edrinia, especially the coastal kingdoms of the Aerin Valley and Noble Shores. Eventually, the two allied against Nevar and fought back their ships, even attacking their mainland outposts. The life lost and the effect lack of trade had on the islands drove the people to rise up in rebellion against Nevar and their rulers. With the empire destroyed, the islands chose to make a confederation instead, so there wouldn't be another ruler with delusions of grandeur.
When peace returned to Alus for a time and the Edrinians were open to trade again, Cico rebuilt and instead become a crossroads of trade once again. Of course, the confederation still engaged in matters of warfare, but not openly like Nevar once did. As such, this has given them balance and allowed them to profit from peace and war alike.
Demography and Population
1.8 million people call the Cican Confederation their home. On the main isle of Ilravalia, there are about 1.1 million people there. Seijia and Tola which have about 220 thousand people each and the isles of Burzaronia and Sorarinas have almost 150 thousand each.
Mixed Human ancestry is common in the confederation, especially Half-Elves and Half-Orcs due to their proximity to both Orzag's Cradle and the Noble Shores. Additionally, species adapted to the water such as Tortle, Triton, Water Genasi, and Aquatic Elves.
Territories
There are six islands recognized as part of the confederation, each ruling over themselves without issue. The largest of these islands is Ilravalia which holds both Kalida's Throne and the capital, Chilla. It holds the majority of Cico's population and is considered the homeland of the Argorn people. It is also the closest island to trade with the continent of Alus The territory is often abandoned in a cyclical nature as Kalida's Throne erupts, forcing people to migrate until the island is safe once again and fertile for more people to live there. There is also a small island north of it that is considered part of the province but not really governed by anyone.
East of Ilravalia are the islands of Sorarinas and Tola. These two islands serve as the main hub of trade with the Elu and Lonavi countries. As a result, Sorarinas is dominated by Elu culture in the east and Lonavi culture in the west. Toras still holds a majority Argorn population with a pocket of Lonavi culture in the southwest.
South of Ilravalia are the islands of Burzaronia, Seijia, and the Forbidden Isle. Seijia serves as a stop point on trade between Cico and Lonavi countries and a place for Cican citizens to go when the volcano erupts. Burzaronia is the last stopping point for ships heading to and from the southern portions of Alus and the northern portions of Orelia. Supposedly, there have been ships that wash up on shore or arrive in port that claim to be from the continent of Magdros as well but no confirmed reports so far.
The Forbidden Isle is named as such for the high concentration of Aberrations that reside on it. Cican citizens are expected to stay away from there at all costs and not even land even if supplies are low. Those that do land are quick to be snatched up by the monstrous entities there and added to their collection of slaves. Sometimes, brainwashed people on the island lure unsuspecting ships in as well and all sailors that pass through Cico are warned of the danger heavily.
Military
Each island is expected to protect itself and as such, they host some of the best sailors in the strait. Due to boredom or lack of pay, some of these sailors choose to become pirates or privateers, raiding coastlines in the name of gold, glory, and their patron god, Yarick the Rogue. Their antics over the centuries have made many people believe Cicans are nothing but pirates and traffickers, especially during times when the volcano is active and they're forced off the main island.
Foreign Relations
Cico officially maintains friendly ties with other nations that sail through their strait. However, some members of the confederation choose to ignore this and raid the shorelines of countries such as Aslumerin, Grineva, and Veru. These bad actors are often publicly reprimanded with what salvageable goods left given back to the wronged parties. However, both Nubia and Crystalia have hired privateers from Cico to harass their enemies through mercenaries.
Agriculture & Industry
Due to the volcano, Cican islands are often fertile. The agriculture sustained through this cycle keeps their population fed and even give them access to commerce as well. While there are some instances of animal farming across the islands, they often rely on fishing instead since the currents bless them with an abundance of them. For agricultural commerce, it's usually dyes made from the flowers that grow near the volcano, or if the islands are close enough, crops that can feed the population.
Industry wise, all of the main islands have access to a large amount of lumber. They mainly use these for building ships but sometimes they trade them with other countries that are lacking. Their most profitable industry is their metalworking, especially with rare materials from Kalida's Throne. The gold and copper are often traded as ores or crafted into coins or jewelry. Diamonds are also found near the volcano and some adventurers hoping to get their hands on materials for resurrection spells come to the island to buy some. Zinc, Lead, and Nickel are sometimes found and traded as well, mainly for alchemical purposes. In the far past, lead used to be used in objects such as cups but with the revelation of problems such as lead poisoning, that industry has died down drastically.
Trade & Transport
The Cican Confederation finds itself in a perfect area for trade. As the islands sit between the continents of Alus and Edrinia, it is often a stopping point for traders from both sides. Sometimes, Cican merchants buy items from one continent and bring it to another to mark up the price since they are seen as "exotic" products. Other times, merchants from the continent come there to buy it themselves, often turning back around due to not wanting to travel any further.
With all that trade comes the risk of piracy, especially for vessels that aren't Cican. Cican pirates never target their own which is why it is usually Cican ships that sail to and from the islands. As a result, merchants will usually commissions captains from the area or hire bodyguards if there are no captains and crew available from the region. Another threat comes from the Forbidden Isle as sometimes, mangled and infested ships will attack people that get too close and attempt to draw them in. The worst threat of all is the Lurker's Bride, the captain of a ship that can sail even underwater. Supposedly, they serve the Lurker, Argorn God of Forbidden Knowledge, and constantly hunt for those who have information the Lurker seeks or doesn't wish to get out. There have been tales of ships dragged to the depths because a fool learned the Lurker's true name.
Fire and Sails
Founding Date
Circa 9th century Eternal Age
Type
Political, Confederation
Capital
Alternative Names
Cican Confederation
Demonym
Cican
Government System
Democracy, Direct
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
Copper, Silver, Gold Coins
Major Exports
- Lumber
- Fish
- Volcanic Minerals
- Dyes
Official State Religion
Location
Related Ethnicities
Comments