Republica of Vercinia

The Republica lie far to the south in the eastern reaches of the Tremalking Lowlands. The Vercinians are a proud race, mindful of their honour and very warlike. It must be remembered that honour until the last breath is the motto of any good Vercinian general.
Culture
Most people outside Vercinia refer to this southern land simply by this name. The people living in these lands however have quite a different perspective. They will not only refer to the city they live or were born in, but often to the quarter of the city and sometimes to the street. Putting people from Golden Garden and Estolon in one basket may be acceptable elsewhere, but it certainly is not in either of the two cities. This is not a never-ending source of argument, but also a good way to start physical confrontation with even the more peace loving people. 
Vercinia is dominated by agriculture. However, Very little of their crops are exported from Vercinia. The only noteworthy products that are shipped out of Vercinia is wine, which is grown mainly in the hills near the eastern coasts, leather, fashion, and mercenaries. Golden Garden and Estolon especially gained great wealth in this trade with Iberia and the Serkish Caliphate. One specialty of Vercinia is its bulls. Although also used as food, they play a great role in Vercinian tradition. Twice every year bullfights take place in all towns and cities of the Republica. The two biggest events are, of course, in Golden Garden and Estolon. In most towns the bulls are taken out of the normal stock of cattle and the toreros are just young men and women eager to prove their worth. In the cities, however, bulls are especially raised for these events and the toreros are professionals who, when victorious, enjoy great popularity among the nobility of the region. 
The people of Vercinia are very proud of their origin. They claim to be the first Humans to have settled in the southern end of the continent post Second Fall, but this is not taken seriously elsewhere. However, it would be an unwise traveller who chose to debate the issue within the Republicas' boundaries. Even peasants can sometimes trace back their family to the time before the Second Fall (although not everything may be true). They are also much more connected to their birthplace than people in other parts of Tremalking. Even large families continue to live in one house or in houses next to each other long after the children married and have their own children. Some streets of the cities are inhabited by members of the same families and one quarter of Estolon is called Donna Bilbanni, from an exceptionally large family.
Besides the family and place of birth, Vercinians have a very rigorous view on honour, pride and courage. These character traits are held in high esteem. Questioning someone's honour is almost as bad as questioning his mother's sexual preference. Both can lead to duels or a knife in the back. Someone who behaves dishonourably is socially dead and even ignored by his former friends.
The importance of courage and honour of course means that many people are willing to go on any adventure. Dropping words like "dangerous", "great foe" and alike is likely to raise the interest of some people. They will be enthusiastical to join any adventuring party and will arrive in the most fashionable adventuring gear the next morning.
Politics
Vercinia is not a Kingdom in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a loose confederation of city-states that have agreed to common trade, diplomacy, and mutual defense. Each city gains a representative no matter its size, and each representative gets a vote on matters of national importance. Once a year the Representatives vote for a Grande Cancille, who oversees the council and mediates disputes. So while the Republica appears as one nation, unified against foreign threats, its peoples have a strong sense of regional pride. For the sake of foreign diplomacy, Golden Garden is considered the national capital, but only because it has the largest population, followed closely by Estolon.
Social Classes 
On top of the food chain is the nobility, which is a loose term in this nation. Generally, nobility can be bought and sold. Many noblemen are poor enough to be forced to accept such proposals. However this way is left only to the richest citizens. These noblemen and noblewomen can hardly ever be found on their fiefs. Instead they prefer to spend most of their time at their respective cities courts. When they do not appear on some festivity, scheming seems to be their favorite pastime. Trying to further their influence or bring rivals into discredit. Such a live of luxury requires large sums of money. This means that their peasantry have to work harder.
Outsiders almost form a class of their own. Due to their exaggerated sense of origin, Vercinians regard people from other parts of the Republica and especially from outside Vercina, to be untrustworthy, dishonourable and of bad character. They are looked down upon by almost any Vercinian. It has happened more than once that a beggar who asked for a few coins scoffed his donator afterwards. On the other hand Vercinians can prove to be the greatest of allies and friends when their trust is earned. One of the greatest compliments an outside can receive is, "You are worthy to be a Vercinian."

Republics of Vercinia

Golden Garden

The Capital and the largest city.

Estolon

The second largest city in Vercinia. A nominal rival to power with Golden Garden. Whenever one gains an advantage over the other, the Capital is moved to the more powerful. Currently Golden Garden has the advantage over Estolon.

Babloa

Lies in the north country, controlling large swaths of the Iberian Sea trade.

Sota

Known for its tall leaning towers.

innaros

A far inland city along the Dwarven marches, built along a tall spearlike cliffside.

Iranna

Unfortunetly this city is known for its large amount of privateer ships. Foreigners call them Pirates.

Ciernos

Home to vast endless plains, and cattle ranchers.

Santa Elona

Devout worshippers of the Warbringer. They field pikemen and crossbowmen that are rivalled only by the pikemen of Mettenheim.

Gevotalla

A land of horselords. Most knightly orders in Vercinia have a chapter in this city. it lies near the border to Galvinor, and thus any skirmishes between the two nations happen close by its walls.

Largos

Fields an impressive mercentile and mercenary fleet.

Evora

Most of Vercinias finest orchards are found here.

Faro

Home to Vercinias only order of Gryphon Riders, the Orden del ala Volador.

Tair

This city has never fallen to foreign invaders.

Godan

Home to Vercinias only school of Magic, Universidad de Magia. Though not the most famous school, it does produce a high caliber of mage.

Sisnera

One of the only cities in Vercinia to be ruled by a King, though he is considered an equal to all the other Republics.

Liberty, equality, fraternity

Type

Geopolitical, Republic

Demonym

Vercinian

Location

Tremalking

Neighboring Nations

• Luxandria

Notable Members

• Elena Montessori