Varoona Basics

Basic History

The history of the city of Varoona is two-sided. One side is the history of Sotto Varoona, the underwater nation of tritons, merfolk, and the Kereselló. This was the initial city of the Goddess of the Sea. As the continent prospered, however, the city of Varoona Proper was founded by multiple families of elves - seeing opportunity in the convergence of the Selló River with the Bay. As this city sprung up, it is said that the goddess of the sea's interest was torn between the two and conflict was frequent between the cities. Religious authority was passed back and forth for many years until Varoona proper outgrew its aquatic sister city. Now, the city of elves holds power as the proper city of Varoona.

Politics

Varoona Proper is overseen by guild leadership. All of the formally recognized guilds elect a leader - the rulers and stipulation for duration of term varies by guild - to represent their interest on the Guild Council. Two additional members are recognized on the council: the religious authority of the High Priestess of Varoona and a representative of Sotto Varoona.
Sotto Varoona, by contrast, is ruled by the Kereselló monarchy.

Economy

Although the region is relatively barren - containing the occasional farming or fishing village, orchard, or swamp – the city is an economic hotspot on the continent as its access to the Bay and the Selló River make it an excellent entryway into the south of the continent. Beyond connecting the north and the south of the continent via trade, most of the cities economy comes from tourism and the sea (fishing, deep-sea mining, and the snail industry).

People

Varoona Proper was initially inhabited by elves, but, over the years, the city has become home to almost every race on the continent, with the exception of aarakocra. Goblins walk alongside elves. The occasional orc assists a halfling in fixing her shop. Still, despite the diversity, the nobility of the region are still primarily elves, with the most influential elven family being the Valdoves.
Sotto Varoona is inhabited by tritons, merfolk, and, primarily, the Coastal Kereselló. Occassionally, one of the arctic, pelagic, or abyssal Kereselló may temporarily call the city home, but they generally prefer their native cities and never stay long. Merfolk and tritons generally make up a minority of the city and although conflict has arisen between the aquatic races in the past, there is generally harmony between them now.

Religion

Religious affairs in Varoona Proper - and the surrounding land region - are overseen by the acolytes, priests, and priestesses of Varoona, housed formally in the Temple of Varoona. While there are many small festivals, competitions, and other events in honor of Varoona, the largest is 10-day long series of games called the Namakan Games. It features deap sea and freshwater fishing competitions, sailing races, and diving events. Merchants and artists from across the continent often flock to the festival to sell their wares or gain inspiration. The most popular - and largest - spectacle is the re-enactment of naval battle between the Dread King's forces and the Moon Guard of Caliban.

The Principles of Chaos

Petty thieves, con men, and tricksters often invoke this principle to get out of fines and other punishment by law enforcement in Varoona. When caught red-handed, these petty criminals often plead to Varoona and invoke her domain of chaos. The Principles were first documented as having been successfully utilized in the trial of persecuting Amber Bel'Barra. Accused of violating her sacred religious oaths by operating under the influence of incredibly hallucinogenic drugs that caused her to experience significantly increased wild magic surges, Amber argued that her actions were in line with the goddess to whom she served. Whether or not "freedom" included "chaos" in Varoona's domain was in question. After successfully returning from the seemingly impossible task the King set before her, the Principles of Chaos were officially recognized as a domain of Varoona.
More serious crimes - murder, slavery, and piracy - are less likely to be able to invoke these principles.

Type

Geopolitical, City-state