Repubblica del Grifone
### Repubblica del Grifone (Griffin Republic)
#### **Nation History**
The Griffin Republic has a long and troubled history, marked by wars and conflicts with its neighbors, particularly Republic of Lamsedil and the Repubblica del Leone. Founded centuries ago as an alliance of ports and the mountain city-states, the republic has expanded primarily through its mercantile and military capabilities, becoming a feared power in the Dark Sea area. Natural resources, such as valuable timber and mineral deposits, have allowed the Griffin to build a solid economic base, which has favored the production of ships, windships and weapons.
One of the most traumatic events in the Griffin's recent history was the heavy defeat suffered against Lamsedil, which led to the cession of the city of Kelesia (its second port and important mercantile city) and the surrounding territory. This loss has led to a significant economic decline, as the most profitable trade routes are now located outside the territory of the Republic. Since then, the republic has struggled to regain its former greatness, with the population suffering from increasing poverty and unemployment.
#### **Government Structure**
The Griffin Republic is governed by a **Doge**, elected by the wealthiest and most powerful families in the nation. Power currently rests with the **Doria** family, represented by Doge **Ghigno Doria**, but other important families such as the **Grimaldi**, the **Bottero** and the **Marabotto**'s are poised to challenge the Dorias in the next elections.
Internal politics are highly competitive and fragmented. Each family has its own interests and follows a tradition of rivalry between cities and even neighborhoods. This parochialism has led to political and cultural fragmentation, which is also one of the distinctive traits of the republic.
#### **Political Parties and Organizations**
The main political factions of the Republic gravitate around the great families. Each of them seeks to gain control of power through political maneuvers and temporary alliances. Currently, the Doria family holds power, but the alliance of the **Bottero** and the **Marabotto** could put their dominance at risk in the next elections.
An interesting feature of the republic is the **Mercenary Legion**. The Doge has institutionalized the creation of **mercenary units** that are sent abroad to fight and bring money to the Republic. Among these units, the **Ironbreakers** stand out, one of the most feared elite troops of Valenor (heavily armored infantry, highly trained and brave). They often include **Minotaurs** and, in the case of the famous **Giants' Regiment**, even Hill Giants. This expedient allows the Doge to maintain a trained army, ready to intervene even in future conflicts against Lamsedil.
#### **Current Situation**
The Griffin Republic is facing a severe economic crisis following the loss of Kelesia and the trade routes connected to it. Unemployment and poverty are rampant, and popular discontent is growing. Doge Ghigno Doria is trying to restore the nation's economic power through the export of mercenaries and the sale of ships, but these efforts are still not enough to offset the economic decline.
Diplomatically, the Repubblica del Grifone has a good relationship with the Granducato del Giglio, with which it shares the ancient **Bellinone Forest**. Both countries regularly organize joint military expeditions to eliminate the dangers that inhabit this dark and mysterious forest. However, the republic maintains tensions with Republic of Lamsedil, who seems to be the Griffin's natural enemy, and with the Free States of Minox, with whom it has disputes regarding the safety of the trade routes that pass through the mountains.
The ancient rivalry with the Repubblica del Leone for control of the Dark Sea trade routes has faded into the background, as the Griffin has lost much of its trading capacity.
Relations with the Terre dei Castelli are good, as they developed from the Griffin Republic and are still seen as "cousins" today.
#### **Important Characters**
#### **Locations and Resources**
#### **Folklore and Details**
Parishism is a peculiar trait of the Griffin, so much so that the inhabitants of the various cities and districts even differ in religion. The cult of **Saints** is widespread, with temples dedicated to minor figures of the faith rather than the major deities, and each city or district boasts its own patron saint.
One of the most important and heartfelt events is the **Tiro della Banderuola**, a tug-of-war competition held between the different neighborhoods or cities. The neighborhood that manages to pull the flag in its own field wins a laurel wreath, which is then carried in procession to the temple of the saint of the winning neighborhood.
Another very important folklore note is that the Mercenary regiments and the national troops have the habit of leading wagons and sedan chairs with the icons of the patron saints into battle; often these icons are defended to the last man or are used as a spur to rally the troops and counterattack. The infantry and the Mercenaries of the Griffin never flee from the battlefield, but retreat to gather near their Holy Icon. If the icon is lost, it is a sign that the battle is lost and the mercenaries or infantry disperse, so as not to meet again until the icon is recovered. If the icon is destroyed, the regiment disbands and never reforms.
#### Conclusion
The Griffin Republic is a mountainous and forested territory, rich in natural resources, but currently in decline due to recent military defeats and the economic crisis. Governed by a complex and fragmented policy, the Griffin relies on its mercenary force to maintain power and dream of revenge against its enemies, especially Lamsedil.
Maps
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City of Janua
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