Free Cities of Lia

Written by Drackzahn

"Atlantis will rise again! Until our goddess Lia returns and reclaims her rightful place as the mistress of all, mortals and gods alike, we will fortify our borders and rediscover our ancient technology. Atlantis will rise again! Stronger! United! And pure of corruption!" Head priest of Naos Lia in a speech to the population

The free cities of Lia are a theocratic Federation with a strong belief in the goddess Lia. They are a Human empire that seeks to bring back the ancient times of Atlantis. Their power is based on their unity and their ancient Magitech artifacts and technology.

Structure

The Free Cities of Lia are a group of independent city-states that share a common religion and culture. Each city is ruled by a priest, who is elected by the local church of Lia for life. The priests form a council that elects an archbishop for life, who acts as the spiritual leader and the representative of the Free Cities in international affairs. The archbishop resides in the Protevu, the oldest and most prestigious of the Free Cities.
Each city has its own military and laws, and can make own deals with guilds and partly even other nations as long as it goes not against any other free cities. However, they are bound by a common charter that guarantees the freedom of religion, speech, and trade among the Free Cities. The charter also forbids any city from declaring war on another city, or interfering in its internal affairs.

Culture

The culture of the Free Cities of Lia is strongly influenced by their belief in Lia. Lia is revered as the patron deity of the Free Cities, and her temples are the center of religious and civic life. The priests of Lia are respected as the rulers and judges of the cities, and they uphold the values of justice, brotherhood of humanity, and scientific development.
The Free Cities of Lia also claim to be the successors of the ancient Theocracy of Atlantis, a legendary civilization that was destroyed by a cataclysmic event 2500 years ago. The Atlanteans were said to be the masters of magic and technology, and they left behind many relics and secrets that the Free Cities sought to uncover and use. The Free Cities of Lia have a strong sense of pride and identity, and they consider themselves to be the heirs of Atlantis.
The Free Cities of Lia are home to both humans and demihumans, such Sylvan Elves, Nekos and others. The demihumans have been living in the Free Cities for centuries, and they have contributed to their culture and economy. Most of them were former war slaves from the ancient War of the Gods and later received their freedom. However, they are often discriminated against by humans, who see them as inferior or foreign. The demihumans were usually relegated to lower-class jobs, such as laborers, servants, or even slaves. They also face social and legal barriers, such as higher taxes, limited rights, or restricted access to certain areas or services. Most demihumans work for the guilds instead of institutions of the free cities.
The architecture and way of living of the Free Cities of Lia remind us of the ancient Greeks. The cities are built with white marble and stone, and they feature many columns, statues, fountains, and gardens. The cities are also surrounded by walls and fortifications, as they have to defend themselves from external threats. The people of the Free Cities enjoy a high standard of living, and they value education, art, commerce, and leisure. They have a theocratic system of government, where the church elects the government and participates in public affairs. They also have a vibrant cultural scene, where they celebrate festivals, sports, theater, music, and poetry.

Public Agenda

The free cities believe strongly that one day, their ancient goddess Lia will return and lead them to salvation. Till that day comes, they follow two main agendas nationwide. The first is to uphold the old traditions of Atlantis and to be officially recognized by the world as the successor of the Theocracy of Atlantis. They finance dozens of expeditions into the ancient ruins to gather old artifacts and they also operate facilities to regain their ancient technology. The second and way more prominent aspect of their agenda is to be a safe haven for all humans. After the second great Pink Mist Storm 2500 years ago, the humans of Bardor were weakened heavily. Formerly, they were the strongest force on the planet and held a huge territory. Today they are split into smaller nations and have lost nearly all of the land they once conquered. As long as a human is not going against the church of Lia or the good of the city-states, all humans are welcome in their cities.

History

The Free Cities of Lia have a long and turbulent history that dates back to the collapse of the Theocracy of Atlantis. The Atlantis Empire was a powerful and advanced civilization that ruled over most of the known world until it was destroyed by a mysterious cataclysm around 500 BC. The cataclysm caused massive earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and climate changes, that wiped out most of the Atlantean cities and population. The survivors of the cataclysm were scattered and divided, and they soon fell into civil war. The Atlantean culture and technology were lost or corrupted, and the former empire became a land of chaos and violence. Different factions emerged, fighting for power and resources, and forming alliances and rivalries. Some of the factions tried to restore the glory of Atlantis, while others sought to create new kingdoms or republics.
The city-states that would later become the Free Cities of Lia were among the latter. They were located on the western coast of the continent, where the climate was Mediterranean and the land was partly fertile. They were founded by various groups of people, such as refugees, rebels, colonists, or explorers, who sought freedom and prosperity. They adopted some aspects of the Atlantean culture, such as the worship of Lia, but they also developed their own identity and customs. They established monarchic and democratic governments, where the citizens had a say in public affairs. They also focused on trade, agriculture, and education. Their main goal was to solidify their power and bring stability in these dangerous times. The city-states flourished for centuries, but they also faced many challenges and threats. They had to deal with internal conflicts, such as social unrest, corruption, or succession crises. They also had to defend themselves from external enemies, such as barbarian invasions from the north, pirate raids on their coasts, or mutated monsters. The city-states often cooperated with each other, but they also competed for influence and resources. They sometimes fought among themselves or formed alliances against each other.
The turning point in the history of the city-states came in 1425 AD when a religious coup took place in many of them. A radical faction of priests staged a revolt against the governments, claiming that they had received a divine mandate from Lia to unify the city-states under her rule. The priests seized power in several cities and declared themselves as the rulers and judges of the people. They abolished the democratic and monarchic institutions and imposed a strict theocracy based on their interpretation of Lia’s will. They also formed a council that elected an archbishop for life, who claimed to be Lia’s representative on Bardor.
The priestly coup sparked a civil war among the city-states. Some of them resisted the coup and fought to preserve their independence and freedom. Others joined the coup, either willingly or by force. The war lasted for decades, and it was bloody and devastating. Many cities were sacked or destroyed, and many lives were lost or ruined. The war ended in 1755 AD when a peace treaty was signed between the two sides. The treaty recognized the existence of two groups of city-states: those that followed the priestly rule, and those that maintained their secular government. The former group became known as the Free Cities of Lia, while the latter group became known as the Republics of Atlantis. The treaty also established a common charter that guaranteed some basic rights and obligations among all the city-states, such as a strict, theocratic rule of the religion of Lia, sharing of technology and resources, and trade; non-interference in internal affairs; and mutual defense against external threats.
The peace treaty marked the beginning of a new era for the Free Cities of Lia. They consolidated their power and influence in their region, and they expanded their trade and diplomacy with other nations. They also developed their culture and society, fostering arts, sciences, and education. However, they also faced new challenges and dangers. They had to deal with internal dissent and opposition from those who disagreed with their religious doctrine or political system. They also had to cope with external pressure and competition from other powers that coveted their wealth or territory. Especially the threat of mutated monsters from the Tyranos Plains was a constant reminder that this world was not theirs anymore.
The Free Cities of Lia have survived until today, but they have also changed over time. They have lost some of their old cities to wars or disasters, but they have also gained new ones through colonization or annexation. They have reformed some aspects of their religion or government to adapt to changing times or circumstances. Their modern borders were established in 1876 with the integration of Elpida as their new northern border.

Demography and Population

The free cities have a growing population with a stable birth rate. Most inhabitants are Human with around 70% of the population. The remaining ones are mostly Demihumans and Anthros. The biggest concentration of population is around the Perivu Bay and the western coast, as well as at the edge of the Denta Forest. The inland areas are mostly empty, especially the Adeia Desert in the west, and the Erimos Thana Desert, which are nearly completely void of population due to the harsh living conditions. There exist no official population counts, but most guilds assume that the nation has around 12 million souls living within its borders.

Territories

The free cities are based on several city-states with their own laws and rulerships. They hold the western coast of the Atlanesis continent, a region rich in minerals but only partly fit for farming. From North to South, their cities are: Elpida, Perifronisi, Roi, Naos Lia, Protevu, Dentros, Anati, Dytika, Ormos and Adeinai. In the south, they control the Erimos Thana Desert, but their control is only in name. The region is hardly colonized and mostly empty. It is rich in ores, which makes it valuable. In the east, they hold their only big forest, the Denta Forest. Most of their wood production comes from here. The economic center is Perivu Bay, a bay on which both Perifronisi and Protevu have their harbors. The trade routes from here reach Dytika and Adeinai by sea, and the remaining cities by land.

Military

Each city has its standing army and its unique troop formations. The most common formation is the shield-pike and shot formation. Two different equipped types or soldiers serve in a tight formation. The front and flanks are protected by heavily armored soldiers in metal, who carry big tower shields and a long pike to fend off any attacker who dares to come close. Their tall shields also allow them to form tight formations, in which they can protect each other from incoming missiles. The second soldier is only lightly armored, often only protecting their torso with leather armor, sometimes even without any armor. They are wearing a long matchlock rifle and the required ammunition for it. These range troops shot from within the formation, or operate in quick shot and cover movements around the main formation.

Religion

The church of Lia, which is in the end the ruling political power in the Free Cities, is following its own interpredation of the ancient belief in the goddess. They strongly believe that one day, Lia will return to them and bring back the ancient glory of Atlantis. For this day, they prepare themselves and try all in their power to spread the belief in their goddess and reclaim ancient technology and wisdom.
The religion is not as dogmatic as many may think. There is only the unwritten law that nobody should act against the will of Lia, yet her exact will is interpreted very differently from city to city. While some follow a very strict interpretation with a human purity agenda, others believe that all who follow their goddess are welcome in their religion, no matter if human or not. All are united in the goal to bring back the old Atlantis technology, the Magitech that once ruled their continent. Followers of the religion often spend fortunes on expeditions to discover ancient artifacts. To bring back an ancient artifact to the church is rewarded with high prestige and often even with an official position in the government of a city-state. Many adventurers became rulers this way over the centuries.
The holy city is Atlantis. Due to the dangerous state of the ruins and the high corruption of the Pink Mist, many believe that it must be purified with the help of Pinkerid. Yet, to this day, all tries to reclaim Atlantis have failed.

Foreign Relations

The free cities have a complicated relationship with the Republics of Atlantis. They both are successor nations of the old Theocracy of Atlantis, yet they follow different political systems and beliefs. Wars were fought in the past and the relationship is not stable at all. Nevertheless, as another human nation and the closest to the free cities, trade is strong and there are many connections with the other nation.

Agriculture & Industry

The agriculture and industry of the Free Cities of Lia are shaped by their geography and climate. The Free Cities are located on the western coast of the continent, where the land is mostly infertile and dry. The west and south regions are dominated by rocky hills and deserts, where farming is difficult and scarce. The east region is watered by the River Aqua Lia, a large and long river that flows from the mountains to the sea. The river provides irrigation and fertile soil for crops, such as wheat, barley, grapes, olives, and fruits. The north region is near the city of Elpida, where the climate is cooler and wetter. The land there is more suitable for pasture and livestock, such as sheep, goats, cows, and horses. The main source of food for the Free Cities is fishing. Almost all of the cities are located on the coast, where they have access to the rich and diverse marine life of the sea. The Free Cities have a large and skilled fishing fleet, that catches various kinds of fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other seafood. The fishing industry also supports other sectors, such as shipbuilding, trade, and military.
The Free Cities have a strong mining industry, especially for metals. They have abundant deposits of iron, silver, and Pinkerid, a rare and valuable metal that has magical properties. The mining industry provides raw materials for various crafts and industries, such as smithing, jewelry, weapons, armor, tools, machines, and magic items. The mining industry also employs many workers, both human and demihuman, who work in harsh and dangerous conditions. Due to their increased physical abilities, Anthros are often used in the mines, either as workers or slaves. Behind the mining industry stands a strong smith and production one, led by powerful guilds that compete for their reputation and for deals with the money elite of the nation. These industrial guilds are in the hands of many different individuals, from humans to demihumans, even some in the hands of anthros.

Trade & Transport

The trading in the Free Cities of Lia is one of the main pillars of their economy and society. The Free Cities are located on the western coast of the continent, where they have access to the sea and its resources. The sea is the main route for their trade, as they exchange goods and services with other nations and regions. The Free Cities have a strong fleet of trading ships, that carry various kinds of products and commodities. They also have a powerful navy, that protects their trade routes from pirates, enemies, or competitors. The inland trade routes of the Free Cities are rare and difficult, especially in the south. The land there is mostly dry and barren, and it is plagued by bandits, monsters, or hostile factions. The Free Cities had to rely on caravans, camels, or horses to transport their goods across the land. The inland trade routes are also more expensive and risky, as they have to pay tolls, taxes, or bribes to pass through different territories or borders.
The trade of the Free Cities is in the hands of private trading guilds, that are often led by demihumans. They have contributed to their culture and economy, but they have also faced discrimination and oppression from humans, who see them as inferior or foreign. The demihumans have found a niche in the trading sector, where they have used their skills, knowledge, and connections to establish successful businesses and enterprises.

The trading guilds are powerful and influential in the Free Cities. They have a lot of wealth, resources, and contacts, that they use to advance their interests and agendas. They also have a lot of sway over the politics and society of the Free Cities. They can lobby, bribe, or threaten the priests or the archbishop to get favorable laws or policies for their trade. They can also support or oppose different factions or movements that affect their trade. The trading guilds are sometimes allies or rivals with each other, depending on their goals or situations.
The main products that the Free Cities export are metals, such as iron and silver. The Free Cities have abundant deposits of these metals in their mines, and they have a skilled industry that produces various kinds of metal goods, such as weapons, armor, tools, machines, and jewelry. The metal goods are highly valued and demanded by other nations or regions, especially those that lack metal resources or technology. The export of Pinkerid is strictly forbidden by the priests and the archbishop, who claim that it is Lia’s will to keep it within the Free Cities. However, some traders smuggle pinkerid out of the Free Cities illegally, either for profit or for other reasons.
The main products that the Free Cities import are food, wood, and jewels. The Free Cities have a limited amount of arable land and freshwater for agriculture, and they depend on fishing for most of their food supply. However, fishing alone cannot meet their growing population’s needs or preferences. Therefore, they import food from other nations or regions that have more fertile land or diverse crops. They import grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, dairy products, and other food items.
The Free Cities also import wood from other nations or regions that have more forests or trees. Wood is an essential material for many purposes in the Free Cities, such as building houses, ships, furniture, or instruments. Wood is also a source of fuel for cooking or heating. However, wood is scarce and expensive in the Free Cities due to their dry climate and deforestation. The Free Cities also import jewels from other nations or regions that have more gemstones or crystals. Jewels are used for decoration or adornment in the Free Cities’ culture and society. The priests of the church enjoy to dress themselves with expensive jewelry accessories.

Lia will return

Founding Date

1425

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy

Capital

Protevu

Alternative Names

Lia's Cities

Predecessor Organization

• Theocracy of Atlantis

Demonym

Lianer

Government System

Theocracy

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Command/Planned economy

Currency

The official currency is the Drachma coins. They are split into different coin sizes and are all made out of iron. On the coins, you can find the heads of either famous priests, rulers, or scientists, while on their biggest coin, you can see the head of Lia.

Major Exports

• Ores and Metals
• Dried Fish

Major Imports

• Food, especially farming goods
• Wood
• Jewels

Legislative Body

Each City State has a head priest, who is the master of laws

Judicial Body

The church of Lia interprets the laws and judges the criminals.

Executive Body

Differently from city-state to city-state. Often it is church soldiers, or paladines, while in some it is private guilds.

Location

Atlanesis

Official Languages

• High Atlanteanish

Neighboring Nations

• Republics of Atlantis

Related Species

• Human