Antiva

The Principality of Antiva or simply Antiva is a plutocratic nation in northeastern Thedas.  Although it possesses few resources of its own, Antiva's location makes it a center for trade in the north. Antiva's wine trade, buoyed by its fruitful vineyards and an aggressive approach to trading practices with other nations, is one of the country's main resources, allowing for a relatively prosperous life for its citizens. Its capital is Antiva City which lies on the middle of its coastline and is one of the wealthiest in Thedas.

Structure

Officially, the line of kings in Antiva has remained unbroken for two-and-a-half thousand years, but the monarchy is very weak, and has virtually no army. In reality, Antiva is a plutocracy: the true power conferred strictly by wealth lies in the hands of a dozen merchant princes. They are not princes in the literal sense, but heads of banks, trading companies, and vineyards, each with a personal army, and each locked in a constant struggle against all the others. They possess sufficient capital to resolve any external diplomatic quandaries with a well-aimed purse or threat of withdrawn trade. 
Despite the lack of a strong military tradition, there is another reason why Antiva has rarely feared invasion: the infamous Antivan Crows, the most efficient, most feared, and most expensive guild of assassins in Thedas. Their fame is such that Antiva has no need of a standing army. No leader is willing to order an attack on her borders or to lead troops due to fear of assassination. Even the Qunari leave the nation alone.
In addition, the political machinations of Queen Asha, the "Queen Mother of Thedas," involved an extensive array of political marriages between numerous noble houses in the effort of establishing alliances. This has given the Principality of Antiva significant political protection: to start hostilities with Antiva would mean running the risk of dragging half of Thedas into war. An association of Antivan pirates called the Felicisima Armada is the leading maritime power in the region. It gained influence when the pirates aided the allied forces in the Exalted Marches against the Qunari, and now pose a serious threat on the Waking Sea. Wealthy merchants often prefer to pay the leaders of the Armada than to risk their cargo.

History

In ancient times, Beregrand, a dwarf from the kingdom of Gundaar with his impressive knowledge and skills helped the city states of Antiva to greatly expand their naval power.

• -30 Ancient: The city-state of Antiva evolves into a full-fledged nation.
• 1:45–95 Divine: The Chantry spreads east into Antiva.
• 2:33 Glory: Antivan cities unite under a common banner to defend themselves against the advance of Fyruss, the king of Starkhaven.
• 4:30 Black Queen Asha Campana, the "Queen Mother of Thedas", is born.
• 5:12 Exalted: Awakening of Andoral and the rise of the Fourth Blight. Antiva is overrun. The city of Seleny falls after a four day siege. The entire royal family is slaughtered and Antiva City is all but destroyed.
• 5:24 Exalted: Antiva is freed from the darkspawn during the battle at the city of Ayesleigh, where Garahel dies after defeating Andoral during the Battle of Ayesleigh.
• 5:99 Exalted: With the recent assassination of Queen Madrigal of Antiva (deep within the forest during a hunt, she is found with four steel swords plunged into her chest, presumably murdered by the Crows), the Steel Age is named.
• 6:32–42 Steel: Antiva is conquered by the invading Qunari.]
• 6:85 Steel - 7:23 Storm: Antiva is freed from the Qunari.
• 7:52 Storm: During the Second New Exalted March the Qunari recapture much of Antiva,[7] and Treviso is burned by the liberating armies of the White and Black Divines.
• 7:84 Storm: The end of the Third New Exalted March and signing of the Llomerryn Accord. Antiva is free from the Qunari influence.
• 8:99 Blessed: Dragons reappear within Antiva, then spread into Orlais and Nevarra where they devastate the countryside. Attempts to reduce the number of dragons results in a great loss of life.
• After 9:00 Dragon: The much-maligned "Three-Queens" era: Antiva is shaken by a civil war.

Demography and Population

The origins of modern Antiva lie in the alliance of pirates and "ne'er-do-wells" who favored a safer and more lucrative life on land as opposed to a dangerous life on the sea. They made a home on Rialto Bay's western coast which was, however, owned by the king of Antiva, the nearby city-state. Eventually the two distinct groups merged into one people, evolving into the nation of Antiva as it's known today.
Women have strictly defined roles in Antiva. They are considered pure and delicate and not allowed to participate in combat, among other things. However it's fairer to say this is an Antivan ideal of femininity which does not always match up well with the reality. Dueling, usually to a non-fatal extent, is a past-time and way to solve disputes among the nobility.
One particularly notable woman in Antivan history - and indeed Thedosian history - is the Rivaini-born Queen Asha Campana, also known as Asha Subira Bahadur Campana, the Gana of Ayesleigh. The daughter of rich merchants, she married the weak King Dario Campana during the Black Age, but was not content with allowing history to pass her by. She desired that Antiva have a larger and more powerful role in Thedosian politics. To this end, she married her children and grandchildren into royal and aristocratic families throughout the continent, leading historians to refer to her as the "Queen Mother of Thedas." She is said to have descendants amongst the royals of Orlais, Nevarra, Starkhaven, the Anderfels and even amongst some Tevinter magisters.
Satinalia is a Theodosian holiday. It is accompanied by wild celebration, the wearing of masks, and naming the town fool as ruler for a day. Particularly in Antiva, Satinalia lasts for a week or more, while a week of fasting follows. This holiday is celebrated at the beginning of Umbralis.

Trade & Transport

Antiva, as a coastal country with bustling ports, facilitates a great deal of trade, both through piracy and legitimate business. Some of this trade may be under the aegis of the Antivan Crows and their confederates. The exports of Antiva are numerous and varied. Antiva is renowned for its admittedly unparalleled wines, as well as its coffee. It is also known for its rubies and diamonds. Antivan leatherworking is also particularly exquisite, and its crafters are the envy of the known world. In addition to leather Antiva produces fine weaving and silk of great renown. Antivan crafters also excel at the production of porcelain of a quality so fine light shines through, as well as woodwork. The country enjoys healthy trade with many nations, including the empire of Orlais.

Founding Date

-30 Ancient

Type

Geopolitical, Principality

Capital

Antiva City

Alternative Names

The Principality of Antiva

Demonym

Antivan

Leader

Fiorenza Jilani

Head of State

Fiorenza Jilani

Parent Organization

Antiva

Subsidiary Organizations

• Antiva
• Antivan Crows

Controlled Territories

• Antiva City

Notable Members

• Fiorenza Jilani