Oxeos

The city state of Oxeos may not be known well throughout the world, but it influences the rest of Draenea greatly. Oxeos controls the land surrounding the waterways that lead from the Draenean Sea into the Six Winds Sea, placing them in a distinct position of power over travel and trade. While it is true that both Kafotia and Astrinth control land along the Claw Coast with access to the Six Winds Sea, their poleis both lie directly on the coast of the Draenean Sea. As a result, trade becomes increasingly difficult without cooperation with Oxeos, as does transport of other water vessels. In order to properly establish naval dominance within this network of straits, the Oxians have built for themselves the most powerful navy in Draenea, the Black Armada. Oxeos was founded originally by Draeneans that worshipped the Three-headed Dragon, though they did not unite in one polis like other Draeneans did. Oxeos existed for many ages as small towns, encampments, bandit hideouts, and pirate enclaves, until the rise of their first Exemplar, Oxypinon, for which the state was later named. Oxypinon was a green dragon dedicated to the cause of freedom, which he found abundant in Oxeos. Though he loved the freedom of the land, he feared that without unity, they would soon be subjugated by foreign powers, and so called upon them to construct a polis from which they could defend themselves. Oxypinon disappeared a mere 10 years after he arrived, leaving as suddenly as he had come.

Religion and Exemplars

Draenean religion is complex, as though the primary god of the state is nearly universally worshipped, the god itself has difficulty agreeing with its own thoughts. The Triwyrm in fact has three personalities, each assigned to a head. The black head, Mavrinos, is ruthless and destructive. Worshippers of Mavrinos evoke his power to create death and decay. The green head, Prasinias, is contemplative and intelligent. From him, his worshippers are gifted knowledge and power over nature. The copper head, Chalsos, is whimsical and carefree, bidding his worshippers to be liberated and take control of their lives fully. The three heads are in constant conflict, and worshippers of the Three-headed Dragon often receive different messages from their deity than other worshippers, entirely dependent upon which head favors them. Following the passing of Gwathren, a black dragon who served as Exemplar, the Oxian people have been unable to decide upon a new Exemplar. As a result, many of them have fled from the polis of Oxos in order to join factions supporting various dragons.

Demographics

Humans are the primary species in Oxeos, followed shortly by an especially high population of Kobolds. Dragonborn are also quite frequent in the region, as are gnomes, who find themselves attracted to the verdant forests and free-spirited atmosphere of Oxeos. Half-orcs and Tieflings sometimes move from afar to Oxeos, as they hear it to be a place where their heritage will have less of an impact on how they are treated. The swamps of Oxeos are also home to Lizardfolk, and Goblins. There are a decent number of Gillmen there as well, who are locally known as Napenero.

Government

The government of Oxeos changes swiftly with the tides of time, usually undergoing massive overhauls with each new Exemplar. The previous Exemplar, Gwenthar, ruled absolutely. Now, there is little order, with most citizens residing outside of the primary polis and fighting amongst each other over the next Exemplar. Each year a summit will be called at the acropolis in Oxos, where a vote will be taken from the citizens present. Until a dragon can receive a majority of the votes, there will be no Exemplar and the summit will disperse, likely to return to fighting. There are three major contenders currently. There is Lasnychta, a black dragon with a fleet of pirates who are loyal to her, and her ideals of greed and might. Then there is Cypnos the Oak-Father, a green dragon who is backed by a circle of druids who seek to assist him in expanding the forests and jungles of Draenea. Finally there is Petogenes, a copper dragon philosopher whose teachings have attracted many followers.

Industry & Trade

Water plays an important role in the professions of many Oxians. Fishing is an incredibly common line of work, as is that of farming. Many Oxians also hunt for a living, and just like fishers and farmers, plenty of them do so as a form of subsistence living. There are also many traders in Oxeos, traveling either between Draenean states or outwards to other ports abroad. Likewise, there are many pirates based in Oxeos, who raid both Draenean states and other nations, before returning to hideouts in Oxeos. There are some miners in Oxeos, but due to the limited types of minerals found there, there aren't many. Oxeos also has more scholars than any other Draenean state other than Astrinth. Many theologians, philosophers, and druids reside here, but there are also plenty interested in the arcane, especially that of necromancy and transmutation. 

Currency

Most currency minted in Oxeos is made from copper. However, due to frequent international trade, Oxians use plenty of foreign currency on a day to day basis, most commonly the standard imperial coinage of the Empire of Beleduin and Magnorum. Oxian minted currency is listed below:

1 Copper coin = 1 Copper Obol
4 Copper coins = 1 Copper Drachma
1 Silver coin = 1 Copper Rod-Obol
4 Silver Coins = 1 Copper Plate-Drachma

Geography

Oxeos is an abundant place, most of it being lush rainforests, overgrown swamps, and saltwater straits filled with large fish. The fact that the majority of Oxeos consists of moderately sized islands means that boats and ships are essential to travel within Draenea. There are more minor settlements scattered about Oxeos than most Draenean states, due to the splintered nature of the people.

Natural Resources

Other than copper and a smaller amount of tin, there is little to be found in terms of metals in Oxeos. As a result, bronze is the primary material of choice within Oxeos. Fish and animals are abundant for food, and many types of fruit grow there as well. Citrus fruits, as well as peaches, melons, and figs are all common in Oxeos, and the tropical weather is perfect for growing them. Tomatoes and mushrooms also grow well in the swamps of the region. Many of the islands in Oxeos have large populations of sheep living on them, making wool and mutton common.