Society

A thousand years ago, this area was the heart of a mighty empire. Now, the area is a fragmented series of city-states, each forming ever-shifting alliances. Wars between neighbouring cities are not uncommon, though less frequent than before the Church of the Seven Good Gods was revived. Political deals, betrayals, marriages, and even assassinations are frequent, with trade the most common prize to squabble over.

If rivalry between cities is bitter and violent, that within a city can be far worse. Most city-states are ruled by a Prince, aided by a shifting council of advisors. Powerful merchant families dominate the political arena, with lesser families seeking influence through alliance and service to the great houses.

Ever-increasing trade brings great wealth to the cities. The great and good seek to show their taste, wealth, and power by commissioning art of every description. Sculpture, painting, music, literature, architecture, and gardening all flourish, with religious and/or moral imagery being the most common themes for public display. Erotica and the old religion are also commonly addressed, but these are for private consumption by the intellectual elite only.

New technology is eagerly siezed upon by the wealthy. Vast wealth can be acquired by the prolific inventor. Alchemy, clockwork, and steam are all being explored, while others write treatises on more traditonal sciences, such as herbalism, divination, and husbandry.