Our Fair City of Genassia

Hello, friends!

Welcome to a new year. And congratulations! It’s been a long time, but we’ve finally gotten back into decade numbers that are easy to label. It’s the 20’s again!

Today, we’ll be visiting the bustling city state of Genassia.

Well positioned between the commercial powers of the guild states to the South, the military powers of Nibana and Solis to the West, and the rising industrial powers of Alvion and Precht to the North, Genassia has prospered in trade and grown to be a formidable nation in its own right.

As trade is the lifeblood of Genassia, the city is governed by a council of its nine most prominent merchant houses, with one among them elected to serve as doge, a largely ceremonial position as the head of state.

The common people of Genassia enjoy many freedoms that others do not, given there is no official religion, no monarchy, and no compulsory conscription in their territories. This creates fertile ground for a thriving art scene and is attractive for many philosophers and academics.

The surrounding countryside is a protected valley with lush forests and fertile fields, providing an abundance of lumber and iron, and ideal growing conditions for a variety of crops in the warm, seaside climate. The wilds of Genassia are known to have few threats other than mundane beasts, such as wolves and bears. Other dangers are kept in check by the Genassian Rangers, who are paid by the city to do regular patrols between outlying villages.

Tunnels deep into the mountains in the North lead to a number of stoneholds kept by the subterranean Wathi people, displaced to this region many centuries ago by invaders from the Thousand Year Dynasty. These independent holds serve as a buffer between Genassia and the Kingdom of Alvion beyond.

A more contentious border lies between Genassia and the Solis Imperium to the West. It is a common desire in the imperium to consolidate the entirety of the old Holy Sumican Empire, of which Genassia was a core province. Defensive pacts with Alvion and the Guild States keep the legions of the imperium at bay for the time being, but well armed garrisons remain stationed in the mountains, ready to support an invasion force on short notice.

All things considered, Genassia is a wonderful place to live. But nothing lasts forever.

That’s all for now. Tune in next time to learn more about the dourfolk.

Thanks for stopping by!