Republic of Vrakai
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Republic of Vrakai was an oligarchic trade republic located in the lands surrounding the estuary of the Baltas River. Located just south of the Cloud Temple and encompassing the frequently traveled "Whispering Crossroads" which connect most of the major nations of Atlas. The area quickly fell in favor with merchants, craftsmen, and laborers alike due to the easy access to waterways and frequently patroled roads.
Contents
History
Initially the lands of Vrakai were settled by wayward farmers and fishermen. Its strategic geographical position allowed it to quickly grow out to become an important centre of trade in central Atlas. The first rulers of these lands were the Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters, a group of equestrian mercenaries who settled the region along with the first wave of commoners.
Their rule did more to contain trade than to let it flourish, as they sought to live of these lands like any princely state would: By means of heavy taxation and curbing the rights of merchants and commoners in favour of the ruling elite. Eventually learning that their style of governance was detrimental to the region’s prosperity; and in turn their own; the company gradually began to delegate governmental power to local oligarchs. This increased the efficiency of trade flow and the general prosperity of the region. It also relieved the Reiters of their duty to govern, allowing them to pursue their mercenarial profession more efficiently.
This shift of governmental power to the oligarchs eventually culminated in the establishment of the Republic of Vrakai, in which the Reiters merely hold a handful of privileges and maintain an employment contract with the state. This strictly professional relation between the republic and the Reiters allows both parties to be left to pursue profit by merit of their profession in an independent political climate.
Culture
Uniquely, the Republic of Vrakai’s Law does not enforce any cultural or religious customs. Its government prides itself to being modelled after the multicultural populace of the original settlers, who eventually founded the republic. Crucially, in Vrakai, its citizens are guaranteed the freedom to practise their own religious and cultural customs without persecution.
Social Organization
Notably, the citizens of Vrakia are divided into two social classes: The commoners and the Burghers (or Bourgeoisie). This class system is maintained by rigorous laws that protect the rights and freedoms of the Burghers in order to allow them to pursue their mercantile ambitions. This eventually brings prosperity to all of the Republic as the wealth of the Bourgeoisie trickles down to the commoners.
Commoners make up the general population of the republic and practise generic labour oriented professions like farmer, carpenter, fisherman, etc. In contrast with the local Bourgeoisie, they hold few freedoms. But compared to commoners in order human reams, they are relatively more free.
The Burghers are the elitary citizen class of the republic. As the driving force of the city’s trade oriented economy, the Burghers enjoy well deserved privileges such as: various trading rights; the right to bear arms; the right to bear heraldic arms; the right to suffrage in the election of consuls (provided they pay the suffrage tax upon casting their vote); the right to be tried by a burgher judge.
Government
The Republic of Vrakai is governed by a group of 3 Consuls and one Praeceptor.
The Consuls are the representatives of the Burgher class and perform most of the administrative, legislative and diplomatic functions in government. They are essentially ministers who are assigned to a ministerial task by the Praeceptor (more on this below). By and from among the Burghers, the Consuls are elected every 8 years ((2 months IRL)). The duties of a Consul are:
The passing of Laws (by simple majority)
The revocation or adjustment of unjust laws (by simple majority)
Performing the ministerial functions delegated to them by the Praeceptor
The Praeceptor is the Republic’s head of state and chief executive official. From among the Bourgeoisie he is elected by the Consuls every 8 years ((2 months IRL)), by simple majority. In order to effectively maintain the Republic’s security, The Governor holds veto powers on matters such as: the acquisition of the title of Burgher; and the passing of new laws by the Consuls. He is tasked with:
Delegating ministerial positions to the elected Consuls.
Assigning governors to the hinterland territories.
Maintaining the internal security of the republic.
Law and Justice
The Republic of Vrakai maintains three books of law, each concerning itself with an important aspect of Vrakian society and the organisation thereof:
The Republican Law covers the lawful workings of the Republic’s institutions. It includes legislation on matters such as: government structure; vassals; and trade & monopoly rights.
The Common Code covers the legal rights and duties of the commoner class.
The Bourgeois Law determines the rights and freedoms of the Burgher class.
Security
For it’s security, the Republic of Vrakai depends on privately contracted groups and companies. Notably, for its national security, the republic relies on the Company of The Black Reiters. Whom it allows to occupy the Belvitz Castle and maintains a permanent security contract with. Law enforcement in the republic is maintained by house Montfort through the Montfort Retinue (Belvitz Guard).
Geography
