Free City of Kharalos

The Free City of Kharalos is a city that gained its independence from Khazars. It is a trade centric city with some agricultural and artisan production. It is famous for its silk road goods. It went from being a direct democracy to representative democracy.

Official name: Most Opulent Republic of Kharalos

## History

After a series of civil wars and conflicts between Khazar dynasties in early 700s, the ruling elite of the City of Kharalos decided to revolt against ruling dynasties. Khanate armies were too distracted fighting each other and failed to recapture the city. The ruling elite of the city then officially claimed the Free City of Kharalos and proudly showed its colors to the outside world. The Star of David is flown on the walls of the city and everyone is welcome to visit, trade and even migrate to the city.

## Culture and Language

Mostly Turkic but heavily influenced from Latin Roman Culture due to being settled in the Black Sea. There is also a small Chinese influence due to being the end point for the Silk Road.

## Administration

The ruling elite managed to abandon hereditary traditions and established a classical republic in the jewel of the Black Sea. While the inner circle holds a great influence over the daily politics of the city, the citizens can come to the main building and join the voting process for the decisions in regard to the city. Only men who are Turkic can be citizens and they don’t need to own land.

There are 3 great houses in the city which has members in the inner circle:

**House of Oghuz Turids**

This house is arguably the most influential house in the city and they claim to have the Oghuz Tribe as their direct ancestors. They are great at trade, administration and law. They are devoted Judaists and they incorporate some true jewish elements in their great house.

The head of the house: Alp Davud Oghuturid, Heir: Suleiman Oghuturid

Their seal is the Star of David.

**House of Karameteids**

Karameteids are known to not hire any foreign muscles to solve their disputes. They are the true sons of the steppe and they are very formidable in the battle. They are still getting used to traveling and fighting with ships as they call them “Wooden horses”. Their religious beliefs are somewhat mixed with Jewish and Tengriist elements.

The head of the house: Tarkhan Karameteid, Heir: Sanjar Karameteid

Their seal is three arrows.

**House of Erlikians**

Erlikians don't feel distressed for their name being too similar to the mythological evil Erlik Khan (Erlik Khan is really similar to Nordic Loki and Greek Hades, gods of mischief). They use whatever means necessary to succeed in their schemes and plots. Rarely does someone who stands in their way stay alive with no daggers stuck in their backs. They are not very religious but occasionally perform Shamanic rituals.

The head of the house: Sharafsz Erlikian, Heir: Vijdansz Erlikian

Their seal is a crude depiction of an ox. (Taurus symbol)

## Military

In case of war, the citizens arm up against its aggressors and repel them in unison. There are also mercenary companies which are efficient and up to task if you have the coin. There is no established law enforcement and this sometimes causes problems between citizens as they police themselves with hired personnel.

## Religion

Majority is Judaism and there are other minority religions such as Tengriism, Christianity, Islam, Greek Pantheon, Nordic Pantheon and Zoroastranism.

## Culture

Mostly Turkic but heavily influenced from Latin Roman Culture due to being settled in the Black Sea. There is also a small Chinese influence due to being the end point for the Silk Road.

## Economy

Trade is the main source of income. Taxes are low compared to other cities in the region and this greatly increases the volume of trade. Farmers and Artisans also hold a high percentage in the economy.

## Law

While the trade law is really advanced in the city with courts handling matters with excellence, the civil law is really problematic as factionalism is on the rise within the city. Judaism principles rule supreme over most legal matters. There is no written constitution, and when there are conflicts the judges review old cases and then give their decrees according to them. In this sense, the law is similar to the Anglo-Saxon law.

## Chronicles of Kharalos

In this section, events will be logged and will be open to the public.

**735 AD**

*Two of the Great Houses in Kharalos decided to expand their influence on two coastal cities in Crimea and established posts there with Mercenary bands. They will promote trade and their power over these areas. These cities are considered part of the Kharalos now, albeit being ruled autonomously by local houses.*

**743 AD**

*Free City of Kharalos established a trade post in just north of the Great City of Alqistantinia. The trade post will prosper under the faithful guidance of the Oghurutids. Tha map shows the location of the trade post which will become an important district of Alqistantinia.*

*Upon hearing the news of Oghuturid trade post in Alqistantinia, Erlikians decided to one-up their rivals and bought an entire island in the Aegean sea. The island formerly known as Naxos will be a forward operating base for future Erlikian plots. Apparently, Sharafsz Erlikian had a huge favor from the Chancellor of the Bynzantine Empire. Some say this master manipulation could be done because the Chancellor couldn't keep his private parts away from adolescent boys. When the Emperor asked his Chancellor why or how could an entire island could be sold to some Turkic Jews, Chancellor made some excuse and convinced the Emperor that this will bring profits in the future.*

*A fort will be constructed in Palatia and Erlikians will administer the island from there. Funding of the operation was fully done by the Erlikians.*

**744 AD**

*When Khazar armies besieged the City of Kharalos, Kharalos sent an envoy to meet the invading forces and made a compromise with them. Kharalos will send 5000 men under Khazar command and also will have a seat on the Imperial council in exchange for accepting Khan's claim all over Khazaria.*

*When Khazar armies besieged the City of Kharalos, Kharalos sent an envoy to meet the invading forces and made a compromise with them. Kharalos will send 5000 men under Khazar command and also will have a seat on the Imperial council in exchange for accepting Khan's claim all over Khazaria.*

**746 AD**

*Erlikians spread their trade posts all over the Islands near Naxos. The ultimate goal of this move is questionable as Erlikians started to hire locals as mercenaries to fight for them. Political advisers to the Byzantine Emperor warned him that this move can be the predecessor of Erlikian control of all over the Theme of Naxos. When Emperor confronted his Chancellor for this, the Chancellor couldn't give him a straight answer. This can lead up to some internal fighting among the Byzantine court.*

749 AD

*Erlikians started the colonisation of Benghazi and built a permanent trade post there. They built walls around the trade posts, it looks similar to a feudal castle. In the senate, this act was criticised by Oghuturids who saw the walls as a limitation to free trade and interventionism.*

*The Alp Davud Oghuturid is sick and his son Suleiman is conducting the affairs of the House. Suleiman decided to rival the Erlikian move and decided to prepare a massive fleet for a naval invasion. Some say this move is to bolster his claim to the head of the Oghuturid house and for a smooth ascension. Erlikian spies managed to uncover some maps for Suleiman's campaign, the maps are for Adriatic Sea.*

**751 AD**

*Alp David Oghuturid is dead in his bed, Suleiman Oghuturid took his place as the head of the house. And for his first business order, he collected the senate and proposed for a republic under an elected leader. Majority agreed for this proposal and first election of the new republic took place later that day. Suleiman promised a new port city and showed his mighty fleet as proof for this promise, Erlikians also promised similar things but due to them being known as liars, they gained little support from the citizens.*

*Once the result came in, Suleiman became the first leader of the Republic. He changed his name to Solomon amd created the title: Melek (Leader in Hebrew). And the tales of Melek Solomon has begun.The mighty fleet awaits the order of the Melek, once he gives the word the invasion will begin. But who is the target?*