Republic of Cetara

### Location

Before AN 23: Pelagia, Rida, Jel-Archipelago, UltrosAfter AN23: UltrosAfter AN 630: Ultros, Meviek

### Capital

Before AN 23: ?After AN23: AeryamaruAfter AN 630: Helix

### Preceeded by

Resgrif Empire, Kingdom of Jo'Wöhn, Kyeéyrifra Ecotopia, Divine State of Mel-Erik

The Republic of Cetara is one of the great nations of Ceal. Dominated mostly by Wel, Cetara welcomes all species equally, but only grants administrative rights to Wel. After the Wel, Draykin, Dragons and Gryphs form the next-larger parts of Centra's population.

## Geography

Over the course of its history, the extend of Cetara's territory varied wildly. In the Crystal Seal timeline, Cetara spans two continents: The frozen continent of Ultros and the pocket realm of Meviek. However, at the height of its expanse during the Golden Age of Iserialogy, Cetara covered almost all continents of Ceal, with the exception of Ventana and Eknaria, and has thus been the closest to a planetary government that Ceal has ever achieved.

## Society

The foundation of Cetara's society is a remarkably stable two-class system that is based on the notion that certain rights come with responsibility and have to be earned. However, even people of the "lower" have sufficient rights that they can still live happy lives without ever missing anything. The two classes are known as Freeborn and Oathbound, and both classes mingle freely with one another.

### Freeborn

As the name implies, every citizen of Cetara is born a Freeborn. Freeborn are, in effect, free to live their lives as they like as long as they obey the laws created by the government. The most notable drawback of being a Freeborn is that Freeborn don't have a direct say in political affairs. They are still allowed to make their concerns and interests known to Oathbound, however. Despite this restriction, the vast majority of Cetarans elect to remain Freeborn. Farmers, workers, merchants, artists, craftsmen, servants, adventurers, innkeepers, miners, sailors and the vast majority of other occupations are all carried out by Freeborn. Freeborn militia also exist, but are supervised by Oathbounds.

### Oathbound

Becoming an Oathbound is a long an arduous process, and also a one-way track. A Cetarans who becomes an Oathbound will permanently give up a rather large part of its freedom in exchange for participation in political affairs. Oathbounds are, in every aspect of the phrase, servants of the state, and are expected to place their duty above personal desires at all times. The process of becoming an Oathbound is a long and difficult training lasting several years that is intended to sort out all those who are not fully dedicated to becoming Oathbounds. Quitting is actively encouraged and is not frowned upon in any way, and only roughly a quarter of those who start training actually end up becoming Oathbounds. Oathbounds take care of administrative duties, government and law enforcement. As such, police officers, judges, councillors, soldiers, majors, governors, office clerks and scientists (freelance Freeborn scientists also exist, but receive no government funding) are all examples for occupations held by Oathbounds. The highest positions that can be held by Oathbounds are those of the Cetaran Regents and the Cetaran Generals.

## Government

Cetara is governed by an Oligarchy consisting of the four Cetaran Regents, which is advised by a council of councillors that are elected by all Oathbounds on a regular basis. The Cetaran Regents themselves pass down their offices on an adoptive basis, though each successor must be approved of by the other Regents. The Regents decide on courses of action based on a majority vote. In case of a tie, the vote of the Blade of the Dragon breaks the tie.

In terms of division of power, the Regents form the Executive, while the Council forms the Legislative. The Judicative is formed by a circle of high judges that are elected for life by the Council.