The Republic of Sevassa

## Geography and Features

Few are the nations that can claim to match the natural prosperity of the Republic of Sevassa. With its many rivers, fertile fields, and hardy, cunning folk, Sevassa is a powerful nation that prides itself on its trade, sciences (both magical and practical), and art. Sometimes referred to as the Riverlands, Sevassa is crisscrossed with waterways in the form of rivers and canals which serve to connect individual towns and cities, aiding in the transportation of goods, people, and ideas.

Founded as a human nation, Sevassa has grown to be a true melting pot of the races, where artists, thinkers, and merchants of all stripes can be found. It is home to several truly cosmopolitan cities, though the majority of its population still resides in smaller towns and villages. These cities attract such people as have something to share, or something to gain, as every good, luxury, or service can be found within, for the right price. The Sevassan nobility are quick to patronize new, promising artistic and scientific talents, and academies and institutions focused on art, science, and magic are found by the dozen, including several run by the state.

## Rulers

Sevassa is a republic mostly in name, with its ruler being chosen from a conclave of the most powerful and influential noble families in the nation, serving ten-year terms. Smaller regional councils exist, made up of the local nobility. Still, the lords and burghers of the land congratulate themselves on their progressive ideals, though in truth the common folk have little more power here than they would anywhere else. The exceptions to this rule are the adventuring, wizarding, and merchant classes, where individuals demonstrating great service to Sevassa (as well as extraordinary wealth) are extended an invitation to join local or regional councils. However, the ruling council, known as the Velvet Conclave, has traditionally maintained its requirement of noble blood for its members. The nobility are perpetually wary of threats to their sovereignty, and go to great lengths to maintain it. The current elected leader of Sevassa, Archon Talian Zakynth, is entering the tenth year of zher term, and hopes to keep the title of Archon within zher own family, if possible. The Archon is descended from an ancient hero of Sevassa, and there are even some who believe the dynasty would be better suited with an outright monarchy.

Sevassa maintains one of the most powerful navies in Kharos, second only to the elves of the Ilacian Principalities. Crewed by professional sailors, the navy patrols the extensive coastline of Sevassa, as well as protecting the nation’s interests abroad. Many of the canals and rivers of Sevassa are wide and deep enough for even the largest vessel, an invaluable boon whenever Sevassa comes to blows with its aggressive neighbour to the north, Nardoven.

## Relationship with Nardoven

Sevassa and Nardoven have been to war four times in the past fifty years, and a near-endless stream of border skirmishes and raids have been carried out during that same time. However, Nardoven has never been able to maintain any sort of invasion force for long - the rivers and ships of Sevassa enable them to quickly redeploy their forces as needed. Additionally, a mountain range occupies the greater part of their border, funnelling any attacks through easily defensible passes. Though their army is made up of volunteers, as well as levies raised by the nobility, they have frequently proven to be the equal of their Nardoven foes when fighting for their homeland. Recently, however, the balance of power in Kharos shifted with the defeat of one of Sevassa’s oldest allies, the Kingdom of Theris. With their ally’s nation in shambles, and Nardoven growing more and more powerful, many Sevassan patriots have taken to studying the art of war in the place of their usual fare.

## Playing a character from Sevassa

Sevassa is a land of plenty and stability. When playing an adventurer from Sevassa, there is always the possibility of achieving status, either through their deeds to aid their homeland or through money gained in their adventuring life. Scientists, artists, and merchants are not uncommon in Sevassa, so if you are looking for a craftsman skill, you may consider something pertaining to those professions. Most Sevassans are content with the way their nation is being run, being more concerned with their own lives than bothering about the rest of the world. The constant threat of Nardoven aggression has led to most Sevassans possessing a keen sense of fight or flight, meaning they are likely to either run for the hills at the first hint of trouble or else stand in defiance of any threat, even to the bitter end. You can play any race in Sevassa, and there is room for every kind of adventurer, though scholars and artisans are held in high regard.