The City of Steamhaven

## Overview

Steamhaven is a city of a diverse population. Its political arenas are dangerous and difficult to navigate for those who aren't prepared. Its economy is powerful, with ports (both air and sea) which are littered with both air and naval ships, the Steamhaven city flag flying high on the vessels.

## History

Steamhaven, one of the Twelve Cities, was once the seat of a powerful monarchy that claimed the other cities as its own. During a powerful civil war caused by the high temple of Aen, the kingdom collapsed. Each of the cities became their own nation, free to the rest of the world, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. While the cities still compete, true war has not occurred in nearly a century since the collapse of the monarchy.

*This is temporary to explain basic setting of the history.*

## Culture

*See Life in Steamhaven for more in depth explanation*

Steamhaven, a superpower in its own right, has a wide array of people who call it home. Alongside the families who have been around since the monarchy, there are also many immigrants. Both recent and established. As a result, the culture is difficult to define.

While the city *does* welcome outsiders, they can face a harsh life within Steamhaven. The city is far from egalitarian, with a strong focus on their caste system. As well, while women aren't necessarily second rate citizens, they still aren't on par with men and many are fighting to increase their rights.

Mixing in the fact that while the city is technically classified as a republic, nobility is still a thing. Though, no one is king, the average persons opinion mean nothing compared to the great and lesser houses creating a turbulent situation where many believe it is time to embrace a more open political system.

## Government

The City of Steamhaven is an independent city-state that currently sits as the most powerful of the Twelve Cities. It is an oligarchy where the heads of the most powerful houses make the decisions that lead the city.

A Chancellor is elected by this council and he serves as the leader of Steamhaven. He serves a **five** year term with no limit on how often he can be elected. In order to prevent political assassinations, the heir to the Chancellors Great House will take over in case of the death of the Chancellor, serving out the remainder of his term.

The government of Steamhaven is divided into three main categories:

#### The High Court

The High Court is essentially the administration of the Cchancellor. Those appointed by the Chancellor who assist in the leading of Steamhaven.

#### The Inner Chamber

The Inner Chamber is the council of the Greater Houses. They are not elected by the people and the seats in the inner chamber are inherited. Only by a majority vote can one's House become apart of the Inner Chamber.

#### The Outer Chamber

The Outer Chamber are those who are elected by the people. Though, many believe that the Outer Chamber is just an attempt to appease the lower classes. They are tasked with presenting grievances, concerns, and suggestions from the lower classes to the Inner Chamber.

## Castes

*See Steamhaven Caste System for more information.*

Steamhaven is heavily divided into castes. A social hierarchy that while it is possible to rise up in status, it is difficult starting at the bottom. The only way to rise through a caste is for a member of the Inner Chamber to sponsor them and take it to a vote in the chambers or to marry into a higher caste.

## Religion

The State religion of Steamhaven is known simply as *The Faith.* The Faith leans towards the worship as a single deity known as Aen. The creator of everything and the one who monitors the world we live in. When we pass, we are reincarnated into another soul as Aen wastes nothing. There is no afterlife, only the current life. Many believe if you are good in your life you will reincarnate as a better caste. Others believe you will always be reincarnated into your own family and as a result there is a heavy emphasis on ancestral worship. The church at the start of the role-play is widely disorganized due to previous events.

Though as a result of immigration, new religions could come into the city at any time.

## Currency

Common coins come in several different denominations based on the relative worth of the metal from which they are made. The three most common coins are the gold piece (gp), the silver piece (sp), and the copper piece (cp).

**Copper(CP)**

**Silver(SP)**

1SP=10CP

**Gold(GP)**

1GP=100SP

**Platinum (PP)**

1PP=1000GP