The Commonwealth of Towns

The Commonwealth of Towns, also known as the Free Cities, is the area once covered by the southern region of the Realm of Dreotha. It is not controlled by any of the continent's monarchies and does not have centralized leadership. Due to its geographic division from the rest of the continent, none of the monarchies have yet attempted to gain control of it since the fall of Dreotha.

## History

### Creation

When the old Realm of Dreotha was shattered, the northern provinces were succeeded by new realms with their own monarchies, However, in the south, the undead invasion had ravaged most of the region. With the largest cities destroyed and much of the nobility dead, the former provinces there could not persist and become new realms. Instead, the southern region was succeeded by a collection of independent cities and towns. Over time, these cities and towns recovered and appointed their own local leaders, the area became known as the Commonwealth of Towns. It was also sometimes referred to by its inhabitants as the "Free Cities", to communicate their desire to remain outside the control of the northern monarchies. The leaders of the small cities and towns occasionally came together to parlay as the Council of the Commonwealth, but each member was always loathe to defer authority to the council as a whole. As such, the council meets infrequently and only in times of great need.

### Venture City

In 835 A.F., a group of wealthy merchants from one of the Trade Guilds, the Wayfarer's Guild, left their guild and formed a competing one. Traditionally, any guild that needed to transport goods or passengers either did so using their own members, or hired independent tradesmen. Not wishing to have to pay members of a new guild to do something they could already do for less, the existing Trade Guilds would not recognize the Wayfarer's Guild. The Wayfarer's in turned formed an expedition to the Commonwealth of Towns in an attempt to establish business there. They founded Venture City, which they planned as a hub of trade and shipping governed by a merchant republic. However, without the legitimacy of the other guilds, and outside any of the existing monarchies' jurisdictions, the Wayfarer's Guild devolved into a black market cartel. Venture City, in turn, became a seedy home for smugglers, pirates, and other criminals, and a hub of black market trade. Despite this, its economy was quite prosperous, and Venture City remains the most populous settlement in the Commonwealth. Its leader is also begrudgingly allowed a seat on the Council of the Commonwealth.

### The Scriptorium

The old Realm of Dreotha had a school of magic, known as The Scriptorium, and it endured after the shattering. It remains to this day as the most prestigious and versatile school of magic on the continent. It is also an important settlement of the Commonwealth in its own right. Its archmage has a seat on the Council of the Commonwealth, and they are often sought out by the other local leaders for advice and guidance.

## Settlements

### Largest Settlements

The following are the largest settlements (by population) in the Commonwealth, in descending order of size.

Venture City - the former merchant republic founded by the illegitimate Wayfarer's Guild, which serves as a hub for black market trade and other illicit activities. It is controlled by the Guild, and the Guildmaster sits on the Council of the Commonwealth.

Southshore - A former Dreothan city that survived due to its location in a sheltered bay that left it overlooked by the undead invaders. It is governed by a mayor, who is advised by a wizard with ties to the Scriptorium. Though the town as a good relationship with The Scriptorium, it is entirely independent. Its mayor sits on the Council of the Commonwealth. Southshore serves as an important port and trade hub, and has direct access to some vital local resources, including woodland, copper mines, pastures and orchards.

Evelyn's Harbor - The remnants of another Dreothan city, located in the eastern region of the Commonwealth. Evelyn's harbor is the main seaport in its region, and closely borders Trimoris, which is located directly across Evelyn's Canal by way of The Intrepid Causeway - a large bridge that enables travel over the canal. The town has a good relationship with the people of Trimoris, including trade. It is governed by a self-proclaimed noble house, whose high seat has historically considered themselves a lord or lady, though they are not recognized by any monarch. The city's leader sits on the Council of the Commonwealth.

### Other Important Locations

Raven Hill - a small town in the central-eastern region of the commonwealth. This town is the location of the Ravenhill Cemetary, where many of the heroes from the war against the undead invasion are buried, including Edmund the Courageous himself.