Free Cities of Korinth

The **Free Cities of Korinth** is a partnership of cities founded in 259 AS. Its members are from the Heartlands, a central area of Korinth, including Pastori, Westruun, Shar, and Valesburg, as well as other free towns and villages in the region, which make up the bulk of the organization. It was formed to oppose the growing influence of the Black Network in Korinth, as well as the Shadow Thieves of the Mourning Lord.

The alliance usually hires adventurers to work for them in the past for tasks ranging from gathering simple information, or even for use in raids against the Black Network strongholds and outposts. Local adventurers can quickly gain status, as well as powerful friends by helping the alliance, but can just as easily make enemies of the sinister Shadow Thieves as a result.

During the Sacking of the North, the Alliance was one of the few nations who rose up to accept refugees and allowed them to settle here.

## History

In 523 AS , the Free Cities were instrumental in expelling raiding forces from The Frozen Wastes through both diplomatic and military pressure. Further threats of war were needed again against them in 601 AS for the same reason.

By 852 AS, when the Vostarian Guild of Foreign Trade started selling magic items across Korinth, the Free Cities kept individual members under surveillance in order to learn more about their goals and ensure that they were not engaging in evil or illegal activities.

During that era, they regularly found themselves working against the Black Network, usually through the efforts of adventurers that they would hire to raid their strongholds.

From 1121 - 1198 AS, the leader of the Free Cities was Lord Protector Gyrian Fellsaxe, who was replaced by Laeral Silverhand.

In the modern times, the Free Cities continues to operate much as it has in the past, with a notable exception. Instead of just hiring adventurers on a case-by-case basis to deal with rising threats, the Free Cities maintains permanent members who work on their matters regularly. Adventurers who perform a task for them successfully may be asked to formally join the organization.

## Culture

The Free Cities is a cosmopolitan and cultured nation, and even merchants from Goldbraids Clan and the Merchant Kings, who have a poor opinion about the cities of the Heartlands, consider the Free Cities to be a civilized place. The Citizens avoid conflict and controversy, and are considered to be a quiet, mannered, literate, efficient, and hard-working folk, who have great respect for deadlines, as well as for the property and happiness of others. Amid all the weird-following tolerance and variety in the city, there is a great respect for peacefulness, law, and order.

After the foundation of the Council of Lords in the late years of the 700s AS, the Citizens have become a very patriotic people, proud of their leaders and their cities.

After the destruction of the city Shar in 956 AS, the Citizens showed a new facet: stubbornness and determination. Many survivors remained in the city, and ever since had demonstrated the resolution to rebuild Shar to its former glory and to defend her from many dangers, both mortal and undead alike.

## Government

Ruled by the Council of Four, each council member if elected from the city they are from. From there, these four elect a singular person to be the Lord Protector, a military general that they all entrust with each of their armies. They rule peacefully, each benefiting from the nations unified goal of keeping peace and protecting one another.

## Military

Each city controls their own army ruled by their own commander. They all agree on a Lord Protector to control each of their armies under one banner in cases of national emergencies where an invasion is occurring or a terrible foe is present. They boast a significant amount of troops, however it is nothing compared to Mercalia or the Empire.

## Trade

You can find pretty much everything in the Free Cities for the right price. Trade flows through them and they profit off of it exponentially.

## Notable Locations

Cities

* Pastori
* Westruun
* Shar
* Valesburg

Landmarks

* The Elderwood
* Emerald Glade