(Predominantly Neutral Good, 91% human, 4% kysari, 2% oceanborn, 2% halfling, 1% other)
Government: The republic is ruled jointly by 101 senators who represent the numerous towns and districts of the island, and by a council of 25 religious advisors and spiritual leaders. The Council of the Wise appoints new senators in ten year terms, while the senate elects members of the council based on supermajority popular vote (council positions are lifetime appointments). The vast majority of daily political tasks falls to the Senate, but the Council retains ultimate veto authority and unyielding popular support which allows them to shape policy. Any member of the Republic can be chosen for the senate, though only officially recognized spiritual leaders can be elected to the council. Both political bodies operate under a code of honesty and good faith, though that does not prevent the occasional ambitious senator from trying to twist politics. They typically do not last long.
Economy: The Crystal Isle Republic is rich in minerals, crystals, and other fascinating geological features. However, they are sorely lacking in usable farm land. As such, they commonly export precious metals and stones in exchange for food. They are also the leader in divine runic magic, though they rarely export magical items unless by special request. They share a healthy respect for the knights of Whiteserpent Keep and frequently join forces in order to hunt down pirates and privateers.
Religion/Spirituality: The Repiblic is a deeply spiritual kingdom, and believes in the fundamental forces of good, charity, compassion, and kindness. They revere a deity known as Itomi, but most commonly referred to as ‘The Goddess’. Though largely silent, the clergy devoted to her commonly has access to magic concerning the Sun, Weather, Goodness, and Community. Some of the elder clerics have claimed to have seen her in a vision, but the entire religion is based mostly on faith as opposed to direct knowledge of the presence of their deity. Itomi’s holy day occurs once a month where commerce in the island is silent in favor of a festival which celebrates life and fair weather. The clerics are aware of an implacable evil in the world, but wholly believe that kindness and compassion can prevent its influence.
Lifestyle: The citizens of the republic live reasonably well, and are typically not motivated by ambition or greed. There are numerous social safety programs enacted by the government to ensure that their citizenry remains content and generally well. Religion plays a heavy part in their daily lives, frequently punctuated with prayers to Itomi before meals, and at the end of each work day. Almost all families attend church on a weekly, if not daily basis. Crime is almost non-existent within the Republic, but rumors do persist of certain ‘guilds’ which are able to procure items that are otherwise impossible to obtain in the Republic.
Diplomacy: The Republic is currently embroiled in a war with New Arcanus that started decades ago when Aurelia Valanar, a young naval crusader, abducted their crown prince Rhae. A large portion of the political body would like to formally launch a crusade against the Isle of the Night, their efforts spearheaded by Lord Valanar, but there is great hesitation from older members of the Council and their forces are spread thin in the war with New Arcanus already.
Military/Defense: The navy of the Republic is second in might only to the knights of Whiteserpent Keep. Powerful, fast, and bolstered with divine rune magic, many other nations balk at facing their navy in a large-scale confrontation. Their clerics are frequently able to change the weather patterns of the seas, turning the tides in their favor (literally). Their might is only hampered by a general lack of experience in advanced tactics, resulting in a lack of creativity in their battle strategies. Their defense force is fairly lax, but is comprised of many paladins who uphold the tenants of their religion and law.
Variants: No variants for the Crystal Isle Republic exist at this time.
Prominent Figures:
- Lord Leonus Valanar, the Sun’s Fury (LG human, Paladin): The younger brother of Aurelia was barely 6 years old when his sister fell from grace and started the war that defined his life. He is stern and humorless, and views the war with New Arcanus as a pointless distraction from the true danger presented by his fallen sister, the Queen of the Night. He serves as the military might of the Council of the Wise.
- Patriarch Jacob the Far-Seeing (NG human, Oracle): The oldest member of the Council of the Wise rarely has any public appearances, though when he does it is assured that it will affect the entire island. Prone to visions of the future, he often retreats to his sanctuary in the capital to draft predictions of the war effort and the future of the Isles.
- Admiral Westin Bayshield (LG oceanborn, Ranger): The commander-in-chief of the Republic’s Navy, Admiral Bayshield is an honorable man albeit somewhat old-fashioned. He has been an active soldier in the war with New Arcanus since he was a Lieutenant and was once held as a prisoner of war for six years before making a daring escape home. He has a keen insight into New Arcanus politics and is rumored to have developed a comaraderie with Alvarin Keskin.
- Senate Speaker Leyla Malteese (LN kysari, Cleric): Speaker Leyla is a rarity in the Republic as being a fierce politician in a country largely dominated by compromise and quiet dissent. Unafraid to invoke the Republic’s ancient dueling laws, she has earned healthy respect from her peers and a reputation as being hard-headed by the general public.