Floris

Full Name: Commonwealth of Floris

Ruler: Lord Aristollo Trill, Governor of Floris [N male half-elf]

Government: Republic

Cities: Gulnor (capital)

Population: 45% humans, 20% elves, 20% half-elves, 10% dwarves, 5% other races

Law: N

The Commonwealth of Floris was settled by humans from both Thovalas and the Sword Islands, who waged long wars for control of the region. Thovalas eventually seized control of the entire region, and imposed imperial rule upon an Islander underclass. One of the many points of strife between these two groups was religion, with the Prothonian priesthood persecuting the "giant-tainted" Medan faith. During a period of internal troubles back in Thovalas, the empire lost control of the colony during a revolt that forged Floris into an independent nation, with a more democratic form of government. 

    Some of the old Thovalan ruling class survives, but most nobles lack real power. In those places where the old nobility retained their wealth and property, and were able to broker a peaceful relationship with the commoners, they remain in power, but must at last pay lip service to the new government. 

    Florian culture remains a motley mix of traditions from both mother countries. In the aftermath of the revolution, Floris became known for its diplomats, who had to quickly acquire the skills to navigate the new political climate. Floris still struggles to resist Thovalan influence; the Empire uses espionage, trade, and military posturing to find ways to regain control. The biggest fear of many Florian citizens is a new war with Thovalas.

    Over the past decade, many high elves have immigrated to Floris following the fall of Fendorlis. Until then, most elves in the Commonwealth were wood elves related to those in nearby Allasimar. The native elves have been fairly welcoming towards to their displaced kin--far more so than they would be to most non-elves. Despite this, some high elf refugees cling too tightly to their wounded pride to assimilate. Their haughtiness reminds some Florians too much of their Thovalan neighbors. 

Religions

Florians of Thovalan descent favor the Prothonian Pantheon, while those of Islander stock prefer the Gods of Meda. This nation's history means that conflict between the two faiths is still far too common. However, the inclusive, pragmatic attitude that the Commonwealth fosters means that the two pantheons' priests have become marginally more tolerant of each other than they were in the past, and certainly more so than their co-religionists in other lands. In areas with a more blended population, many Florians worships gods from both pantheons, choosing just those gods from each tradition that most reflect their community's priorities. 

    Apart from the friction between Prothonians and Medans, Floris tends to be tolerant of most non-evil religions. Both wood and high elves prefer the Faerie Sovereigns, while the local hill dwarves worship the Dwarven Pantheon. The cult of the Adamantine Dragon, imported from Fortunata, is uncommon but active in some areas.

(For the Champions of Floris campaign, see Bridgerton and Vicinity for additional details about the starting area.)