Leader: Lucia, the Sea Hag
Population: 1.5 million
Governmental Structure: Plutocratic Thalassocracy
The Circinus Islands are the first to remind anyone who will listen, that while the Empire may have existed since we first walked the land - the Isles are the only people with an armada.
The many Islands are ruled over by local families, gangs and retired (or AWOL) military personnel. The closest thing to pass for a central government is the crescent isle of Figurati, the seat of the Sea Hag, and self-proclaimed Queen of the Seas Lucia. It is from there that the Red Armada sets sail.
There are only 3 Laws that all of the Islanders must adhere to, else they gain the ire of Lucia.
Slavery, slave trade, and gaining any benefit from it is strictly forbidden.
Worship of the Emperor of the Sun is punishable by forfeiture of all assets, up to and including one's own life
A bundle of flowers must be left on the doorway or doorknob of a home that you live within.
Regional Professions
The Red Armada (The Hag Fleet)
Trait: Tattoo Artist
A fleet that is constantly adding new sails, the Red Armada is responsible for patrolling the Islands, hauling trade goods, and acting as a deterrent against the Empire. What happens once a crew’s boots hit the ground is the problem for each island’s independent leadership to deal with, but as soon as the anchor is up - the Red Armada are on alert as a reaction force.
Role:: sailor, guide, cook
Bent Nickel Brothers
Trait: Pawn Broker
The ‘Bent Nickel Brothers’ are the preeminent Bank for all of Archaea. The only non-state treasury, the Bent Nickel have financed kingdoms, cities, merchants and arguably even the Empire for centuries. There was once a robust network of smaller financiers, but over time the Bent Nickel Brothers slowly leveraged and then acquired each branch until any reputable copper peddler was incorporated. Seated at the head table of the bank is a set of identical twin fae, rumored to have been in charge since the earliest days of the bank.
Role:: financiers, loan sharks, pawn brokers