Republic_of_Vrakai

(( reserved ))

The Republic of Vrakai History & Introduction “A map showing the location of the Republic of Vrakai, relative to the Cloud Temple (red).” The Republic of Vrakai is an oligarchic trade republic located in the lands surrounding the estuary of the Baltas river. Initially the lands of Vrakai were settled by wayward farmers and fishermen. Its strategic geographical position allowed it to quickly grow out to become an important centre of trade in central Atlas. The first rulers of these lands were the Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters, a group of equestrian mercenaries who settled the region along with the first wave of commoners. Their rule did more to contain trade than to let it flourish, as they sought to live of these lands like any princely state would: By means of heavy taxation and curbing the rights of merchants and commoners in favour of the ruling elite. Eventually learning that their style of governance was detrimental to the region’s prosperity; and in turn their own; the company gradually began to delegate governmental power to local oligarchs. This increased the efficiency of trade flow and the general prosperity of the region. It also relieved the Reiters of their duty to govern, allowing them to pursue their mercenarial profession more efficiently. This shift of governmental power to the oligarchs eventually culminated in the establishment of the Republic of Vrakai, in which the Reiters merely hold a handful of privileges and maintain an employment contract with the state. This strictly professional relation between the republic and the Reiters allows both parties to be left to pursue profit by merit of their profession in an independent political climate. (( OOC Aims )) (( The Republic of Vrakai is designed to be a central hub for trade and roleplay. We seek to promote non-violent (but still competitive), realistic roleplay, with a strong emphasis on economic production and trade. Due to the close proximity of Belvitz; our capital; to the Cloud temple, there is much opportunity for interaction to be found. Vrakai is also the go-to roleplay hub for fans and students of Messy Medieval, which is the Republic’s semi-official building ideology. )) “A view of the Belvitz marketplace on the East side of the town.” Culture Uniquely, the Republic of Vrakai’s Law does not enforce any cultural or religious customs. Its government prides itself to being modelled after the multicultural populace of the original settlers, who eventually founded the republic. Crucially, in Vrakai, its citizens are guaranteed the freedom to practise their own religious and cultural customs without persecution. (( Though cultural and religious customs aren’t enforced, our nation is nevertheless modelled after a generic Eastern European region with aspects of Hungary, Croatia, Lithuania as well Ukraine. )) Social Organisation Notably, the citizens of Vrakia are divided into two social classes: The commoners and the Burghers (or Bourgeoisie). This class system is maintained by rigorous laws that protect the rights and freedoms of the Burghers in order to allow them to pursue their mercantile ambitions. This eventually brings prosperity to all of the Republic as the wealth of the Bourgeoisie trickles down to the commoners. Commoners make up the general population of the republic and practise generic labour oriented professions like farmer, carpenter, fisherman, etc. In contrast with the local Bourgeoisie, they hold few freedoms. But compared to commoners in order human reams, they are relatively more free. The Burghers are the elitary citizen class of the republic. As the driving force of the city’s trade oriented economy, the Burghers enjoy well deserved privileges such as: various trading rights; the right to bear arms; the right to bear heraldic arms; the right to suffrage in the election of consuls (provided they pay the suffrage tax upon casting their vote); the right to be tried by a burgher judge. “The Belvitz Castle, home to the Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters.” Government The Republic of Vrakai is governed by a group of 3 Consuls and one Praeceptor. The Consuls are the representatives of the Burgher class and perform most of the administrative, legislative and diplomatic functions in government. They are essentially ministers who are assigned to a ministerial task by the Praeceptor (more on this below). By and from among the Burghers, the Consuls are elected every 8 years ((2 months IRL)). The duties of a Consul are: The passing of Laws (by simple majority) The revocation or adjustment of unjust laws (by simple majority) Performing the ministerial functions delegated to them by the Praeceptor The Praeceptor is the Republic’s head of state and chief executive official. From among the Bourgeoisie he is elected by the Consuls every 8 years ((2 months IRL)), by simple majority. In order to effectively maintain the Republic’s security, The Governor holds veto powers on matters such as: the acquisition of the title of Burgher; and the passing of new laws by the Consuls. He is tasked with: Delegating ministerial positions to the elected Consuls. Assigning governors to the hinterland territories. Maintaining the internal security of the republic. (( In due time, a separate forum thread will be dedicated to the exact workings of the political system of the Republic of Vrakai. )) Security For it’s security, the Republic of Vrakai depends on privately contracted groups and companies. Notably, for its national security, the republic relies on the Company of The Black Reiters. Whom it allows to occupy the Belvitz Castle and maintains a permanent security contract with. Law enforcement in the republic is maintained by house Montfort through the Montfort Retinue (Belvitz Guard). Current Government Reginald d'Aumary - Praeceptor [SaintPaint] Ludovico di Monteforte - First Consul [LukyLucaz] Louys de Bruyne - Second Consul [Babadooks] Sergei - Third Consul [Zyelon] “A view from the courtyard of the Belvitz castle.” Law & Justice The Republic of Vrakai maintains three books of law, each concerning itself with an important aspect of Vrakian society and the organisation thereof: The Republican Law covers the lawful workings of the Republic’s institutions. It includes legislation on matters such as: government structure; vassals; and trade & monopoly rights. The Common Code covers the legal rights and duties of the commoner class. The Bourgeois Law determines the rights and freedoms of the Burgher class. (( In due time, a separate forum thread will be dedicated to Law & Justice within the republic which will thoroughly explain our justice system and list all laws. )) Joining Commoners wishing to settle in the Republic of Vrakai should make their way to the town of Belvitz ((trouble finding your way?)) and seek to contact a government official. Likewise, affluent merchants or foreign aristocrats who aspire to attain the title of Burgher, and the rights thereof, should travel to the town of Belvitz and contact a government official. Related Posts Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters House Montfort The Montfort Retinue / Belvitz Guard The Montfort Masonry Guild (( Messy Medieval guild: coming soon )) The Town of Belvitz (( to be updated soon )) Belvitz settlement guide Mother’s Breast Tavern (( coming soon )) First Vrakai-Khronheim Friendship Treaty (( other treaties coming soon )) Guide to Vrakian Politics (( coming soon )) Guide to the Vrakian Bourgeoisie (( coming soon )) Law & Justice in the Republic of Vrakai (( coming soon ))

First Vrakai-Khronheim Friendship Treaty This document serves as proof to all princes, free peoples and nations that the Republic of Vrakai and the Republic of Khronheim have entered into a treaty that reinforces their friendship and mutual trust. As agreed upon by their respective councils of leadership, both nations will adhere to the following terms and conditions: To recognise the current leadership of the partner state as the legitimate representatives of their respective nation. To recognise the partner nation’s current borders and agree upon the limit of border expansion towards one another: Not to partake in, or provoke violence against the leadership and people of the partner nation. To guarantee that within their territory the citizens of the partner nation will be free from harm and that no taxes will be levied upon them for this service. To consult each other before taking up arms against another nation. It must however be noted that the Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters is merely under a prolonged contract with the Republic of Vrakai. They will thus be exempt from this condition when not waging war under their contract with Vrakai. To allow their citizens to trade with those of the partner nation, free from taxation on the import and export of goods. To “consider” each other as primary candidate for a military alliance should the region fall prey to aggressive foreign intervention. May the party that breaks with this treaty by means of aggression or neglect of the terms agreed upon be considered oath-breakers and face the shame and disdain thereof. Signed: - Reginald d’Amaury, Praeceptor of Vrakai [SaintPaint] - Ludovico di Monteforte, First Consul of Vrakai [LukyLucaz] - Lans, Captain of The Black Reiters [Yung_N_Hung] - Ewan af Morr, Captain of The Black Reiters [Crusader__] - Lothaire af Calais, Captain of the Black Reiters [Hedonism] - Dorin Irongut, Head of state, Clanfather, Consul of Khronheim [DarthArkous] - Dwain II Irongut, Consul of Khronheim [Hiebe] - Jorik Braveaxe, Chancellor [joenaj]

Belvitz Settlement Guide Name of the settlement: Belvitz Peak time: 6:00 PM --- 12:00 AM (EST) on weekdays 10:00 AM --- 8:00 PM (EST) on weekends Populace density: Mainly Humans; most notably a Raevir human minority; and a very small population of Elves and Halflings. Brief description: Belvitz is the capital of the Republic of Vrakai; an oligarchic trade republic. It thus speaks for itself that the town plays host to many traders and other colourful figures. The ideal location close to the Cloud Temple, makes the town a vibrant RP hub; especially the “Mother’s Breast” tavern across the road. Notably, the Castle of Belvitz houses the Mercenarial Free Company of The Black Reiters, a mercenary company that is permanently contracted by the Republic to maintain its national security. The town’s law performed by the Montfort Retinue. List of players able to assist: The daily functions of the town are managed by: SaintPaint and LukyLucaz. Do not hesitate to approach them if you seek: a house; to join the guard force; work; or simply pose a question. Directions: Starting from the Cloud Temple, travellers should head South in the direction of the Southern Kingdoms (Marna, Haense, Norland, etc.). Immediately after crossing the Baltas river; which flows North into the Cloud Temple bay; you will arrive on the Whispering Crossroads, along which Belvitz is located.