All Merosians have two names; a formal one, for use with strangers and for business, and a personal one for family and close friends. Their formal names are Greek or Roman, while their personal names can be from any cultural origin.
Formal names are used for business agreements and, well, formal occasions. Extremely poor individuals may not have a formal name, but it is required by law to have one before you can sign a contract or do much at all; thankfully, all one has to do is pick a formal name later in life and stick with it.
Personal names are used by close friends, family, and lovers.
Names are written like this; [Formal] [Personal] [Middle Name(s)] [Surname]. Examples are:
Formal names are used for business agreements and, well, formal occasions. Extremely poor individuals may not have a formal name, but it is required by law to have one before you can sign a contract or do much at all; thankfully, all one has to do is pick a formal name later in life and stick with it.
Personal names are used by close friends, family, and lovers.
Names are written like this; [Formal] [Personal] [Middle Name(s)] [Surname]. Examples are:
- Maximus John Henry Jackson
- Octavia Olm Jasper Petrauskas
Meros is very practical with its funerals.
Bodies are cremated and the ashes scattered into the ocean or wild land - it’s a crime to throw ashes into the street for sanitary purposes - as, after all, burial would take up valuable real estate and land. Meros isn’t the largest country in the Realm, so living space is valuable and using it to house the dead instead of the living is just impractical.
Some wealthy families will build tombs and store the ashes of dead family members there, but usually, there are no monuments to the dead. A small ceremony is held afterwards, where loved ones have a chance to mourn, and the will is read by a local official.
Wills are extremely important in Meros. If you are a merchant, have a certain amount of capital, or are over a certain age, you are required to write a will and send it to the local authorities for it to be recorded. It can be changed later without too much trouble, should the person have a change of heart, but it is important to have one to avoid disputes among potential inheritors.
Sometimes the ashes will be kept in elaborately painted vases, but this is seen as more than a little macabre by most Merosians. Burying the dead is outlawed (after a particularly bad epidemic), as are most other practices. There are resources in place in respect to other cultures to have bodies sent to other countries so that whatever appropriate practice can be carried out, but it won’t be done on Merosian soil.
Bodies are cremated and the ashes scattered into the ocean or wild land - it’s a crime to throw ashes into the street for sanitary purposes - as, after all, burial would take up valuable real estate and land. Meros isn’t the largest country in the Realm, so living space is valuable and using it to house the dead instead of the living is just impractical.
Some wealthy families will build tombs and store the ashes of dead family members there, but usually, there are no monuments to the dead. A small ceremony is held afterwards, where loved ones have a chance to mourn, and the will is read by a local official.
Wills are extremely important in Meros. If you are a merchant, have a certain amount of capital, or are over a certain age, you are required to write a will and send it to the local authorities for it to be recorded. It can be changed later without too much trouble, should the person have a change of heart, but it is important to have one to avoid disputes among potential inheritors.
Sometimes the ashes will be kept in elaborately painted vases, but this is seen as more than a little macabre by most Merosians. Burying the dead is outlawed (after a particularly bad epidemic), as are most other practices. There are resources in place in respect to other cultures to have bodies sent to other countries so that whatever appropriate practice can be carried out, but it won’t be done on Merosian soil.
There are two distinct architectural styles in Meros; the Old and New Styles.
The Old Style is primarily pale marble and often features a number of columns, arches, domes, oculi, and large courtyards and gardens accessible from inside buildings. Buildings are usually single-level but spread over a wide stretch of land, with decorative carvings on the exterior. While the outside walls are left natural, the interior is usually painted with colours and patterns. Its use goes back hundreds of years and all the oldest buildings in Meros are made in this style. Because of this Merosians view it as a more respectable, formal look, and government and other important buildings are still made in the Old Style.
On the other hand, the New Style is primarily wood and plaster and brick, with far more emphasis on colour and height. Buildings in this style are at least two floors, with three fairly common, with painted walls and exterior gardens. The exterior is often asymmetrical with a large porch, a number of large windows, short towers, and intricate columns. Roofs are covered with wood or slate shingles. There are usually overhangs over the windows and lots of decorative details. Inside there are grand, central staircases and every wall is covered in different textures; bricks, paintings, tiles, or patterned wood. Simpler versions of the New Style are used by the less wealthy. While the Old Style is more formal, the New Style is more popular and increasingly more common.
It's rare, but some people attempt to combine the two styles with varying levels of success. Most just see trying this as far too much effort and stick with a singular style for their homes.
The Old Style is primarily pale marble and often features a number of columns, arches, domes, oculi, and large courtyards and gardens accessible from inside buildings. Buildings are usually single-level but spread over a wide stretch of land, with decorative carvings on the exterior. While the outside walls are left natural, the interior is usually painted with colours and patterns. Its use goes back hundreds of years and all the oldest buildings in Meros are made in this style. Because of this Merosians view it as a more respectable, formal look, and government and other important buildings are still made in the Old Style.
On the other hand, the New Style is primarily wood and plaster and brick, with far more emphasis on colour and height. Buildings in this style are at least two floors, with three fairly common, with painted walls and exterior gardens. The exterior is often asymmetrical with a large porch, a number of large windows, short towers, and intricate columns. Roofs are covered with wood or slate shingles. There are usually overhangs over the windows and lots of decorative details. Inside there are grand, central staircases and every wall is covered in different textures; bricks, paintings, tiles, or patterned wood. Simpler versions of the New Style are used by the less wealthy. While the Old Style is more formal, the New Style is more popular and increasingly more common.
It's rare, but some people attempt to combine the two styles with varying levels of success. Most just see trying this as far too much effort and stick with a singular style for their homes.
Plays and operas are extremely popular forms of entertainment in Meros, and often form the backdrop for many meetings between powerful families and businesses.
Otherwise Merosians value art to the extent that it can be commodified: if something can be given a price, traded and sold, or even just possessed to show off the purchasing power of an individual or a business, then it is considered valuable.
But things with little monetary value or purpose are viewed as a waste of time and resources and discouraged.
Otherwise Merosians value art to the extent that it can be commodified: if something can be given a price, traded and sold, or even just possessed to show off the purchasing power of an individual or a business, then it is considered valuable.
But things with little monetary value or purpose are viewed as a waste of time and resources and discouraged.
The Shepherd’s Voyage
An old, highly traditional play that tells the story of the Sea Shepherd travelling the Realm and using cunning and clever deals to tame the wild and deadly spirits of the seas. The Shepherd's interactions with these spirits serve as a double purpose in helping teach how to react to certain phenomena at sea. Features elaborate costumes and, in more expensive versions, runic illusions to make the actors playing the various spirits look the part.
Due to its age, Meros' trading culture, and the visual spectacle of it all, this play is widespread across much of the Realm, and bands of travelling Merosian actors often put on performances in coastal cities. Playing the Shepherd himself or one of the spirits is a highly desirable role, one of the Shepherd's Hounds very much not.
Due to its age, Meros' trading culture, and the visual spectacle of it all, this play is widespread across much of the Realm, and bands of travelling Merosian actors often put on performances in coastal cities. Playing the Shepherd himself or one of the spirits is a highly desirable role, one of the Shepherd's Hounds very much not.
Merosians enjoy a wide variety of food from across the Realm; traders bring home new spices and recipes all the time, leading to an extraordinarily diverse diet with its origins from all corners of the world. There are greenhouses in all city-states and large areas of farmland in the south, especially around Carissima.
The citizens in the city-states of Chrysos, Madeo, Pruina, Acies Ferro, Concido, Testudo, and Pars Solis, being so close to the Gaping Sea have seafood making up a large portion of their diets. In Carissima, red meat and chicken are more common. In Amara Antrum, farmed food, as well as cavern-dwelling plants and animals, are eaten, and a lot of Amaran cuisine is considered… unpalatable by the rest of Meros. Pruina and Acies Ferro also have a strong hunting culture, and wild game is consumed often, especially during the winter.
It’s a common saying that even the poorest citizen of Meros eats better than most other people in the Realm.
The citizens in the city-states of Chrysos, Madeo, Pruina, Acies Ferro, Concido, Testudo, and Pars Solis, being so close to the Gaping Sea have seafood making up a large portion of their diets. In Carissima, red meat and chicken are more common. In Amara Antrum, farmed food, as well as cavern-dwelling plants and animals, are eaten, and a lot of Amaran cuisine is considered… unpalatable by the rest of Meros. Pruina and Acies Ferro also have a strong hunting culture, and wild game is consumed often, especially during the winter.
It’s a common saying that even the poorest citizen of Meros eats better than most other people in the Realm.
Meros has a fluid class system; successful Merosians can rise up into a position of influence and upper-class people can fall from grace according to their wealth. While money technically can’t raise you to the highest powers - that of the ruling princes and princesses - it can give you enough influence and political clout to influence them or even marry into the family.
This also works in reverse; those who have no wealth, skill or lose their fortunes are given little power and are quickly forgotten by the upper class. They’re not trampled on like in Stormherald territory and Ironbrook, but they aren’t given much attention, either.
This also works in reverse; those who have no wealth, skill or lose their fortunes are given little power and are quickly forgotten by the upper class. They’re not trampled on like in Stormherald territory and Ironbrook, but they aren’t given much attention, either.
Meros lacks a centralized religion and most citizens would be best described as agnostic or atheist. Some traders and merchants are influenced by the beliefs of the other nations they travel to and it’s not uncommon for those who travel the Realm to worship foreign gods.
Most also believe in the sea spirits due to Meros' close relationship with the water and seas. They are not part of a formalized, structured religion, but are revered and feared in equal measure. Read more about those beliefs below:
Most also believe in the sea spirits due to Meros' close relationship with the water and seas. They are not part of a formalized, structured religion, but are revered and feared in equal measure. Read more about those beliefs below:
Pars Solis, Pruina, Concido, and Amara Antrum all have significant minorities who worship foreign gods.
In Pars Solis, the Sundrake god Hyleg is worshipped mostly by Sundrake immigrants, but the belief has been shared with some human citizens of the city as well. Temples to the sun god can be seen in parts of the city, manned by members of the Scions of the Sun who have cut ties with King Tigerlilly entirely.
In Pruina, the Dutorian goddess Blóm has a not insignificant following, as many have connections with traders from the northern nation, or Dutorian parents and spouses. Small statues of the goddess are kept in family homes, and there’s a larger one visible in front of Pruina’s city hall.
Concido has recently made connections in Padwell and High Heart, among its royal family and citizenry, and as such a small, but fast-growing, population of its citizens have started to recognize the Marsh King and Mountain Queen. Of course, the distance from the mountains and marshes of Padwell means that they can’t quite worship them while at home in Meros, but those who travel there for work and trade make sure to leave offerings to the gods when they have the chance.
Lastly, Amara Antrum’s underground citizens… well. To say they worship the Darkling figure of ‘She Who is Nothing’ would be an exaggeration, but many recognize and fear the goddess and the visions she grants her Voidseers. They blame her for cave-ins that occur, as well as when traders and travellers get lost and never return.
In Pars Solis, the Sundrake god Hyleg is worshipped mostly by Sundrake immigrants, but the belief has been shared with some human citizens of the city as well. Temples to the sun god can be seen in parts of the city, manned by members of the Scions of the Sun who have cut ties with King Tigerlilly entirely.
In Pruina, the Dutorian goddess Blóm has a not insignificant following, as many have connections with traders from the northern nation, or Dutorian parents and spouses. Small statues of the goddess are kept in family homes, and there’s a larger one visible in front of Pruina’s city hall.
Concido has recently made connections in Padwell and High Heart, among its royal family and citizenry, and as such a small, but fast-growing, population of its citizens have started to recognize the Marsh King and Mountain Queen. Of course, the distance from the mountains and marshes of Padwell means that they can’t quite worship them while at home in Meros, but those who travel there for work and trade make sure to leave offerings to the gods when they have the chance.
Lastly, Amara Antrum’s underground citizens… well. To say they worship the Darkling figure of ‘She Who is Nothing’ would be an exaggeration, but many recognize and fear the goddess and the visions she grants her Voidseers. They blame her for cave-ins that occur, as well as when traders and travellers get lost and never return.
New Year’s Week
Spring Festival
Summer Festival
Ferran Day
Autumn Festival
Winter Festival
New Year’s Week
New Year’s Week [January 1rst - 7th]
A celebration of the new year marked by week-long fairs in every city-state, with vendors and performers from across the Realm in attendance. It’s a brilliant and colourful affair that often draws in tourists from faraway places, and considered the best - if somewhat overwhelming - time to visit Meros.
Spring Festival
Spring Festival [March 20th]
The Spring Festival celebrates the end of winter and hopes for a warm, pleasant spring and summer to come. There are small fairs, but the most common way to celebrate this festival is to dress in one’s most colourful, brilliant clothing and take to the city courtyards to dance.
Summer Festival
Summer Festival [June 20th]
A lively event, the Summer Festival is something that people across Meros - and often from other areas of the Realm - look forward to each year. Fairs are set up across the city-states and performers - acrobats, magicians, and actors - arrive from across the world to put on a show. It’s also one of the biggest trade events for craftsmen and merchants, as they can expect to see the greatest number of outsiders in Meros around this time, and they often set up small booths along the busier paths of the city to draw in business.
Ferran Day
Ferran Day [August 12th]
A holiday celebrated specifically in the city-state of Acies Ferro, lasting from dawn to midnight on August 12th. It is marked with a military parade during the day, with ‘performances’ by the famed Guard on their ferran falcons, and at night dances and fancy dinners.
Autumn Festival
Autumn Festival [September 22nd]
The Autumn Festival is the last celebration of the heat of the now passed summer, and marked by taking advantage of final opportunities to do various activities that will be impossible once it gets too cold. Swimming, fishing in small rivers and lakes, as well as wearing less warm clothing is common on this day (although exchanged for something more seasonally appropriate once it gets dark.
Winter Festival
Winter Festival [December 21rst]
A yearly festival held in all city-states to celebrate the coming of winter sometimes referred to as ‘Lantern Day’. It begins at sundown - which depending on how far north you live, can be very early in the day - and continues until dawn on the 22nd.
It’s celebrated with fairs, dances, plays, hot food, bonfires, and typically carrying about a small lantern or candle with your group - of family or friends - for the day, before putting it out at sunrise.
It’s celebrated with fairs, dances, plays, hot food, bonfires, and typically carrying about a small lantern or candle with your group - of family or friends - for the day, before putting it out at sunrise.
In Meros, hard work and productivity is valued above all else; if one works hard and has luck, they can gain great wealth. Honesty and fulfilling your end of the agreement no matter what is not only respected but expected from everyone. Breaking a contract is one of the worst things you can do.
Guests are a strange thing for Merosians. Strangers are generally treated with friendship only if they’ve got something of value to offer. That’s not to say they’d otherwise be cruel, just uninterested in much interaction until they got to know someone better. It’s expected for both the host and the guest to treat each other with respect, and for the host to provide for their food and accommodations if they’ve invited them. Allowing a guest to come to harm while living under their roof is considered a massive failing on part of the host, and actively betraying them is a huge taboo. Food and drink is usually offered to them when they first arrive, and then on request after that between meals.
Footwear is worn indoors; Merosians have sturdier shoes they wear outside, and a pair of nice slippers that they use while inside their house. If a guest is from within Meros it’s expected for them to bring their own pair, but if they’re an outsider the host will usually have a pair set out for them.
Footwear is worn indoors; Merosians have sturdier shoes they wear outside, and a pair of nice slippers that they use while inside their house. If a guest is from within Meros it’s expected for them to bring their own pair, but if they’re an outsider the host will usually have a pair set out for them.
Education is highly valued in Meros and all of the city-states have public schools funded by the ruling family and the various powerful businesses and traders who live nearby, although the focus and quality of said education varies. For example, Concido has by far the worst schools, while Acies Ferro’s public education would be better described as military training.
Higher levels of education, such as Universities and Colleges, are not free to the public but are usually of exceptional quality. The teachers are well-paid and given plenty of time for their own research, a fact that tends to draw highly competent applicants from across the Realm to teach and further their own learning.
Major universities and colleges are:
It’s not uncommon for wealthy Merosians to travel to outside nations - usually Ironbrook or the Stormherald’s College of the Spire - to attend their schools.
Higher levels of education, such as Universities and Colleges, are not free to the public but are usually of exceptional quality. The teachers are well-paid and given plenty of time for their own research, a fact that tends to draw highly competent applicants from across the Realm to teach and further their own learning.
Major universities and colleges are:
- The Grand Meros Academy (GMA) in Acies Ferro - a military school, one of the most prestigious places to study military arts and combat skills in the Realm.
- The Solian Medical Institute (SMI) - a cutting-edge medical school in Pars Solis. It is one of the best places to study medicine in the Realm.
- Chrysos College of Runesmithing (CCR) - a school in Chrysos that teaches runesmithing.
- Chrysos College of Alchemy (CCA) - a school in Chrysos that teaches alchemy.
- Madean School of Seafaring & Navigation University (MSSN University) - a school that teaches seafaring and ship-based combat.
- Testudo Academy of Finance University (TAF University) - a university in Testudo that teaches a variety of subjects related to finance, business ownership, and managing money. Considered the place to study in the Realm for bankers and accountants.
- Royal Carissian Agricultural Academy (RCAA) - a school in Carissima that teaches farming and agricultural practices, as well as helps set up apprenticeships with farmers and Harvest Mages.
- College of the Spire Overseas Campus (CoSOC) - a branch of the College of the Spire located in Chrysos. Structured in a similar manner with teachers from all Societies participating in education.
It’s not uncommon for wealthy Merosians to travel to outside nations - usually Ironbrook or the Stormherald’s College of the Spire - to attend their schools.
The stereotypical Merosian is a trader, but there are a wide number of occupations they could hold instead:
- Merchant
- Farmer
- Soldier/Guard
- Mercenary
- Sailor
- Ship’s captain
- Diplomat
- Mediator
- Banker
- Lawyer
- Inventor
- Runesmith
- Alchemist
- Teacher (public/private schools or at one of the many universities)
- Investor
- Businessman
- Thief
- Assassin
- Gambler
- Brawler/boxer/show-fighter
- Animal-racer/trainer
Merosians at once value their families but often lack intimacy with their relatives, viewing their family name as more of a… brand, if you will. Wealthy and powerful families act in ways that further the reputation of their name, not necessarily in ways that are kind to each other, and will go to great lengths to avoid damaging that reputation.
They might force a child or other relative into a position or marriage they are unhappy with if it serves to better the family’s image or increases its political clout… or disown someone if they have caused too much damage.
Lower-class families are less concerned with reputation and family image, but it does still play a part in how they act. They might not disown a ‘family failure’ or participate in arranged marriages, but they’re often willing to do things that are less pleasant on a personal level if it’ll bring prosperity to those who they care about.
They might force a child or other relative into a position or marriage they are unhappy with if it serves to better the family’s image or increases its political clout… or disown someone if they have caused too much damage.
Lower-class families are less concerned with reputation and family image, but it does still play a part in how they act. They might not disown a ‘family failure’ or participate in arranged marriages, but they’re often willing to do things that are less pleasant on a personal level if it’ll bring prosperity to those who they care about.
At its foundation, Meros was a place of many cultures, and the Merosian tongue itself was created to be easy to learn and have great clarity when written. Most citizens of Meros are at least bilingual; the languages of the other Theavian countries, as well as the Stormheralds and Ironbrook, are taught from a young age.
The Realm’s common tongue was created by a group of Merosian traders collaborating with the various nations of the world and shares many similarities with Merosian, spread across the Realm in the aftermath of the Night of the Red Moons in an effort to allow for easier communication and trade relations now that most ceased to use the old Drake tongue.
The Realm’s common tongue was created by a group of Merosian traders collaborating with the various nations of the world and shares many similarities with Merosian, spread across the Realm in the aftermath of the Night of the Red Moons in an effort to allow for easier communication and trade relations now that most ceased to use the old Drake tongue.
In Meros, Harvest Mages are viewed as extremely useful and can find lots of employment throughout the city-states helping with harvests in towns and villages. Wealthier individuals in places like Chrysos might attempt to hire them for… less legal applications of their magic - quietly and with plenty of deniability, of course.
Necromancy is publicly condemned and illegal, but often enough people are willing to look the other way, so long as it benefits them. Or use it as blackmail to gain their services and threaten to reveal their status as a Necromancer and get them executed if they don’t do as they’re told.
Familiars are of interest to Merosians; they find the creatures fascinating and due to their ties with the rest of the Realm’s nations, often have them and their companions pass through for various reasons. While the official military of Meros and each city-state are happy to leave them to their own devices for the most part - although of course if they offer to join the army, they’ll be pleased - but mercenary groups often try to hire them. Air and Water Familiars are of interest to captains, who often try to bargain with them to gain their assistance on voyages in a similar fashion to Madeo’s arrangement with the local tidekeepers.
Runes and potions are viewed as a craft - if a somewhat more exciting one than carpentry or stoneworking - like any other. There are a number of established schools on the subject throughout Meros, especially in Chrysos.
In Meros, generally, those with magic-caused mutations are viewed with very little superstition, as the nation has few beliefs regarding that, although those with the features of fish or other aquatic features may be viewed as having been cursed or 'blessed by one of the sea-spirits believed in by occupants of the nations. That does not, however, mean that they are any safer than in Ironbrook or among the Stormheralds, as the Merosian city of Amara Antrum is the center of black market trade in the Realm. Those with such traits are often advised to avoid the city entirely.
Necromancy is publicly condemned and illegal, but often enough people are willing to look the other way, so long as it benefits them. Or use it as blackmail to gain their services and threaten to reveal their status as a Necromancer and get them executed if they don’t do as they’re told.
Familiars are of interest to Merosians; they find the creatures fascinating and due to their ties with the rest of the Realm’s nations, often have them and their companions pass through for various reasons. While the official military of Meros and each city-state are happy to leave them to their own devices for the most part - although of course if they offer to join the army, they’ll be pleased - but mercenary groups often try to hire them. Air and Water Familiars are of interest to captains, who often try to bargain with them to gain their assistance on voyages in a similar fashion to Madeo’s arrangement with the local tidekeepers.
Runes and potions are viewed as a craft - if a somewhat more exciting one than carpentry or stoneworking - like any other. There are a number of established schools on the subject throughout Meros, especially in Chrysos.
In Meros, generally, those with magic-caused mutations are viewed with very little superstition, as the nation has few beliefs regarding that, although those with the features of fish or other aquatic features may be viewed as having been cursed or 'blessed by one of the sea-spirits believed in by occupants of the nations. That does not, however, mean that they are any safer than in Ironbrook or among the Stormheralds, as the Merosian city of Amara Antrum is the center of black market trade in the Realm. Those with such traits are often advised to avoid the city entirely.
Meros views dragons as potential trade partners, and many merchant families in Meros hire dragons to work for them, especially on long trading expeditions. Some upper-class Merosians view dragons with more than a little contempt, saying that most of them are little better than animals, but given how worldly most Merosians are, this misconception doesn’t last long when they actually travel to the dragon kingdoms. They trade regularly with the Sundrakes, Darklings, Tidekeepers, and Moonvipers.
Pars Solis was founded to trade with the sundrakes and as such has strong cultural and historical ties with them. There is a large number of sundrakes - mostly common merchants - that live permanently in the city to avoid the stricter taxation and control over businesses seen in the southern kingdom, as well as refugees fleeing King Tigerlilly's wrath.
Amara Antrum was founded to trade with the darklings and is partially underground as a result. The citizens have close ties with the bat-like dragons and often collaborate on construction projects, as well as exchange goods and services with each other.
The city-state of Madeo has strong ties going back generations with the tidekeeper pods of the Moonglow and northern Gaping Sea, with a number of old contracts between captains and pods that exchange their guidance and protection at sea for a wide variety of things in exchange. Sometimes simply food, but education, payment of money kept in a local branch of one of Concido’s banks, or promises to help the pod should they come upon times of hardship are not uncommon. The city itself caters to their aquatic friends; the canals are wide and deep enough for multiple tidekeepers to swim through it at once, often branching off into restaurants or public places, as well as having places tidekeepers can have their mail sent and held securely while they’re out at sea. It’s common for the people of Madeo to give gifts to tidekeepers visiting the city.
They are currently trying to find a way to trade with the windwyrms, but every envoy they’ve sent has ‘mysteriously vanished’, and with the Springsingers, although the distance and thick jungle of their territory make that difficult. Few would admit it, but shipwrecker pirates often come to Meros to sell their stolen goods, as they tend to get the best prices there.
As for other human nations, Meros is willing to trade with anyone. They stay out of wars, although they're happy to sell weapons and hire out mercenaries to all sides, and try to take a neutral stance on politics.
Ironbrook and Meros have close ties. The magical nation rarely views outsiders with respect or as anywhere close to equals; Meros is an exception to this due to their strong trade relations, wealth and being the only nation in Theavia to possess more modern technologies, like electricity in larger cities. Any skyship trade between Cyr and Theavia must pass through the Merosian city of Chrysos, as that’s where the only skyship port in all of the western continent lies. Meros is also a rich market for both buying goods and supplies for runes and alchemy, as well as selling those products, due to how wealthy its citizenry is.
Meros is one of the few nations that are still willing to trade and have diplomatic relations with Hovell, despite the country’s habit of raiding other nations for food and goods. This is probably because Merosian ships and people are left untouched as part of an unspoken agreement between the Princes and the Warlords; leave their people and things be, and Meros is happy to trade with them and be their window to things from the rest of the Realm, and look the other way when it comes to Hovell’s raids elsewhere. After all, the nation’s people are always so polite to them, surely everyone else just misunderstands their intentions. ...Few Merosians really believe their own lie about this, but Hovell is often a place to go to buy a variety of interesting items stolen from their neighbours, so they don’t really care.
Pars Solis was founded to trade with the sundrakes and as such has strong cultural and historical ties with them. There is a large number of sundrakes - mostly common merchants - that live permanently in the city to avoid the stricter taxation and control over businesses seen in the southern kingdom, as well as refugees fleeing King Tigerlilly's wrath.
Amara Antrum was founded to trade with the darklings and is partially underground as a result. The citizens have close ties with the bat-like dragons and often collaborate on construction projects, as well as exchange goods and services with each other.
The city-state of Madeo has strong ties going back generations with the tidekeeper pods of the Moonglow and northern Gaping Sea, with a number of old contracts between captains and pods that exchange their guidance and protection at sea for a wide variety of things in exchange. Sometimes simply food, but education, payment of money kept in a local branch of one of Concido’s banks, or promises to help the pod should they come upon times of hardship are not uncommon. The city itself caters to their aquatic friends; the canals are wide and deep enough for multiple tidekeepers to swim through it at once, often branching off into restaurants or public places, as well as having places tidekeepers can have their mail sent and held securely while they’re out at sea. It’s common for the people of Madeo to give gifts to tidekeepers visiting the city.
They are currently trying to find a way to trade with the windwyrms, but every envoy they’ve sent has ‘mysteriously vanished’, and with the Springsingers, although the distance and thick jungle of their territory make that difficult. Few would admit it, but shipwrecker pirates often come to Meros to sell their stolen goods, as they tend to get the best prices there.
As for other human nations, Meros is willing to trade with anyone. They stay out of wars, although they're happy to sell weapons and hire out mercenaries to all sides, and try to take a neutral stance on politics.
Ironbrook and Meros have close ties. The magical nation rarely views outsiders with respect or as anywhere close to equals; Meros is an exception to this due to their strong trade relations, wealth and being the only nation in Theavia to possess more modern technologies, like electricity in larger cities. Any skyship trade between Cyr and Theavia must pass through the Merosian city of Chrysos, as that’s where the only skyship port in all of the western continent lies. Meros is also a rich market for both buying goods and supplies for runes and alchemy, as well as selling those products, due to how wealthy its citizenry is.
Meros is one of the few nations that are still willing to trade and have diplomatic relations with Hovell, despite the country’s habit of raiding other nations for food and goods. This is probably because Merosian ships and people are left untouched as part of an unspoken agreement between the Princes and the Warlords; leave their people and things be, and Meros is happy to trade with them and be their window to things from the rest of the Realm, and look the other way when it comes to Hovell’s raids elsewhere. After all, the nation’s people are always so polite to them, surely everyone else just misunderstands their intentions. ...Few Merosians really believe their own lie about this, but Hovell is often a place to go to buy a variety of interesting items stolen from their neighbours, so they don’t really care.