The Merchant Cities of the North and Merchant Cities of the South are both ruled by a separate council of merchant ‘prinzes’ – the heads of the most powerful families. Together they share a culture which has its roots in the ancient Sea-King Imperium and have the most expansive presence in the Trade Organizations/Institutions of the Realms. The ancient game of Rauket still binds them together in competition – even if the lands are warring, they come together for this tradition. Has one of the two major installations for the Bank of the Silver Stacks. The “fashion houses” of the Merchant Cities set Fashion of the realms for the northern climes. The most popular faith in the Merchant Cities of the North is that of The Grey Way. In recent times, the sect of Lekam (Malek) has found a home in the Merchant Cities – though predominantly in the Southern Merchant Cities where it seems to have its home. The presence of the Theurgi Emporium mystical institution is limited to a few key cities of the northern merchant city territories.
Shared Culture: Their driving competition comes from their cultural inheritance from being descended from the ancient Sea King (empire). The Merchant Cities all have a central trade council in each, as well as a few trade houses that span larger areas. The cities themselves prefer competition over monopoly and enforce this with trade zones that, by policy, and strictly respected – even with Gwinn itself having the sea.
Faith: The Runel Rats of Irrigi have a strong presence in the North Merchant Cities