Tillian city-states

The Tillian city-states are a group of powerful, populous and well developed city-states clustered on the southern end of the northern continent, at the other end of which is located Pettylin. Most of the Tillian city-states are located on the coast of the Twin Seas.

The region as a whole is named Tillia.

History

The regions around the Twin Seas were once populated by an assortment of cultures, all vying for dominance. Around 800 years ago, a leader emerged named Alessandro of Tillia. He combined innovations in phalanx combat units, Tillia’s already strong navy, and his native brilliance to conquer the entire region — except for Draconia (the most populous Dragonborn nation).

As ruler, he established many cities along the design of his home city of Tillia and moved whole people’s around the map to suit his whims. However, he held his empire together by force of personality and it fell apart upon his death. His many sons and grandsons, along with his most competent generals, claimed portions of the empire for themselves.

Over the centuries, some of the cities that were established by Alessandro remained principalities while others became republics (then back to principalities, then back to republics, then back to…). These cities are united by the related cultural and political institutions established during Alessandro’s long reign, but these institutions developed differently over time and were influenced by the native cultures that was displaced by the Tillian culture.

Economy

The region is extremely fertile, and produces vast amounts of food, thanks in part to the warm and mild climate yielding no less than three harvests per year even without magical assistance.

Tillian city-states have a strong trade economy as commerce is conducted across the Twin Seas.

As a result of the abundance of food, and strong trading economy, the region is extraordinarily wealthy, permitting the city-states have grown into large urban centres and allowing large amounts of the populace to specialize. The region boasts an abundance of masterful craftsmen, and a significant population of magic users.

Population

Like Tillia itself, the city-states are inhabited by many different races, although humans tend to hold most of the positions of power.

On the northern continent, Tieflings are only found in any real numbers in the Tillian city-states.

The vast majority of Rock Gnome communities are located in or around the Tillian city-states.

Miscellaneous

The largest and most powerful of the Tillian city-states is the Freeport of Vincenza, also known as the Thousand Islands of Vincenza, a massive and anarchic commercial hub located on hundreds of tiny islands connected by bridges and canals, located within a sheltered lagoon. Vincenza is by far the largest city on the entire northern continent.

Residents of the Tillian city-states look down on the Franian kingdoms, let alone Pettylin. They seem the inhabitants of these realms as barbarians, little better than savages, and take little interest in the goings-on in such places.

Ildan's mother was from Tillia.