Location: Silver & Gold Trade Route, Terra-Null Mountain Range
Population: 486,000 (est.)
Species Demographics: Human (68%), Beastkin (18%), Taurus (10%), Other (4%)
Size of Military: 48,000 (10,000 Watchmen, 15,000 permanent garrison, 23,000 reserve)
Ruler: Council of 12
In a path way that cuts through Terra-Null Mountains, being the largest mountains in all of Terra, was once a great dwarven fort. It had survived for a great deal of time, many scholars believing that it was perhaps one of the first forts to be installed into the mountain by the dwarfs. But, about 125 years ago, the most bottom layers of it were quickly flooded, dooming the miners and ruining the mines themselves. With an inability to continue to mine for gold, gems, and ore, dwarfs begin to slowly migrate towards other holds in the mountain. Not long after, it had become nothing but a ghost town. Adventurers and scavengers were quick to pick apart whatever was left, but some reported that something wicked was in the deepest parts.
Bandits were the first to take over the corpse of the dwarf hold, quickly extorting all who would pass through the heavily-used mountain pass. It wasn't until Lucius Quixetos, a son from a rather obscure noble family in the Etzio Republic, personally hired a small mercenary force, with the help of donations from merchants who were sick of losing money, and wiped out the bandits before taking over the fort. This was no easy task as the bandits had not only gain a sizable number, and no doubt help from outsiders, but the natural defenses of the fort. Out of the 1,000 soldiers that marched in, only 400 managed to make it out without any serious injuries.
Some may wonder how come none of the neighboring nations didn't attempt to themselves and the answer is rather simple. The Etzio Republic and Sol Kingdom are currently under a ceasefire. if either nations made the move of sending troops to secure what is currently known as Las Mons, the other would surely retaliate. Then, before were still at war with the High Kvengr Empire, who did not want to risk an attack by a combined force of soldiers from the Etzio Republic and Sol Kingdom.
Many thought that when Lucius Quixetos first took over the fort, he would become a puppet for the Republic, but that was far from the case. Instead, he declared complete independence from the Republic and any other nation. He declared his own boundaries, his own laws, and his own plans for the city-nation. The Quixetos Decree was quickly drafted and signed by the man himself. The most shocking claim made by Quixetos is that he would not be its sole ruler, but would compromise of 11 others. While each would have their own purpose in the city, they each had equal say on all matters.
This was the first Council of 12.
Council of 12
Naturally, it has 12 positions. The first is the "Royal Seat", which was filled by Lucius himself and, in the future, his heirs. He had only found it fair to place himself in this position, giving his opinion on how the city should run and being a tie-breaker. The Royal Seat, in the case of a tie, counts as 2 votes. Technically Lucius, and his descendants, could be removed and replaced with another, but only once has this come close to happening in the entire history of the city.
Tani Quixetos fills this role, but her extremely young age means few care about her opinion.
Then there is the Treasurer Seat. One most be greatly trusted to handle the Council's treasury. For it is not hard to fudge the numbers in one's favor, nor to squander it all on bad investments. Currently, Alder van Hagaan holds this position, a quiet and small man who keeps to himself when he's not busy sorting out the ledger.
The Judge Seat. If a member of the Council is ever accused of a crime, the Judge of the Council will, naturally, be the judge of the court for that councilman. Yet, the power that each councilman holds is far too above for any regular person to ever accuse them of a crime. Minor crimes are easily overlooked or solved with a few pouches of gold and a firm handshake and the most heinous crimes require a lot of evidence to stick. That is why the Judge Seat is seen as ceremonial by most considering how they rarely get a chance to do their job. The current Judge is Elona Vehros, a woman from the Sol Kingdom who has acted for many years as a lawyer and judge for various folks in Lords' Court.
The Ambassador Seat. It is no secret that Las Mons sits in a very desirable position. It on an extremely popular trade route that lets massive empires send caravans back and forth between each other. To keep the peace between all powers that may covet Las Mon, the Ambassador is in-charge of responding to large shows of presence by any one of the neighboring kingdom.
The Marshal Seat. It is the city's upmost importance to ensure their survivability in the case of a large-scale assault by any of the factions around them-- or even within their city. The Marshal Seat is also in-charge of the local laws. Valos Hecracrix has taken this position after working up the Las Mons Army until he managed to oust the previous Marshal and won the position from him.
The Chancellor Seat. Lucius wasn't much of a religious man. He did pray to the gods when he wanted something, mostly to those of luck, but he realized that to deny the gods would bring their wrath onto his city. The current chancellor is Victoria Aelph, a woman that hails from the Sol Kingdom and worships The White Lady, but has made it her mission to take care of all other religions within the city. She has had a great problem dealing with the sin of the city, but accepts it as a weakness she can eventually fix.
The High Guilder Seat. Merchants are a vital part for Las Mons, so it is important to manage, and fix, all business and commerce related laws. Monopoly control, fair prices, instances of hostile takeovers all would be examined for their fairness and legality. The paranoid man by the name of Alexandri hails this seat. Some believe he is only trying to rewrite the laws to help out his business, but he is constantly shifting the laws anyhow so some believe he's just mad when he pulls out the 4 500-page Merchant Law books.
The Chamberlin Seat. The Grand Chamber of the Free Council sits at the very back of Las Mons, an immaculate display of wealth and independence from the rest of the powers in the world. Hundreds of people from all over the world come in day in and day out, served by a staff that represents people from all walks of life. It is an easy place to earn favor, be it local or abroad. Lady Daeli von Luporegin holds this seat, a run away from the High Alvanti Empire who has charmed her way to the top.
The Right-Hand Seat. It is not secret that the powers inside and outside of Las Mons crave what the city has or simply wants to see it torn down. The profitability, the flashing lights, dens of sin that all go to unashamed. That is why the Council of 12 must be protected at all costs and, fearing that the Marshal may one day turn, it will be one that is trusted by all. Leikos the Black Hand is a hulking Taurus that has never once gone back on his word. He is in charge of the Black Hands Company that protects all council members at any cost.
The Internal Affairs Seat. A seat that works closely with the Judge Seat. There are always matters within the Council and United Sector Committee that must be examined to ensure no foreign powers trade to sneak their way in or for other members to get too big for their ego and attempt a coup. Only other members of the Council know who holds the Internal Affairs Seat. Even doing calls to discuss and vote, a stand-in is sent to represent their opinion.
The Food & Agriculture Seat. There is few fields to grow crops thanks to the mountainous terrain. For a city-state the size of Las Mons, it important for recognize and be able to rectify this issue whenever possibly. Without carefully picking what to grow or what to important, Las Mons would have starved out far long ago. A Wood Elf by the name of Leisa has been in this position for 50 years, having never lost it once thanks to her race's special gift with nature and long-lived life.
The Master Engineer Seat. Lucius had seen it wise to invest in marvels of engineering early. Las Mons has its own small fleet of airships to use as special military vehicles or simply to wow guests and ensure the Council can travel as far and as fast as possible to whoever they must meet. Hatchard holds this seat, a man that is always within a strange suit of metal armor with glowing lights.
Tani Quixetos fills this role, but her extremely young age means few care about her opinion.
Then there is the Treasurer Seat. One most be greatly trusted to handle the Council's treasury. For it is not hard to fudge the numbers in one's favor, nor to squander it all on bad investments. Currently, Alder van Hagaan holds this position, a quiet and small man who keeps to himself when he's not busy sorting out the ledger.
The Judge Seat. If a member of the Council is ever accused of a crime, the Judge of the Council will, naturally, be the judge of the court for that councilman. Yet, the power that each councilman holds is far too above for any regular person to ever accuse them of a crime. Minor crimes are easily overlooked or solved with a few pouches of gold and a firm handshake and the most heinous crimes require a lot of evidence to stick. That is why the Judge Seat is seen as ceremonial by most considering how they rarely get a chance to do their job. The current Judge is Elona Vehros, a woman from the Sol Kingdom who has acted for many years as a lawyer and judge for various folks in Lords' Court.
The Ambassador Seat. It is no secret that Las Mons sits in a very desirable position. It on an extremely popular trade route that lets massive empires send caravans back and forth between each other. To keep the peace between all powers that may covet Las Mon, the Ambassador is in-charge of responding to large shows of presence by any one of the neighboring kingdom.
The Marshal Seat. It is the city's upmost importance to ensure their survivability in the case of a large-scale assault by any of the factions around them-- or even within their city. The Marshal Seat is also in-charge of the local laws. Valos Hecracrix has taken this position after working up the Las Mons Army until he managed to oust the previous Marshal and won the position from him.
The Chancellor Seat. Lucius wasn't much of a religious man. He did pray to the gods when he wanted something, mostly to those of luck, but he realized that to deny the gods would bring their wrath onto his city. The current chancellor is Victoria Aelph, a woman that hails from the Sol Kingdom and worships The White Lady, but has made it her mission to take care of all other religions within the city. She has had a great problem dealing with the sin of the city, but accepts it as a weakness she can eventually fix.
The High Guilder Seat. Merchants are a vital part for Las Mons, so it is important to manage, and fix, all business and commerce related laws. Monopoly control, fair prices, instances of hostile takeovers all would be examined for their fairness and legality. The paranoid man by the name of Alexandri hails this seat. Some believe he is only trying to rewrite the laws to help out his business, but he is constantly shifting the laws anyhow so some believe he's just mad when he pulls out the 4 500-page Merchant Law books.
The Chamberlin Seat. The Grand Chamber of the Free Council sits at the very back of Las Mons, an immaculate display of wealth and independence from the rest of the powers in the world. Hundreds of people from all over the world come in day in and day out, served by a staff that represents people from all walks of life. It is an easy place to earn favor, be it local or abroad. Lady Daeli von Luporegin holds this seat, a run away from the High Alvanti Empire who has charmed her way to the top.
The Right-Hand Seat. It is not secret that the powers inside and outside of Las Mons crave what the city has or simply wants to see it torn down. The profitability, the flashing lights, dens of sin that all go to unashamed. That is why the Council of 12 must be protected at all costs and, fearing that the Marshal may one day turn, it will be one that is trusted by all. Leikos the Black Hand is a hulking Taurus that has never once gone back on his word. He is in charge of the Black Hands Company that protects all council members at any cost.
The Internal Affairs Seat. A seat that works closely with the Judge Seat. There are always matters within the Council and United Sector Committee that must be examined to ensure no foreign powers trade to sneak their way in or for other members to get too big for their ego and attempt a coup. Only other members of the Council know who holds the Internal Affairs Seat. Even doing calls to discuss and vote, a stand-in is sent to represent their opinion.
The Food & Agriculture Seat. There is few fields to grow crops thanks to the mountainous terrain. For a city-state the size of Las Mons, it important for recognize and be able to rectify this issue whenever possibly. Without carefully picking what to grow or what to important, Las Mons would have starved out far long ago. A Wood Elf by the name of Leisa has been in this position for 50 years, having never lost it once thanks to her race's special gift with nature and long-lived life.
The Master Engineer Seat. Lucius had seen it wise to invest in marvels of engineering early. Las Mons has its own small fleet of airships to use as special military vehicles or simply to wow guests and ensure the Council can travel as far and as fast as possible to whoever they must meet. Hatchard holds this seat, a man that is always within a strange suit of metal armor with glowing lights.
In Las Mons, many people would tell you it's the only place in the world where you can truly be yourself-- as long as you have the crowns to back it up. There's some truth to it, anyone can become nobility if business is good, any race can join the Council. Yet, with many people coming and going, those of similar culture or race will join together in defending one's turf or ensuring they can survive the sometimes harsh city. The Pawn Sector is decent in some locations, a refugee camp with scammers, thieves, and murderers in other locations. The King Sector is only slightly better, taking on a London-esque architecture with buildings close together, winding roads and alleyways, but a sort of comforting feeling to it.
Ace Sector is where those of a high class live, but also the richest business. Blinding lights, beautiful folk wearing only the most exquisite clothing gather to talk about their recent business expenditures or parties, and just about anything can be found and bought. It's also the place with the heaviest guard presence, many mercenaries working for richfolk who don't trust the city's own "Acesector Patrolmen".
Places of Interest
Grand Chamber of the Free Council (Ace Sector)
A large, granite building with a grand swath of colors from paint and lights along with a red carpet rolled out for all that come to visit. Some might think of it as gaudy, but the fine people in Las Mons believe it's the perfect representation of their city. Ambassadors from all over the world come and visit, hoping to influence the council in anyway they can. For those that win favor in the Grand Chamber are likely to see more income their way. There's no better favor than gold!
The Grand Chamber is guarded by the Black Hands Company, soldiers in heavy plate armor with black gauntlets. Quite a few Taurus can be seen within their ranks, meaning most think twice before wanting to mess with the Council. Each of the Council members has a large, ornate office, each furnished to satisfy each of their needs. Then, there is one large chamber where they go to vote and, in some cases, allow the public to come watch the process. Before their chamber, however, is the United Committee. They are elected officials from each block, representing their block when issues arise.
Golden Grin Casino (Ace Sector)
The most popular casino, rumored to be ran by the Quixetos family. A giant, bright, pulsating light ups the large grin on the front of the casino, welcoming all to come and try their luck. It now only has a wide variety of gambling activities, but even special events! Tamed monsters are brought out on center stage for all to gawk at, legendary warriors show off their martial might in front of everyone, a lottery for those who wish to hit it big, and even card games, fight clubs, and intense obstacle courses!
Succubus Delight (King Sector)
A brothel ran by a succubus, who has managed to convince the Watchmen that she won't be killing anyone with her lust-filled powers. Instead, she focuses on finding the most beautiful women and handsome men who wish to sell their body to a large multitude of customers. Her promise is that no matter what your tastes are, there is a man or women for you as long as you're paying.
Engineering Guild (King Sector)
With how Las Mons operates as a city-state, it is important that they keep up with the trends of the world-- to involve those of technological pursuits. The engineering guild is one of explosions and fires, but each time the engineers return, hungry to break more boundaries of technology. Just behind the Engineering Guild is where the air field is, stowing the multitude of crazy inventions of the engineers along with the half a dozen airships belonging to the Las Mons Army. There's also some privately owned airships that dock near it.
College of the Grey (King Sector)
When there is technology, there is a need for magic, too. The College of the Grey is a learning institute for young spellcasters wishing to learn how to weave their spells in a safe environment. Naturally, some are opposed to the collection of wizards and psychics as they believe they could easily come together and take over the city if they truly wished. The Dean, Xaiver Rengar Diathoxin the 8th, has stated this is far from the truth and he simply wishes to have a safe environment for the kids without the risk of accidental self-immolation or being lynched as some sort of witch.
A large, granite building with a grand swath of colors from paint and lights along with a red carpet rolled out for all that come to visit. Some might think of it as gaudy, but the fine people in Las Mons believe it's the perfect representation of their city. Ambassadors from all over the world come and visit, hoping to influence the council in anyway they can. For those that win favor in the Grand Chamber are likely to see more income their way. There's no better favor than gold!
The Grand Chamber is guarded by the Black Hands Company, soldiers in heavy plate armor with black gauntlets. Quite a few Taurus can be seen within their ranks, meaning most think twice before wanting to mess with the Council. Each of the Council members has a large, ornate office, each furnished to satisfy each of their needs. Then, there is one large chamber where they go to vote and, in some cases, allow the public to come watch the process. Before their chamber, however, is the United Committee. They are elected officials from each block, representing their block when issues arise.
Golden Grin Casino (Ace Sector)
The most popular casino, rumored to be ran by the Quixetos family. A giant, bright, pulsating light ups the large grin on the front of the casino, welcoming all to come and try their luck. It now only has a wide variety of gambling activities, but even special events! Tamed monsters are brought out on center stage for all to gawk at, legendary warriors show off their martial might in front of everyone, a lottery for those who wish to hit it big, and even card games, fight clubs, and intense obstacle courses!
Succubus Delight (King Sector)
A brothel ran by a succubus, who has managed to convince the Watchmen that she won't be killing anyone with her lust-filled powers. Instead, she focuses on finding the most beautiful women and handsome men who wish to sell their body to a large multitude of customers. Her promise is that no matter what your tastes are, there is a man or women for you as long as you're paying.
Engineering Guild (King Sector)
With how Las Mons operates as a city-state, it is important that they keep up with the trends of the world-- to involve those of technological pursuits. The engineering guild is one of explosions and fires, but each time the engineers return, hungry to break more boundaries of technology. Just behind the Engineering Guild is where the air field is, stowing the multitude of crazy inventions of the engineers along with the half a dozen airships belonging to the Las Mons Army. There's also some privately owned airships that dock near it.
College of the Grey (King Sector)
When there is technology, there is a need for magic, too. The College of the Grey is a learning institute for young spellcasters wishing to learn how to weave their spells in a safe environment. Naturally, some are opposed to the collection of wizards and psychics as they believe they could easily come together and take over the city if they truly wished. The Dean, Xaiver Rengar Diathoxin the 8th, has stated this is far from the truth and he simply wishes to have a safe environment for the kids without the risk of accidental self-immolation or being lynched as some sort of witch.
The children of one who has bought a title are typically "Lordnets" while the spouse will be a Lord. Although, those who hold a higher title may see their spouse and children being given higher ones in return out of gratitude. Keep in mind that there is no "King" title, but those who hold a bit of power in the King sector refer to themselves as that.
Lord - 2,000 GC
Baron - 15,000 GC
Count - 25,000 GC
Viscount - 38,000 GC
Marquis - 50,000 GC
Duke - 100,000 GC
Merchant Prince - Unbuyable.
Most of those on the Council hold the rank of Duke one way or another. If a person does not hold the title of Duke, they are typically promoted to it unless they have earned the ire of one or more of the council members.
Middle-Class/Pawns: Acrobatics +10, Athleticism +10, Climb +5, Intimidate +5, Streetwise +10, Trading +5, Notice +10, History (Local) +10, Composure +5, Hide +10
Kings: Ride +10, Style +10, Persuasion +20, Appraisal +10, History +10, Dance +15, Music or Art +5
Nobles: Ride +10, Style +20, Leadership or Streetwise +10, Persuasion +10, History +10, Dance +10, Music or Art +5
Value | Social Class | Initial Equipment
1-25 | Pawn | Clothes, scraps of food, some personal objects, 5 CC
26-65 | Middle Class | A couple changes of clothes, food for a few days, backpack with personal items, a weapon, and complete travel equipment. 2 GC.
66-90 | Kings | Many changes of clothes, food for a week, horse, weapon, a chest with some personal items, jewelry or a work of art. 35 GC.
91-100 | Noble | Many changes of cloth, good food for a week, a horse or two, a good weapon, chest filled with personal items imported anywhere from the world, small collection of jewelry or works of art. 190 GC.
