Karkisias
| Formal Name | Megali Karkisias (Great Karkisias) |
|---|---|
| Capital | Megari |
| Head of State | Basileus Kyros Samaras |
| Government Type | Kingdom |
| Cultures | ~95% Thalassite |
| Population Density | High |
| Population | 3 million |
Karkisias is a Kingdom located on the eponymous Karkisias island. The Kingdom represents the last independent powers of Thalassite cities headed by a Thalassite dynasty - although it is under the rule of a King instead of a city league that guarantee individual cities' freedom.
Historically Karkisias were often conquered or ruled over by the Silnarian - but during the collapse of the South Silnarian Empire it managed to secure its independence - although its holding in Megali Heilia were quickly lost to the emerging Salvainian Empire.
Despite this it has managed to retain its independence until now, by strategically allying with various Empires - including Silnaria and even maintain decent relation with Lymia. Its relation with Salvainia is cold at best. It has decent relation with Gwannam.
History
The island of Karkisias has been inhabited by the Thalassite since time immemorial. Indeed, some speculates it to be the origin of the Thalassite civilization - and it is from this island where the Thalassite culture spread into the mainland and colonized the entirety of the Adoros river valley.
The islands have been under Silnarian dominion for centuries - but when the South Silnarian Empire, Karkisias declared independence, headed by a figure called Damianos Samaras - a prominent general in the South Silnarian Empire whose power base was in the island itself. Damianos gained the support of local magnates and city, and campaigned on the mainland of Megali Heilia against the Salvainian Empire starting in Year 978, supported by the Silnarian indirectly.
Eventually, Damianos came to his end during the Battle of the Doxian Bay in Year 981, when Lymian marines boarded his ship and killed him in hand to hand combat. His son, Kyros Samara succeeded him and fought for years against the Salvainian, inflicting heavy casualties before eventually retreating to Karkisias.
A peace treaty was signed between Karkisias and Salvainia - where Karkisias acknowledged the right of Salvainia to rule over Megali Heilia and Doxia, whereas Salvainia acknowledged Karkisias' independence. Since then, the Kingdom of Karkisias have co-existed alongside its much bigger neighbor.
Government
The Kingdom of Karkisias is headed by its King, and an assembly of important city and representatives. It is not a tyranny, as it is governed by a legitimate constitution - one issued by the various powerful regional nobles and cities when Damianos led their rebellion against the Salvanian Empire. Overtime however, the constitution's checks and balance have been eroded greatly, and it simply gives the King nearly unchecked and unlimited powers within the Kingdom itself.
Locations, Geography & Resources
The Kingdom of Karkisias is centered on the Karkisias island - a large, semi-hilly island with flatter coastal plains that are inhabitable alongside river and mountain valleys. It also controls the island of Erythro and Exoria to its west, and the island of Icythynika to its far south. Between those islands it control there are also hundreds if not thousands of smaller islands - many of which are uninhabited or sparsely inhabited it lay claim over.
The Karkisias island doesn't have rich natural resources, though it have an acceptable amount of iron deposits and fertile land alongside access to rich fisheries.
Significant cities include:
- Megaris - Major City (50,000) - The largest city on Karkisias island, and the center of trade facing the Exoria bay - which offers a sheltered harbor for ships that is stopping to trade with the island
- Neeidopolis - Minor City (10,000) - A city of note because of its significance as the capital of the Icythynika (Lit. Fisherman Island), an island under the control of Karkisias.
- Other cities are not of plot significance (yet).
Military
Karkisias have a standing army of around 15,000 men and can raise more troops in an emergency. They consists of well-trained infantries supported by mage with commanders whom are often mounted. Most of its military strength are in the navy - which the Samarid spends great expenses on maintaining. Proportional to its size Karkisias has one of the largest navy, fielding perhaps 30,000 men and various ships of different sizes, but mostly armed Carracks and Cogs. Their marines and sailors are noted for their skills and dedication.