Lystrata Commonwealth
The Lystrata Commonwealth is a group of aligned factions to the far south west. It lies south of the Great Western Eye; while to the east is Azrune and Ganzabar. The areas to the south and west are mostly uninhabited. The Commonwealth is often characterised by its strongly Meedish culture and passionate patriotism. Although Azbuka is widespread, the higher echelons of the elite speak Dinjari while the lowest use the so-called Slave Tongue, or Guba Jango as it is known in Dinjari.
Contents
History
What is now the Commonwealth was originally the huge Lystrata Empire, which collapsed in the 9250s. However, the majority of states maintain cordial relations due to the dominance of similar cultural values, as well as popular belief in Gnost.
Regions
The Commonwealth is in fact a consortium of factions under the loose leadership of the Lystrata Sultan. Major factions include (in approximate order from most to least significant):
Cities & People
The capital is Shun Kif. Other cities include:
Slavery
Lystrata remains controversial in international politics for being one of the only nations to have not outlawed slavery. This is partly cultural: the commonwealth has outlawed very little at all, so there is no particular bias for slavery. It is also often seen by Lystratans as simply a more honest version of the "indentured proletariat" of other countries, which they argue are no better off than slaves. As famed Lystratan tycoon Dhemot Rhogar quipped: "At least our slaves don't pay to live as such".
Despite this, there is a sizable anti-slavery movement in the Commonwealth. Their main opposition comes from the trade and industries supported by the practice, which hold a deeply entrenched position due to economic muscle.
The holding of slaves is also subject to the Slave Laws, which stipulate strict conduct of slave ownership. They include the means by which a slave can attain freedom, the limit of what slaves can be required to do and the rules of ownership transferral.
