THE PATRONAGES
"Gold?"
The man guffawed, his chins wobbling as he slapped the wiry street rat in the back. Wiping a tear, he drank deeply before calming down, still chuckling.
"You think Gold is important to me? To you?"
"N... No?
The man smiled. "Don't lie. I hired a burglar, not a liar."
"Yes. But... it's so much."
The man leaned in. "Do you want to know what's more valuable than gold?"
"What?"
"A favor from someone with talent. If you somehow survive long enough to hear from me again, you deserve every coin you got your grubby fingers on. But I..." the man leans in, "get to say what happens next." He smacks the table suddenly, "Understand!?"
"Yessir!" he squeaked.
"Good. Go now, don't let anyone catch you again." The man narrows his eyes. "Or else." He turns away and seems to think for a moment. "Go! Before I change my mind!"
The thief muttered a thousand thanks and apologies as he returned to the streets.
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The Patronages are a series of city states scattered around the southern coast of Vasheroth, as well as nearby seas. Each city is ruled differently: this one a Magocracy, that one a Monarchy. This one a Theocracy in the name of Harika, that one a Republic under the sway of the Imposter Church. But even the most righteous priests and the mightiest monarch know that the true power lies amongst the many hidden, and not so hidden Patrons who hide in the shadows with hoards of gold and power even a dragon could blush at.
Some say they are all allied or even family. Others claim that they are rivals to the death. Some even claim they are false flag operations by the legitimate governments of this region, either to entrap criminals in their own cities, or to destabilize their rivals in the region. Whatever the case, organized crime runs rampant in the region, and seemingly no might nor magic can solve it.
It is through the Patrons that vast amounts of wealth changes hands for one artifact or another, dug out of ancient ruins by enterprising adventurers. It is through the Patrons that wars are financed, research is developed, and political power is purchased. It is through the Patrons that both great art, and great weapons of destruction were created. Through the Patrons, the names of both great Heroes and great Villains echo through the land.
Here are a sampling of city states and government styles. Also a few Patron ideas.
The Eternal Kingdom of Natroila
Lead by "High" King Hammon II "The Glorious", "Supreme" Dragonlord of the South
Symbol: The Golden Dragon on a Black Field
Prince Hammon II was a midling mage of high ambition. Thirteenth of his brothers, his scheming, betrayal, and street wars slowly led him to deeper studies of magic, and eventually, the throne itself. He was transformed during his coronation, an event that gave him greater conviction of his fate and destiny. Although he claims suzerainty over all the southern coast of Vasheroth, in reality he barely controls even his own city, as he spends his days deep in the studies of magic and... "art". However, under the shadow of his wings, the city state of Natroila became one of the largest in the region, with extensive slums built in the swamps and high, breezy hilltop villas of nobles profiting from the increased tribute and trade. The forum was overfilled with public works built in the early days of King Hammon II's rule, before he secluded himself in his studies.
Republic of Pandamonium
Lead by the Parliament of Pandamonium
Symbol: Black and White Panda, on a Rainbow Tie-die Field
Republic of Hell writ small, or so the founders claimed. The Republic of Pandamonium is like the wet dream of Rios and Curator combined. Blessed with large deposits of float stone and home to three portals (although at least one was found on a captured floatstone deposit) Pandamonium can more safely make claim to the greatest combination of land and air in the world. Massive float-stone based docks, with stout anchors and vigilant chromarchs, collect trade from across Vasheroth and beyond while their sea is never seen without sails. Near-anarchy is fantastic for trade as well as sneaky dealings.
Kingdom of Ernesto
Nominally lead by King Yervan III of House Ddomko
Actually Lead by the Floatstone Guild
Symbol, a Black Mountain, with a Golden Half-Sun underneath it, on an Azure field.
Physically near the Republic of Pandamonium, the Kingdom of Ernesto is much more humble in their ambitions: being instead, owners of some of the largest floatstone manufactories in the world. It is said that in times of emergencies, a hundred Floatstone arks can be assembled in a month, fully armed and armored for war. House Ddomko had ruled only recently, with a lineage that stems from a series of adventurers in the Western Continent. The true rulers of the city, at least openly, are the Chromarchs and Artisans of the Floatstone Guild, who constructs great ships and cities writ small for the highest bidder.
Pinkblossom's House
His Brightness, Pinkblossom
A Pink Flower on a White field
Pinkblossom is a Chromakin. He is very nice! He has lots of friends. But they keep dying on him
But Pinkblossom is smart. Everyone says so. One day Pinkblossom decides that he should build a big house where all his friends can be together! That way, even if they die, Pinkblossom can stay with their children and watch them grow up and be friends with him too! So Pinkblossom built and built and brought all his friends over to play!
His friends brought their friends and family too! Soon he has to make his house bigger.
And now Pinkblossom has so many friends, they decided to help him too! Pinkblossom decides that he makes the rules, because it's his house.
Some people didn't like that, but those who aren't Pinkblossom's friends can't stay in Pinkblossom's house. He always gets the best birthday presents!