The Republic of Vesper
Vesper has its origins as a small shipping port, established shortly after the Cataclysm following the fall of Fawn, and over time, gradually proved to be one of the most innovative and crucial centers for exploration in the whole of Britannia. It was the Vesparians who rediscovered the lost Moon Isle?s order of Magi, and it was the Vesparians who first made contact with the settlers on the rich isle of Magincia. Since its very beginnings, the township of Vesper has been associated with the shipping industry... and a desire for profits, it would seem as well.
In the present days, Vesper appears to the casual onlooker to be much the same as it always has. The picturesque small islands of the river delta and simple wooden bridges support one of the most successful trade spots in the lands (barring Britain), acquiring an influx of goods from both overland Minoc and Cove, and overseas from the major islands. Because of the multitude of trade routes, the citizenry of Vesper has become multicultural and multiracial, and as such Vesper readily accepts most races ? or at least those that will not disturb the hive of trade and services that Vesper depends upon. The city streets bustle with the exchange of goods and services, some of which are more moral than others. People say that ?anything that can be bought, can be bought in Vesper? for a price.'
Ever since the long-past rebellion against the crown in which Vesper won its status as a free city, the artistic frippery and mindless frivolity that were once Vesper?s trademarks have been replaced with the air of rebellion. It seems that ever since the eruption of Kendall, the Vesparian culture has harbored a great resistance to authority, and this rebellious streak has only grown stronger as time has progressed. Vesper has become a haven for dissidents and freedom fighters, criminals and pirates, ruthless opportunists and, on occasion, intellectuals and free thinkers contemptuous of ?noble? authority. It is this rebellious stance that has brought Vesper into contact with the Loyalist forces, especially those of Trinsic, more than once, and this situation persists even now.
The Republic of Vesper, the city states official name, is currently headed by the city's most wealthy and illustrious citizen - Baron Kain Twothumb, and has been except for a few hiccups since the Judge Wars. The Vesparian Baron rules through his business interests and the city Militia which he is obliged to fund and command. A Baron can be replaced by the election of a new Baron or Baroness if the people put forward that the time is right for a change of leadership..
The City Militia itself is a humble military machine, made up of Vesparians, foreigners who came to Vesper that feel the city's free status and the Militia's reasonable paycheck are worth fighting for and just about anyone with a grudge against the Kingdom of Lord British who will don the red and bronze that makes a normal man into a Militiaman. The current head of the Militia is Captain Hanse Davion.
More information can be found here:
http://www.uoforums.com/vesper Current GM : Kain Twothumb
Current AGM : Hanse Davion