Name: Vasilopolis di Fenizia, Fenice
Common Demonym: Fenician
Government: Elected Monarchy (but effectively a mercantile republic)
Head of the State: Imperator/Imperatix (currently: Imperatrix Lucretia Feranova)
Governing Body: Grande Bule (alternatively called the Senato)
Language(s): Luxan (official), Fezzan (common tongue), Pygmi (dwarvish)


Fenice is used to be the capital of the late Lumeris Imperium, a sprawling and rich empire. It originally gained importance as a trade hub, letting most of the empire's goods flow through. As the city grew it accepted swarms of artisans and under the rule of Anasterian VII the empire's capital was moved from Luxopolis to Fenice. The following century saw an explosive growth for Fenice while the empire sank to the depths of decadence. The rich ports and abundant marketplaces were surrounded by luxurious mansions and pleasure districts. The golden city knew no bounds.

At least until the Great Flood struck. Capable of defeating famines, foreign nations and even monsters the great weep of the gods was found to be beyond even the empire's control. While sudden it did not find Fenice unprepared, sparring no resources the empire put their effort at the capital's survival. Pygmaioi (dwarves) who were present either as merchants or craftsmen were forcefully drafted into service and were unable to return home. And thus the once great city of Fenice migrated up to the mountains, even if in a reduced form. Subsequently Comenius III was forced to live in isolation, losing all control over his empire.

Gone the once glorious Lumeris Imperium and only Fenice remained.Though technically Comenius still retained his authority over the empire in reality nobody else was willing to obey him. Thanks to the rescue efforts Fenice was abundant in riches and hoarded up sufficient food to last for many years. During this period Fenice doubled their efforts on naval buildup, sending out fleets of trade ships immediately. As such while Fenice never regained their former glory they could capitalize on the plight of others to become the richest among the poor. The so-called "Silver Age of Fenice" lasted from 2AW (After Wrath) to either 86AW or 102AW, depending on your view. It ended after roughly a century when water levels reclined and scarcity trade was replaced by pure expansionism on the newly unclaimed lands.

Poor tribes, primitive nations and ruined civilizations suddenly found access to more land. In contrast most of the neighborhood of Fenice were lowlands which were still underwater and as a consequence they had very limited options to grow. This consequently caused a massive drop in their economy and overall influence, nearly bringing them to a crash. Regardless the century of mercantilism eroded all power the aristocracy owned and even the Imperator was forced to intermarry with the wealthiest families. This created a new government, one where the merchant elite became de facto royalty and the ruler was elected among them. Yet the sudden economic downturn also weakened the Great Families and in 102AW they were forced to sign the Golden Bill which among others heavily restricts the Imperator's power.

In spite of the revolutions and healthy growth though Fenice did not manage to retain their old influence and currently are regarded as a wealthy yet overall small nation. Their continued survival staked on diplomacy and thanks to their cultural heritage Fenice soon grew to be strong in this aspect. As such while not strongly committed to any factions they managed to broker their independence from the surrounding greater powers and maintain its shaky existence. These deals also gave Fenice the opportunity to travel the oceans unhindered thus you could see Fenician traders almost anywhere.

Fenice is also one of the few nations that has notable dwarven population. Withheld in the capital by force in order to assist the preparations against the flood, they found themselves stuck in Fenice. With their mine dwellings permanently underwater they had no choice but to establish a new clan in Fenice, the Katamonioi or otherwise known as the Storm Anvils. Initially they were viewed as inferior, even borderline slaves to the desperate imperial rule. Yet their skills and knowledge made them so invaluable the Katamonioi soon earned seats at the Senato and by now the only reason no dwarf sat on the Fenician throne is their isolation and perhaps their lack of royal blood. Katamon is a locked down district of the dwarves only accessible to others through written permission. Katamonioi has a significant influence and for centuries the great treasurer of Fenice is a dwarf named Menexinos Katamoni Oenopion.