Foreign Nations (New)

The Nine Free Cities of Essos are all former colonies of the Valyrian Freehold, with the exception of the rebel-colony in the north that became Braavos, each of which gained nominal independence after the Doom of Valyria brought the Freehold to its knees. North-to-South, Braavos, Pentos and Myr are on the eastern shore of the Narrow Sea coast of Essos, while Tyrosh is situated on a series of islands in the Broken arm and Lys occupies a single larger island in the Summer Sea. Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh are known to fight over an area of land called the Disputed Lands, which is roughly directly in between each of the three cities. Lorath is on an island several hundred miles to the east of Braavos, which itself sits on a collection of islands in a sheltered by on the northwestern tip of Essos. Volantis sits on the southern coast of the content, at the mouth of the Great Rhoyne. Norvos sits in the on the Rhoyne as well, though nearly a thousand miles north of Volantis, and Qohor is even further east, on the edge of a great forest. The Free Cities are often at war with each other, and earn money primarily on trade, though they are also often threatened by Dothraki Khalasars that they choose to pay off instead of fight.

**Time Jump: In recent years, a new Empire has arisen in Essos, calling itself Valyriarlie, or 'New Valyria' in the common tongue. Ruled by a dragon rider known only for his extensive burns, and the dragon he rides; Balerion. Volantis is the capital of New Valyria, and though no other Free City has fallen under the Burned Man's dominion many smaller towns and settlements have already and each of the Free Cities is fearfully aware of the threat to their sovereignty.



Braavos: The Sealord - The Sealord of Braavos is chosen by the five most powerful families in the city, generally from the most powerful of their number. The Sealord serves for life, but upon his death the Five Families often fight amongst each other for supremacy until a new Sealord is chosen.

Lorath: The King - Lorath is the least important, least wealthy, and most isolated of the Free Cities. It is ruled by a King, whose crown passes to his eldest son upon his death.

Pentos: The Prince & Magisters - The Prince of Pentos is mainly a figurehead presiding over frivolous state functions, chosen by the city's Magisters. The Prince of Pentos is often made a scapegoat and publicly executed in times of misfortune. The Magisters of Pentos are the 45 most wealthy merchant families in the city, the patriarch of each of which being granted on the city's High Council. Every ten years a Census is taken of the wealth of every family, and it is in this way that precedence is determined among the Magisters.

Myr: The Magisters - The Magisters of Myr are the 45 most wealthy merchant families in the city, the patriarch of each of which being granted on the city's High Council. Every ten years a Census is taken of the wealth of every family, and it is in this way that precedence is determined among the Magisters.

Tyrosh: The Archon - The Archon of Tyrosh is a hereditary position, essentially the equivalent of a King, though the Dynasts of Tyrosh, powerful noble and merchant families in the city, wield significant influence over the Archon. The current Archon of Tyrosh is closely allied with the Iron Throne of Westeros, giving Tyrosh significant influence over her neighbors.

Lys: The Magisters - The Magisters of Lys are the 45 most wealthy merchant families in the city, the patriarch of each of which being granted on the city's High Council. Every ten years a Census is taken of the wealth of every family, and it is in this way that precedence is determined among the Magisters.

Norvos: The Magisters - The Magisters of Norvos are the 25 most wealthy merchant families in the city, the patriarch of each of which being granted on the city's High Council. Every ten years a Census is taken of the wealth of every family, and it is in this way that precedence is determined among the Magisters.

Qohor: The Magisters - The Magisters of Qohor are the 25 most wealthy merchant families in the city, the patriarch of each of which being granted on the city's High Council. Every ten years a Census is taken of the wealth of every family, and it is in this way that precedence is determined among the Magisters.

Volantis: The Freeholder - The Freeholder of Volantis has ruled his city for just short of a decade, since he was appointed by the Burned Rider at the end of 88 AL. Volantis is no longer a "Free City" as it was once known. The outer city was razed to the ground by Balerion, the Black Dread, and the Burned Rider who commended him, leaving only the pure-blooded Valyrians of the Old City still alive. Of them, the Burned Rider chose Marquarro Malvassar (PC) to rule the city, giving the man a dragon egg and the title Zaldrīzes Dāezōrēs, or 'the Freeholder Dragon'.
Volantis is no longer a "Free City" as it was once called, and is now the capital of the New Valyrian Freehold.