The Oligarchy of Cressida was founded sixty years ago in the year 456. Some of the nobility displeased with Queen Zoe, of Aisha’s political decisions and laws decided to declare freedom and political sovereignty from the Kingdom of Aisha. They took an annexed territory from Aisha formerly known as Asha.
War with Aisha
From the year 456 to 472 Aisha and Cressida were locked in bitter war. Many innovations in warships, tools of war (such as powder muskets), and the arcane arts were made during this time. Both Aisha and Cressida suffered many losses, but it was Cressida that came out the overall victor, taking three additional cities from Aisha and many important trade routes.
Alliance and Peacetime
In the latter half of 472 Aisha and Cressida agreed to a cease fire. The alliance seemed to be secure, but it wasn’t long before the stability of this alliance was brought into question when it was found that Cressida was granting pirates pardons for acts of war and piracy against the nation of Aisha in 499. Although the alliance remains to this very day, it is the opinion of most scholars that it is only a matter of time before war breaks out among both nations.
Political System
The wealthiest twelve families in the capital city of Cressida, New Asha, can petition to gather the twelve families to rule on matters in the nation of Cressida with varying degrees of urgency. Families that fail to send a representative to weigh in on the matter waive their right to vote on issues presented during the council. As such most of the families keep several representatives on standby at all times to ensure their voice is heard. The richest family is afforded the right to veto a request to gather the twelve families to vote after delegates from each house have arrived at the requested time for a sizable payout to all families that sent a delegate to the council. They are also given the power to decide the vote should the council have no majority side.
The Windcrest Family
By far the most powerful family in Cressida and the only family to hold the right to veto a call for the council of families to meet. Their sole interest lies in how much gold lies in the house vault. If you meet someone from the Windcrest family, it’s probably best to avoid making them mad. Currently they support going to war against Aisha.
The Grim-wood Family
The Grim-wood family is the most underhanded of the families. It has been found on several occasions that they had been laundering money, hiring assassins from Lira to silence political opponents, and bribing other families to change their vote. They have recently been meeting a great deal with a delegate from The Obsidian Spires, Nation of Lira.
The Ashford Family
The Ashford family is the third most powerful family in Cressida. This most recent year, 512, has seen the passing of their previous head, Mithrindir Ashford. Some speculate that his death was not natural since the Ashford family was the most staunch opposition to the Grim-wood family, but no significant evidence has been brought to prove this. Inheriting the head seat is Urthelion Ashford son of Mithrindir Ashford. Unlike his father Urthelion supports going to war with Aisha.
Geography
The nation of Cressida is the only nation significantly spread out across multiple cities. Among the cities of Cressida, its capital, New Asha, does stand out.
New Asha
New Asha is the wealthiest of the four trade cities of Cressida. Skilled Shipwrights from Aisha travel to New Asha thanks to the higher demand for good ships and lower taxes. Thanks to this New Asha has a thriving and extremely competitive market for ships. If you want a good ship New Asha is the place to seek. The wealthiest families of Cressida also reside here in the capital city. Thanks to them and their political schemes, New Asha never sees a boring week. Regrettably I can’t afford to catalog these events as they are deserving of an entire book by itself.
Historical Events
- 435: Nine noble families of Aisha form a party plotting to fight Queen Zoe
- 456: Cressida declares freedom in Asha, a city jointly owned by the Anti-Monarchy party
- 472: Cressida is recognized as a nation by Aisha. War ends between Cressida and Aisha
- 498: Cressida votes to grant pardons to pirates who agree to hunt Aishan ships
- 499: Aisha taxes the goods exported from Cressida to Aisha. Cressida threatens war
- 500: Cressida votes seven against 5 to avoid going to war
- 512: Ashford family head dies. His only son takes his place as head of the family