> > And they're not suddenly Venetian. IRL Halifax is focused heavily on private industry and commerce, so it's not much of a transition. It would be more accurate to say that they are a Canadian version of Venice (minus canals) than a Venetian version of Canada.
> 
> You don't have to literally *be* Venice to be a merchant state. That would be like people addressing themselves by Roman, Latin titles just because they are part of an empire. Adopting Venetian titles and names is not a requisite for every merchant state ever. It's honestly very strange for people in Halifax to suddenly adopt Venetian titles and terms, as if they have anything culturally in-common with Venice or even Italy. 
> 
> You can be a merchant state without a Doge, and without calling yourself a 'Serene Republic'. Those are pretty much Venetian terms (and Genoan, I guess) and about as far from Canadian as you can get. It comes off.. weird, I guess. It doesn't fit. Unless you claim that the founders were obsessed with Venice and decided to adopt titles and names. It would give you a reason for why they are used, but it honestly wouldn't make it any less weird, in my opinion.
> 
> I get the possibility of a merchant state forming in Halifax. What I don't get is why they are pretending to be Venice, as if it's required. It would make more sense to be a merchant state, but still be.. Canadian.
> 
> EDIT: Not to seem imposing or too judgmental, by the way. I'm just outspoken, I guess. It's ultimately your own opinion that matters.
> 
> 
>

> As a Canadian I can say while I do think of Halifax as a marinetime province and one heavily invested in it's ports and sea trade industry. I also can in no way find the link between it and venice. Certainly if Halifax were ever to become independent than yes they would be a trade focused nation simply out of both necessity because of their size and convenience because of their resources, but if anything they would probably return to their Gaelic roots (which are still quite deep over there believe me) for language and society structure. They are proud of their 'New Scotland' heritage and even promote it at times. 
> 
> This is not to say they wouldn't still be a trade nation, just not a cut and paste 'neo Venice' if you will. Probably something with a slight Scottish tinge to it.

I get what you are saying. I shall make a few adjustments to my nation sheet. It's just I like Venice :)