APP

Name of the Kingdom: Merchant Republic of Ytterova

Current Ruler: Grand Minister Dyrbov Mstislav Vasilievich (Age: 45)

Dynasty: House Vasilievich

An old merchant house, one of the first few that started in the region. Roots tracing back to simple cloth merchants, through connections, intrigue and coin their trade ports and caravans know make up the backbone of the Republics Trade routes. Competition for control and the coveted seat of Grand Minister keep House Vasilievichand the other patrician houses sharp, always looking for the next big opportunity to grow in influence and wealth. With the most recent Grand Minister Arno Vasilievich elected for his creation and management of new trade routes to the north and west bringing forth great wealth replaced the late Krasnov Arkadiy Yakovich of House Yakovich. Elected for life he has his peoples' ambitions in his hands. 

Flag: ![enter image description here](http://i.imgur.com/gjD9Uww.png?1 "enter image title here") Territory:![enter image description here](http://i.imgur.com/iZbRyF2.png?1 "enter image title here")

History: The people of Ytterova are merchants through and through. The capital of Yttergrad sits upon the shores of the nearby straight. In its prospective years in was simply small town that catered to passing ships and their sailors. Over time they felt the pull of trade, with many ships coming in and out of area, many connections were made and products sold. Dubbed the "Great Gates of Gold", the straight crossing facilitates trade between the two seas and has created a culture of tolerant, but deathly ambitious merchants. Their boundaries have encompassed much of the peninsula and claims were recently staked on two nearby islands, furthering their control on the sea trade in the region. Of course the excessive wealth and opulence breeds greed and violence like no other. Outside forces such as pirates, bandits, and upstart states sought to take from the Republic, however private fleets and mercenary guilds loyal only to gold were created to protect the interests of the merchant families. Even today the security and peace of the republic rests upon its coffers. The state of the republic kept in check by the Grand Minister, his duties include protecting the trade routes (and people by extension), moderating the rival families, and creating treatises and embassies with foreign nations. Of course the merchant families are responsible for the creation and maintenance of their own routes, and supplement the trade security with their own soldiers.The constant flow of cash has allowed the Republic to develop civic projects, and the importance of trade has created a myriad of well kept roads and sea ports.

Advantages:

**Kingdom**

- Developed Infrastructure
- Schools

**Military**

- Seaworthy
- Trained Troops

**Trade**

- Important trade routes
- Filthy Rich
- Ancient merchant families
- Ports
- Caravans

Disadvantages:

- Sellswords
- Overly powerful merchant guilds
- Corruption

(Im gonna go ahead and take an extra advantage and disadvantage if thats cool)

Culture: 

The people of Ytterova are an ambitious lot, the belief of rags to riches is a clear and present aspect of daily life. There are many examples of this, as the lowly peasant given enough drive during their education can become a massive force in the trade industry. The major Merchant families akin to large corporations they take upon prospects from every aspect of life (given enough merit). In the republic gold is king and most services are privatized and monetized with even schools competing to receive the greatest prospects. However, Ytterova is not without its vices. Corruption, especially to those in power is rampant. In addition the excess leads to oppulant lifestyles: drugs and prostitution, and gambling are an everyday (and legal) occurrence.  The Grand Minister's duty is to lead his people to wealth and influence having executive and legislative power to administer. The GM is more commonly known as the "Elected King," the man elected among the most influential families by a council of patricians (The Heads of the 10 largest merchant families).