| Capital: | Goldwaters |
| Population: | 3,900,000 (32% human, 21% dwarf, 17% elf, 9% half-elf, 8% gnome, 6% halfling, 7% other) |
| Exports: | Gold, silk, immorality |
| Languages: | Common, Dwarven, Elven, Gnomish, Halfling |
| Official Colour(s): | Orange |
| Official Motto: | “Wealth and freedom for all!” |
Arguably one of the richest countries in Calbion, the Coastal Republic of Vespice is unusual in that its system of governance has no king or emperor. Rather, an elected senate chooses a chancellor to govern for a set term. Generally, only the wealthy are ever elected to the senate. Vespice concerns itself almost exclusively with establishing trade monopolies and controls various waterways using it’s large Navy of sail-bearing ships, which is rivaled only by Granditore’s Steel Armada.
Industries
Trade is central to the burgeoning economy of Vespice. The country has a substantial floatilla of trade vessels and merchant marine. There is also a substantial service sector to provide various services, not all legal, to the wealthier.
Life and Society
Vespice is one of the most cosmopolitan societies in the world. Despite its rather northwesterly location, there are significant populations of ex-Caliphates and dark skinned Southlander humans, and all varieties of dwarf, elf, gnome, and halfling. This is mostly a result of its policy of trade with almost every other part of the world. Literally every religion and creed are represented in some way in Vespice, though the country is known for its lack of devotion to anything other than material greed and pleasure.
Government and Politics
The current leader of the senate is Chancellor Montague D’Artagnan (N male elf, aristocrat 9), whose term was recently extended to nine years. On a completely unrelated note, several senators were recently accused of corruption and accepting bribes. Apparently the accusers had no idea how business is done in Vespice…
Power Groups
The wealthy merchant guilds effectively control most of the country. The guilds range from small groups of labourers to massive business companies with branches in other countries.
The military of Vespice, known internally as the Soldier’s Guild and internationally as the Continental Mercenaries Guild, is run as a commercial business which has a monopoly on training and military protection contracts inside Vespice.
Religion
The god of gold is often venerated here, as are the gods of travel and trade. Religion plays a very small part in the workings of this highly materialistic country.
Major Settlements / Important Sites
Goldwaters: The capital of Goldwaters is located around the mouth of the Golden river as it enters the Westsea. As such it is a major port and hub of trade activity for the entire western half of the continent.
The harbor of Goldwaters is probably the most important port on the west coast. A substantial fleet constantly guards the harbor from attack by pirates and raiders. The Soldier’s Guild has even constructed a coastal fortress fitted with ballistae to shoot at enemy ships.
Adventuring In Vespice
With enough money you could get away with just about anything here. Remember that the next time you rub that greasy but rich merchant the wrong way. The black market in Vespice is second to none. Anything that exists on Calbion that can be brought and sold can be found somewhere in Vespice.