Cetacian city states

The Cetacian or Sirenian city states are communities established on the southern coast of Long and offshore islands by merchants from Western Hu's Cetacian and Sirenian provinces. The citizens of these communities do not identify with the larger Long Kingdom.

In different period in Long history the city states have been independent, de facto autonomous or treated with benign neglect. This is especially true in periods where the Long central government was weak. In eras when the kingdom was united the city states were sometimes highly taxed. There were even attempts to appoint governors and bring the city states under the control of the central government.

When the citizens of these states felt themselves oppressed they have appealed to the King of Hu for aid or liberation. This was one of the early motivations (or excuses) for Hu military campaigns in Long.

The city states are closely tied to the Merchants League. Unlike the native Long people, Cetacian colonists felt neutral or favorable to Hu rule. Each city has its own town council, dominated by the Merchants League and by the city's wealthiest families. There is also an arm of the Merchants League called the League of city states (not to be confused with the League of free cities) which represents the combined interests of the cities although it has no official recognition by the King of Long.

Foundation

The first Cetacian settlements in southern Long were founded in the late Basiliscus dynasty and more were established during the Long Dark Age. Cetacian and Sirenian merchants first established trading posts in southern Long. These trading posts became colonies as more Cetacians connected with seafaring or merchant trade made the post their base. In some settlements they were joined by artisans and factors. These colonies evolved into city states--areas more densely populated then the surrounding lands that built walls and fortifications and sought to govern themselves.

Culture

The city states share a bond with the people of Cetacia and Sirenia (strengthened by their mutual connection to Merchants League) and to a lesser extent with the Hu people in general. Many cities take note of whether they were founded by the Sirenians or Cetacians.

There existed a distinct version of the Hu language spoken in the city states but it has effectively died out with the inhabitants speaking Long. Cetacian Hu can also be heard within the city walls, often used by merchants to elude listeners.

Politics

See Political Factions in the Cetacian City States

Names of City States
 * Megaptera (important offshore hub)