The League people
The people of the League consider themselves to be the most cultured of the Empire – they appreciate fine things, subtle machinations, skill at arms, opera, theatre and court dance. Almost everything is for sale in the cities; and everything is on show. They appreciate flair and wit. Those who wait on the table of a Merchant Princess are as likely prized for their subtle humour as their knowledge of etiquette. Witty banter and verbal quips are considered a quintessential trait of League citizens; even the poorest of the League feel free to ermark upon the fashios and actions of those around them. Those particularly skilled in verbal interplay can find lucrative employment as professional party guests and agents, given the freedom to say things that might otherwise cause a scene - or a duel.
The people are famed for their devotion to the arts and architecture. They claim to have invented theatre and literature and take constant joy in the novel and the clever. Further, League explorers have expanded the Empire’s knowledge of foreign lands and even gone so far as to establish embassies and trade delegations outside the borders of the Empire. The Synod has expressed concerns about these embassies and on more than one occasion, but the benefits they bring to the Empire have so far outweighed any danger peaceful relations with foreigners might represent.
League society greatly prizes loyalty, but scorns servility. Everyone is expected to give as good as they receive. More than anything, the League is committed to the Empire. They don’t speak of it much, but the opportunities and the civilization that the Empire brings is something that many are prepared to die – or preferably kill – to preserve. Imperial rule has brought peace and prosperity but because the citizens of the League see themselves as the pre-eminent people of the Empire, they tend to view the Empire very possessively - as if the whole thing were arranged for their benefit.
This is not a society of effete libertines. Clever gewgaws and beautiful artworks are prized, but they are nothing compared to the pride these people take in the exercise of their will, their ambition and their success. A clever quip is no substitute for wealth, power, influence and the will to employ them to meet ones goals. The Merchant Prince may continue to make ironic comments when a situation turns deadly serious, but never make the mistake of thinking that he is not prepared to do what it takes to ensure the outcome he favours. More than one guest has made an inappropriate "joke" and discovered themselves ejected from someone's home - often through a first story window.
The emphasis on rules, on culture and on politeness serves two simple purposes. First, it allows the League to celebrate the fact that they are better than less civilised neighbours who grub about in the dirt or live in wooden huts. More importantly however, it prevents their society turning on itself. The real virtues of the League are ambition, ruthlessness, commitment to the achievement of one's goals and absolute loyalty to ones companions in the pursuit of those goals. Without the politeness and grudging respect they display toward each other, these people would find it all too easy to tear one another apart, just as they did in the days before the Empire.
Any gutter urchin might be a merchant prince one day, so you must be careful, cousin. Kick a puppy today, and tomorrow it might have grown up to be the great big dog that has your hand in its jaws ...
Two Gentlemen of Tassato, Act I, scene ii