Rhûv
The Isles of Rhûv, otherwise known as the Free Cities, is a small archipelago of merchant lords. Originally a dominion of Ardoren, the merchant guilds on the islands reached such a height of power they believed themselves to be kings in their own right, and declared independence from the Thousand Lands. What followed was a bitter civil war that, while lasting only three years, was one of the deadliest wars in Ardorian history. Apart from their bloody beginnings, Rhûv is well known for arms manufacturing. Most prized of all in the current day is the runic arms recently invented by Rhûvian smiths.
The merchant lords of Rhûv have since declared their land neutral ground, and have built up a significant naval force to enforce this policy. Since that civil war, no open conflict has raged on Rhûvian waters or lands. However, Rhûv has become a breeding ground for mercenary companies, many of whom are hired by other lands to fight bolster the ranks of the wars already going on in Irulia. Rhûvian mercenaries are infamous across Irulia as highly proficient, motivated only by coin and nothing more, and incredibly untrustworthy on a personal level. This reputation is only somewhat abated by the mercenary guilds that exist in Rhûv, providing rigid structure to how these mercenary bands can operate.
