Crossroads

Crossroads is a massive city-state in the eastern part of Aegrora, between the Eastern Federation, the Tsa Shok desert and the Eastern Coast.  It is a republic ruled by The Cohort, the leaders of the merchant guilds that make up the city.   Crossroads has issues with crime and being able to defend the farmlands that allow it to exist, though the frequent travel of merchant caravans (with armed guards or hired swords) makes the major routes in the area safe.  Additionally, Crossroads faces extreme pressure from the nearby Federation, the Kingdom of Lina Blanc, The Kingdom of Tsa Shok, and even from Abrekuza across the sea to join with one of them.  The Cohort, in large part, is resistant to join any larger nation, but it is a common matter of speculation that some or all of these factions will come to war for control over the wealthy trade hub, it is only a question of when.