Jonoptu

Jonoptu is a merchant duchy situated in Jagria. Only 60% of its territory is concentrated on its mainland, while the other 40% consists of trading ports and colonies. It had its upbringing as a long standing merchant guild under the Kàbi Empire. Its head of state is a Salvan, the leader of the merchant guild.

Culture and Customs

As Jonotian culture is part of the Jagrian culture group, much of its cultural roots are influenced by the Tsvai'de Upbringing. As merchants are the main force within Jonoptu, much of their customs revolve around efficient negotiations, and sending gifts. Whenever someone visits a merchant's house, the merchant tends to prepare a pitcher of lime juice made from grating crystallized lime sticks, a symbol of good luck against scurvy.

The Merchant Guilds

Because the kingdom was formed by a merchant guild, the merchant class fills most of the positions that would otherwise be filled by nobility. For this reason, most mayors and baronies run their own businesses and manage their own supply chains.

The Salvan is the leader of the main merchant guild, effectively making them the duke over the whole country. The Salvan's main duty is focused on the national economy. At some points during the duchy's time, the Salvan's succession would be determined based on competing guilds' overall wealth. This became problematic as guilds began fighting to repress one another, so as to retain power at the expense of other merchants. In the 9th century, this is exactly what happened, and the wars of repression had eventually left one guild left, at the expense of the country, which had weakened so much by the 850's that noone was either available or willing to defend.

The Salvanate of Jonoptu as of the mid 17th century is dominated by the Sogatto Tebure guild, which started in 1358. The Sogatto Tebure are protective of small guilds, defending them from being dominated by a larger guild. This had caused some of the richer merchants to become dissatisfied, and turn to outright piracy.

Overview History

The Salvanate of Jonoptu was formed in 672 after quabbles between merchants guilds and the Kabi Empire turned into a war of independence, and it lasted until 855 when a Sogrovian king took over. Then it was reformed out of revanchism in 1033 and lasted all the way to 1680.