The Serene Republic of Juna

NOTE: Juna was meant to be the big city to which the adventurers could turn if what they sought wasn't available in Forksbury. As a merchant city, it has embassies, trade missions, merchants, travellers and all manner of sketchy characters from around the world. Thieves guilds, assassins, sages, wizards, obscure orders and rare and hard to obtain items can all be found here. To make it feel more real, I based it on Venice and wrote up an outline:

Juna

Ruler: Doge Camarius, married to Lady Helena of Avalon, daughter of Roland the Just.

Former rulers: Puplavo, Bianca, Regecarius, Regina, Wylan, Geoffrey, Tybrech, Maria, Fabian

Overview: The Republic of Juna, also known as the Serene Republic, is a city-state nestled amidst the tranquil waters of the Azure Lagoon, primarily on the island of Arran. It was founded by refugees fleeing undead hordes, ages ago, who found sanctuary on the islands of the bay. It evolved into a village of fishermen and salt workers. Now, Juna is a marvel of engineering, built by elven engineers from Erynthal on a network of over a twenty islands, connected by a vast system of canals, bridges and elevated walkways. Its stunning architecture of white stone, opulent palaces, and grand basilicas rise majestically from the water's edge, creating a mesmerizing skyline. The main city on Arran is attached to the mainland by a long bridge, and is heavily fortified with 2 concentric walls. 

Crest: Janos the two-faced god, looking both behind into the past, and ahead into the future. Juna is seen as the gateway into Bronn, between sea and land, past and future, rural and urban, and life and death. 

Juna has long struggled to be independent of Mercian influence, and has strained relations with Avalon. The betrothal of Roland’s daughter Helena to the Doge is meant to usher in a new era of cooperation. 

Juna is governed by a complex web of institutions designed to preserve the balance of power. At its core is the Great Council of Twelve, consisting of wealthy nobles who hold the highest authority. They elect the Doge, the ceremonial head of state, whose role is to represent the city. The Doge resides in the opulent Palace of Tranquility, a magnificent structure that serves as the administrative centre of the republic.

The Republic of Juna manages several strategic islands along its key trade routes, as well as territories on the mainland, known as The Terraferma, including cities, towns, and fortresses that contribute to the republic's military and economic might.

Known for its industrious spirit, merchants and artisans from all corners of the known world are attracted by the city's flourishing markets. Thousands of gnomes live in the textile quarter, building and maintaining the city’s automata looms, as well as other magical mechanisms. 

The canals and narrow streets teem with life, as merchants barter for exotic goods, gondoliers navigate the waterways, and performers entertain crowds in bustling market squares, such as the famous Merfolk Bridge, where water-dwellers come to sell fish, seashells and exotic goods from the deep.

Juna holds a dominant position in maritime trade, with a vast fleet of ships servicing lucrative routes. Junean merchants navigate the Midsea, connecting the East and the West, and bring wealth, exotic goods, and knowledge to the city. Older, more established merchants bankroll ambitious, young up-and-comers, who travel all over the world in search of trade deals. This helps the republic's influence extend far and wide.

The council provides extensive funding for the Hierophant’s Crusade against the undead, as the Lakbans are an important market for the Junoese. 

The Whispering Basilica, an architectural masterpiece adorned with magnificent mosaics, tells tales of the city's grandeur. In its transept, one can hear the voices of Junean saints of the All-Faith, whispering from beyond the grave. 

The Shimmering Bridge connects the Doge's Palace with the Eternal Prison, evoking both awe and a hint of melancholy. The Grand Canal, the main waterway, showcases the city's stunning palaces and elegant architecture. Hidden among the labyrinthine streets are secret passageways, hidden courtyards, and ancient buildings used as refuge during times of chaos.

The Forge is a vast shipyard and naval base, a testament to Juna's maritime power, where mighty galleys are constructed and launched into the waters. Napos flame-throwers, typically mounted in the mouth of a great sculpted lion on the prow, has given Juna the edge in naval warfare for a century now. 

The vibrant Silver Square, the heart of the city, buzzes with activity as locals and visitors gather to witness grand processions, enjoy lively festivals, and savour the flavours of Junean cuisine (heavy on shell fish) at bustling cafes. 

The Library of the Magi, within the Doge's Palace, holds a wealth of ancient manuscripts that have been collected and preserved over the centuries. There is even a vault of forbidden books of dark magic. Junean wizards focus heavily on water and wind magics, and often accompany naval expeditions. The Juneans believe in the importance of history, and gather up books from all over the Midsea in their quest for advantage over rival (merchant) powers.

The fortified town of Veltros, with its impressive walls and charming canals, offers a glimpse into the rural heartland of the republic, while the island of Omerun is renowned for its glassmaking traditions.

Political rivalries, both within and outside the republic, create a delicate web of alliances and ancient grudges. The city-state's powerful navy defends against pirates, rival maritime powers, and the occasional threat of invasion; a recent treaty with the merfolk will make trade routes even more secure. 

Great eagles are bred in the tallest of city spires, where they are trained from birth as scouts and weapons of war. Hippogriff are ridden by some Junean Knights; griffins are frowned upon due to their taste for horse meat. 

The great wealth of Juna has also allowed them to purchase the favour of brass dragons in times of peril. 

The three bridges to the mainland are guarded by legendary Stone Sentinels, powerful golem created over four hundred years ago by the sorcerer Califex and the stone giant sculptor Milnus. Milnus still lives in the dungeons beneath the city, creating sculptures that adorn the city’s richest towers.

Juna often relies on mercenaries for rank and file, with mixed results.  

Population: 52,000 (plus up to 60,000 foreign workers, merchants, sailors and mercenaries)

Products: Textiles, ceramics, glass, pottery, jewelry, furniture, precision instruments, automata, salt, fish, garum (fermented fish sauce), clams, pearls.

Military: Large professional navy (funded by trade revenues, ships have napos flamethrowers in the bow), supported by elite Junean Knights, stone sentinels, a small state militia, and an ongoing alliance with brass dragons. Typically rely on mercenaries for external military missions.