The Republic of Aeneum

    The Republic of Aeneum is a burgeoning city-state located on the River Remes.  To the north lies the Pelonni Mountains, from which two springs feed the river.  The fertile Pelonni Plains surrounding the city provide sufficient food for the growing population.  The River Remes runs through the city and empties into the ocean further south of the city.  Despite being an inland settlement, Aeneum has been called a maritime trading center since ships can travel to and from the city via the River Remes.

Government
    Aeneum was once ruled by a king, advised by a senate composed of members from the Patrician class.  The last Aeneum monarch was overthrown six months ago, and the city is now a republic governed by the senate alone.  In times of war the senate elects a consul to lead the military forces.  In times of crisis a dictator may be elected who can make important decisions without the bureaucratic roadblocks.

Society
    Aeneum's men and women are treated equally; this was born from the legend of the Aenian man and Sabi women, who joined forces to defeat their mutual rivals.  The Patrician class is made up of wealthy, land-owning individuals who can trace their lineage back to the original Aenian and Sabi settlers.  The Citizen class includes wealthy families of artisans, traders, craftsmen, merchants, and more, and make up the city's inhabitants.  Plebs live on the outskirts of the city and make up the lower-class, outranking only slaves in the social hierarchy.

Military
    In times of war Aeneum Patricians make up the cavalry forces, able to afford quality arms, armor, and mounts, and are referred to as equites.  The Citizen class makes up the infantry, and equip themselves with bronze helmets, breastplates, shinguards, hoplons, spears, and xiphos.  Plebs are exempt from military service, but can be raised in emergency levies, it is not uncommon for Patricians and Citizens to personally equip a group of Plebs with sufficient arms and armor.

History
    Several decades ago a group of warriors known as the Aenians fled their homeland.  They sailed up the River Remes where they found two hills, one on either side of the river.  They established a small town on one hill and consolidated their power, defending their new home from aggressive neighbors.  The early Aenians were ruled by a king, advised by a senate.

    The Aenians were soon approached by the Sabi.  The Sabi were warrior-women who lived near the base of the Pelonni Mountains.  They were described as beautiful women and capable fighters, causing their neighbors to become envious and lustful.  Time and time again the Sabi were harassed by the men of other tribes, and time and time again the Sabi repelled their armies.  Unfortunately, the Sabi were targeted by a confederation of multiple tribes, overwhelmed, and nearly destroyed.  The survivors fled south to Aeneum.

    The Sabi had not yet been harassed by the Aenians, who were still considered newcomers.  They requested the aid of the Aenian King, who agreed to help the women.  When the tribal confederation approached Aeneum the two forces defeated the invaders.  The Sabi were permitted to live on the other hill - although it did not take long before both groups intermarried.

    The town of Aeneum was destined to grow.  Natural resources could be harvested from the Pelonni Mountains and Plains, processed at the town, transported down the River Remes, and distributed to the world abroard.  With the strong bloodlines of Aenian warrior-men and Sabi warrior-women, the city-state produced a capable, disciplined, and determined military force, able to defend itself against aggressive neighbors.