Holy Federation of Free Cities

The Free Cities, formally recognized as the Holy Federation of Free Cities of the Faz and the Nafaz, constitute a federation of theocratic city-states. Its governmental operations are directed from Jathlas by the Diven, an elected council composed of Dastnurist religious leaders. The country doesn't possess a singular head of state; instead, it is typically represented by a Divine Speaker, chosen by the Diven. The present Divine Speaker is Andre, and Jathlas is the capital city. Although the Dastnurist Sanctuary's authority in Jathlas has its roots in early Nurity, it was only in 1921 through the Wahr City Treaty that the Free Cities emerged as an independent state. This evolution can also be traced back to the Holy League, which governed the region of present-day Solme-Maor between the 17th and 19th centuries. In the chaotic aftermath of the 19th-century Moridian Wars, which fragmented the Republic of Moridia into warring factions, the coastal region of Faz proclaimed its independence. Assisted by the Holy League, Faz emerged victorious from a brutal independence war. However, the Holy League disbanded due to religious discord within two years. This dissolution led to the Dastnurist Brotherhood gaining supremacy and unifying the numerous small states that had declared independence in Faz and along the Nafaz Grand Canyon under a single government. The Free Cities are governed by a unique theocratic system. Each city-state is managed by an elected council of local religious leaders who enjoy significant autonomy. Even though the country operates as a Dastnurist theocracy, it is home to millions of individuals adhering to various faiths and implements an open-border policy. The Free Cities and Arcasia share close ties since the inception of the former, with Arcasia considered its closest ally. However, the Free Cities' primary adversary is the Nurist Republic of Derdia. Known for its robust economy and commendable civil rights record, the Free Cities nonetheless experience restricted political freedoms. Six of Nurity's twelve holy cities are situated within the Free Cities, transforming the region into a hub for the Dastnurist faith. The Free Cities attract millions of tourists annually due to their rich religious and cultural significance. It is a member of the Arcasian Treaty Organization and the Organisation for Merkopan Economic Development, and it is a part of the Alliance of Nations.