Commercia

Commercia is the Kommerzhy Province's capital, a region that is situated in Phoros (Eldham) and now belongs to Arktania. The town was founded by Michael Kommerzhy / byMichael_ in early October of 2021 and has since grown fast. The administration's goal is to turn Commercia into an international economic and diplomatic hub. To do so, major projects were realized: The Grand Commercian Mall (part of the Capitalist's Market Group), Ministry of Economy, Grand Commercian Port and Eastern Port (see below).

Growth
The following images show the development of Commercia's territory:



 Image 1 : How everything started. At the beginning, only the (red) Inner District existed. However, the city developed fast and would soon have even more areas.

 Image 2 : Commercia after The Merger with The City of Bashnigrad, which was founded by Hamith. The flag was also changed during this process. It was decided to turn the mountains into a defensive area (bastion).

 Image 3 : Current Land Use Designation after the purchase of a mushroom island (now part of the Inner District) and the new Outer District which consists of newly claimed land in the East and an artificial island.

The Inner District
This area is the heart and also beginning of Commercia. After the assassination of Archduke Michael Kommerzzi's family, he found himself stranded at one of Wolfingrad's coasts. He was still a child, but would later return to claim the location (in early October 2020). Michael aspires to restore the fame and prestige of House Kommerzzi. This is one of the reasons why he originally founded Commercia. Most of his memory is lost. However, he remembers that his family gained their wealth by trading. Consequently, economy was set as the main focus of the city (also represented in the name: Commerce -> Commercia).

These days, the Inner District houses the most important buildings:

Town Hall: A building called Le Palais du Soleil. This palace was named after its unusual height: it almost touches the sun. For centuries, it was one of the region's tallest buildings. Originally, it was the summer residence of House Kommerzzi. Archduke Michael later donated it to the city of Commercia.

Shopping Mall: At the moment, the building has space for 25 shops. A major underground expansion has begun already. Soon, the mall will be able to house almost 100 stores. In addition, the new tunnels will connect all of Commercia's districts, to allow for better accessibility of the Inner District. The Capitalist's Market Group invested in the project and our city officially joined their network of malls.

Kommerzhy's Ministry of Economy: Michael always showed interest in economy and even studied it at one of Eldham's universities. He would later become Wolfingrad's Minister of Economy and build the respective ministry. In addition, two statues holding gold were placed in front of it. They are to represent Wolfingrad's and Commercia's fast growth as well as economic success.

In January 2022, the Southern mushroom island was bought from Jestae and integrated into the Inner District. Hundreds of years ago, it originally belonged to an ancient civilization called Atmosphera, close friends of the Wolfin people. It was later given to our nation, but soon stolen. On this historic piece of land, it is planned to build a complex consisting of multiple palaces, an arena similar to the one in Rome, as well as an area for international events.

The District of Commercia
The Inner District was never supposed to house residential areas. Once the most important administrative buildings were finished, the city could start to plan plots for citizens. Residential Area I as well as a farm were started. Almost every crop can be harvested in Commercia: wheat, potatoes, carrots, beetroots, pumpkins, melons, sugar cane and cocoa beans.

The number of citizens grew fast. It was at this time that Michael recruited the first architects. Especially Marcus helped to boost the town's progress. Multiple infrastructural projects were realized: The Grand Commercian Port and a marketplace. While he worked on detailing our port, a heavy rainfall started. The sky was dark, it flashed every minute. The day after, all traces of Marco were gone. He is part of Commercia's List of Honored Citizens, and a stone plaque was added at the pier to immortalize his name.

Eventually, Residential Areas II and III were claimed. Now, the city directly bordered its neighbour Bashnigrad, which would ultimately lead to The Merging (more information below). Commercia flourished and prospered, and the town would soon run out of space again, leading to the creation of the Outer District.

The District of Bashnigrad
Founded by mayor Hamith Highcaster, at the time only known as Hamith the builder, Bashnigrad was once its own town, separate from Commercia, until The Merging, which saw both towns unify into one greater city under the combined rule of the two original mayors.

It was built upon the grey hills, quickly expanding into the swamp below, which was named "Blackmist Bog" for the dark air that filled it during the cold nights of the first months of the town's existence.

The first building of Bashnigrad was The Great Tower, built by Hamith over the ruins of a long forgotten and abandoned fortress of unknown origin.

It was this ruin that inspired him to found a town there, thinking that where something great once stood, something even greater could grow. The architecture of the towers that make up The Bastion of the Hills was envisioned to represent this, with grey, white and black colors representing how the cycle of creation and destruction, and its balance, allows for great monuments, heroes and civilizations to make their mark on the world.

This would become Hamith's main philosophy, driving him to propose to Mayor Michael the merging of their two towns, creating something greater in unity than what they could have done separately.

From then on Bashnigrad would become a district on the greater city of Commercia, keeping its name and signature build style as a legacy of its past.

Apart from the bastion, this district has some farms and a windmill that provide food to not only the city but the Triumvirate of Wolfingrad as a whole, a bar-brewery built into one of the hills, towers that overlook and protect the entire region and a small, cozy fishing hut where both mayors enjoy spending their free time.

The Outer District
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Economy
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Early Beginnings under Wolfingrad: From a Tribe to a Respectable City
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Uraki Tyranny
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Birth of the Kommerzhy Province
In March of 2022, Alarich Myers, a high Uraki government member, former Wolfin council member and friend of Michael Kommerzzi, proclaimed the creation of "The High Princeship of Kommerzhy". Commercia became its official capital city and economic center. Today, eight cities are under Commercian control: Commercia itself, Arsalos, Fort Highcaster, Ecrium, Wolfin-Kalika, Lohja, Newstownham and Jollypoggersville. A new flag and coat of arms were developed as symbols of unity.

1st Internal Crisis
In February of 2022, Commercia's citizens were betrayed by one of the town's government members.

Eric, a well-known Commercian and cheese-shop owner, decided to open a new branch outside of our mall. The mayors, Michael and Hamith, assigned him a large plot of land in the center. The ambitious merchant immediately started the construction of his new business location. However, a government member called Xarias did not like the cheese shop's fast progress. He regularly had conflicts with Eric and decided to start the demolition of the new building.

Our citizens have explicitly pointed out to him that Michael and Hamith gave assigned this plot. Nonetheless, Xarias ignored his superiors' decisions and burst into a rage. He tried to kill Eric. Fortunately, Commercia's guards arrived in time and were able to prevent the malicious attempt. Xarias was last seen in his house, packing some of his items. Afterwards, he fled and never came back.

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Post-Uraki Industrialisation
With the fall of Uraka and the birth of Arktania, the Province of Kommerzhy has started to experience fast economic growth again. New businesses opened and more citizen applications were received. It was clear to the government that the current infrastructure was insufficient for the recent influx of inhabitants, especially in our capital. Plans were developed to significantly restructure Commercia. The city's roads were expanded to allow the delivery of even more goods. In Bashnigrad, a third port was constructed. All inner farms were demolished to make space for more prime real estate, directly in Commercia's centre. Fields were moved to the Outer District, much larger and more efficiently designed.

The resolution of Uraki trade and tax regulations also majorly benefited Ecrium, the Kommerzhy Province's 2nd largest city. New fabrics were opened and now supply Commercia with even more goods.



2nd Internal Crisis
In June of 2022, Burganvil Kommerzzi, the 1st-born son of Prince Michael III Kommerzzi, tried to coup the Principality of Kommerzhy's leadership. It was his aim to become the next leader. However, his rebellion attempts were leaked by loyal citizens. Michael reacted fast and disinherited his son.

[An Extract From the Principality's Archives: K524 Town Hall Commercia - June 2022]

"I, Michael Kommerzzi, Prince of Kommerzhy, Duke of Ecrium, Earl of Commercia, Head of House Kommerzzi, herewith disinherit my firstborn son, Burganvil Kommerzzi, from all his claims to my inheritance. He is deprived of any claim to noble titles, land and other possessions. At the same time, I point out that the Baronhood of Jollypoggersville is subject to Kommerzhy's dominion."

Burganvil lost his title (Baron of Jollypoggersville) and had to transfer his borrowed land to Wabbit. The following day, the conspirator hired mercenaries to attack Commercia. They killed Endes, an innocent citizen who runs a log shop in our mall. The actual goal of assassinating Houses Kommerzzi, Highcaster and the Baron of Lohja (who leaked the rebellion) was missed.

[An Extract From the Principality's Archives: K525 Town Hall Commercia - June 2022]

"Today Burganvil tried to weaken and harm Kommerzhy again. He sent a group of mercenaries and wanted to attack our prosperous and peaceful capital of Commercia. Near our mall, the attackers were quickly tracked down. The alarm bells rang loudly and our guards stormed out of Bashnigrad's bastion. The intruders were pushed back and fled our territory. This is a clear victory of a community that works together and protects all of its members."

The Baron of Lohja, Baron of Arsalos and Guard Nani received trophies for protecting Commercia. A little later on the same day, Celestial Warrior, the military officer visited us to inspect the town's defensive capabilities.

[An Extract From the Principality's Archives: K526 Town Hall Commercia - June 2022]

''"The Military General of Arktania visited Commercia and we discussed the city's defensive capabilities. Within the next few days, we will add more fortifications around our ports. Furthermore, there will be more frequent military trainings for our guards. Additionally, I am forwarding you this statement from him: "When you are in Arktania and are not travelling, have good gear on to ensure you are safe. The more people with gear, the less likely the enemy is to attack as they will be intimidated by the armour." - Celestial Warrior"''

Population


This graph shows how the number of citizens developed. It is not 100% accurate and mainly based on the government's memory. Commercia peaked when it was part of Wolfingrad. Its low was reached under Uraki tyranny.

Religion
Freedom of Religion is one of Commercia's and the Kommerzhy Province's main principles. However, most citizens belong to Faith in Vitae, which focuses on the protection of Eldham's environment and biodiversity.

The 1st Kommerzhy Festival


On 9 April, the first significant event was hosted in Commercia. Citizens celebrated the birth of the new Kommerzhy province. Additionally, a new city partnership with Lignum Vitae was announced: from now on, the two cities are planning to organise events regularly. Around 15 guests, including leaders from Arktania, the Dandelion Empire and Bannatyne, participated. At the beginning, a spleech was held:

'' Hello everyone. I appreciate your participation in our 1st Kommerzhy Festival, it is nice to see this many visitors here :) and I would also like to thank the leaders of Arktania, Bannatyne and the Dandelion Empire for being here :) I will introduce today's agenda now. After our speech, we will head to Commercia's spleef arena. There you will have the chance to win 3 items: ''

 [1] God Rod - named "Branch of Lignum Vitae" (light and dark green) and lored "A branch of the Big Tree for the Kommerzhy festival" (purple and orange 

 [2] Eff 4, Unbreaking 3, Fortune 3 Pickaxe - named "Kommerzhy Festival Pickaxe" (dark blue) and lored "Collector's Edition Lignum Vitae: Luck"  (light blue) 

 [3] Eff 4, Unbreaking 3, Silk Touch Pickaxe - named "Kommerzhy Festival Pickaxe" (dark blue) and lored "Collector's Edition Lignum Vitae: Silk Touch" (light blue) 

'' The festival's ending will take place at Lignum Vitae's embassy. We have prepared free food and beverages :) All of you should have received a special and rare Kommerzhy festival block by now, as a small gift for participating :) - please msg me if you don't have one yet. On 27 March, Myers granted Commercia the seat of High Princeship, which led to the birth of our province. This is what we want to celebrate today! ^-^ ''

'' Additionally, we would like to announce a new city partnership: Lignum Vitae + Commercia. Together we will regularly host events ;) I will now hand over the word to Endes so that he can introduce his town. ''

 [Endes] 

'' Thank you very much for the information, Endes :) We Commercians aspire to become a peaceful economic and diplomatic hub. This new partnership brings us a major step forward towards reaching our goal :) I founded Commercia in October 2021, and the city has grown significantly since then. The first five members joined within 14 days. Commercia grew fast and soon reached the borders of our neighbouring city, Bashnigrad. Both owners, Hamith Highcaster and me, collaborated well, so we eventually decided to merge our claims + lead Commercia together. These days, Bashnigrad is a proper district and houses our community tower and bastion. Multiple expansions followed: we purchased an island and even built an artificial one. Our mall and three ports have brought prosperity and technological progress. These major advancements have allowed us to eventually become a proper province. Now we are glad to announce our newest project: from now on, citizens can apply to start a new city in our territory. We introduce the titles of "baron" (mayors of new towns) and "earl" (if mayors' towns meet certain infrastructural requirements). Feel free to contact me or Hamith on Discord if you would like to start a city in Kommerzhy :) ''

 Now let's properly begin our festival :) 

Afterwards, a spleef event with three rounds took place, and gladiators were able to win lored items.

Round 1: with leaves, Round 2: with snow blocks, Round 3: with mushroom blocks





The event ended at Lignum Vitae's embassy. Free food and beverages were offered.

Every guest received a special and rare Kommerzhy Festival Block, VIPs also got a Friendship Block.