Editing Magical Realm Cyoa/Naracel (section)

==The Open Sky==

While one might initially think that power still lies in the hands of the monarchs, nobles, diktats, and myriad rulers of the isles, the true power lies in the Open Sky- that is, the hands of the traders, pirates, adventurers, and mercenaries. Until very recently, it was highly unusual for a nation to maintain a standing navy of any sort, and mercenaries would form the bulk of the conflicts of Narius. Unlike those from earth's own history, mercenary captains of Narius see conflicts as a matter of pride and honor,and break the misconception of them as beings devoted to the financial aspect. While captains who will abandon a host at the first sign of defeat do exist, they are the exception, and certainly not the rule

Similarly, nation-states of Narius are wholly dependent on the Free-traders for to maintain the continued flow of resources, people and money. Throughout history, since the very first sky-ship was constructed, sky-captains have enjoyed autonomy and freedom in their dealings thanks to the precedent established by the first true king, the Rose King. Upon the presentation of the sky-craft to the Rose King, he blessed the Carpenter, the Magus, the Pilot, and the Sailor, and told them to sail "In my name, and with my blessing, and only with your consent." Since this day, all sky-captains have entertained a degree of independence and freedom, even within modern standing navies.

Pirates, of course, are a natural consequence of this. Though not too common, pirates are a definite and persistent danger in the open sky. From the common bandit squadrons junk skiffs, accosting personal craft and lightly armed transports, to elegant privateer frigates, acting as noble and gentlemanly highwaymen, the ideal of all petty robin-hoods.

===The Freiport===
If the lifeblood of Naracel is trade, the Freiport is its heart. A massive man-made island at the dead-centre of the Narian Sector, The Freiport is the de facto centre for all traders, wholesalers, adventurers, and vagabonds of all sorts. Since the earliest days of international trade The Freiport has been a popular neutral ground for captains to rest, refuel, and resupply. Nowadays it is the very centre of power in Narius, if not the entire world. The Freiport is a massive wood and metal construct the size of a small city, 'orbited' by numerous smaller stations. Featuring expansive docking facilities, vast commercial trading floors, conference rooms, inns, whorehouses, and even a decently sized permanent population, the Freiport is constantly bustling with activity.

While many might think that such a place would have been brought low by ambitious kings and emperors long ago, such a thing is almost unthinkable to much of the inhabitants of Narius. From massive gun emplacements, to hulking steel bulkheads, to a small flotilla directly loyal to the 'Golden Prince' himself, it is evident that attacking the Freiport would be a highly risky maneuver for even the most powerful of admirals. What's more, due to its singular importance to the free population of The Open Sky, if anyone were to attack the Freiport they would not only be shunned and embargoed by a large part of the captains that ply the clouds, but many would likely answer to a mustering of the Prince's Merchant Marine. 

===The Golden Prince===
The Realm Lord and undisputed master of the Freiport, the Golden Prince is an enigmatic and often distant figure to many inhabitants of Naricel. Those who have gained his favor, however, know him to be a affable, friendly man. While it is difficult to determine whether one could call him 'young', he maintains the appearance of a young adult, of the age a son of a merchant house might make his first solo journey. Of course, appearances are frequently deceiving. He is one of the few remaining true Magi, capable of manipulating energies in the ways the Rose King did so many centuries ago. Though nobody except his personal staff truly knows the worth of his holdings, it has been estimated that he is near as rich as the Emperor of Taron. As in his administration of the realm, his administration of the Freiport embraces the ideal of decentralization, the core tenet being that 'delegation is the better part of leadership'. Truly, his lieutenants and advisers manage much of the goings on within the Freiport and without, while the Prince himself selectively involves himself in what he sees as being a 'grand' or 'adventurous' venture. This should not be taken to mean that he is averse to managing operations himself, however, as in the 30 day war he commanded the entirety of the Merchant Marine from his seat aboard the Frei flagship, The Dreadnought, and anyone who has had direct financial dealings with him can tell you how cunning and ruthless he can be when he wishes to.