Magnus and Targus

Overview
Magnus and Targus, known also as the Sisters of the Sea are two large cities within the United Realm of Concordia. Situated on the northwestern coast of the realm, these two city states share an internal government and are also two members of the Council of Seven. The cities themselves are very old and known for both their strength and their pride.

History
Founded as a simple port city in present-day Targus, the city quickly grew to become the busiest trade center in the realm. Goods from all over the continent appeared in Targus and the city quickly became crowded. With a large population as well as large amounts of wealth, the city slowly divided and expanded across the strait to the Isle of Magnus, a large, densely forested island only seven miles from Targus at it's closest point. With the readily accessible resources available, Magnus became a huge center of shipbuilding and construction. Eventually an official city was founded and Magnus was born.

Though physically separated, Magnus and Targus are mutually co-dependent. The heavy industry of Magnus, as well as its massive harbor and dry docks, made the city ideal as a military headquarters. Thus the city of Magnus is used as the military center of the Sisters, while Targus is more civilian oriented.

While the military strength of the cities is undoubted, they have seen few wars over the course of the last few centuries. Currently the active military only works to fend off pirates and smugglers that constantly plague merchant ships along the coast. Before the United Realm of Concordia was founded, however, Magnus and Targus were on the brink of war. After the Burning of Lockstad, Magnus and Targus were infuriated at the violence of Medestad. The Sisters mobilized an army and blockaded all goods from the landlocked city as well as from their southern island ally of Saucro. If not for the intervention of the elves of Ethuin and the proposal of a unified government, the cities would have marched on Medestad and initiated a realm-wide war.

Since the agreement to form the Council of Seven, Magnus and Targus have remained at peace. Like the other five cities, they send their leaders to serve on the council, leaving stewards to care for the cities in their stead. Though militarily peaceful, the Sisters still harbor some resentment towards Medestad and, to a lesser extent, it's close ally of Saucro. The remnants of Lockstad, on the other hand, were very thankful towards their would-be champions. With a decimated population and little in terms of wealth, the small fortress city partnered with the Sisters to build the Bridge of the Sisters, an incredible bridge spanning the seven miles of ocean from Magnus to Targus. The people of Lockstad provided a strong workforce in exchange for temporary lodging, pay, and food. At the same time, the Sisters contributed funds and workers to help rebuild the tattered city of Lockstad itself. After five years both projects were completed and a steadfast alliance was formed.

Leadership
Leaders of the Sisters, including anyone of high status or renown, are given maritime honorifics of Captain. In keeping with the naval culture, the highest ranking leaders of Magnus and Targus are the two Admirals: Admiral of Targus and Admiral of Magnus. While each Admiral rules his/her city in their own right, the two are required to cooperate extensively and are expected to be well known in both cities. They do, however, have separate duties. The Admiral of Magnus is often chosen as a military leader with much naval experience, as they are in charge of the defensive fleets. The Admiral of Targus, known sometimes as the People's Admiral, has a greater focus on the civilian population and governmental decisions.

While technically a democracy, the government of Magnus and Targus has been dominated by the Varro family for generations, since well before the Burning of Lockstad. Officially, leaders can be elected to the position of Admiral. After assuming the position, Admirals can serve indefinitely (a minimum of 5 years in office) until they step down or a public petition with at least 5000 signatures calls for a new election. Admirals, once elected, are able to choose their own advisors and stewards.

The current leaders are members of the much-loved Varro family, including:

Admiral Zann Varro of Magnus: Leader of the military fleets of Magnus, Zann is a strong and highly respected leader. During the rule of his parents, he captained many ships in charge of fending off pirates from the nearby seas around Magnus and as far south as Saucro. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, Zann is a massive man who commands fleets with experience and wisdom, but politics do not come easy and are rather boring for his tastes. His steward in Magnus is Captain John Jargson, a quietly professional leader in his own right.

Admiral Victor Varro of Targus: Leader of the civilian population, Victor is a well learned younger brother of Zann. He has traveled all over the continent in his youth and his wisdom is well known throughout the realm. He is 42 years old, slightly taller than average, with the green eyes and short-cropped brown hair common in the Varro family. His steward in Targus is Captain Leo Gylfission, a loyal friend who traveled with Victor throughout his younger years.

Joint Vice-Admiral Sophie Varro: The youngest sibling of Zann and Victor, Sophie acted as a diplomatic ambassador who, unburdened by the politics in Medestad, was able to travel around the realm to do business on the behalf of her brothers. She journeyed to many cities in the realm while accompanied by her bodyguard and assistant Captain James Alinia, a longtime friend of the Varro family.