Saint Thomas sur Mer

The Most Serene Republic of Saint Thomas sur Mer is a densely populated nation bordering Kirschberg, surrounded on either side by the sea and the Kirschberg Alps. It is named after the medieval Saint Thomas monastery, around which bustling towns have grown over the years, forming a continuous urban agglomeration that covers the nation's entire coast. It is a low-lying country of windswept coastal plains and salt marshes, populated continuously since prehistoric times. It became an independent nation during the Renaissance Era, defending itself against foreign domination by its powerful navy and the wealth of its merchants. Its tradition as a union of city-republics has withstood occasional incursions by conquering empires and a brief flirtation with Fascism in the 1930s. Rather than rejecting foreign influences, Saint Thomasians have a habit of assimilating them. The moderating effect of its liberal tradition turns even the worst excesses of political zeal into harmless quirks.

Although its maritime character is still present everywhere, Saint Thomas has a diverse economy and a cosmopolitan urban culture, reflecting its mountainous neighborhood and long history of trans-oceanic trade. The capital is the busiest port in the region and a hub for commerce. Its growth in recent times has called for a land reclamation project of enormous scale: almost half of it is built on artificial islands. Despite the country's long history, very few old buildings remain due to frequent floods and storms. The city is a showcase of modern architecture and daring public works projects, such as the high speed rail system build on the crest of a series of dikes and dams. It is not as popular as a tourist destination as its picturesque neighbor, but it attracts a loyal crowd of visitors with its annual Book Fair, an eccentric mix of a trade show and a carnival. Some tourists, however, are more interested in the notoriously lax drug laws and the dazzling array of narcotics that its dispensaries have to offer. Saint Thomasian cuisine is famous for its spicy seafood dishes and its wide selection of ethnic restaurants.