History

Foundation

The Islands of Portigoa were first settled during the Era of Prosperity in the year 1000 BF. In those days, the islands acted as a summer resort for Auresian nobles and commoners alike. (Although in different parts). A somewhat marshy island, this has been developed over a number of years with canals running across the Isle making small ferries the idle mode of transportation. The sea is calm in the lagoon, with the worst of the Intemare Sea defended by the chain of islands that enclose the city and it’s many isles.

Tereonian Control

Following the establishment and subsequent independence of Tereona. The city quickly became a bustling trade port for traders coming across from the Midal Sea, hoping to use it as a base to sell their spices and wares across the smaller Intemare Sea. It is therefore not surprising that during the Auresian Civil War between the purples and whites that Tereona was able to conquer the Island.

Forging a New Path

Tereonian control of the island did not last long, as its unique position between the trade from the east into the continent caused the city to become hugely profitable endeavour for the Portigoans who saw thousands of ships dock their hoping to trade for the exotic wares that were coming across the Midal Sea. Auresian nobles, of course, still enjoyed their summers there and only added to the trade.

It was perhaps not unsurprising that only 22 years after the Tereona’s conquered the island, they were forced to grant the Portigoans their freedom, as the Portigoans blocked Tereonan ships from their harbours, crippling the Tereonan economy. This garnered some support from the Auresians, who slighted by the earlier assault on them by the Tereonians, followed the Portigoans lead, hoping that in the aftermath they might be able to assert control over the islands.

However, following their independence, the Auresians themselves wished not to irk the ire of the Portigoans and they took accepted their independence in return for favourable trading rights and the freedom of their ships across the lagoon into the Intemare Sea.

Subdued by the Empire

However, 700 years later under the reign of Arecius I, he set his sights on the island, constructing a huge land bridge of floating wooden platforms, he marched the great Auresians army across the large lagoon into the city and the flag of Auresia once again flew over the Isles. By the time the Portigoans were able to react, the Intemare sea had be blockaded by the now larger Auresian fleet and the island was once again under its parent state. This union was however, short lived.

Independence

Following the death of Arecius, in 1 AF the island was allowed to conduct a plebiscite on it’s future, with all land and tax payers allowed to vote. The choices were: Stay with Auresia or Independence. Following a hard-fought campaign by all sides, the final results concluded. 48% Auresia, 52% Independence.

As such, Portigoa was declared a republic and quickly sought to establish a system of governance. They elected their first Ducado from one of the many wealthy merchant families as their leader. The past years have shown this be to a good decision, as wealth of the nation has flowed and war has not known the shores since their independence. The current Ducado is Zampano II of the House Salicia.