The Grishaverse
Register
Advertisement
The Grishaverse


Kerch is a small island nation located in the True Sea.[1] It is a putative oligarchy ruled collectively by the Merchant Council, and is rigorously neutral in most conflicts and disputes with other countries. Known for its extensive wealth and ruthless businessmen, it is regarded as the financial capital of the world.

History[]

The hub of all international trade, Kerch relies on sea transport and its own neutrality in world affairs to maintain its position in the global economy. It is protected by a strong navy and extensive fortunes, which it often gives out in loans. Kerch wields significant political power over other countries, especially those in its debt, such as the broke and ravaged Ravka to its east.

Eight years ago, the Queen's Lady Plague struck Kerch, most specifically the capital city of Ketterdam. During this time, severe lockdowns and laws were implemented to save the city.

Kerch is also home to a teeming criminal underworld centered in the capital city of Ketterdam. Although slavery is illegal in Kerch, Grisha and others are often bound to wealthy merchants as indentures under terms that sometimes amount to slavery.

Geography[]

Kerch is an island nation comprised of one large island, three smaller islands, and many additional islands. It is technically connected to Shu Han via a land bridge, but the Council of Tides keeps the bridge submerged in water, preventing land travel between the two countries and solidifying Kerch's safety.

The climate of Kerch is temperate and rainy. Its south is mainly comprised of farmlands, while its north is more susceptible to mists and downpours.

Southern Kerch is a rolling countryside with many farms.[2] Waterways connect rural locations in the south to Ketterdam.[2][3] The city of Belendt is located on the shores of the Droombeld River.[3]

Many small islands lie off the coast of Ketterdam, including Imperjum, home to the city's shipyards,[4] and Zierfoort. There are several smaller islands near Imperjum, such as Terrenjel, where the prison Hellgate is located,[4] and Eil Komedie. Further from the mainland is Vellgeluk, a tiny island and one of the preferred meeting places of thieves and smugglers.[5]

Settlements[]

  • Ketterdam - the capital city.
  • Belendt - second oldest city in Kerch.
  • Girecht - a city famous for its barley beer and beer, where Sankt Emerens was martyred.
  • Lij - a town in southern Kerch.
  • Zierfoort - a port city in south Kerch.
  • Olendaal - a location south of Ketterdam.
  • Rentveer - a fortified military base on the coast.

Language[]

Main article: Kerch language

Culture[]

Kerch culture is entirely focused on materialism and financial gain. Trade and commerce is considered sacred, and blessed by Ghezen, the god of industry. Generally, the Kerch are ruthless and pragmatic, focused on financial success.

Kerch money is known as kruge, and is famous for its colorful bills.

Religion[]

Kerch religion centers on Ghezen, the god of industry and commerce.[4] It is said that nothing is sacred to the Kerch except trade.[6] Ghezen is often represented by a five-fingered hand, which symbolizes the will of the market.

Government[]

Kerch is a putative oligarchy, run by thirteen of the oldest and most powerful families in the countries, who together rule as the Merchant Council.

The Laws of Kerch are supposedly ironclad and mostly based around fairness in trade. However, the rules are often broken, and corruption runs rampant (and is widely acknowledged) throughout all levels of government. For instance, while human trafficking is illegal, kidnapping children and selling them off as "indentures" is irrefutably legal.

Behind the scenes[]

  • Kerch was inspired by the Dutch Republic of the 18th century, with some influence from New York (New Amsterdam), Las Vegas, and Victorian London.[7]

Trivia[]

  • Kerch shares the same name as a city and strait in Crimea.[8]
  • The national color of Kerch is purple, and its symbol is three flying fish. This symbol is used on the money,[9] in architecture,[10] and the flag.[11]

References[]

Navigation[]

v  d  e
Main Characters Kaz BrekkerInej GhafaJesper FaheyNina ZenikMatthias HelvarWylan Van EckKuwei Yul-BoJan Van EckPekka Rollins
Minor Characters JoostAnyaEmil RetvenkoCouncilman HoedeGeelsBo Yul-BayurPer HaskellTante HeleenJordie RietveldSpechtRottyJarl BrumCornelis SmeetAdem BajanColm FaheyAditi HilliAlys Van EckMarya HendriksZoya NazyalenskySturmhondGenya SafinDunyasha LazarevaAnikaPimKeegRoederKarl DrydenJellen Radmakker
Locations KetterdamThe BarrelHellgateIce CourtDjerholmBlack Veil IslandKerchFjerdaRavkaNovyi ZemShu HanWandering Isle
Groups The DregsDime LionsBlack TipsStadwatchGrishaDrüskelleThe MenagerieHouse of the White RoseMerchant CouncilCouncil of TidesKhergud
Events HringkällaHellshowQueen's Lady PlagueKomedie Brute
Miscellaneous JurdaJurda paremKeftaIndentureDjelGhezen
Advertisement