Selkar
Overview
Selkar is one of the three countries of Orety, the southern continent of the planet Olmara. It is a loose confederation of coastal cities rather than a unified state with a powerful central government.
The country is known for its endless beaches, large seaside hotels, commercial ports and cosmopolitan life. It attracts visitors from across Olmara and from other planets. It is often described as Vacation Land, a place where people go to forget, for a while, the lives they have left behind.
Geography and Cities
Selkar occupies a large part of Orety's warm coastline. Its shores contain broad bays, natural harbours and extensive sandy beaches. Farther inland lie low hills, cultivated valleys and drier regions near the borders with the continent's other countries.
Its largest city is Selkara, an important commercial port and the unofficial administrative centre of the confederation. The common council of the cities usually meets there.
Selyra is known for its large hotels, beaches, entertainment venues and beach bars. Avara is a port with substantial commercial activity, although it also has several seaside districts and tourist facilities.
Government
Each city in Selkar has its own administration and governs its internal affairs with almost complete autonomy. The common council of the confederation deals primarily with trade, port operations, relations with other countries and defence.
The central administration is weak and public services are limited. Selkar participates in the Olmara Planetary Council but does not belong to any of the planet's major political blocs.
Economy
Selkar's economy is based on tourism, hotels, entertainment venues, commercial ports and services provided to visitors and ship crews. Many wealthy families own hotel chains, restaurants, bars and transport companies.
Its ports serve as intermediate stations for trade between Orety and the other continents of Olmara. The country's economic success depends heavily on the free movement of people and goods.
Society and Immigration
Selkar is one of the most cosmopolitan countries on Olmara. People from different countries and planets work in its ports, hotels and entertainment businesses.
Entering the country and finding employment require very little documentation. The authorities rarely investigate a person's past with any persistence. As a result, Selkar has become a refuge for people seeking a new beginning, as well as for those who wish to disappear into the crowd.
The country has no official religion. Followers of the Heptad, the Mother Goddess and smaller religious traditions live alongside one another without significant conflict.
Security
Selkar has neither a Social Point System nor extensive digital surveillance. No scarab patrols fly over its cities, and the authorities collect very little information about the daily lives of residents and visitors.
Each city maintains its own police and port authority. Large hotels and wealthy businesses employ private security services. Law enforcement is often relaxed, particularly in tourist districts, but the country is generally considered safe.
Relations with Neighboring Countries
In the past, Selkar experienced tensions with the neighboring countries of Tirvos and Moratha. Selkar did not possess a unified army capable of confronting a serious conflict. The wealthier cities of the confederation hired mercenary companies from Markoni to protect their borders and ports.
The presence of the mercenary forces was sufficient to bring the incidents to a swift and relatively bloodless end. Since then, Selkar has maintained contacts with mercenary companies that can be called upon whenever the shared interests of its cities are threatened.