The Free Nations are composed of several different rulers. Some call themselves Merchant Kings, others Merchant Lords. The Kings and lords are constantly fighting against one another to expand their territories. The Only time they join forces are when they are threatened by the fire giants or frost giants of the Pillars of the Skies Mountain range. The Lords and King use the massive city of Maldor as a neutral ground.
Maldor is a massive city of over 1 million races. Under the control of the powerful council of seven merchant kings, a group of influential and wealthy merchants, The Merchant Kings must watch their backs from rivals within their own ranks. They each own their own lands outside the cities, ruling it as Kings.
Maldor is welcoming to anyone who wish to enter it or live there. However, the only law of the cities is the law of strength, whether through strength of arms or of mind.
The only common enemies the Merchant Kings have are the fire and Ice giants of the Pillars of the Sky Mountain range. Who often raided assets or towns that belonged to one of the Lords.
Maldor also has the largest gathering of mercenaries who live in the cities or are hired by one of the Merchant Kings. It is not uncommon for a group of mercenaries to be on the same side one month and then enemies on the next.