Serenissima
About
Serenissima is an island by definition, if not by looks. It is indeed a landmass surrounded on all side by water, though attempting to find any natural land is all but impossible. What was once a swampy lagoon favored by pirates or people fleeing from mainland conflicts has become a towering cityscape of stone and water. Civilization has long outgrown the original landmass, and only a few rare gardens hint at the city's boggy beginnings. Stonework buildings now cover almost every inch of the island, and denizens of the city have been forced to build up instead of our for several decades now. This has lead to the creation of a city that is as sprawling as it is contained, ripe with lattice work and twisting pathways, pillars and narrow stairways all built over canals and rivers that give the city it's second name.
Location
Located in the far corners of the Eastern Ocean, Serenissima has always considered itself to be a freehold, swearing allegiance to neither the Country of Water, Fire or Lightning, existing on what it claims to be purely neutral grounds. Ninja are not forbidden, but any presence greater then a few individuals is frowned upon as most of the citizens of the city-island wish to remain as autonomous from the shinobi and their wars as possible. An armed force known as "Chevaliers" keep the peace, and it's rumored that their armor and weapons are specifically crafted to reduce the effectiveness of chakra on the off chance any ninja shows up wanting to start trouble. However altercations with ninja are so few and far inbetween that the truth regarding this is hard to ascertain. Others whisper that between it's wealth and strategic location between the Eastern and Western Continents that somewhere there must be a Kage pulling the strings. And while no one will say as much openly, Serenissima is a favorite spot for political refugees who find it easy to disappear in the myriad streets, only to resurface under a new name and profession.
Culture
Politics aside, the people of Serenissima are a peaceful, if proud folk. The early history can still be seen in the populace, who have looks as different as their origins. The lack of any "pure" or "native" people means that most every person born on the island is of mixed or mongrel descent, and the lack of "ruling" family leaves anyone open to rise [or fall] in power. The various ruling factions [generally the heads of mercantile guilds or trade federations] co-exist in relative harmony - though the balance of power can be delicate at times, attempts at coups or civil wars have been few and far in between. Leaders would rather negotiate then risk loose everything they own, or worse, create an obvious opportunity for some outside force to come in and wrest control. At worse, they simply replace one leader with another fromwithin their respective faction.
The city functions mainly as city of commerce, specializing in trade or labor as any natural resource has long since been depleted. It is also as far west as many of the Eastern trading vessels are willing to go. The only alternative option is Avalon, which would require embroiling themselves with one of the Great Shinobi Nations. In fact, many of the citizens of Serenissima can become quiet haughty when compared to city located in the Country of Water, considering themselves quite above such backward systems such as a Daimyo and a mercenary army [though some Serenissima vessels are more than willing to act as a go between - at a cost]. If Avalon is the launching point to the east, Serenissima is the first stop. The formation of both the Iwagakure Air Federation and the Umikaze Naval Alliance threatens to change this, as Serenissims may soon be unable to ignore their shinobi neighbors.