Presentation of Carcino in the prologue
Carcino (カルチノ Karuchino) is a nation in the game Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. Established more recently than the other nations, the mercantile republic of Carcino is governed by a council of elders, and, unlike the other nations of Magvel, is more of a democratic-republic (allowing anyone of an ungiven age a part in rulership) than a monarchy or theocracy.
History
During Grado's quest to destroy The Sacred Stones, Carcino's senators were divided on the matter of siding with either Grado or Frelia. One of the senators Pablo, decides to aid Grado, with his faction forcing his way by either bribing or killing the other members, with Councilman Klimt being one of the survivors who went underground.
Having much of Carcino betraying Frelia and Renais in an attempt to gain the favor of Grado, Pablo hired mercenary armies to hunt down Eirika and her companions. However, after his attempt to kill Innes is foiled, Klimt receives aid from Frelia to push Pablo back.
After Pablo's death, Carcino backs out of the war, but repercussions for the council's actions after the war are not mentioned, though it can be assumed that Carcino maintains its original ties with Frelia.
Military
Carcino does not appear to have a standing army, likely because of little need. At the start of the war, Frelia is an ally, Renais and Rausten are peaceful, and Jehanna is home to many mercenary guilds, not loyal to the throne. When Pablo decided to ally himself with Grado in Carcino's name, he crushed dissent through the use of a mercenary force.
Characters from Carcino
- Rennac - The son of a wealthy Carcino merchant who works as a mercenary. Hired by L'Arachel to accompany her on her journey.
- Klimt - A member of the Carcino Council of Elders who refused to join Grado.
- Pablo - A member of the Carcino Council of Elders who sided with Grado and began assassinating those who disagreed with him.
- Dara
- Saleh
Trivia
- Carcino is the only nation on Magvel that does not house a Sacred Stone.
Etymology
The area seems like a recreation of medieval Italy, with its emphasis on trade and its Roman-esque forms of government. The ending 'ino' or simply 'o' evokes Italian to most Western readers, but it's also interesting to remark that 'Carcino' bears a strong resemblance to the word 'carcinogen,' which means 'a substance that causes cancer.' Mercantile townships which evolved outside of feudal control in the Late Middle Ages, of which Carcino is a very concentrated emulation, were certainly viewed as a sort of carcinogen, or corruption of feudalism, to disgruntled nobles.