Nine independent city-states on the western coast of Essos, most founded as colonies of the Valyrian Freehold: Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh, Volantis, Norvos, Qohor, and Lorath. Each has its own culture and government. Braavos, founded by escaped slaves, is the most powerful and home to the Iron Bank. The Free Cities are centres of trade, banking, and the hiring of sellsword companies.