Pyrehold

Pyrehold (Aiolionian: Mutilana) is an island-city situated around the Pyrehold, a military fortress and lighthouse known for the eternal flame which burns on top of its tower, said to house a powerful fire spirit. Situated off of the coast off the coast of Aetheria, Pyrehold is said to be a bustling port city.
Built from Volcanic stone, Pyrehold was originally a military outpost settled by colonists of the Aiolionian Empire, and as such, greatly mirrors Emberfall in terms of architecture. It is said that Pyrehold's tower was constructed to mimic that of Emberfall's volcano, though that is debated.
Pyrehold experiences a warm climate due to artificial climate control by the Pyrehold's Tower, which fuels its various hot springs and saunas. It's soil likewise is fertilized by Volcanic ash of Emberfall. Due to human habitation, the original ecosystem of Pyrehold been displaced in favor due to imported animals from the mainland.
Whilst Pyrehold was originally a military outpost, in part due to the The War of Emberfall, the subsequent volcanic eruption, and recent monster incursions, Pyrehold's population grew exponentially from migrants and refugees. It is common for people from Pyrehold to make pilgrimage to their homeland (often during the Festival of Embers), something which fuels the tourism industry for Emberfall.
The Island of Pyrehold has a rather vibrant economy, fueled by its maritime trade and fishing industry. It is also known for its large standing conscripted peacekeepers/military, of which service lasts for at least a decade. It is said that a quarter of the Island's budget is from the peacekeeping exemption tax, which is only affordable for the wealthy. Priests, slaves, refugees, and non-citizens are exempt from peacekeeping, though it is a requirement to become a citizen.
Pyrehold is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with its royalty claiming linear descent of the Last Aiolionian King on the Mainland. The duties of these rulers are primarily religious, judicial, and military in nature. These Kings/Queens are selected through through a process known as the selection, which the most qualified son of the last king is chosen, and all other elder sons are castrated magically.

Pyrehold is known for their three-tier caste system. This hierachy is societal in nature, and is in three parts, with many subdivisions:
1. Citizens: These are citizens that have undergone Peacekeeping duties. Most Citizens are overwhelmingly disproportionately human.

1. Royalty: These are people that can trace their agnatic lineage to the descendants of the Kings of Aiolionia, and therefore to Sabbadios. They are eligible to serve as Kings and Queens.
2. Nobility: People of a lesser, but still noteworthy lineage. Their method of inheritence is based on last wills.
3. Priests: These people have different Peacekeeping duties, as they are expected to be healers/religious leaders.
4. Civilians: Most Citizens fall into this catagory. Peacekeeping duties range from being a police officer, guard, craftsman, or soldier.

2. Non-Citizens: These people have not undergone Peacekeeping duties.

1. Children: Specifically that of Citizens. They are expected to undergo Peacekeeping duties once they reach adulthood.
2. Merchants: Most merchants are often originate outside of Pyrehold, and hence requires a permit which is to be paid yearly.
3. Refugees: More recent migrants from the mainland. They have less rights due to not being citizens, and many try applying for citizenship.

3. Slaves: Debt-striken individuals or criminals. They are unpaid labor, though they do have some rights.
Pyrehold's legislature is ruled by a body of seventy Elders, elected for life and usually part of the royalty or nobility. High state decisions are usually made by this council, which then goes to the House of the Collective, a legislative body of all those who completed peacekeeping/military service who vote on various descions. Those exempted from peacekeeping cannot vote, nor can they own property, though they can get loans.