Irlalion

Demographics

The majority of the population in the Free City is made up of elves, but members of other races, particularly humans, that harbour a strong connection to nature make their home deep in Broadling Woods as well. Many of these are druids, leading Irlalion to have strong ties to many druidic clans around Avalyra.

Government

Volodar Leoris acts as king of Irlalion, alongside his wife and queen, Alavara Leoris. They ensure the city's freedom from Avalyran rule, their dislike for the kingdom far from a secret. Due to the Kingdom of Avalyra's steadily increasing lumber need encroaching into Broadling, tensions between them and the Free City are ever rising, with murmurs of conflict bubbling in some circles.

Defences

The city's location, hidden deep in Broadling Woods, allows for natural protection, with outright invasion by a large force next to impossible. Any attempts have been met with guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run attacks from Irlalion guards virtually invisible among the trees. Any enemies that reach the city are met with a tall wall of trees, grown together into a thick, solid wall of wood, stretching around the perimeter of the settlement. The city guard are, one and all, incredibly talented rangers, deadly with a bow, and skilled in stealth and combat alike.

Industry & Trade

While Irlalion doesn't partake in much trade with Avalyra in general, some businesses inside the city work with those of the kingdom, swapping goods and services on a small scale. Beyond this, the Free City is self-sustaining, their goods kept within their walls, the only outside trade being done with the druidic clans. One of the claims to fame Irlalion has is a prodigiously skilled glassblower and crafter. The chief example of their work sits in the centre of the city; Leoris manor is a huge, wood framed building crafted from large sheets of green stained glass.
Some of the largest businesses in Irlalion include Jenny's General Goods, Potions in Motion, Make it Sew and The Owlbar. The city's smithy has recently been taken over by a new smith and renamed the Dawnforge. While many natives are quick to distrust the outsider, their reputation is quickly growing as an extremely talented individual.

Tourism

While the city's position prevents a lot of tourism, many druids and other individuals feeling the connection to nature make a pilgrimage of sorts to Irlalion. The large Temple of Imir attracts most of these, with its large stained glass murals of natural scenes and beautiful foliage, the temple is a sight to behold. Ixia, the keeper, is notoriously fastidious when it comes to her plants, but is welcoming to those who respect nature.
Most travellers to the Free City stay at Inn Side Out, a wholly unique hotel. The proprietor, Velwynn Driellis, enchants each room to appear as an outdoor scene, allowing patrons to feel the comfort of an inn while sleeping beneath the stars. She offers rooms ranging from tranquil forests, through deep, fungi-lit caves, to high mountain tops.

Alternative Name(s)

The Free City

Type

City

Location under

Broadling Woods

Owner/Ruler

Volodar Leoris

Ruling/Owning Rank

King/Queen