Elaris
History
Elaris, the capital city of Eldoria, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early day's of the country's founding. Originally a small settlement north west of the Eldor Forest, the city was chosen as the capital due to it's central location and access to the Tuiren River. As the eastern portion of the central plains was barren, the heartlands gained the status as the home of the fledgling capital. Over the centuries it has grown into a bustling metropolis, shaped by each Varkain.
The city's rapid development began almost immediately with the founder Arion Eldoria I's reign. He quickly comissioned the construction of the Council Hall and began laying out the plans for the new city. It was under his rule that the main thoroughfares still in use today were laid out, leading to the creation of specialized districts. His final contribution to the city's plans was the construction of an open air temple with alcoves dedicated to the various spirits worshipped by his citizens.
Subsequent rulers continued to expand and enhance the city, making it not only the seat of government, but the cultural and intellectual heart of the country as well. The Grand Library and Elarian Amphitheatre were both added fairly early on in the cities development. It wasn't until Varkain Delea assumed the throne 500 years ago that the Royal Palace was finally constructed. As trade increased so did the importance of the growing merchant class, leading to the commissioning of a grand plaza for open air markets. This gradually shifted to more permanent structures and forms the heart of the Market District today.
Key Districts
Royal Quarter
The Royal Quarter is the most prestigious district in Elaris, home to the royal palace, the council hall, and the homes of many of the resident nobles of the city. The palace, a sprawling complex of opulent halls, gardens, and courtyards dominates the landscape. This is the home of the Varkain, his family, and the Lorynae. The council hall is the center of the district, the workplace of the High Council who makes many of the decisions about the course of the country on the Varkain's behalf. Unlike the palace, it is spartan and functional in it's appearance. The only decoration is a series of tapestries and statues that line the walls telling the history of Eldoria.
Market Square
Market Square forms the heart of the city. Here traders from Eldoria and beyond gather to peddle their wares, creating a vibrant marketplace. Stalls and shops offer a variety of goods - from exotic spices and herbs brought in from abroad via Silverport, to local crafts and produce. The square is always bustling with commerce and entertainment, with street performers and musicians around every corner, working to attract eyes to their clients' businesses.
Artisan District
A more recent addition to the city, the artisan district is home to the innovative spirit of Elaris. It is here that many craftsmen set up shop, creating intricate jewelry and finely crafted furniture. Recent endeavors have even seen the merging of these crafting disciplines with magic, creating new items like runic blades and armor, self extinguishing tapestries, and everstarting lighters. It is also the noisiest of the districts with the sounds of hammering, chiseling, and wood sawing occuring at all hours of the day and night. The central streets are lined with galleries displaying the latest innovations and creations of Eldoria's finest artists and artisans.
Scholar's Quarter
A testament to their commitment to knowledge and education, the Scholar's Quarter is home to many resources. The Grand Library of Elaris, a vast repository of books, scrolls, and manuscripts on a variety of topics both mystical and mundane stands at its center. Every scholarly work generated in Elodia has a copy present within its walls. The quarter is also home to the Royal Eldorian Academy, a place dedicated to educating the brightest minds in Eldoria, without regard to class. It offers classes in magic, natural sciences, and even matters of civil administration.
Harbor District
Positioned along the banks of the Tuiren River, the trade district is the city's main point of trade and transportation. It's roads are filled with carts and the docks are always busy with ships being loaded and unloaded, connecting Elaris with Silverport and other settlements along the rivers banks throughout Eldoria. It features numerous warehouses, inns, and taverns. The latter of which are frequented by the sailors and are a prime source of stories and news from across the realm
Temple District
The Temple District is a monument to the acceptance of the many forms of worship present within the city. While numerous shrines to various spirits dominate the district, small temples to deities worshipped throughout the continent are also present. The open air nature of many of the spiritual shrines makes it a popular gathering place for the populace.
Residential Districts
Elaris is home to a diverse population with both native residents as well as travellers and traders from across the continent and beyond. The districts reflects this diversity. They are spread along the edges of the central districts and range from elegant estates of noble families to modest homes and rowhouses of the cities craftsman and workers. The less affluent portions still have wonderful amenities such as community gardens, parks, and public squares - allowing many places for community gatherings.
Infrastructure
The city's streets and toroughfares are paved and well-lit, facilitating easy movement and transport of goods. Cobblestone streets are present in the older parts of the city, and throughout the city are dedicated pedestrian paths. Aqueducts channel fresh water from the river and nearby springs into public fountains and bathhouses, while waste is handled through an extensive network of underground sewers reinforced with magic to ensure the smell never reaches the residents regardless of where in the city they are.
Demographics
Elaris is primarily a human settlement, with around 80 percent of the population belonging to that species. Another 8 percent are comprised of various beastfolk. Smallfolk (halflings and goblins) make up 5 percent. Around 3 percent of the population are dwarves, with a similar amount of elven or half-elven residents. The remaining 2% are a mix of various other races including some of half or quarter-blood status.
Guilds and Factions
Artisan's Guild
Scholar's Consortium
Merchant's Alliance
The Silver Guard
Alchemist's Guild
Explorer's Guild
House of Shadows
Order of Eirlysia
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