Kailia

From the beginning of Cabochon history, settlements on Kailia have risen and fallen throughout the eras. All of which were human. Most of which were conquered. Some of which were ruined.
The most recent incarnation of Kailia (now pronounced Ky-lia) emerged as an extension of the Elven Empire into the northern lands of Ochita. Despite its perplexing nature, the city was reforged in wood this time. Becoming more of a trading center instead of a military outpost, Kailia was notoriously multicultral, allowing trade between halflings, elves, and even more monstrous creatures in the Marches. One of its main exports were the treasures from the various ruins dotting the countryside. Ruined stonework from around the area was gathered to comprise a great citadel known as the Amaranth. Clashingly built of scrap stone, the Amaranth still stands compared to the rest of the city.
Nearly a decade ago, Kailia suffered a great tragedy nearing that of Mephistal; the whole of the city was burnt to the ground in a series of wildfires and riots. The origins of these fires remain unsolved to this day although many theories blame fowl play on the ruling elves. All that remains of the city are burnt timbers and a scorched Amaranth, now less clashing in its charred patina.
Less than two miles from the old town square, a new settlement has emerged. Renamed "Phandalin" by the ruling group of ruffians there, little of what made Kailia great remains. Humans only. Trade only permitted by through Redbrand establishments. Taxes are more of a racket than they ever were.

History

Prior to the most recent incarnation, Kailia's size and importance has ebbed throughout the ages. Considered a golden age for the settlement, the era of Elemental Evil saw exponential growth in the surrounding area. Bizarre ruins of stone dot the Northern Wylds and are thought to predate halfling occupation of the area. Many of the stone ruins directly surrounding the city were gathered up in its last iteration to build the Amaranth citadel built at the throat of Drake Lake. Nearby ruins that remain untouched are said to contain unspeakable evil or perhaps something much worse.

Architecture

Kailia was most recently comprised of wooden structures. These highly flammable structures only exacerbated the wildfires which wracked the city now ruined city. What remains is the citadel Amaranth. Named for its menagerie of different colors and its pedal-like spires, Amaranth is now muted by soot and remains abandoned. A few floating docks along Drake Lake remain untouched by flame but have mostly rotted due to poor maintenance.

Geography

Kailia is situated directly adjacent to Drake Lake, a large lake which gets its name from its odd shape. The chain of mountains due north of the city are often cloaked in snow and icy mist. Frequent earthquakes in the area spawn avalanches that prevent permanent mining operations.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
-6

Alternative Name(s)

Drake's Neck, Phandalin

Type

Large town

Population

~4000

Inhabitant Demonym

Kailians

Location under

Ochita

Related Reports (Primary)

• LMP: Red-branded