Upper Elden
This is a thousand year old city that began life as a Mountaineer Village. As the Kingdom of Tarrel expanded into the foothills of the Spine, it took control of the area and established the Barony of Salkar. The village slowly developed into a town. About 600 years ago the town became the Baronial seat of Salkar. The town's importance continued to grow and its twin city of Lower Elden was founded just across the river Eld. Upper Elden eventually evolved into the largest city in southern Tarrel. Most recently Elden became a center of activity for the Zalarite and Salyite Orders after the Baroness overthrew her husband with the aid of the Zalarites. Following her seizure of power, the Baroness invited Zalarites to establish a permanent base in the city.
Demographics
The city has a very mixed population. About 60 percent of the population is human with roughly equal parts of Northrons and Mountaineers. Corgerians from these two groups make up another 20 percent of the population with the remainder being 15 percent Danite and 5 percent Dark Corgerian and Dark Corgerian half-breeds.
Government
The City is part of the Barony of Salkar and the Kingdom of Tarrel. The Baroness of Salkar appoints a governor and a garrison commander who act as the primary managers of the city. The current garrison commander is a Zalaite Officer.
Defences
Upper Elden is a walled city with the East and North sides receiving additional protection from the river that separates it from its twin city of Lower Elden. The baronial Castle is located on a steep hill where the south wall meets the river anchors the defenses. The lesser stronghold of the Kerren Fortress anchors the other end of the landward wall. The city also has two well fortified gates at the southern and western sides of town and two smaller gatehouses controlling the bridges leading to Lower Elden. Numerous artillery engines and 12 Flame Cannons have been placed in towers and gatehouses. In addition to its garrison, a contingent of Zalarite Cavalry is usually on hand here. The city can also field several companies of militia armed with crossbows or spears.
Infrastructure
The city had well-developed infrastructure including cobblestone paved streets, storm sewers and public water fountains. Some wealthy inhabitants even have running water in their homes. Two well made stone bridges connect the city to Lower Elden. At the center of the city is a large public square surrounded by the Guild Hall, a large indoor market and several major temples.
Guilds and Factions
The Zalarite Order is well-established in the city with the Baroness now being an honorary officer and her spouse being the leader of the Order. Additionally the Salyite Order uses the city as a base and enjoys the Baroness' protection on the condition that it take no actions within the Barony without her approval. The Assembly of Guilds dominates the commercial life of the city and has strong influence over the city government.
Architecture
Most buildings in Elden are three or four story town houses with sharply pitched roofs to shed snow. The lowest the homes of the wealthy tend to be made from stone with slate roofs with lesser homes being half-timbered affairs with walls made from wattle and daub. The better homes have glass windows with lead frames while ordinary homes use wooden frames and oil rubbed cloth for their windows.
Geography
The city's boundaries are partially defined by the river, which runs along the north and east sides of the city. The south side of the city is bordered by an area of broken and uneven ground. To the west the city's approaches are relatively open and the area is intensively farmed. The city itself includes several small hills within its boundaries, the tallest of which is occupied by the Baronial castle.
Climate
The city experiences a pleasant, mild summer with both the spring and fall being cool and rainy. During the winter the area typically experiences heavy snowfall.
Alternative Name(s)
Old Elden
Type
City
Population
17000
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Elds
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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