Oakheel

"Oakheel is the paramount of Lamuran society. Within its walls of ebon oak bloom alien flowers in lush gardens and great trees of sleeping larvae. The air is fresh and a blessing to the lungs, while the sweet aroma of pollen flows everywhere throughout the city. There was not a single brick or castle that one may see in human settlements, but the presence of royalty was still just as strong." -Unknown

Oakheel was the largest and oldest of the Lamuran cities in the Ebenian world. Despite its size and population, outsider knowledge of the city was almost completely nonexistent. Apekin refugees were perhaps the first contact of the world beyond the trees for Lamura, an experience that would not be the last in its history.

Demographics

Oakheel consists completely of Lamuran citizens. However, there have been extremely rare cases of outsiders living just outside the walls, such as the Apekin refugees during the Sapiokin-Apekin Conflict in -2170 PrM.

Government

Oakheel operates through a matriarchal structure, with the mother of the most children overseeing the operations of the city. Prospective mothers hoping to someday rule can choose to be trained in the duties and responsibilities of being a matriarch.

Defences

A large moat surrounds the entirety of Oakheel's walls, serving as a deterrent to forest fires reaching the city. Provided one does not use fire, the vast forests surrounding Oakheel are an excellent defense against invaders, as the thick branches and leafage makes travel extremely difficult for those not accustomed to forest terrain.

Industry & Trade

Prior to opening its doors to global trade, Oakheel operated primarily through trade. Inhabitants cultivated and exchanged new species of plants and fruits to one another, as well as silk and clothing, provided they had larvae to produce it.
After their discovery from the outside world, Oakheel continued to exchange their resources, becoming an important source of high quality silk. The bark and roots of their Birth Oaks were reportedly sold for use in creating medicine.

Infrastructure

Oakheel is primarily composed of farmland and vast, expansive gardens. Small ports for traversing the rivers and lakes are common, as are Lamuran-made fields for growing the extremely important Birth Oaks. After the Sapiokin-Apekin conflict, wide moats were built around the city walls to help prevent the risk of a fire spread.

Guilds and Factions

Oakheel Matriarchy

The Oakheel Matriarchy is the driving force behind the city's operations. Founded alongside the city's inception in -2183 PrM, the political party consists of several cohorts and a single queen, known as the Broodmother. The Broodmother is responsible for sending out orders, devising new laws, and fulfilling the needs of her people. Upon her death, or the rise of a mother with more children and the necessary training, the current Broodmother will be replaced by a new one to continue the cycle.

History

Pre-Mana

Oakheel was founded during or around the beginning of the Pre-Mana era. The Lamuran tribes thrived in the forest environment, and eventually melded together under the rule of Broodmother Lothra. For the first thirteen years of its existence, Oakheel enjoyed a silent peace away from the events of the outside world, but would eventually be forced to defend their home with the Apekin from the invading Sapiokin. The ensuing fires from the war swept through much of their forest homeland, and extreme efforts were made to repair the forest to its original glory, a long and lengthy process.


Despite their efforts in attempting to seclude their city, knowledge of Oakheel became increasingly common among outsiders. The city would be approached countless times in hopes of forging alliances or clearing the forests, but these requests would be met with indifference.
Under the rule of Broodmother Theia in -1989 PrM, the doctrine of maintaining secrecy was phased out, and Oakheel slowly opened its doors for outside interaction, but still refused non-Lamuran inhabitants within the city.

Post-Mana

Following the discovery of mana throughout the world, Oakheel was slow to utilize its revolutionary effects. Exact details are unclear, but it is assumed that mana was used primarily as a boon to agriculture. Lamuran mages were unheard of, but eyewitness reports suggested that they did in fact exist. Visitors to the city noted a distinct lack of any form of new-age technology.
As Zimmerene of Parshei ascended to Mortal God status and attempted to expand his rule, the entirety of Oakheel was destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion of fire. The few members of the city that survived had no choice but to flee from their forest home. News of Zimmerene's atrocities quickly spread throughout the rest of Lamuran society, and they promised to avenge the deaths of their brethren.

Architecture

Lamuran architecture and construction favored the use of plant fibers and wood. Most homes were circular huts, with a small pool for collecting any rainwater that may reach through the branches. Flowers were common choices of decoration for the outer walls, and older families would possess a farm or Birth Oak in the back area.

Geography

Oakheel is nestled deep within the confines of a near-impenetrable forest. Small lakes and rivers flow through the land outside the walls. It is a relatively flat terrain, but dense piles of leaves and tree roots disrupt the landscape.

Natural Resources

Oakheel is host to various species of flower that provide a myriad of uses. Trees are forbidden from use unless absolutely necessary, primarily used in rearing young or constructing city defenses. Artificial breeds of fruit are harvested, as well as rotting plant matter and nectar to serve as food.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
Incinerated by Zimmerene of Parshei in PoM 132

Founding Date

-2183 PrM

Alternative Name(s)

The Walls Within the Branches, RootFall, The Home of Elves

Type

City

Population

Approximately 35,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Oakheeler