Edfair

Edfair, the smallest capital in all of Nezzuu, is home to a plethora of Fabul and other races. It was founded in 147 AC after the their first victory from invading foreigners. It was built out of necessity to protect it's independence; and all villages and burgs within it's boarders. Edfair has an extreme emphasis on self defense. Much like Thanalas as a whole, it does not have a formal army, but rather a people that all bear arms and magic to protect themselves and their kind.
Because it was born of a call to arms (of people that prefer simpler and more individualistic lifestyles), the aura of Edfair can be described by that of begrudging necessity. The people of Edfair often resent, and even detest, living in a "large city." Though it can hardly be called large with a population of 3,843. Regardless of comparison, it is the largest city in Edfair, and features a strong economy due to this and it's central location. If a shop doesn't exist in Edfair, it doesn't exist in all of Thanalas.

Government

Much like a military, Thanalas doesn't have a government per say. Instead, it is left to each city, town, village, or burg to create it's own rules and laws. Edfair has taken to an Anarchy. There are plenty of unspoken rules, but no laws. Criminals, or rather those that cause harm, are generally exiled instead of punished. With the demeanor of Thanalasites, this would appear to be a gift, but very few other places will accept someone who has left Edfair (exiled or not). Since everyone knows they are essentially stuck together, and try to make the most of it, Edfair actually has very little "crime" for an Anarchy.

Defences

The second greatest defense of Edfair, besides it's people, is the wall the surrounds the city. Though it may appear to simply be wood, it is actually an illusion of aesling. To go a step further, the wall has been enchantment with steadfast. The magic cannot be discerned by the naked eye, however, due to the many illusions that permeate the wall and Edfair as a whole. Edfair is a very small city, but when looking upon it from a distance, it appears to be much larger than it is. This is another way they have managed to hold of invaders who mistakenly think they are unable to match it's "army."
The "army" itself is by the greatest defense Edfair possesses. Every mature individual inside, and out, of it's walls trains rigorously in their art. Be it martial or magic, Edfair has a pool of highly skilled citizens.
The fortress on the northeastern side of town is yet another defense Edfair has. It is home to the numerous training grounds that it's people frequent. It is also the stone spire that it's rangers (both archery and magic) occupy when a threat comes knocking. It is also enchanted to appear much larger, and scarier, than it is. Though it is still tall enough to see over all of Edfair and it's surrounding territory.

Industry & Trade

Edfair is the trade capital of Thanalas with no competition. It has a boisterous economy that intentionally focuses on diversity. Since so many of Thanalas do not have many specialized merchants or services, Edfair has taken to having them all. The city has become a bustling center for all travelers, merchants, and everyone else with a need. Be it a specialty lute that needs repaired, a new aesling weapon, a potion that grants water breathing, or the supplies to make one, Edfair is the destination.
Though there is some farming land surrounding the city, Edfair focuses more on military and trade than it does agriculture. They tend to import their food and export goods and services. This has given it the title of the most merchants and trades people per capita in all of Nezzuu. Certainly not the largest trade center as it is so small, just per capita.

Infrastructure

Much like other Eshllenora cities, it features buildings made of brick or stone as the main component. Most buildings are two stories, however, as stores line the streets and living quarters are above. It is settled on top of a natural aqueduct, and wells litter the city. Since it was built prior to the Metal Famine, the roads are actually cobblestone for the most part; though they are showing age and are beginning to make importing and travel more difficult.

Districts

Edfair is made of three walled districts and three external districts. It is unusual that all districts, inside or out, feature a multitude of shops and places of trade. There is also an outdoor market to be found in each as well.
The Lodges, to the south and outside the wall, features many taverns and inns for travelers. As well as shops and a market that has the essentials one would need if about to embark. The Heath district expands on this further, offering more gear, tools, and weaponry. The district, ironically named The Fields, is home to more luxurious products such as actual metals, gems, and perfumes made of harvested wildflowers found in Thanalas. North District does feature more shops and markets, but with more of an emphasis of supporting the surrounding homes of it's citizens. Outside of North District and the wall, Spiritway and Storm Water can be found. Both are the rare agricultural spots of Edfair and Thanalas as a whole.
The last important "district" is the fortress to the north of The Fields and west of North District. It features many training grounds open to any of it's people and even the occasional adventurer.

Guilds and Factions

Contrary to the rest of Thanalas, it is home to many a guild. There are overreaching general commerce and trade guilds, and specialized branches of guilds as well. It is not uncommon for a single citizen to be apart of as many as 11 guilds.
There are several factions as well. Certainly one for each race, but also the different types of combat factions. Generally, citizens find themselves in two to three factions. The interesting thing is that there is little to no conflict between factions. With a common goal of making life work in a city who's purpose is to provide commerce, and above all, protection for it's state; each faction works together rather than against.

History

Edfair was established directly after Thanalas as a whole, right after the war of Thanalas Nativitas in 147 AC. It found a flood of people to help establish and build it's foundation, though few stayed. Since this day, it has grown only very slowly. After the three other wars/battles Thanalas has endured, it has received an influx of people also devoting themselves to the cause, but this has only kept it afloat rather than expand.
Edfair itself has never been attacked directly. Rather it provides the substantial reinforcements to the front lines of other villages under attack. It's people are quick to gather and form a temporary army that has taken on every opponent to date.
The war of 954 AC, commonly referred to as Vivictor, was only a minor victory, however. It decimated Edfair's population. Thanalas, though it has no formal government, actually drafted many of it's people to repopulate the city. It was from this day on that living in Edfair became more of a duty. A duty that, if abandoned, was a mark on your very person. Almost no village or burg of all of Thanalas will take in ex-Edfairian.

Points of interest

Edfair is a point of interest in general for those wishing to make trade. It's bustling streets full of vendors among the numerous shops makes anyone wish they had more coin. Even though it has a very depressing feel, it is easily overlooked by all of the great finds in and out of its walls. Edfairians would never see themselves as such, but they are a creative lot. Toys made from bone and enchanted, books with elaborate epics of natural tales, shiny aescru trinkets, and unique weapons unseen in other parts; some things (and everything) can only be found in Edfair. It's citizens are as good a tradesmen as they are warriors. Perhaps even more so.

Tourism

A stop on everyone's itinerary who are traveling through Thanalas, Edfair does host many travelers. Very few seek it out for tourism sake, but it is a stop nonetheless. It is a temporary home to many; adventurers, traveling merchants, Thanalasites in need of specialized shops or services, or any others that need a place to stay as they travel. It features many taverns and inns, and even offers a small spot outside it's wall where you can pitch a tent. Edfair opens it's arms to anyone.

Architecture

Since Edfair was built prior to the Metal Famine of 1,001 AC, it features buildings mostly built of stone for single stories, and a mixture with wood for two stories. You will see many two story buildings as most shops have quarters built atop of it.

Founding Date

147 AC

Type

Capital

Population

3,843

Inhabitant Demonym

Edfairians

Location under

Thanalas

Edfair's emblem is a mix of purple, which is also a mix, to symbolise the melding pot of it's people. White to stand for the magic that flows through them all. And above all, a large mystical beast born of magic, much like it's citizens.