Eldoria

Eldoria is a magnificent and diverse city set within the Grasslands, on the borders of the Dominion of Yohir and the Kingdom of Mera. This thriving settlement, with its population of around 28,000, marries elven elegance with equestrian traditions, reflecting its deep-rooted culture. Towering spires and graceful arches dominate Eldoria’s skyline, showcasing a blend of magic and craftsmanship that appeals to both elves and horse-riding humans.
The city is guarded by the prestigious Order of the Silver Stallion, a law enforcement group dedicated to preserving the equestrian way of life that is central to Eldoria’s identity. One of the city's major highlights is the annual Grand Equinox Tournament, which draws riders from across the lands to display their skills and celebrate their bond with horses.
Eldoria’s economy flourishes thanks to fertile farmlands, a booming horse trade, and the coveted enchanted wood harvested from the nearby Eldertree Forest. The city's warhorse breeding practices are renowned across the realms, attracting trade and interest in magical horse-related items.

Demographics

• Humans (50%): The majority of Eldoria’s population, humans have a long history in the city, and many of the city's finest riders and traders come from their ranks. The human culture in Eldoria revolves heavily around horsemanship, farming, and commerce, particularly in the Grassmarket district and among the commoners of the Stonewind Quarters.
• Elves (30%): Elves make up a significant portion of Eldoria’s residents, particularly in the more refined areas of Highwind, where the nobility dwells. Elven influence can be seen in the elegant architecture, the city's love for precision and grace in horse breeding, and the magical practices that enhance their warhorses. Elves in Eldoria are often skilled artisans, scholars, or members of the Mages' Equilibrium.
• Half-Elves (10%): The mixed heritage of humans and elves has given rise to a notable half-elf population, who often bridge the gap between the two cultures. Half-elves are found in both common and noble circles, frequently excelling as diplomats, traders, or members of Eldoria’s elite cavalry. They possess a natural affinity for leadership and diplomacy, making them key players in city governance.
• Dwarves (5%): Though less common, dwarves in Eldoria are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in the Hoof and Hammer guild, where they forge fine weapons, armor, and specialized horse gear. Some also work as traders and blacksmiths in the bustling Grassmarket.
• Other Races (5%): A small mix of other races, such as gnomes, halflings, and even a few dragonborn or tieflings, contribute to Eldoria's vibrant culture. While they are fewer in number, they often bring specialized skills, such as magical knowledge, craftsmanship, or exotic trade goods that enrich the city.

Social Structure

Nobility and Elite: 

Primarily elves and some influential human families, the nobility controls much of the land and wealth in Eldoria. They reside in the Highwind district and lead the city’s horse-related industries, overseeing the breeding and training of warhorses and influencing political decisions.

Commoners: 

The middle and lower classes, including human farmers, merchants, and craftsmen, make up the bulk of the population. They live in Stonewind Quarters and work in fields like farming, horse care, trade, and city services.

Order of the Silver Stallion: 

This elite group of cavalry knights, composed of the city’s best riders from various races, serves as the guardians and enforcers of Eldoria’s laws, preserving the equestrian way of life under Lord Arion Highmane's leadership.

Government

The government of Eldoria is a monarchical system led by Lord Arion Highmane, the Master of the Silver Reins, who oversees the city's day-to-day affairs as well as its broader political strategy. Eldoria’s governance blends traditional feudal structures with the equestrian values and elven influences that shape its society, ensuring that law, trade, and diplomacy align with the city's distinct cultural identity.

Structure of the Government:

Lord of Eldoria – Master of the Silver Reins: Lord Arion Highmane holds supreme authority in Eldoria. His title, Master of the Silver Reins, reflects his dual role as a political leader and a symbolic protector of Eldoria's equestrian traditions. He governs the city’s strategic, diplomatic, and military decisions. While he holds the ultimate decision-making power, he is expected to consult with his council on major matters such as war, trade negotiations, and the enforcement of laws. As an expert horseman, his leadership is deeply tied to the city’s equestrian culture, and his close relationship with the Order of the Silver Stallion solidifies his role as both ruler and defender of the city's way of life.

Council of Elders:

The Council of Elders serves as an advisory body to Lord Arion, comprised of influential nobles, military leaders, and heads of important guilds. This council includes a mix of elven and human representatives to ensure a balanced perspective on matters that affect both the commoners and nobility. The council convenes to discuss major issues, such as trade agreements, city defenses, the Grand Equinox Tournament, and decisions that affect relations with neighboring powers like the Kingdom of Mera.

Council Seats include:

• Highwind Nobility: Representing the interests of the elven nobility and the wealthiest human families.
• Order of the Silver Stallion Commander: The leader of Eldoria’s elite military force, who advises on matters of defense and security.
• Guild Leaders: Heads of key organizations like the Hoof and Hammer, Mages’ Equilibrium, and Harvesters’ Union.
• Religious Representative: Typically a high-ranking druid or cleric connected to the Eldertree Forest or equestrian faiths.

Order of the Silver Stallion:

While primarily a military force, the Order of the Silver Stallion plays an important role in law enforcement and governance. The Commander of the Order is both a council member and the highest-ranking officer responsible for maintaining peace in the city, safeguarding Eldoria’s borders, and leading the defense in times of conflict. The Order upholds the city’s laws, oversees major festivals like the Grand Equinox Tournament, and ensures that Eldoria’s traditions remain intact.

Noble Families:

Eldoria’s Highwind district houses influential noble families, primarily elves and wealthy humans, who wield significant economic and political power. These families control much of the land, stables, and horse-breeding businesses, and they exert influence on the council through their wealth and social standing. Nobles oversee specific industries, such as the breeding of warhorses, trade of magical horse-related items, and the export of enchanted wood from the Eldertree Forest.

Guild Representation:

Eldoria’s guilds wield substantial influence over the city’s economy. Key guilds like the Hoof and Hammer (craftsmen), the Mages' Equilibrium (magical trade and research), and the Harvesters' Union (farmers and resource gatherers) have official representation within the government. Each guild is responsible for regulating their industries and training apprentices while ensuring that the city remains prosperous. Their leaders, particularly in the Hoof and Hammer, have a strong voice in city affairs, especially during times of economic growth or crisis.

Local Magistrates and Lawkeepers:

Each district, such as the Stonewind Quarters (residential) and Grassmarket (trade hub), has local magistrates who report to the council and ensure that the laws of Eldoria are enforced on a smaller scale. They manage taxation, disputes, and trade permits within their districts. Magistrates also organize local law enforcement, but they are often aided by the Order of the Silver Stallion when serious matters arise

Defences

The military of Eldoria is a highly skilled and disciplined force, deeply rooted in the city’s equestrian traditions and designed to protect both its citizens and its way of life. The military is led by the Order of the Silver Stallion, an elite cavalry unit that serves as the backbone of Eldoria’s defense and law enforcement. Supplementing the Order are a range of specialized troops, militia forces, and magical support, ensuring that Eldoria remains a formidable power within the Grasslands.

1. Order of the Silver Stallion

Role: The Order of the Silver Stallion is the elite military and law enforcement unit, acting as both knights and guardians of Eldoria’s traditions. They are primarily a heavy cavalry force, renowned for their exceptional horse-riding skills, mastery of mounted combat, and dedication to upholding the city’s laws. Commander: The Order is led by the Commander of the Silver Stallion, a high-ranking officer who answers directly to Lord Arion Highmane. The current commander is Seren Stormhoof, a veteran knight known for her tactical brilliance and skill with the lance. Composition: The Order consists of elite knights, most of whom are humans or elves chosen for their prowess in combat, leadership, and loyalty. They ride some of the finest warhorses bred in Eldoria, often enchanted or enhanced through magical means. Duties: In addition to their military duties, the Silver Stallions also serve as the city’s primary law enforcement, resolving disputes, protecting nobles, and leading city ceremonies like the Grand Equinox Tournament.

2. Cavalry Units

Eldoria’s military forces are heavily focused on cavalry, reflecting the city’s equestrian culture. The cavalry units are divided into several ranks based on their specialization: Lancers of the Grasslands: The main mounted combat force, equipped with long lances, swords, and shields. These riders are trained for fast, aggressive charges across the open plains. Horse Archers: These light cavalry units are experts in mounted archery, capable of firing arrows with deadly precision while riding at high speed. They are used for skirmishing, harassing enemies, and scouting. Warhorse Breeders: A smaller but vital component of the military, responsible for breeding and training the city's famed warhorses, which are crucial to the success of the cavalry forces.

3. Infantry

While cavalry dominates Eldoria’s military, the city also maintains a skilled infantry force, particularly for defense during sieges or urban combat. The infantry is composed of foot soldiers trained in: Spearmen: Defensive units skilled in forming spear walls to protect the city’s gates and towers. Sword and Shield Fighters: Versatile soldiers who protect key areas of the city or act as a reserve for the cavalry. Crossbowmen: Ranged units positioned on the city walls and towers for defensive support.

4. Magical Support

Mages' Equilibrium: Eldoria’s Mages' Equilibrium guild provides magical support to the military. These mages specialize in battlefield magic, enhancing cavalry charges with spells, protecting soldiers with magical wards, and providing healing. They also enchant the warhorses and gear used by the Order of the Silver Stallion. Arcane Riders: A unique unit of mounted mages who combine spellcasting with mounted combat, using their magic to disrupt enemy formations or create barriers during battle.

5. Siege Defenses

Despite being a city based on open plains, Eldoria is well fortified with wooden walls and towers. The military maintains a small but effective siege defense unit equipped with: Ballistae and Catapults: Positioned on towers, these siege weapons are used to defend the city from attackers. Archers: Deployed along the walls to provide ranged support during sieges. In times of war, militias are formed from the common folk, providing additional manpower to defend the city.

6. Border Patrols and Scouts

Eldoria’s location on the border with the Kingdom of Mera requires constant vigilance. Cavalry scouts are dispatched regularly to patrol the plains, watch for incursions, and gather intelligence. These scouts are highly mobile and are trained to survive for long periods in the wilderness, making them invaluable in early warning systems. Horse Archers and light cavalry units often serve as the first line of defense in skirmishes or border disputes, using hit-and-run tactics to keep enemy forces at bay while the larger army mobilizes.

Districts

• Highwind: A noble district of elegant elven manors and towering spires, home to Eldoria’s elite.
• Grassmarket: A bustling hub where vendors, traders, and merchants sell a variety of goods, especially those related to horses.
• Stonewind Quarters: The residential heart of the city, where the common folk live in charming stone homes.
• Equestrian Haven: An entire district dedicated to horse stables, training grounds, and everything related to the equestrian way of life.

Points of interest

1. Highwind Spire Location: Highwind District The tallest structure in Eldoria, this majestic elven-designed tower serves as the seat of government and the residence of Lord Arion Highmane. With its graceful architecture and panoramic views of the Grasslands, it symbolizes the unity between the elven and equestrian cultures that define Eldoria.
2. The Grand Arena Location: Equestrian Haven The heart of Eldoria's Grand Equinox Tournament, this colossal open-air arena hosts annual competitions that showcase the city's finest riders and warhorses. Outside of tournament season, it serves as a training ground for knights and a venue for public festivals.
3. Grassmarket Square Location: Grassmarket District outside the city walls A bustling marketplace filled with merchants selling horse gear, enchanted items, and magical wood from Eldertree Forest. The square is always alive with traders, visiting travelers, and entertainers, making it a focal point of daily life in Eldoria.
4. The Silver Stables Location: Equestrian Haven Home to the legendary warhorses of the Order of the Silver Stallion, these stables are renowned for breeding the strongest and most intelligent steeds. Only knights of the Order and nobility  are permitted to keep their horses here.
5. Eldertree Sanctuary Location: Near the Eldertree Forest A sacred grove on the edge of the city, this area is protected by druids and is known for its connection to the ancient Eldertree Forest. The sanctuary is revered for its enchanted wood, which is used to craft powerful magical items.
6. Hoof and Hammer Guildhall Location: Stonewind Quarters The headquarters of the Hoof and Hammer guild, where blacksmiths and artisans craft exquisite armor, saddles, and weaponry for both riders and horses. The guildhall is a center of innovation, known for its intricate craftsmanship.
7. The Azure Springs Location: Near the city’s outskirts A natural hot spring with rumored healing properties, the Azure Springs attract both residents and visitors looking for rejuvenation. The springs are also used in rituals by the Mages' Equilibrium to enhance their magical abilities.
8. Stonewind Hall Location: Stonewind Quarters A large community gathering place for the common folk, Stonewind Hall hosts festivals, meetings, and events. It also functions as a shelter during times of crisis, where residents gather to hear news and city decrees.
9. The Hall of the Silver Reins Location: Highwind District A grand hall dedicated to the history of Eldoria’s rulers and their equestrian legacy. The Hall of the Silver Reins contains relics, statues, and records of past Masters of the Silver Reins, including legendary horses and the battles they helped win.
10. The Borderwatch Tower Location: Along the city’s northern walls This towering structure is a key defense point overseeing the border with the Kingdom of Mera. Manned by elite scouts and archers, the Borderwatch Tower serves as a lookout post and first line of defense, alerting the city to any potential threats from the north.

Founding Date

1648 AoU

Type

City

Population

28,000

Location under

Midvar

Owner/Ruler

Arion Highmane

Ruling/Owning Rank

Master of the Silver Reins

Owning Organization

Dominion of Yohir

Related Reports (Primary)

• Shadows Entwined: Secrets of Eldoria Report