Elinann

Elinann, located on the southern shore of Teros Minor, is a port city with a storied past, renowned for its salt production, robust defenses, and strategic position on the Mabon Channel.

Once a proud and independent port, the city is now a vital part of Teros' maritime economy and serves as the hub of the Peacekeeper garrison on Teros Minor.

History

Elinann’s origins date back centuries, to the early days of Terosian expansion. Originally established as a trading town, Elinann quickly grew into a prosperous settlement due to its access to the rich salt flats nearby. By 1011, the construction of the Great Saltern solidified Elinann’s role as the region's primary supplier of salt, which brought wealth and influence to the city.
In 1076, taking advantage of internal strife within the Thalissian Empire, the lords of Teros Minor declared independence, with Elinann as their capital. This independence would not last forever, as political tides shifted, and Elinann, along with other settlements, eventually seceded from Teros again in 1701, setting itself apart as an influential city-state.
Today, Elinann remains an independent-minded city, proud of its heritage and wary of outside control, yet firmly integrated within Teros’s sphere of influence.

Power and politics

Though Elinann is now under the jurisdiction of Teros, the city retains a level of autonomy, bolstered by its historical significance and the economic power of its salt trade. The young Prince Niran has nominal rule of the island of Teros Minor, while Hashora Belamm serves as the city's Governor, appointed by the Lord High Governor of Teros.

The Peacekeeper garrison stationed in Elinann, led by the charismatic Captain Serrak, oversees the city’s security and maintains Teros’s control over the island. Serrak and Belamm have manipulated the young prince and he is effectively their puppet.

Government

The governance of Elinann is a blend of official oversight and local influence. As ruler of the island of Teros Minor, Prince Niran is officially the ultimate power in the city. Hashora Belamm, the city Governor, oversees administration and public order, working alongside an informal Council of Elders composed of influential guild leaders, local nobles, and salt industry representatives.
While the Governor’s authority is second only to Prince Niran, the Council holds considerable sway, often advising on critical matters related to trade agreements, the allocation of resources, and external relations with Teros’s other island territories.

Defence and security

Elinann’s strategic location makes it a key military outpost for Teros. Fort Oraminn, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the bay, is the city’s main defensive structure. Manned by Peacekeeper forces under Captain Serrak, the castle safeguards Elinann from pirate raids and other maritime threats while maintaining control over the Mabon Channel’s shipping lanes.
Across the city, in the Tower of the White Helms, a smaller militia (containing the scions of many noble families) works alongside the Peacekeepers to protect Elinann’s streets and support defensive operations. This militia, known as the White Helms, is well-respected and embodies the city’s resilient spirit. They are led by the zealous Capatain Baganda. Together, these forces ensure that Elinann is a secure from internal and external threats.

Other powers

Elinann’s merchant guilds, particularly those tied to the salt industry, are powerful players in the city’s economy and wield significant influence over political affairs. The Salt Lords effectively control Elinann’s salt trade and collaborate closely with Teros’s governing authorities to manage exports and negotiate favorable trade terms. The consortium’s wealth and influence have helped the city weather political upheavals and remain economically prosperous. The guild is led by Kontirrash Lomarr, a neurotic and paranoid merchant.

Other influential groups include the Guild of Navigators, a coalition of ship captains and merchants who oversee Elinann’s bustling harbor activities. They ensure the safety of merchant fleets, organize patrols in coordination with the Peacekeepers, and support the city’s salt exports to far-reaching destinations. Their chairwoman is Mersharil Halneeda.

The port city is home to a number of criminal outfits. The Masks of Elinann, dealing in theft of high-value artefacts and treasures, is led by the mage Sarsann Felkana, and is just one example of the city's gangs.

Geography and environment

Local geography

Elinann occupies a sheltered bay on Teros Minor’s northern coast, bordered by salt flats and rugged coastal terrain. The nearby Lissomar Salt Flats are the city’s economic lifeline, where salt is harvested, processed, and stored in massive warehouses near the docks. Inland, the landscape is dry and rocky, with scrubby vegetation and hardy shrubs, contrasting starkly with the vibrant, bustling streets of Elinann itself.
The city’s climate is hot and arid, with long summers and mild winters, and it benefits from regular coastal breezes that bring respite from the otherwise harsh environment. These winds, however, also carry salt dust across the city, giving Elinann its unique air - a subtle reminder of the salt trade that sustains it.
Supply of fresh water is a perennial challenge.

Design and architecture

Buildings in Elinann are primarily constructed from white limestone, giving the city a luminous appearance that contrasts with the dark salt flats nearby. The architecture is functional yet aesthetically pleasing, with arched doorways, flat rooftops, and airy courtyards to provide shade from the intense sun. Many structures are adorned with blue and green mosaics that depict waves, ships, and mythical creatures, celebrating Elinann’s close relationship with the sea.
The Great Saltern of Elinann, a sprawling complex of salt ponds and processing areas, is a sight to behold, particularly at sunset when the ponds reflect the fiery colors of the sky. The Temple of Frenar, dedicated to the god of the dead, is another architectural marvel, its stark white walls providing a place of solace and remembrance for the city’s inhabitants.

Landmarks and key locations

Great Saltern of Elinann: The heart of Elinann’s economy, this complex of salt ponds and drying fields lies just outside the city. It produces the high-quality salt that is the city’s primary export, supplying much of Teros and beyond.
Fort Oraminn: This formidable fortress guards Elinann’s harbour and the Mabon Channel. Its walls are thick, and its towers are equipped with lookout posts to survey the surrounding seas. It is here that Captain Serrak leads the Peacekeeper garrison.
Temple of Frenar: This temple is both a place of worship and a sanctuary for those seeking peace and reflection. The temple’s priests are known to offer blessings to sailors and merchants who embark from Elinann’s docks.
Ashpar's Palace: This grand bathhouse is popular with the city's wealthy merchants, military leaders, and priests.

Hall of Elders: An elegant limestone building located near the city center, where the Council of Elders convenes. The hall’s interior features intricate mosaics depicting the city’s long history.
Salt Wharf: The main dock area where massive warehouses store the salt harvested from the Great Saltern. The wharf is always bustling with activity, as merchants load salt shipments onto vessels bound for distant markets.

Transport

Elinann’s port is its lifeline, with ships arriving from Teros Major, Forbin, and the Mar Mabon Townships. The Mabon Channel is a critical trade route, and Elinann’s location allows it to monitor and profit from the flow of goods.
Inland, narrow roads lead to the island’s other settlements, though few of these extend far beyond Elinann due to the rugged landscape and limited resources.

Demographics

Elinann is home to a diverse population of traders, artisans, fishermen, and laborers who work in the salt industry. A smaller noble class resides in the city’s central district, often involved in the salt trade or maritime affairs. The population is a mix of long-established families and newcomers from Teros Major, who seek fortune or refuge in the city.

Population

Elinann has a total population of approximately 77,000

Wealth and class

Education

Economy

Elinann's ability to thrive despite its reliance on wells and the challenges of Teros Minor's harsh landscape speaks to the resourcefulness and resilience of its people. The city's industries, driven by both local production and maritime trade, keep it at the center of commerce in this part of the archipelago.
Elinann’s economy centers on salt production, with the Great Saltern at its heart. Salt is processed, stored, and shipped to Teros and other neighboring realms, making it the city’s most valuable resource. The salt trade supports a network of related industries, including shipping, warehousing, and mercantile enterprises, which sustain the city’s economic growth.

Key industries

• Fishing: Elinann’s port is a hub for fishing, with fleets that traverse the Mabon Channel and beyond. The city’s fishing industry is diverse, supplying both fresh fish to local markets and dried or salted fish to distant regions. Common catches include Dergam, Dolki, and Kiddri, which are staples of the local diet and valuable exports.
• Salt production: With its proximity to the sea and the arid conditions of Teros Minor, Elinann has developed an important salt industry. Salt flats along the coast allow for the extraction of sea salt, which is traded widely across the Helerin Archipelago. Salt is not only a preservative for fish but also a valuable commodity in its own right.
• Copper mining and metalwork: Copper deposits are found in the nearby Wailing Hills, and Elinann serves as the main hub for refining and trading this metal. Copper from Elinann is used in the production of tools, weapons, and decorative items, with skilled metalworkers crafting goods for both local use and export.
• Weaving: The Deshlin Plains and the more fertile areas near Mirosh Boda support herds of Hrynn and other wool-bearing creatures. Elinann has a reputation for its finely woven rugs and carpets, which are highly sought after. The city's textile industry also produces wool for clothing and trade.
• Blackshell chitin: The coastlines near Elinann are home to Blackshell crustaceans, whose chitin is harvested for use in crafting armour and tools. Blackshell chitin is known for its durability, making it a prized material among crafters across the archipelago.
• Herbs and spices: Despite the harsh environment, the region around Elinann supports the growth of hardy herbs and spices. The city is particularly known for cultivating lombora leaves, which are used in both cuisine and medicine, and areem, a spice that adds a distinctive flavor to local dishes. These herbs and spices are also valuable exports, bringing a taste of Teros Minor to far-flung regions.

Trade

As the only major settlement on Teros Minor, Elinann is a key trade hub for the island. Goods from inland settlements like Mirosh Boda, as well as the port towns of Radir’s Rock and Payon, flow through Elinann’s bustling markets.
The city’s connections to the Mar Mabon Townships (particularly Gathansin) and the ports of Teros Major ensure a constant flow of goods, making it a vital link in the region’s economy.

Imports

Timber, textiles, grains, and metals.

Exports

Salt, dried fish, ceramics, and processed hides.

Culture

The culture of Elinann is defined by resourcefulness, independence, and a guarded pragmatism. Shaped by a tough environment and limited resources, the people of Elinann take pride in making the most of what they have, frowning upon waste and treating essentials - like salt - with a near-reverence. They value adaptability and have a flexible approach to rules and tradition, viewing them as tools to be used rather than rigid ideals to uphold. Individual ambition is celebrated, particularly in trade, though a sense of collective duty persists; locals understand that their shared prosperity depends on mutual support, especially in the salt industry.
Though generally reserved, Elinann’s people are known for their resilience, meeting challenges with quiet determination rather than complaint. Skepticism toward authority is common, especially regarding Terosian officials, and most prefer to place their trust in local guilds and merchants. This cautious attitude doesn’t preclude ambition; many are willing to take risks for personal gain and respect others who do the same, seeing calculated risk as a path to success in both life and trade.

Notable people

Captain Velet Serrak: The Peacekeeper commander.
Winsal Charra: The legendary Makkun explorer, born in Elinann, whose ill-fated expedition to locate the source of the River Tharn remains part of local lore.

Type

City

Population

77000

Location under

Teros Minor

Included Locations

• Elinann Temple of Frenar
• Great Saltern of Elinann

Owning Organization

Teros