Aeloria
Introduction
Aeloria is not merely a city; it is a living, breathing legacy, where the pulse of magic and the artistry of its people resonate as one. Nestled near the Gulf of Thaloria, the city stands as a testament to the enduring majesty and ingenuity of elven civilization; a city that has long symbolized both the heart and the soul of Zolirak. For nearly two millennia, this grand metropolis has been the shining beacon of elvenkind, its concentric layers a symbol of unity, perfection, and timeless knowledge.
Every aspect of the city, from its elegant white stone structures adorned with silver and mithril to its seamless integration of magic, reflects a harmonious blend of beauty and purpose. The city’s walls are intricately carved with stories of elven history, while magical sigils hum faintly with protective auras. Aeloria thrives not just as a city of culture and learning but as a marvel of arcane innovation, where enchanted streetlights illuminate streets and buildings, and transportation circles connect its many layers with unparalleled efficiency. Suspended above all is the royal district, a vision of ethereal splendor encased in a protective bubble, accessible only by a shimmering bridge of arcane light.
Goverment
Aeloria’s system is that of a magocratic monarchy, where power is both inherited and earned through mastery of the arcane. The throne is held by the ancient and revered House Roloren, which has ruled over the Kingdom of Zolirak since the time of Agion's death. The Roloren line is deeply connected to the arcane, since the time of Lessien Roloren, and its queens are expected to embody both magical prowess and the wisdom to guide the city through its ever-changing eras.
The current holder of the title of Silmatari- which translates into Maiden Queen- is Daria Avernoth, an elven arcanist of great renown. Though she is a masterful archmage and powerful in her own right, her ascension to the throne was far from smooth. Born as the child of a scandal conducted by the former king- and the only man to ever rule Zolirak- Daria grew up as an adopted bastard denied her rightful place, away from Aeloria. However, through sheer will, dedication, and unparalleled arcane skill, she fought to claim her position. Now, as queen, she must navigate the delicate balance between proving herself to those who still question her legitimacy and fulfilling her ambitious vision for Aeloria’s future.
Advising the Silmatari is the Araedril Silanor- which means Circle of Knowledge- an elite council of the most powerful mages in the realm. This council consists of eight seats, each representing a distinct school of magic: Abjuration, Conjuration, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation, Necromancy, Divination, and Enchanting. Each seat is held for life unless abdicated or revoked by the queen herself. The members of the council are not only advisors but also stewards of the city’s magical infrastructure, making decisions that shape Aeloria’s future. The families of these mages are considered more prestigious than traditional nobility, but a seat on the council is earned through mastery of the arcane, not inherited.
For the governance of civic matters, the Aranor Vethia, or Forum of the People, bridges the gap between the ruling elite and the citizens of Aeloria. The body is led by the Mírethar- literally the Caretaker of the Realm. Though an influential figure, the Mírethar often walks a tightrope, balancing the demands of the common folk against the powerful whims of the Araedril Silanor and the queen herself. The Mírethar is also the crucial mediator who ensures that the city’s intricate magical systems function in harmony with the daily lives of its people.
Justice in Aeloria is administered by the Val’thirion- meaning the High Tribunal, a triad of judges titled Taraneldir (aka Lawbearers). These judges are not only versed in ancient elven law but are also trained in the arcane arts to ensure that magical justice is as binding and transparent as physical law. They are entrusted with upholding not just the laws of Aeloria, but also the ethical use of magic in all facets of life.
City Layout
The city is laid out in concentric circular layers, with the Royal District suspending at the top. Each successive layer represents a different aspect of Aeloria: from the Academy District at the heart of magical education and power to the Common District and Underways, where the common folk and the less fortunate reside. The temples represent the divine connection between Aeloria and the gods, and the walls and Eternal Ward provide the city's defenses. The Grand Garden District is an open, ethereal space where life, death, and magic intermingle, offering a unique and sacred space that holds both beauty and meaning for the people of Aeloria.
Silma’raeth: The Royal District
The pinnacle of Aeloria, Silma'raeth is suspended above the city within a protective arcane bubble, accessible only via a retractable shimmering bridge of light. This district is the residence of the Silmatari (Queen) and the Araedril Silanor (Circle of Eternal Knowledge), where the governance of the city takes place. The Royal Palace towers above the district, a majestic and ethereal structure crafted from mithril and enchanted stone. Here, magical gardens bloom perpetually, and only those of the highest court and council can gain access to this elegant sanctuary.
by Imagica via MJAelorien Soer’vael: Academy District
The Academy District is the pride of Aeloria, where all of the city’s prestigious magical academies are located. The district is a highly enchanted zone dedicated to the study and practice of magic. Towering arcane spires, floating libraries, and obelisks dot the landscape, while the air hums with the constant energy of students and mages mastering their craft. The academies represent each of the eight schools of magic (Abjuration, Conjuration, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation, Necromancy, Divination, Enchantment). The academy buildings themselves are beautiful, constructed with elegant white stone and ever-changing magical symbols. The Spire of the Arcane is the tallest building here, constantly shifting and adjusting itself to the needs of the city’s scholars. This district is where the most elite of Aeloria’s students are trained, and it's the backbone of the city's magical prowess.
by Imagica via MJVethilara: The Common District
The Common District is the largest and most diverse of all Aeloria’s districts, representing the vibrant heart of the city. As the lowest district, it is where ordinary citizens live, work, and thrive. It sprawls across the third and fourth circles of the city, and while it is still magical, the enchantments here are more practical: magical street lamps light the cobblestone streets, and arcane transportation circles connect different parts of the city for easier movement. This district features bustling markets, artisan shops, homes, and many commercial enterprises. It’s also the seat of the Aranor Vethia (Forum of the People), where civic matters are debated and resolved. While some areas are luxurious, others are worn down by constant use. The common folk of Aeloria live here, though the district has an undeniable arcane flair, with colorful enchanted banners flying from the rooftops.
by Imagica via MJSerath'lirion: The Temple District
The Temple District is dedicated to the worship of the various deities and spirits that elven society holds dear. It’s home to many of Aeloria’s most grandiose temples and shrines. Each deity has a dedicated structure, from the high temple to the goddess of magic, Siona, to the intricate, whimsical temple of Levar, the Trickster god of chaos. The most famous temple in the district is the Aelonaris, a massive domed structure made entirely of shimmering crystal and dedicated to Ephelion, patron god of the elven people. The temple district is a tranquil space, filled with peaceful gardens, meditation chambers, and sacred halls where the elves perform their rituals. Here, faith and magic are seamlessly intertwined, with the temples’ architecture reflecting a deep respect for both the arcane and the divine.
by Imagica via MJVothis'variel: The Walls
Aeloria’s defensive walls are radiant, made of white stone and etched with arcane wards that prevent physical and magical intrusions. The walls are towering and majestic, serving as both protection and a powerful symbol of the city’s might. The Eternal Ward is an invisible magical barrier that encircles Aeloria, keeping out harmful magic and ensuring the safety of its citizens from external threats. The gates to the city are guarded by Golems who enforce strict entry laws.
by Imagica via MJReth'laeth: The Underways
The Underways are a labyrinth of tunnels and catacombs beneath Aeloria, originally built for both defensive and storage purposes but now home to the most impoverished citizens of the city. The Underways are a place of hardship, where the poorest of Aeloria’s residents live in dark, cramped quarters. It is a place of shadows, where the constant hum of magic above rarely reaches. The poor and the forgotten here live in the shadows of Aeloria's grandeur, scraping by in the labyrinthine tunnels.
by Imagica via MJAel'riath: The Grand Garden District
The Grand Garden District is an immense garden that serves as Aeloria’s cemetery, but it is much more than a resting place for the dead. The district is filled with flowers, trees and plants, each one planted atop the graves of the deceased. Every plant is chosen according to the deceased’s personal wishes- whether a favorite flower, a type of tree, or even a specific kind of shrub. This creates a stunning, ever-changing landscape of vibrant flora, with no consistency other than the individuality of each plant and tree. The garden is a place of both peace and remembrance, where the living come to honor their dead and where the dead continue to "grow" in the afterlife. According to elven culture, the plants’ growth keeps the spirits of the deceased in touch with the world. The garden also hosts rituals and ceremonies, with a sacred grove dedicated to the goddess Siona.
by Imagica via MJ
General Information
AlignmentChaotic Good
Caster Level
18
Religion
Mainly Ephelion
Language
Elven
Wealth
300,000gp
Allowance
50,000gp
Demographics
Elves 95%, Shadow Elves 2%, Half elves 2%, Other Races 1%
All written content is original, drawn from myth, memory, and madness.
All images are generated via Midjourney using custom prompts by the author, unless otherwise stated.
I really like this article. It's easy to follow and full of detail, which can be hard to balance. The short sections probably help and keep it visually interesting verse a giant wall of text. I'll be taking a lot of inspiration from this for my own. I really like how your intro gives a good feel for the city as well.
Thank you so much and for including this in your stream!
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