Estoria

Estoria, also called the Estorian Realm in combination with its surrounding lands, is a city in northeastern Galessia. A member of the Alliance of Overmyre, Estoria is a relatively small city on the edge of the immense Eastern Steppes, serving as the last vestige of civilization before the long emptiness to its east. The Estorian Realm borders the Sovranty of the Wendrough and the domain of the Kingcity of Herdskeep to the west and Abingdon and Bowlorn to the northwest, the Gray Lake to the south, and the Forbidden Forest which begins at the city's north terminus. A rural community known for its horse husbandry, archery school, and adventuring guild, Estoria has carved out a notable place on the world stage despite its small stature. Its current ruler is Mayor Astrild Twice-Burned.

History

When modern Estoria stands, there was nothing but an abbey for a long time. This abbey, dedicated to Mielikki, was constructed sometime before the duel at Herdskeep that created Ingelrid's Gap. It was from this abbey and its devotees that the mythical Forbidden Glade of Mielikki was constructed deep within the Forbidden Forest, under the command of the Forest Queen's chosen, known as Saint Estoria the Viridian. However, some event caused the Mielikkians to seal the Glade and prevent access. The worshippers never returned to the abbey, and thus, it fell empty. Over the centuries, the empty structure was variously used by groups and individuals as shelter or refuge, but none remained for long. 
Some four hundred years ago, a troupe of adventurers was hired by the Kingcity of Herdskeep to chart a path through the Eastern Steppes in their ongoing effort to find the end of the Sea of Storms - an effort which would eventually result in the settlement of the Free City of Crosswell. This party of adventurers found the empty abbey, and spent the night in it. One of them was a treasure hunter, and while exploring the abbey's dusty halls, he stumbled upon a tome detailing the Forbidden Glade. When he shared this information with his friends, they chose to abandon their original quest, and search the Forbidden Forest - which went poorly. However, they remained determined. To attract more knowledgeable and capable people to the area, they chose to stay in the abbey, using it as the guildhouse for their brand-new adventuring guild, the Autumnflame Guild. The treasure hunter became the first guildmaster, and one of their traveling companions - an accomplished carpenter - began constructing various supplementary buildings around the guildhouse. This attracted the eyes of travellers, some of whom chose to stay and help out after hearing about the Glade. Thus, a town was born. Pulling the name of the writer from the old tome, it was to be named Estoria.
Estoria has remained a humble place in the four centuries of its existence. Due to being a town of and for adventurers, the Autumnflame Guild outright controlled it for a long time, but eventually, a mayor was chosen by the people of the town. The Church of Mielikki also caught wind of the story of their saint and faithful, and returned to their old site of worship to reestablish a temple, which now serves as the largest temple devoted to the Forest Queen. Most of the old artifacts left behind in the guildhouse were relocated to the temple. In recent times, a legendary archer set up a guild of his own within the city to pass on his knowledge to a new generation. The Estorian Archers' Guild now trains many an aspiring adventurer in the art of the bow.
Due to their adventuring reputation, the leaders of Estoria were invited to the Meeting of the North. The mayor and the guildmaster both chose to attend, and both emphatically agreed that the predicted invasion in the south needed to be stopped - both for different reasons. The city of Estoria supplied war horses, archers, and arrows. The Autumnflame Guild supplied itself, encouraging all their adventurers to fight at the front. They were the smallest delegation of the four northern nations that fought the Zenith War, but left a disproportionally strong impact. Therefore, Estoria was rewarded an equal position within the new Alliance of Overmyre to powers such as the Kingcity, the Protectorate of Highvale, and the Sovranty.

Geography

The Estorian Realm is large, consisting mostly empty grassland and shrubland interrupted by naught but a few freshwater streams. It is the original homeland of the horse, the reliable creature used around the world as a beast of burden, mount, and labor animal. To this day, horse husbandry is an important industry in the region, and most horses used in the Allied Armies are bred and trained here. In the south of the realm, near the Gray Lake, one can find the Gods' Mirror, a horizon-spanning lake of inch-deep water, reflective and perfectly still even when disturbed.
The north of the Realm is dominated by the Forbidden Forest, a large woodland with tall skinny trees and a strange haze hanging through it. The location of the mythical Forbidden Glade, it is shrouded in mystery. Despite what its name might suggest, the forest itself is not actually forbidden to enter or traverse in any way, however, the church of Mielikki advises against harming the forest or conducting evil within it, as that directly offends the Forest Queen. Beyond the forest lies the Sea of Storms, as wild and impassable as ever.

Politics and society

Whereas the adventuring guild still holds considerable power and sway within the city, it is nonetheless the mayor who rules over Estoria. The title is passed along, often either inherited by or abdicated to a relative or close friend of the previous mayor. Mayor Astrild Twice-Burned, a former adventurer, is well-liked within the city for her caring, inclusive nature, and her eagerness to defend those in need. She frequently consults with the guild and the temple, and tries her best to hear all the concerns of the townsfolk.
The people of Estoria hold a grudge against the Free City of Crosswell, and especially the current Earl of the city, Earl Dominic Aurix. This is due to the Earl's back-handed dealings during the formation of the Alliance strong-arming the Estorians out of their interest payments, which was an important revenue stream for the growing city. This is why growth of the city has stalled, and the city's walls remain wooden to this day. Outside of this, however, Estoria is on good terms with all other members of the Alliance, as well as the United Tribes of Marfall.
Due to its origin as a city of adventurers, people from all walks of life have found their way to Estoria, and their descendants tend to be various types of mixed breeds. Half-everythings are common here. Of note is the Kenku clan which has called Estoria home ever since their great hero of eld, who was a storied member of the Autumnflame Guild, escorted them here for him to live among.
The dominant faith in Estoria is, naturally, the church of Mielikki. By extension, Her father Silvanus receives veneration here, too. Faith is a rather individualistic aspect in Estoria, and proselytizing is frowned upon - according to Estorian culture, each and every person has the right to their own religious beliefs, even if it is strange, evil, or none at all. Persuading others to join yours, or convincing them that theirs is wrong or unjust, is considered rude.

Estoria

Banner of Saint Estoria

Ruler
Mayor Astrild Twice-Burned

Armed Forces
Allied Armies (member of the Alliance of Overmyre)