Elricia
Elricia is a politically fractured but economically vibrant province located on the eastern coast of Narador. It comprises two distinct and autonomous parts: the bustling mercantile City of Elricia and the surrounding feudal realms collectively known as the Elrician Estates.
Though once a unified province under the rule of the Chalois Empire, Elricia underwent a dramatic transformation in the aftermath of the @Sovrunian War for Independence. Today, it stands as a unique blend of republican cosmopolitanism and traditional feudal power structures—a dynamic tension that defines the region’s identity.
Geography
Elricia boasts a rich and varied landscape. To the east, it meets the sea with a vast, fortified coastline anchored by the sprawling City of Elricia. Inland, the province transitions into fertile grasslands and gently rolling hills, ideal for agriculture. The northern stretches near Cendall hold pockets of mineral wealth, with several active mines supporting both the Estates and the City. The south of the region is less densely populated, the closer one gets to @The Great Expanse, the fewer settlements are found - bandits, beasts, and other threats are known to roam this region.
The region's coastal location in northern Narador makes it a critical junction for trade between the continent’s coastal cities and its inner provinces, as well as other continents. Its climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters, and its proximity to the Great Expanse has led to seasonal trade caravans and, occasionally, border skirmishes with desert raiders.
History
Origins under Chalois
Elricia was originally founded as a Chaloisian imperial colony during the reign of @Empress Elrissa, who envisioned the city as a grand coastal hub to facilitate imperial trade. Over time, the settlement flourished under the oversight of the Consortium—an elite merchant council that later established the now-famous Consortium Bank. The Viceroy of Elricia, often a noble relative of the imperial family, oversaw the province in the Emperor’s name.
The Breakup During the Sovrunian War
During the Sovrunian War for Independence, Elricia’s own calls for self-rule intensified. @Duke Percival Exeley, then Viceroy and brother-in-law to the Emperor, declared Elrician independence and briefly ruled as King of Elricia. Though the fledgling kingdom initially supported Chalois against @Sovrune, the Empire’s ultimate defeat—and interference from @Noxxara—spelt doom for the province’s unity.
King Percival’s attempt to assert monarchical control was violently rebuffed by the merchant elite of the @City of Elricia, who hired mercenaries to blockade the gates. A failed assassination attempt on Percival forced his retreat, and the ensuing standoff invited renewed imperial involvement. To preserve peace, Lykos the Skull—a Consortium leader—brokered a secret deal with the Emperor.
The agreement dissolved the Kingdom of Elricia, splitting it into the independent City of Elricia and the tributary but feudal Elrician Estates. Lykos assumed the newly created role of Prince-Mayor, and the modern structure of Elricia was born.
The City of Elricia
The City of Elricia is the economic and cultural powerhouse of eastern Narador. A republic governed by a 150-member Senate and the Prince-Mayor, it is defined by wealth, commerce, and its sophisticated customs. Here, all men are legally freemen, and property ownership is available to all—though the extremely wealthy dominate political and social life. It is well-renowned for its incredibly diverse populace, the city being one of the few places in Narador that you'll be able to find races from all across Menune.
Elrician society is centred on the idea of face, a social currency tied to prestige and indirect communication. Elricians are renowned for their diplomatic grace and mastery of doublespeak, turning veiled insults and strategic lies into cultural norms. As a result, Elrician diplomats and spies are prized across Narador.
Vertical architecture defines the city's landscape. Strict property laws have led to upward construction, with buildings competing in height to display their owners' wealth. Tall, narrow houses and grand merchant towers create a jagged and dazzling skyline.
Key institutions include the @Elrician Senate, the @Palace of the Prince-Mayor, @Belmont Manor and the Consortium Bank—a financial juggernaut with influence that extends far beyond the city.
The Elrician Estates
The Elrician Estates encompass the sprawling grasslands and mineral-rich foothills that surround the city. Unlike the urban republicanism of the city, the Estates adhere to a feudal system based on hereditary rule.
The Estates are composed of duchies, counties, and baronies, each named after its ruling family. Though legally independent, they are economically tied to the city through annual tribute, often in the form of produce, minerals, or crafted goods. The most powerful domains include:
- Duchy of Langbar – Known for its cavalry and expansive wheat fields.
- Duchy of Exeley – Former stronghold of King Percival, still a seat of resentment.
- Duchy of Haselmere – Wealthy from northern iron mines.
- County of Martock – Home to major livestock breeders.
- Barony of Rudgate – Politically infamous; its current lord is a notorious drunk.
Despite their rustic reputation, many Estate lords maintain agents and homes within the City of Elricia, vying for influence in the Senate or seeking favourable terms with the Consortium.
Conclusion
Elricia is a land of contrasts—where aristocratic lineage clashes with merchant ambition, and where historic titles meet modern institutions. With its strategic location, rich cultural tapestry, and a constant undercurrent of intrigue, Elricia remains one of the most influential and complex regions in Narador.
Whether in the sky-piercing towers of City of Elricia or the rolling meadows of the Elrician Estates, power is always in play—and everyone, from prince to pauper, is playing the game.
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