Englas

They worshipped their gods here and our blood was spilled on these very stones. I say we tear it apart, all the way down to the foundations. Why strike at their heart, when we can cripple their spirit?

Pronounced EN - GLAZ

Demographics

The majority is comprised of Yorden, with minor amounts of Human and Daig occupants. Due to the ceasefire, but no declaration of peace, Caelith and Yordenheid are still technically at war, with only dignitaries and vetted nobles allowed across the Cleave and into Englas. As for the Yorden themselves, their recovering population and slow expansionism have prevented any separate ethnicities from truly developing.
There is some difference between those that live in Englas, and those that live throughout Yordenheid, but these are only small cultural differences with respect to everyday life.
When it comes to the social classes of the city, there is a large divide between the public and the members of the Council. While council members enjoy popularity and a near celebrity status, this can be easily stripped from them should the public determine they have strayed from their purpose. Many communities form around the council members that represent them, providing support financially and with their service.
Only one religion is found among the Yorden people, the worship of The Fate-Weaver. However, due to their belief system, the Weaver is revered through one's actions and personal goals, forgoing the need to congregate in holy places. There has been some involvement of the religions found in Caelith, but these are largely kept by the non-Yorden occupants.

Government

Englas, and all of Yordenheid, is ruled by the Millenium Council. One thousand members from this government congregate at the Ivory Palace in Englas' centre.
925 members of the council comprise the main body, The Greater Voice. This group is further split into two groups, consisting of the Custodians and Representatives. The Custodians manage the upkeep and maintenance of all land within the country, both city and wilderness alike, while the Representatives directly convey and discuss the requirements and demands of the people they represent.
50 members are comprised of The War Council. All military efforts are determined by these members in congruence with The Greater Voice, and it provides representation for both the army and navy. Matters regarding offense, defense, and public duty are discussed here.
5 members consist of The Broken Blades. This small group, the elite of Yordenheid's marshal might, wield strange, near mystical weapons discovered in an unearthed vault. Due to the Blades being fairly small in size, only five members have been given access to seats on the Council. They are often interacting with the War Council, but occasionally receive requests from the other groups.
The final 20 members are part of the most elusive of the council. The Magician's Court handles all matters regarding the arcane and mystical affairs. Made up of the main body of leadership that governs the Academy of Magicians, these 20 individuals have used both their resources and guile to worm their way to greater power within the council. While never stated, it has almost become an open secret that the Court commands nearly the entire Council.

Defences

The City

While in the middle of a valley, the city centre is too far from the surrounding cliffs and mountains to be in danger from attack, being quite wide. Likewise, the cliffs are too steep to traverse, forcing enemies to attack through the valley itself. A number of walls are in place, protecting the outskirts, with a second set around the more populated city centre. The Ivory Palace sits on the highest hill, being difficult to ascend to without using the main road.

The Docks

Further down river, where the Relivien meets Ainen's Cleave, is the main port of Englas. While it has its own walls and defenses, it is also the resting port of the Yorden First Armada, half of their naval power. The centralised position of the river mouth provides ample opportunity to rush up and down the coast, with the Second Armada already providing scouting and patrol duty throughout their side of the Cleave.

Infrastructure

The docks and shipyards are located downriver, where river meets the coastline. Here is where the main activities regarding export and import occur before being relayed shortly upriver to Englas. The western side of the city leads to the plains outside the valley, funnelling food, livestock, lumber, and other materials through the interior of Yordenheid.
Business is continuing to improve now that the city is continuing to expand further across the river. Talks are in place among the Custodians to begin development of a great bridge to replace the ferry system.

Assets

Englas contains the greatest collection of literature in the known world, as well as close access to the Broken Vault, the location housing the weapons of The Broken Blades.

History

When the Yorden arrived in these lands, they were immediately set upon by the original inhabitants, the Rhanün. Already low in population from their exodus, the Yorden fought back viciously.
Forcing their way northward, they eventually came across the future site of Englas, though currently occupied by one of the Temple-Cities of their enemy. Devoted to their serpent god, the Rhanün displayed a level of savagery here that the Yorden had not yet encountered. Many of their captured were brought here and sacrificed, their blood used in ritualistic practices to revere one of their dead gods. While some of the Yorden believed the actions here were a response to some of the more brutal Yorden conquests, many were too angered by the sacrifices to offer any understanding.
After the Temple-City was claimed, the original council decided to raze it to the ground, then build atop its foundations using the boundless amounts of rubble available. This was done for two reasons, the first being recognition of the fertile valley it occupied, but the second was to send a message. The Yorden profaned a holy place of the Rhanün and built atop it their own symbols. Forevermore, they would hold a place of worship, spreading discontent within the spirit of their enemy.
When the Rhanün were forced north beyond their great walls, the Yorden were finally able to rest. Over time, the original stone was replaced, and the Ivory Palace was built directly on top of the old temple. The Council stands tall above the conquest that broke their enemies' spirit.

Architecture

Carrying on their old architectural values from before their exodus, the Yorden continue to favour marble, alabaster, limestone, and other types of white stone as their primary building material. The majority of the buildings in Englas are decorated with dark grey accents and highlights, topped with sky blue rooftops for the more extravagant or rich. More blue is used for columns and wood exposed to the outdoors, with small amounts of ivy used to shadow any frames.
Some however favour the colouration of the northern settlements, replacing blue for red and dark grey for gold. While not as prominent, these buildings often stand out.
The Ivory Palace lacks the extra colouration, being almost entirely white. Decorated with tall thin towers and parapets, with high, open halls within, the Palace is regarded as the largest structure in the world. It has an almost cathedral like appearance, with numerous stain-glass windows. Small gardens dot the outer walls of the palace, restricted by the amount of space already taken by the rest of the structure. Numerous tiers are present further down the hill, providing lodgings for council members and their security.
While no longer visible, many parts of the old ruins are still present beneath the palace, though now obscured beneath the behemoth of white stone.

Alternative Name(s)

Seat of the Council, The Ivory City, Yorden's Profanity

Type

City

Population

Approx. 80,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Glassian

Location under

Yordenheid