City State of Cyri (kai-re)
Nestled against the eastern edge of the Infernal Mountains, the City-State of Cyri thrives as a hub of trade, discovery, and power. Officially established in 760 ACW, Cyri owes its origins to an unlikely alliance of merchants, nomadic wanderers, and a handful of noble families. These pioneers, drawn by the region’s abundant resources and whispers of ancient secrets, transformed a scattering of small settlements into a flourishing city-state.
Cyri’s foundations rest upon a land rich with opportunities. Its mines and quarries yield valuable minerals, its ruins hold remnants of a forgotten past, and its ley lines pulse with arcane energy for those resourceful enough to harness it. These elements have made Cyri a magnet for adventurers, scholars, and opportunists alike, each seeking their fortune beneath the shadow of the mountains.
Today, Cyri boasts a population of 8,200 permanent residents, with an additional 300 transient souls passing through its gates each year. Its streets reflect a vibrant tapestry of races and cultures, shaped by the influence of the surrounding kingdoms and empires. Governance lies in the hands of the Silver Circle, an esteemed council of eight whose leadership has guided Cyri through decades of growth and turmoil.
Whether drawn by its bustling markets, ancient ruins, or the promises of arcane discovery, Cyri beckons travelers to walk its storied streets and uncover its many mysteries.
Cyri’s foundations rest upon a land rich with opportunities. Its mines and quarries yield valuable minerals, its ruins hold remnants of a forgotten past, and its ley lines pulse with arcane energy for those resourceful enough to harness it. These elements have made Cyri a magnet for adventurers, scholars, and opportunists alike, each seeking their fortune beneath the shadow of the mountains.
Today, Cyri boasts a population of 8,200 permanent residents, with an additional 300 transient souls passing through its gates each year. Its streets reflect a vibrant tapestry of races and cultures, shaped by the influence of the surrounding kingdoms and empires. Governance lies in the hands of the Silver Circle, an esteemed council of eight whose leadership has guided Cyri through decades of growth and turmoil.
Whether drawn by its bustling markets, ancient ruins, or the promises of arcane discovery, Cyri beckons travelers to walk its storied streets and uncover its many mysteries.
Demographics
The city is 20% Human, 15% Dwarf, 15% Gnome, 10% Halfling, 10% Tiefling, 5% Elf, 5% Minotaur, and 20% other. There has also been a growing number of what the Arcanum Imperium calls Nexusborn within the city. While their numbers are under a hundred, the growing demographic has led many to question what the guild is up to once more.
Government
The Silver Circle is made up of eight members each of who takes on a different section of the city's infrastructure. They are the Ministers of Coin, Mining, Agriculture, Law, State, Defense, Magic, and Observation.
Minister positions are voted on by the city's populace every five years. So long as a person has begun their conscription they can vote in the elections. Those not from the city but still wish to vote in elections must get special permission from the council. Those who take on one of the minister positions that is voted upon can hold office for up to three terms total, for the positions that are not voted on there are special circumstances. For the Ministers of Defense and Observation, the Silver Circle has found it best that the people in those positions hold them till they wish to retire, have passed, or the Circle feels they no longer represent what they want. After elections have taken place the Circle reviews the Ministers of Defense and Observation and decided whether or not to reinstate them for the next five years. If they choose to fill the position with a new minister, the Circle has one month to pick a new minister.
- Minister of Coin - In charge of commerce within the city, through banks, trade, and the dissemination of physical coins. They are the chief treasurer and keep the books for Cyri, as well as set prices for the goods Cyri sells to other municipalities.
- Minister of Mining - In charge of major and minor mining operations in and outside the city, including but not limited to marble off the side of the Infernal Mountains, precious metals underneath the mountain, and gemstones. They also monitor the nearby mining claims within a day's travel of Cyri.
- Minister of Agriculture - In charge of the farming operations in the city and tracking trades of food and cattle. Cyri mainly grows rice and root vegetables and has a fair amount of farm animals mainly fowl, and has begun experimenting with growing other crops underground with the aid of the Minister of Mining.
- Minister of Law - In charge of the writing and implementation of laws within the city, jails, and court, and work in conjunction with the Minister of Defense. They are the highest legal advisor for the city and run the jails in the city and control the transfers to Stormholme Fortress .
- Minister of State - In charge of keeping up relations with the neighboring countries and towns, with them being on the Aster Road they have to walk a fine line between the different ideologies within the region. They also set up meetings between the other towns within the Lost Empire to ensure they continue to work well together.
- Minister of Defense - One of the three positions not voted on by the city's public and instead a ranked member of the Silver Wardens. Cyri like the other municipalities in the area has The Emperors Guard present in the city along with their own internal guard, the minister oversees the implementation and enforcement of laws and ensures all members of both the Guard and Wardens are aware of what is expected of them. They also work hand in hand with the Minister of Law.
- Minister of Magic - One of the three positions on the council that is not voted upon by the public, it is held by the Archmage that runs the Arcanum Imperium. They are in charge of the arcane projects the city pursues, keeping the dome of protection working, keeping the rest of the council informed on AI projects, and ensuring the ley line running underneath Cyri brings no harm to its citizens. They are voted on internally by the ranking members of AI after the passing or retirement of the former leader.
- Minister of Observation - One of the three positions on the council that is not voted upon by the public but is chosen by the council members during every election season. In charge of intelligence gathering and dissemination, and protecting the projects within the city, they also run the Seekers of the Shadowed Path. As far as the public is concerned the position is meant for counterintelligence operations.
Minister positions are voted on by the city's populace every five years. So long as a person has begun their conscription they can vote in the elections. Those not from the city but still wish to vote in elections must get special permission from the council. Those who take on one of the minister positions that is voted upon can hold office for up to three terms total, for the positions that are not voted on there are special circumstances. For the Ministers of Defense and Observation, the Silver Circle has found it best that the people in those positions hold them till they wish to retire, have passed, or the Circle feels they no longer represent what they want. After elections have taken place the Circle reviews the Ministers of Defense and Observation and decided whether or not to reinstate them for the next five years. If they choose to fill the position with a new minister, the Circle has one month to pick a new minister.
Defences
The city is protected by 200 members of the The Emperors Guard who mainly focus on keeping mining claims safe and ensure merchants are setting fair prices, along with their other duties. An additional 300 members of a city guard known as the Silver Wardens protect the city as a whole, working in a day and night shift, at times with the Guard when needed.
The city requires all citizens who are physically able to work for the armed forces from the age of 16 to 20 to join either the Emperors Guard or the Silver Wardens, once a person has finished their conscription they can choose to move on to a new career or stay and take the officer's track within either organization. Citizens can avoid conscription if they are a part of the Arcanum Imperium, have been arrested for a Major Offense, or work for the Silver Circle.
The city requires all citizens who are physically able to work for the armed forces from the age of 16 to 20 to join either the Emperors Guard or the Silver Wardens, once a person has finished their conscription they can choose to move on to a new career or stay and take the officer's track within either organization. Citizens can avoid conscription if they are a part of the Arcanum Imperium, have been arrested for a Major Offense, or work for the Silver Circle.
Infrastructure
The city's biggest employer comes in the form of the Firestone Mining Corporation, they also export a large amount of leather and livestock to the neighboring towns in the region. On top of this, they also host a system of wells fed by an underground freshwater stream, rice fields sit to the north of the city walls within the mountains, a network of sewers runs below the city proper, and a large courtyard in the city center holds the Planar Tower that Cyri has become famous for. The only thing that outshines the tower is the great statue of Alessia, which is not only a beacon to lead travelers to the city but also a show of arcane power as Cyri makes use of the major leyline that runs through it.
Cyri is supported by a handful of small villages and independent farms that sit within one to two days ride of the city proper.
Cyri is supported by a handful of small villages and independent farms that sit within one to two days ride of the city proper.
Districts
Within Cyri there are 18 districts:
- Moongate: Found on the eastern side of the city, Moongate holds the main gate into Cyri, the Knight's Guesthouse Inn, Venture Emporium general store, and the Citadel Stable.
- Irongate: Found on the north-western side of the city, Irongate holds the path to the underground mines of Cyri, an outpost for the Blackrock Mines, and the Priceless Forge blacksmiths.
- White Gate: Found on the south-western side of the city, White Gate holds a path to the marble mines, the Iron Emporium general store, and a temple to the god Moradin.
- North Gate: Found on the northern side of the city, North Gate holds the northernmost gate to Cyri and a path to the city's airship docks.
- Purple Gate: Found on the southern side of the city, Purple Gate holds the main roads to the marble mines, and out of the city towards Ironcloud, as well as the main outpost for Firestone Mining Co.
- Purple Court: Found on the northern side of the city, Purple Court holds the Silver Sanctuary, homes for all members of the Silver Circle, and the main posting for the Emperors Guard in the city.
- South Cathedral: Sat in the central region of Cyri, South Cathedral is a mainly residential area for the upper-middle-class denizens and the Atwood Healers.
- Market Square: Found in the center of the city, Market Square holds the Planar Tower and Arcanum Imperium campus, Aran's Crystal a well-known magic shop, Hart's Nook Bookshop, and a secondary outpost for the Emperors Guard.
- Finnard Garden: Found on the northern side of the city, Finnard's Garden is a purely residential section of Cyri with a few minor general shops as well as Titan Park home of the city's Rally Ball team the Silver Griffons and Red Mages.
- Green Lodge: Tucked between Market Square and Finnard Garden, Green Lodge holds mainly places of worship including the Temple of Corellon, homes for the city's clergy members, and small shops for components for divine magic.
- Trade District: Sat on the southeastern side of the city, the Trade District holds guild halls for the different guilds within the city, a modest residential section, and Mage's Circle Study an offshoot of AI where Cyri's inhabitants can study both magic and general studies.
- Old Town: Found on the southeastern side of the city just outside of the gates, Old Town is made up of housing and small shops many of which are at least in part if not fully built out of original buildings from when the city was first founded.
- Arch Grove: In the south-central portion of the city, Arch Grove is one of the nicer residential sections that holds its own temple, park, and preparatory school for the citizens.
- Bluff Ward: Just outside of the gates on the south-central side of the city, Bluff Ward holds one of the city's inns known as Coatl Inn and housing for the miners.
- Brightfield: Just east of Moongate, Brightfield holds the city's grain farms mainly growing wheat and barley along with apricots and figs. The eastern edge of this land holds pastures and holding areas for the city's livestock.
- Lower East: Sitting just inside of the wall, Lower East tends to hold most of the nomadic members of the city's populace as well as the most popular tavern in Cyri Dara's Tower Tavern.
- Upper West: The most expensive portion of the city, Upper West is home to Cyri's upper echelon of society. It holds the Great Temple of Light which is said to rival the temple in Kesh, the Broken City, Fond Tinctures Apothecary and Healers where most wealthy inhabitants seek aid for ailments, Satchel Tailors who clothe the most important members of society, and the Institute of Magic a new "rival" magic school to the Arcanum though they have yet to prove they're worth.
- North Town: The largest district in Cyri, North Town houses the city's lower class, sees far less in the way of guard shift, uses of powerful magic, and those of a more nefarious nature.
Guilds and Factions
Within the city, there are five main guilds that hold the biggest sway on the politics and economy. The biggest of these is the Firestone Mining Corporation, then their biggest rival the Blackrock Mines, the Jade Fox Merchants are the merchant guild, the Arcanumn Imperium runs the arcane guild, the Forge Hawks are the artificer and engineers guild, and Couatl Couriers.
History
“Where history and magic converge, resilience thrives.”
Nestled along the southern stretch of the famed Aster Road, the City-State of Cyri stands as a beacon of trade, arcane advancement, and resilience in the region known as the Lost Empire. The Aster Road, a vital artery of commerce and culture traversing Corum, has long served as a catalyst for the rise of civilizations and the spread of both magic and technology. Amid the patchwork of towns and villages dotting this southern expanse, Cyri emerged as a hub of ambition and unity.
In a rare show of unity, three powerful factions—the Jade Fox Merchants, the Firestone Mining Corporation, and a coalition of noble families—pooled their resources to forge a new future. Together, they founded Cyri as a fortified city-state dedicated to safeguarding its people and claiming a lasting place along the Aster Road.
The early decades of Cyri's history were marked by rapid growth and purpose. The construction of its protective walls, the establishment of the Arcanum Imperium and the opening of rich mines and ancient dig sites attracted scholars, adventurers, and merchants alike. By 800 ACW, Cyri had legitimized its famed The Emperors Guard , repelled its first major assault, and unearthed the tomb of a lost emperor of Oranack—a discovery that solidified the city’s reputation as a center for historical and arcane study.
To commemorate its achievements, the city erected the grand statue of Alessia the Defender, a symbol of Cyri's strength and resilience. Yet, even amidst prosperity, tensions brewed. The implementation of a compulsory military service by the Silver Circle, the ruling council of Cyri, sparked protests among the populace. Over time, however, the necessity of this decision became clear, particularly after the War of Storms, when Cyri's military prowess safeguarded its sovereignty.
As Cyri grew, so did its borders. The Forge Hawks, an elite corps of engineers, expanded the city’s walls while reinforcing its arcane protections. By the dawn of 900 ACW, Cyri had cemented its status as a cultural and economic powerhouse, eagerly anticipating its bicentennial celebration.
The toll was steep. Nearly 15% of Cyri's population perished in the conflict, and the city’s economy faltered under the strain of wartime production. Yet, Cyri’s defenses held firm, and its territory remained intact. The war ended thanks to a treaty brokered by the Silver Circle, which restored Bearth to the Lost Empire and secured peace with the Kingdom of Veaser—albeit a tenuous one.
Despite these challenges, Cyri endures. Its markets bustle with trade, its mages continue to innovate, and its walls stand as a testament to the strength of its people. The city-state looks to the future, wary yet determined to thrive in an ever-changing world.
For adventurers and travelers journeying along the Aster Road, Cyri offers a glimpse of both the past and the future—where the lessons of history and the promise of magic are interwoven in the fabric of its streets.
Nestled along the southern stretch of the famed Aster Road, the City-State of Cyri stands as a beacon of trade, arcane advancement, and resilience in the region known as the Lost Empire. The Aster Road, a vital artery of commerce and culture traversing Corum, has long served as a catalyst for the rise of civilizations and the spread of both magic and technology. Amid the patchwork of towns and villages dotting this southern expanse, Cyri emerged as a hub of ambition and unity.
Foundations of Cyri
Before Cyri's rise to prominence, the land was little more than a loose confederation of villages and isolated dwellings. These small communities cooperated sporadically, bound more by convenience than by design. However, the end of the Divine War in 760 ACW brought new challenges. The looming shadow of the Voslo Empire and its burgeoning ambitions spurred the people of the region into action.In a rare show of unity, three powerful factions—the Jade Fox Merchants, the Firestone Mining Corporation, and a coalition of noble families—pooled their resources to forge a new future. Together, they founded Cyri as a fortified city-state dedicated to safeguarding its people and claiming a lasting place along the Aster Road.
The early decades of Cyri's history were marked by rapid growth and purpose. The construction of its protective walls, the establishment of the Arcanum Imperium and the opening of rich mines and ancient dig sites attracted scholars, adventurers, and merchants alike. By 800 ACW, Cyri had legitimized its famed The Emperors Guard , repelled its first major assault, and unearthed the tomb of a lost emperor of Oranack—a discovery that solidified the city’s reputation as a center for historical and arcane study.
Growth and Golden Age
Throughout the next century, Cyri flourished. Its mines produced wealth beyond measure, bolstered by the power of a major ley line running beneath the city. With the aid of the Arcanum Imperium, the city's walls were enchanted with powerful arcane defenses. Agriculture thrived, as the ley line's latent magic enriched the surrounding farmlands.To commemorate its achievements, the city erected the grand statue of Alessia the Defender, a symbol of Cyri's strength and resilience. Yet, even amidst prosperity, tensions brewed. The implementation of a compulsory military service by the Silver Circle, the ruling council of Cyri, sparked protests among the populace. Over time, however, the necessity of this decision became clear, particularly after the War of Storms, when Cyri's military prowess safeguarded its sovereignty.
As Cyri grew, so did its borders. The Forge Hawks, an elite corps of engineers, expanded the city’s walls while reinforcing its arcane protections. By the dawn of 900 ACW, Cyri had cemented its status as a cultural and economic powerhouse, eagerly anticipating its bicentennial celebration.
The War of Red Waters
The festivities planned for Cyri's 200th anniversary were overshadowed by the largest conflict in the region in five centuries: the War of Red Waters. This bloody struggle embroiled the entire Lost Empire, with Cyri playing a pivotal role. As a central staging ground, the city hosted war councils, supplied armies with war mages, and served as a refuge for displaced citizens.The toll was steep. Nearly 15% of Cyri's population perished in the conflict, and the city’s economy faltered under the strain of wartime production. Yet, Cyri’s defenses held firm, and its territory remained intact. The war ended thanks to a treaty brokered by the Silver Circle, which restored Bearth to the Lost Empire and secured peace with the Kingdom of Veaser—albeit a tenuous one.
Modern Cyri
Two decades have passed since the War of Red Waters, yet its scars remain. A lingering distrust of Veaser and the Voslo Empire pervades Cyri, as both the Golden Army and the Order of the White Oak press dangerously close to the city’s borders.Despite these challenges, Cyri endures. Its markets bustle with trade, its mages continue to innovate, and its walls stand as a testament to the strength of its people. The city-state looks to the future, wary yet determined to thrive in an ever-changing world.
For adventurers and travelers journeying along the Aster Road, Cyri offers a glimpse of both the past and the future—where the lessons of history and the promise of magic are interwoven in the fabric of its streets.
Founding Date
760 ACW
Founders
Type
City
Population
~8,200
Inhabitant Demonym
Cyrians
Location under
Owning Organization
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