Lesima, the Blessed.

"The exalted wept. There, in the ashes of the fallen, Lesima drew her last breath."
-Excerpt from Hymn #27 from the Church of Lesima

Lesima is a city state located on the mouth of the Verderun River as it spills into The Aeliph Sea. It sprawls on the banks of the river as well as on the island nearby, known as Lesima's Stand. The city is named after the founder, Lesima, an important religious figure to the inhabitants who was said to be the daughter of Tyr himself. She is said to have died protecting her followers from orc invasions on Lesima's Stand, which was named in her honour. The island of Lesima's Stand gradually slopes upwards with Bluestar Palace at its peak, which is said to rest above the holy figure's tomb.
Like all city states on the Aeliph, Lesima has a thriving dock and harbour of which the trade of goods flourish.
The monarchy that rules Lesima are prominent members of the state religion, claiming divine rule due being direct descendants of Lesima. The city as a whole generally follows Tyr and Lesima as a minor deity and patron God, but other gods are also worshipped.

Government

The government of Lesima is a divine monarchy. The royal family claims to be direct descendants of the demigoddess Lesima, who is worshiped by the general population, and as such have divine right to rule the land. They possess advisors and a court whom which they govern with, but ultimately the right to rule falls on the shoulders of the royal family.

Defences

Similar to other city states, defences of Lesima include sizeable sea walls along its southern edge and land walls along the others, forts and a thriving navy.

Industry & Trade

Main exports from Lesima include grain, wool, kyanite, blueschist and lumber, as well as cultural products from its art and performing scene.

Infrastructure

A common material used in Lesima for the construction of rooftops, bridges and other infrastructure that architects wish to accentuate the scenery is a stone known as blueschist. This rock has a brilliant blue colour that helps give Lesima its aesthetic by choosing which sections should be accented with the colour of the mid day sky. The blueschist mines in the region are the only kind in the entire realm, and it is a popular export to other city states.

Geography

The geography of Lesima varies, from rolling hills that transition into the mountain ranges on its borders to flatlands peppered with flowing wheat. Stretching across the land like a ribbon is the Verderun River, which starts in the mountains near the border before reaching its end at the Aeliph Sea. Fed by mainly by groundwater and tributary rivers, the Verderun Watershed is mainly a calm one, without any raids or rapid twists that characterize rivers on the north eastern shores of the realm.
The underlining geology is mainly metamorphic and sedimentary, with folded metamorphic formations exhumed at the surface amid a sea of later deposited sedimentary limestone. These metamorphic outcrops are important to the local economy, as it is here that the exports of blueschist and kyanite are found. Blueschist is a popular construction material that is shipped across the sea to be used as accents in infrastructure due to its brilliant colour. Kyanite, due to its interesting properties regarding shape and reactions to heat, is an important mineral in the formation of enchanted weaponry, mainly swords and other blades.
The limestone deposits that cover the land have created a karstic environment, where sinkholes and underground caves are common. Most of these are unexplored due to the dangerous environment they represent, filled they are with natural hazards as well as monsters.

Alternative Name(s)

The Free City of Lesima

Type

Large city

Location under

The Aeliph Sea

Included Locations

• Holy Temple of Lathander
• LightningClan
• Shar's Shipyard
• The Farstep Cafe
• Verderun River
• Welton

Owner/Ruler

King Barnabas Nepholus