Aeranas, The City of Light
"Even Post-Confluence, Aeranas is a beacon of religion across the continent of Vanigraad. Though due to the state of the world, we get refugees as oft as pilgrims these days. But you won't hear the priests and clerics complaining. As they say, refugee is just another name for a Convert!"
While it cannot claim to be the oldest city of mortals, Aeranas has been an ever present beacon of faith in Vanigraad since the early years of the First Age. When the Elves were still teaching magic to the world and showing the other races the Light of the Gods. At first it started as a small community of Elven and Human clerics in humble temples constructed of rough stone blocks. However, as the years passed and word of the small town spread, it grew seemingly overnight. Humble temples became grand structures of carved marble and smooth granite stone. Their pillars soaring high into the sky as if straining to touch the High Heavens themselves in an attempt to be ever closer to the beings they were constructed to honor. It would soon come to be known as the City of Light, a place where the Divine was welcomed and worshipers would not be shunned for their beliefs. A beacon of peace amidst a growing world of magic and the brewing wars of Humanity.
As the city grew ever larger, so too did the wealth that passed through its streets. While the many churches were not out to drain the populace of their coin, vast amounts of tithes were made monthly. As the various congregations grew, so too did their coffers and others began turning their eyes to the city. Greed driving darkness into their
hearts. Bandits began probing the defenses of the The Holy Order, the city guard of Aeranas. As well trained as they were, pushing back constant raids put a tremendous amount of stress on the already small military of Aeranas. From this stress came what is known simply as the Wall. A truly massive undertaking that enlisted architects from every corner of Vanigraad that were willing to build it. The Wall's construction took twelve years, and in that time over 30,000 lives were lost in its defense. However the Wall's defenders were driven and zealous in its defense. From these zealots sprung several Paladin orders. The most prominent of the time were the Storm Breakers. Ferocious paladins of Ireleth, the Storm Breakers would prove to be the best defense of the Wall and of Aeranas's people. It is claimed that even a small group of Storm Breakers could hold an army at bay for months at a time, and while the wall was being built they were being trained by the thousands. After the Wall's construction was complete some of the Orders dissolved into others, but some, such as the Storm Breakers, persist to the this day. Though their numbers have dwindled greatly in the years since the Confluence.
A massive structure of silvery white marble, the Wall is veined throughout with blessings and runes of Protection from Gamdring the Protector, the first Oracle and the first mortal to be raised to godhood. Atop the parapets are ballistae, catapults, and guard houses that dot 150 ft high structure that runs 6 miles on either side of the massive wrought iron gate of Aeranas's primary entryway. The structure spans all the way into the sea where it continues another mile out to form a sea wall known as the Leviathan's Gate. A set of high towers that can lock down the port entry by drawing up from the ocean floor a massive dwarven forged steel net to ensure that an attack from the sea is nigh impossible. A fact that contributes to the continued survival of Aeranas despite hundreds of attempts to sack the city proper.
Aeranas resides on the western coast of Vanigraad and as such is fairly temperate a majority of the year. However even in winter months the agricultural rings of the city maintain a perfect environment to grow crops thanks to the ever present blessings of Garrow, the god of Nature. In addition to having an abundance of fish in the Anarian Sea, Aeranas is largely self-sustaining and shares their bounty as often as possible with the other kingdoms. This bounty also makes them a target for attacks from desperate raiders and creatures of Chaos alike. But the surviving Paladin orders have been enough to drive them back in the years following the Confluence.
Recently the city has seen an influx of refugees fleeing from the small settlements that litter Vanigraad's landscape and tent cities have sprung up outside the city walls. Because of this, the Triumvirate has spread the Paladin orders thin in an attempt to police and maintain order within the camps. However they struggle to do so, and the camps have become hot beds of criminality and hide a thriving black market.
Demographics
- All races are present within the city walls
- Primary occupations are those related to the various church congregations
- Clerics and paladins are held in higher esteem than those with wealth
Government
The Triumvirate, a ruling body of clerics and paladins elected by the populace from each of the Temples present within the city.
- One Cleric and Paladin are selected from each church
- The elected clerics hold jurisdiction on all religious matters regarding Korhal and its residents. As well as deciding what is ruled as heresy and what is simply a practice of religious freedom.
- The elected paladins serve as the rule of law within the Triumvirate and are responsible for city defense, legal trials, and if need be execution. They also oversee the city guard and their training.
Defences
Defenses of note
- The Wall
- The Leviathan's Gate
- The Holy Paladin Orders
Infrastructure
Korhal has as large interconnected sewage system that keeps the city streets clean of refuse and the stink of waste. While it has no formal navy to speak of, it has several fisheries that provide seafood for the city and its people. A system of wind and watermills pump fresh water up from underground reservoirs and out to the agricultural ring. Nourishing the farms, orchards, and ranches there. Wells are present throughout the city to provide fresh water to the residents.
Founding Date
Officially established in the year 64 of the First Age.
Alternative Name(s)
The City of Light and the Divine City
Type
Large city
Population
64,000
Included Locations
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