Xelas (pronounced ZEH-loss) is a city-state in Brightmarch. In his grove in the center of the city, the impossibly old arboreal Anlabban guards a strange anomaly, ever watchful for any invaders from beyond. The city of Xelas has slowly grown around the arboreal, a beautiful yet militaristic community focused on aiding Anlabban in his vigil.
Geography, flora, and fauna
Xelas is located within the Shaushkan Forest, between the two main tributaries of the Mezulla River. Aside from the city and its immediate surroundings, the nearby tropical forests and grasslands are relatively sparsely inhabited. The region receives a large amount of annual rainfall, and is generally warm year-round.
The city encircles Anlabban's Grove, an area of the forest protected by Xelas' resident arboreal. The trees of the grove, most thousands of years old, are carefully tended to by Anlabban. The broken, decaying ruins of a tempest hall lie scattered throughout the grove, largely buried and out of sight. A strange anomaly called the Emptiness, a roiling black void in reality, sits directly in the center of the grove.
History
Sometime around Y2000*, the arboreal Anlabban discovered the Emptiness within the Shaushkan Forest. Though for millennia he attempted to drive away those that would settle nearby, eventually a small community began to grow up around him, maintaining a healthy distance from the anomaly he guarded. By Y8100* this village had grown into a town and then into a city, recognizably turning into the city of Xelas.
Demographics
Xelas is quite a cosmopolitan city, home to people of all manner of ancestries and backgrounds. The city's population includes those with ancestors from Brightmarch, the Laqto Rainforest, Hinthial, and even farther afield who found themselves drawn together over the centuries. Humans, elves, half-elves, catfolk, kobolds, gnomes, leshies, and anadi are all particularly represented amongst Xelas' inhabitants.
Culture
Religion
The religion of Xelas is eclectic, a mix of many pantheons and deities brought to the city by its peoples' disparate origins. The Aserdian and Elven pantheons are worshiped especially widely, but they are joined by deities who have most of their followers in such faraway places as Khapesh and Kea Racha. The veneration of deities who emphasize protection and defense is especially important in Xelas. Tarazet, Saiph, Markab, Auva, and the Blind Witness are particularly widely followed. There are a great many temples in Xelas - most are open-air, located in pavilions and the like and nestled into the city's many parks.
Society
Strange, usually incomprehensible lucid dreams often befall those in Xelas who spend too much time near the Emptiness. Some describe the dreams as if reality itself is folding and unfolding around them - many believe they are glimpses into things mortals are not really meant to see. These mostly affect the Rootguard, but sometimes those residing on the innermost ring of the city experience them as well. The dreams spike dramatically in frequency and intensity when something is about to emerge from the Emptiness, which provides the city with a warning to prepare.
Anlabban occupies a complex place in Xelan society. The arboreal does not particularly care for the city, seeing it as a distraction from his vigil and its inhabitants as largely an additional burden, though he does acknowledge the ongoing support of the Rootguard. At the same time, he is pivotal to Xelan culture. For as long as the city has existed, so has Anlabban. The people of Xelas view Anlabban as a wise, knowledgeable figure, but one that should not be bothered or trifled with. The city's government exists in large part to try to aid Anlabban, and he plays an important if nonparticipating role in Xelas' special occasions, religious services, and overarching goals. Though it would still be a very long time in the future, some Xelans wonder what will become of their city once Anlabban is gone - even if they were able to maintain his vigil themselves, many believe the underlying social fabric of the city would crumble without the arboreal to hold them together.
Xelan culture is pinned on their belief in personal freedoms. The city is highly democratic, in governance, economy, and social life. Still, Xelans remember why their city was founded. It is widely understood that these freedoms only exist as a result of all Xelans doing their duty to aid their family, their community, and the vigil.
Most Xelans have at least some martial training. Even those not associated with the Rootguard see the value in being able to defend their city should the need arise - though the Emptiness is the major threat to the community, it is not the only one. By being able to form small militias when required, the city is able to keep the Rootguard dedicated to their task while still addressing any dangerous creatures or people that venture too close to the city.
Languages
Most inhabitants of Xelas speak Aserdian as a first language. The use of Common is widespread as well, but to a lesser degree. Elven is understood by many, though other racial tongues usually only see use within their respective populations. Arboreal is used within Xelas as an administrative and ceremonial language, but is not well-known to most people of the city.
Architecture and urbanization
Xelas is a well-planned city. Anlabban's Grove lies in the center of the city, a circle of woodlands about half a mile in diameter. Multiple concentric thoroughfares encircle the grove, connected by spoke-like streets that run from the grove outwards. The oldest buildings in the city, and most important locations like temples, guard posts, and administrative centers, are found along the inner circle. Public parks and common areas occupy a significant proportion of the city. Many parks are left semi-wild, only minimally tended.
The majority of structures within Xelas are almost entirely wood in construction, held together by well-fitted joints and clever joiners. Under their elegantly curved roofs, these buildings tend to be very open. Living spaces often feature large windows, open plans, and easy access to the outside. Almost all homes, and most other buildings as well, are surrounded by extensive green space, including both gardens and plants grown purely for decorative purposes. The scent of the innumerable flowers in these gardens fills the streets of Xelas. Some Xelans even allow the exteriors of their homes to be intentionally overrun with vines, both to keep the structure cool and for aesthetics.
Magic
The city has a disproportionate number of divine casters, associated with their community's many temples, but mages of all types can be found in Xelas.
Government
Though many in the city see Anlabban as the city's moral and spiritual guide, he is not, and would not wish to be, their leader. Xelas is a democracy, with positions elected on a five-year basis by the city's adult population. The city's government is run collectively by the three Speakers, who are each responsible for an important part of life in Xelas.
- The Speaker for the Roots is given the task of protecting the city and aiding Anlabban in whatever way is required. The Speaker for the Roots organizes, trains, and directs the Rootguard, Xelas' military. Together, the Speaker and the Rootguard help Anlabban ensure the grove in the middle of the city remains as well watched and protected as possible.
- The Speaker for the Leaves manages the city's cultural affairs. This can include everything from organizing public events to increasing ties with important religious institutions. In general, the Speaker for the Leaves is responsible for the happiness of those that live within Xelas.
- The Speaker for the Trunk is responsible for Xelas' diplomatic concerns. Among other tasks, they manage relations with merchant caravans, nearby cities, and nomadic groups that live in Brightmarch.
Leadership positions beneath the Speakers are elected as well. The Speakers consult each other regularly - though they each have their specific areas of concern, they frequently meet to discuss issues and receive input from the others.
Economy
Xelas regularly trades with the various settlements and nomadic peoples that live nearby. The city is something of a local trade center, though nowhere near as large as Yarma to the northeast. Xelas does not posses significant natural resources, nor does it have particularly well-developed industry. Instead, the people of the city largely trade agricultural surplus.