Xelas (pronounced ZEH-las) 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 an 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 Jungle, 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 the Xelas' inhabitants.
Culture
Religion
Society
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. Around the gro
Arts
Magic
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.
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 regularly meet to discuss concerns 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.