Aecho

The citystate of Aecho is built into the southernmost edge of the Canyons of Qahir, a layered city that receives water from a massive lake on top of the canyon. The city is run by a council of noble houses, with the Eamon family at the head of the council thanks to their strength and historical feat of sealing away a devil. Through exporting precious gems, rare metals, and magic items across Tehiri, Aecho has seen unprecedented prosperity. That prosperity isn’t universal though, with numerous workers suffering in the city's mines, while the houses themselves compete for political power over the city, even at the expense of others.

Description

History

Centuries ago, numerous roaming clans wandered an area spanning Atanya and Qahir, often clashing with each other over resources and territorial disputes. After a massive outbreak of disease-borne undead wiped out a dozen clans within a year, an alliance of like-minded clans formed to help eradicate it.

It was after the sickness was defeated that some of these clans decided to band together, rallying around the site of current-day Aecho. The clans would become noble houses, and any willing to work would be given sanctuary. While the city was relatively small at first, it quickly began to expand and build upon itself over the better part of a century, attracting more and more people with its defensible position, fertile soil, and rich metal deposits.

However, things took a dark turn after the city’s century anniversary. A powerful devil known as the One Who Was set his sights upon the city, spreading chaos and feeding upon the resulting terror to grow stronger. It took House Eamon sealing the devil away for its reign to stop, and thanks to clever framing of the story, they were regarded as heroes who earned a permanent spot among the city’s High Houses.

Government

Aecho’s government is a remnant of the original system created by its founding tribes. Governing Aecho are Houses- noble families whose considerable influence allows them to be given a seat in the city’s governance. Houses are chosen not by divine mandate, but by power- either in their wealth, knowledge, or martial skill. Not all Houses are equal however. Among them are the High Houses, especially powerful Houses that have a more heavily weighted vote and a presence on the High Council, which allows them to elect or revoke House statuship from families. Every time a High House’s leader dies, its status as a member of the Council is decided by vote, although House Eamon maintains a permanent seat no matter its current leader.

Economy

Aecho's main economy is based on its expansive mines, but despite that it also has hands in multiple industries with the High Houses having developed a diverse economy.

Climate

Arid, with Aecho’s unique state of being built into a canyon giving it an odd climate.

Districts

The Highlands: The highest point in the city and where all of the High Houses make their enclaves. This is also where the Senate, Aechos main government building, and most of the managerial buildings exist.

Upper Aecho: The second highest layer of the city and where many of the city’s lesser Houses, largest businesses, and more prestigious academies reside.

Middle Aecho: The largest district and the most ‘ordinary’ of them all. Also where you can find the city’s Delver’s Guild branch and the Al Azhar Arena.

Lower Aecho: The industrial district of Aecho, where many of its factories and refinement centers can be found. A carefully maintained ventilation system keeps gases from this district and above from seeping throughout the city.

The Runoff: The lowest district of Aecho, and where much of its lower class is forced to live. Contains the lion’s share of the city’s crime and the entrance to the city’s mines.

Trivia

• In 1411 a plague hit Aecho which led to the downfall of House Donæhun to barely being a High House.