Ellaluna

Overview

Ellaluna, the City of Gems, is the capital of Couvalon Kingdom and the seat of the Prism Bearer. Ellaluna is renowned for its gemstone-inspired architecture, arcane institutions, and intricate balance of civic order and creative spirit. It stands not only as the political and cultural heart of the Couvalani but also as a beacon of intellectual and magical brilliance.

Demographics

• 52% Human
• 40% Elf
• 18% Other (Including a healthy array of exotic and rarer sapient species)

Geography

Ellaluna rises from the sapphire shores of the northern coast into a sprawling city carved into the lush tropics of Suriima.

Districts

Azul Bayfront

The coastal face of Ellaluna, this bustling harbour district welcomes traders and travellers alike from across the seas. Amongst the piers and promenades lie dockworkers' lodgings, trading company headquarters and the home of the Sapphire Fleet.

Tradewind Terrace

Compact, multi-level, and largely constructed out of wood, the Tradewind Terrace serves as the city's first encounter for travellers. Tight alleys and raised walkways form a thriving market quarter of varied goods, street performers, and artisans. It is vibrant but weather-worn, with the scent of spice and brine ever-present.

Mercada Cambiar

The exotic sounding Mercade Cambiar simply translates to Trade Market. It is the heart of the city's commerce, and home to the bulk of the residential sub-districts. This bustling district houses the largest concentration of merchants, workshops, and Couvalani citizens, with winding streets, colourful frontages, and open plazas.

Calle Prismata

The 'Prismatic Streets' is the administrative and high-class district of Ellaluna. Here lies the city's bureaucratic, civic and intellectual institutions. Alongside those come the upper-class villas, and refined businesses.

The Emerald Citadel

Though militaristic in nature, the Emerald Citadel is functionally its own district. Headquarters of the Emerald Army, this fortified enclave operates almost as its own little hamlet within the city.

Government

Ellaluna is governed by the Luminal Council, the six 'Executors' each aligned with a gemstone and their respective institution. The term Executor actually comes from 'Ejecutor ol'Corona' or 'Representative of the Crown' in the common tongue. The Sapphire Executor heads the Sapphire Fleet, The Emerald Executor leads the Emerald Army, The Ruby Executor looks overs the Ruby Guard, the city's lawkeepers, the Diamond Executor is the master of the Diamond Assembly, a renowned university, the Amethyst Executor similarly is the master of the adjacent Amethyst Halls, the city's magical insitution and finally the Onyx Executor is overseer of the Onyx Peninentiary. Above the Executors sits the Prism Bearer, the monarch of the kingdom, who incorporates the aspects reflected by the six gems.

History

Ellaluna began as an outpost for a nearby gemstone mine, discovered early in the Age of Discovery, meaning it is one of the oldest settlements outside of Aldenia. Whilst the mine was quickly exhausted, Ellaluna remained a vital trading post, connecting Suriima with the lands beyond via its port. More mines in the region came and went, each were allowed to reclaimed by the jungles, but Ellaluna remained, adopting and incorporating its origins into the very fabric of the city with the gemstone motifs.

Culture

The culture here revolves around the values attributed to those six gemstones: Sapphire's Grace, Emerald's Resolve, Ruby's Respect, Diamond's Purity, Amethyst's Wisdom and Onyx's Temperance. In general, though, it's a vibrant culture, matching the energy of the surrounding jungles with noise and excitement within the walls of the city too.