Thalvarin

Thalvarin is a vibrant and diverse city, the total population is roughly 35,000. However, if one includes the surrounding smaller 'satellite' settlements that are reliant on the city for protection and commerce then the population balloons too around 75,000 people. The population of the 'city' is divided between Varinim (Citizens) who within the walls of the city and Thalkraji (Affiliate-Citizen) who reside in the settlements outside. There is also another 500 - 10,000 Freeroamers (Non-Citizens) depending on the time of the year. These are mostly comprised of seasonal labourers and merchants.  

Aushari Enclave

Due to the close ties between the Aushiari people of Aushvolith and the founder of the city Edran Thalordin, there is a sizable contingent of these Elenari who reside in the cliffside district of the city known as Aushrow. Nominally these individuals are considered 'guests' of the city enjoying rights as citizens while not being allowed to participate in the city's politics. Many of these Aushari arrived shortly after Edran's burgening settlement had found its footing; observing the city and its people over the generations. This enclave is one of a kind as the Elenari peoples are very isolationist. Hosting and maintaing a good relation with the Aushvolith Envoy bring not only exlcusive trade rights but also prestige to the city.  

Stratified Society

Do to a complex web of wealth, history and governing structure the city's population can be divided into a distinct hierarchy where those higher up enjoy greater prestige and better access to wealth and power. Not only that but this hierarchy has a physical aspect to it with those higher up the chain being granted the right to reside in the higher-up districts of the city, allowing them to literally 'look down' on those socially beneath them. The largest divide is between that the Thalkraji are not allowed to reside in the city proper like the Varinim can. The breakdown of these classes are as follows:

1. The Lord and His Council - The ultimate executives of the city, granted residence in the exclusive Fadren's Crown district. Powerful visiting rulers are also housed at this rank.
2. Recognised Houses - Elevated above other families by long-standing influence and heritage, granted the right to reside on The Ridge. The Aushari Clans are granted an equivalent status as 'honored guests' within this tier. Leaders from other governments are considered this rank when visiting.
3. Other Houses - Lesser houses granted the right to a 'house name' by the Rites Council, typically due to significant service or acquired wealth. Nobles from other regions in Caldrithar are considered to be of this rank when visiting, though they are often seen as the lowest within this tier. This rank primarily occupies the higher sections of the Terraces District.
4. Citizens (Varinim) - The general citizen population, further stratified by individual wealth, power, and prestige. They primarily occupy the lower sections of the Terraces and the Docksides.
5. Affiliates (Thalkraji) - Individuals who work for and rely on the city but do not hold full citizenship. Those with stronger connections to the city (e.g., long-term residents, established local tradesmen) are seen as higher ranked than those with fewer ties. They reside in the satellite settlements.
6. Freeroamers - Those with no formal ties or affiliation to the city, occupying the lowest rung of Thalvarin's social structure. They do not have the right to reside or settle in any area that the city holds juristiction over

For a more detailed understanding of Thalvarin's political landscape, including the powers of each council and the role of the Bay Princes, read more about the Grand Councils of Thalvarin   The city-state of Thalvarin is a complex Republic currently governed by Lord Mansfield Vari Wyvernheart Tol Ordrith, who holds the title of Lord of the Crown. The city's governance is built upon a system of interlocking councils and the esteemed Bay Princes, designed to balance executive authority with legislative oversight and judicial checks. Key governmental bodies include:

• The Lord of the Crown and their Council of the Rock.
• The legislative Bay Council, composed of all male adult citizens.
• The Lords Council, representing the city's Recognized Houses and acting as a check on legislation.
• The judicial Watcher's Council, drawn from the Bay Princes, which controls the city's police and has significant oversight powers.
• The Council of Rites, which safeguards Thalvarin's cultural and religious traditions.
• The Kraji Council, providing a voice for the Thalkraji population within the Bay Council.

This intricate system, supported by the rigorous Rite of Princes and specific veto powers, ensures the stability and unique character of Thalvarin's governance.

Thalvarin's immense wealth and influence stem directly from its strategic position and its dominant control over trade routes. Situated at the confluence of the Calen River and the Bay of Elaris, the city serves as a critical nexus for both riverine and maritime commerce, connecting inland territories with distant islands and coastal settlements.  

Imports and Exports

Thalvarin operates as a powerful trading hub, importing essential goods to sustain its large population while exporting highly prized commodities that drive its economy:  

Merchant Navy

As a major maritime power, Thalvarin maintains a formidable merchant navy that facilitates its vast trade network. These ships are the lifeblood of the city, carrying its valuable exports to distant ports and returning with vital imports.

Thalvarin is a sprawling city built across a high ridge which overlooks the bay. The City is divided into several distinct districts, each with its own character, purpose, and populace. These divisions often reflect the city's social hierarchy and historical development, with older more prestigious districts occupying higher elevations.   Fadren's Crown (The Crown District)
Perched atop the acropolis, this oldest district is the heart of Thalvarin's power, housing the Lord's Palace, key governmental buildings, and showcasing prestigious Aushari "Skybound Revival" architecture.
  The Ridge
Located directly below Fadren's Crown, this exclusive and affluent district is characterized by grand residences and manicured gardens, serving as the primary home for Thalvarin's long-standing Recognized Houses.
  The Terraces District
Cascading down the slopes towards the bay, this multi-layered district comprises the bulk of the city's population, with wealthier unrecognized Houses in cleaner, upper sections and increasingly cramped, industrial areas in lower terraces towards the Docksides
  The Docksides
This bustling and often chaotic bayfront hub is the nerve center of Thalvarin's trade, filled with warehouses, shipyards, taverns. The city's largest market, and the Temple of Agurash are located on its docks. It is also the only area where Freeroamers can reside freely.
  Aushrow
A unique district built into the sheer cliffs overlooking the Bay of Elaris, Aushrow is the primary residence of the Aushari Clans, featuring distinctive cliff-clinging architecture that reflects their connection to the air and their ancestral home of AushVolith.
  Sentinel Island (Arsenal Island)
This heavily fortified island at the bay's mouth serves as Thalvarin's main defensive structure outside the city walls, housing its arsenal, ship-building facilities, and deepwater harbor, with access tightly controlled.
  Edran's Rest (The Necropolis)
The smaller, sacred island located further into the bay, housing the strictly forbidden necropolis for the city's founder, Edran, accessible only to select members of the Council of Rites.
  The Rock
A formidable sea stack at the bay's mouth, connected to the Crown District by a thin rope bridge. A small fort sites atop it inside which resides a shrine to the city's found, Edran resides