Arcshire, the City of Kings

Arcshire's population is predominantly human, forming most of its citizenry. Scattered amongst the human populace are smaller communities of elves and dwarves. The elven population, though small, is known for their craftsmanship and artistic talents, often working as artisans, jewelers, and dream weavers. Dwarves, even fewer in number, primarily reside in districts near the city's workshops and forges, contributing their renowned skills in metalworking and stonemasonry. While the non-human residents are integrated into Arcshire's society, they remain distinct communities, maintaining their own traditions and customs. The city's social structure is clearly defined, with a hierarchical system that dictates status and influence. At the base are the common citizens, who form the backbone of Arcshire's economy through their labor and trade. Above them are the merchants, who hold a significant position due to the city's thriving trade networks. The military occupies a respected place in society, tasked with protecting Arcshire's interests both within and beyond its walls. Above the military are the politicians, who manage the city's governance and administration. At the apex of this hierarchy stands the royal family, whose lineage and authority grant them ultimate power and influence over Arcshire and its inhabitants. This social structure, while generally accepted, occasionally sees friction between different groups vying for greater influence or recognition. The Followers of Breyta consist of radical individuals who see humanity as the wisest creation of the first-brood. As such they think less of the other races of Ixala. The Guilds have been criticized many times for their unethical business practices. the capital has had its tragedies befall from these tensions.

The Kingdom of Owenar operates under a constitutional monarchy, with the Royal House at its helm. Power is carefully balanced between the Monarch, who serves as Head of State, and the elected Parliament, which holds primary legislative authority. While the Monarch retains certain executive powers, such as appointing officials and commanding the military, these powers are exercised in consultation with elected representatives from each district. Parliament, hosted and maintained by House Whiteheart, acts as a crucial check on the Monarch's authority, ensuring that the laws of the land reflect the will of the people. This system, guided by the written constitution known as The Silver Sun, promotes a stable and accountable government where tradition and progress can coexist. The laws enshrined within The Silver Sun apply equally to all citizens within the Kingdom of Owenar's jurisdiction. Citizens are defined by birthright or legal naturalization through bureaucratic processes.   Parliament consists of eleven representatives from each district within Arcshire. These representatives are elected every five years. Humans residing on the continent of Westenra are legally allowed to be candidates for Parliament. Non-humans may apply for candidacy if they are proven residents of the capital. Campaigning is regulated by restricting the use of coins to the average citizen and banning investments from foreign powers. The Maester Judge assesses every applicant and may publicly release findings if constitutional law is at risk. Family members of House Whiteheart, aged 16 and above, majority vote to approve an applicant. Votes are gathered from all settlements throughout the kingdom's borders two weeks beforehand to be collected on election day, the 1st Sun of Ultris's Moon (the first day of the year), where a candidate may take a parliamentary position by majority vote. Parliament's legislative powers are significant, including the ability to amend The Silver Sun itself, though this requires a three-fourths majority vote. Parliamentary elections occur only at the Kingdom's capital, Archshire, and only the Kingdom's citizens can vote. Therefore, representatives are provided housing and security while arriving at Arcshire for parliamentary duties or campaigning.   The royal line of succession is determined by primogeniture. Upon the Monarch's death, the eldest living offspring inherits the Silver Throne. In cases of the Monarch's incapacitation, capture, or underage, the heir apparent assumes the role of Regent until the Monarch's return. If the heir apparent is unavailable, the next in line of succession takes on the responsibilities of Regent. This process continues down the line of succession. Should the entire Royal Family be compromised, a unique safeguard exists: the Maester Judge of the military assumes emergency powers as Defender of Owenar, tasked with restoring order while acting under the advice of Parliament. During that time, a new royal line is established through an amendment process.   Maintaining order within the Kingdom is a shared responsibility. Each district has its division of city guards regulated by Parliament. These guards, maintained by the district representatives, primarily handle domestic issues. The Kingdom's military, on the other hand, serves as the centralized defense force, protecting the realm from external threats.   The Silver Sun guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens of the Kingdom of Owenar. These rights include the rights to life, justice, and equality. The law explicitly protects all individuals within the Kingdom's jurisdiction from wrongful acts of killing, thievery, injustice, or abuse, extending this protection even to non-human races. However, a citizen must vouch for these rights for non-citizens of the kingdom. When a violation of these rights occurs, the city guard initiates an investigation, detaining suspects as necessary and organizing a prosecution. The case is then reviewed by the militia's judicial system, which delivers a verdict. Defendants are guaranteed the right to legal counsel from low-ranking officers to defend their defense. High-ranking military officials, who are required to have training in Owenarian politics and law, serve as judges within this system. Judges are selected from military officers' ranks and elected by district representatives, serving terms of twenty years. The Maester Judge of the militia is selected by the moarchy and serves for life (or until deemed unfit by a four-fifths majority vote of Parliament) and acts as the final reviewer of the law itself, ensuring its proper interpretation and application. This legal training requirement underscores the importance of legal expertise for those involved in the judicial process.   Regarding the economic control of the city's government, taxation is fundamentally channeled through the sale of goods. Everything that is purchased has a trade tax based on the value and type of product. Parliament determines the degree of taxation for those trades. This funding is distributed to the monarchy's treasury and allocated equally throughout the government by parliamentary decision. To ensure this taxation, all trade passing through Lake Dalios is required to go through the Iron Paladin Vault. The Royal Guard and the Keybearer Guild are responsible for maintaining the vault's security and overseeing its operations. While overall market activities are regulated only by constitutional amendment, individual districts are permitted to establish their own regulations for local markets. However, these local regulations must align with The Silver Sun and are subject to judicial review to ensure their constitutionality.

Arcshire's defenses are heavily reliant on its substantial military, particularly its unique blend of naval and ground forces. A 12,000-strong naval militia, primarily composed of sailors, focuses on securing trade routes and protecting the city's vast stores of trading goods, ensuring adherence to the kingdom's trade laws. Supporting them are 200 Royal Guards, responsible for training knights, and 3,000 City Guards who maintain civil order, sometimes employing extralegal methods. They have been known to take favors and bribes from merchants as they are more independent than those who serve the military. This military focus, especially the naval militia's emphasis on trade security, has profoundly shaped Arcshire's economy, prioritizing defense, logistics, maritime trade, and military training industries. The city's prosperity is directly linked to the successful protection of its valuable trade assets and the enforcement of trade regulations, underscoring the vital role of the naval militia.   Military leadership is centralized at Emblem Point, located in the city's center, to effectively organize the military hierarchy. While the monarch holds ultimate authority over the military, high-ranking officers also wield considerable power in the Silver Council. The military is structured into nine divisions, each representing one of the city's nine districts. These divisions are commanded by Royal Guardsmen who hold the title of "Judge." The most common way to become a Judge is by challenging the current one. Only a Royal Guardsman can issue a challenge, and even then, the challenge can be rejected if the division votes against it.   Serving under each Judge is a Second-in-Command known as a "2nd seat," a position appointed by the Judge. However, soldiers have been known to refuse this selection. Below them are the "Seated Officers," designated by their rank (e.g., 3rd Seat, 4th Seat, up to 7th Seat).   The kingdom's military resources are provided by several key groups: weapons and armor are supplied by the Silver Fang Tribe; uniforms, banners, and other textiles are provided by the Silk Widow Guild; and the Pale Stone Tribe oversees the construction and repair of military infrastructure.

This bustling port city boasts one of the world's largest and most influential trade systems, controlling the import and export of virtually all resources and products associated with human trade, along with some from other races. Its most notable exports are rare, highly prized fish caught in the deep ocean trenches, recognized for their unique flavors and purported magical properties. The most valuable trade product is their Silver Steel ore, renowned for its exceptional quality and the unique magical property of freezing touch. Although valuable, its sale is highly restricted due to the limited resources and potential dangers of use. Therefore, the Pale Stone Guild keeps its mining and forging secret. Additionally, the tribe operates steam machinery they invented to accommodate the city's growing population. Most of the technology is found in the Steel Corner district, where the innovative minds of the dwarves continually enhance its use every century.   By strict government law, all trade, regardless of origin or destination, is stored, reviewed, and officially transacted at the imposing Iron Paladin Vault. This massive, fortress-like structure, with its reinforced walls and heavily guarded entrances, serves as both a secure warehouse and a central marketplace. Within its walls, merchants from across the globe haggle and barter, their voices echoing through the vast halls. Merchant guilds largely manage the complex economics of these trades and industries, their influence shaping prices, supply chains, and even international relations. These trades are the sole source of taxable income for the kingdom. If trade dissipates, so does the government funding. Ensuring trade is managed and kept in high regard becomes readily essential.   The most prominent and influential guild is the Alban Market Guild, run by the venerable and immensely wealthy House Alban. Famous for their vast fleet of ships that ply the seas, trading in exotic sea creatures and rare goods from distant lands, they also have a well-deserved reputation for funding daring expeditions into the unknown, charting new trade routes, and discovering forgotten civilizations. As the wealthiest house on the continent, their influence is felt throughout much of the known world. Other influential guilds, each with their specialized area of control, include the Keybearers (vault management and accounting), the Royal Road (transportation and messaging), the Pale Stone Corp (raw materials and crafts), and the Purple Moon Trading Company (the Elvish dream weaving market).   By a long-standing agreement between the monarchy and the warbound Silver Fang Tribe, weapons and other products of war are restricted to military use. This agreement helps maintain peace and prevents the proliferation of dangerous weaponry. Exceptions are sometimes made for approved civil defense in outlying settlements facing frequent raids from bandits or wild beasts, or for members of the prestigious and often well-equipped Adventurers Guild, who are regularly tasked with perilous missions that require specialized arms and armor.

The city is an ever-expanding structure built on the foundation of pale stone. At the center is a monument dedicated to the place where the city's founder, Utheos Owenar, planted his banners declaring the arrival of his Kingdom. The city's districts are bordered and surrounded by fortified stone walls of pale stone. The outer-most wall is armed with massive crossbow turrets and designed to allow archers' protection. The city rests next to Lake Dalios with easy access to its port and its underground vault cavern beneath. Naval ships roam the lake as security and escort. In the north part of the city is a river partially covered by the city's structure. The inner mechanic of the riverway is filtered for minerals at the Steel Corner District. The water is then deposited back into the river path outside the city and inwards through the continent. Apart from the elevating section of Utheos Square, the city floor is mostly flat in every district. Under the city is a large cave system where Silver Steel ore is mined.

The city is divided into nine districts: Crescent Port, Emblem Point, Otheos Square, the Silk Corner, the Steel Corner, Flintwood Alley, Southern Vale, Western Vale, and Wisdom's Crossing.   Crescent Port: This district lines the city's entire port area along the massive lake, forming a crescent moon shape. It handles the majority of the city's imports and exports and is a popular fishing spot, teeming with fish. The residents are primarily sailors on shore leave, dockworkers, and merchant guilds. In the back of the district lies a secured bank where the vast majority of the city's wealth is contained in the Iron Paladin Vault.   Emblem Point: Situated at the city's center, this small, circular district houses the military. At its heart stands the kingdom's military flag—a massive banner marking both the city's founding and the symbol of the monarchy's military.   Utheos Square: This large, square-shaped district is home to Castle Ashcrown. Surrounding the castle are barracks for the Royal Guard and the Royal Family's recreational gardens. Access to this district is restricted to those of noble birth or royal rank.   The Silk Corner: This district is renowned for its exquisite clothing market and establishments catering to personal pleasures. The district and its market are largely controlled by the Silk Widow Guild, a matriarchal organization that trains Westenra's finest tailors and confidantes.   The Steel Corner: Located opposite the Silk Corner, this district specializes in the sale of all things metal. By law, the selling of metal goods is controlled by the Silver Fang Tribe. Their unique trade of crafting Silver Steel blades and the manufacturing of steam machinery is controlled by the Pale Stone Tribe, who earned the reputation as master craftsmen. Dwarves in the district work alongside them to innovate the city's technology and infrastructure.   Flintwood Alley: Known as "the Lost Alley" due to the high number of missing persons reported there, Flintwood Alley is the largest and most unstable of the housing districts. It is a haven for the city's poor and is known to harbor criminals and rogue guilds. If you're looking for stolen goods, this is where you might find them, often within its black markets. Don't expect the city guards to ensure your safety in every corner, for the populace tends to be more aggressive towards outsiders and those who seek to harm its residents.   Southern Vale: As the central housing district, Southern Vale provides lodging for both citizens and weary travelers. Here, you'll find the famous Drowning Dragon Inn, where adventurers can find work or relax.   Western Vale: This district houses the city's government, including the Kingdom's parliament and courts of law.   Wisdom's Crossing: The smallest district, Wisdom's Crossing, comprises temples connected by a large bridge. The district's primary influence comes from the religious group that worships Breyta, the goddess of wisdom. This influence has been a source of conflict within both the district and the city itself.

This diverse human majority represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds and physical appearances, reflecting the city's history as a hub for trade and migration. Within this space, humans exist in the tribes and guilds aligned with the Owenarian Royal Line.

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Name	Role/Occupation	Current leader
Kingdom of Owenar	Constitutional Monarchy	Argon Owenar II
House Owenar	Royal Line / Infantry-Commander	Talon Owenar
House Whiteheart	Host of Parliament / Diplomacy	Lirael Whiteheart
House Morncloth	Adventurer Guild Manager	Ilaina Morncloth
House Valceran	Infantry Training and Organizing	Erin Valceran
House Felkton	Navy Training and Organizing	Demos Felkton
House Sage	Religion / Followers of Breyta	Abraham Sage
Sapphire Leaf Rangers (Unit)	Reconnaissance Unit / Archery Training	Cpt. Dormer Sarrora
Silver Fang Tribe	Royal Guard Training / Detainment Unit	Chief Dralmell
Pale Stone Tribe	Blacksmithing / Engineering (Steam) / Silver Steel Forging	Chief Garrulf
Silk Widow Tribe (Guild)	Weaving / Confidants/ Assassination Unit	Chief Sylvie Araneae
Spellhold Tribe (Guild)	Anti-Magic Enforcement	Chief Urozin Lemonwood
Horizon's Dawn Tribe (Guild)	Expedition / Sailcraft / Records Keeping (KORR)	Chief Eomi Greenscale
Alban Market Guild	Fish Merchant / Trading	GM Oliver Alban
Keybearer Guild	Vault Security / Records Keeper	GM Nabrith Celavar
Royal Road Guild	Messaging / Transportation	GM Eldai Hyperius
Pale Stone Corp	City Maintenance / Architecture / Raw Material Trading	Westley Blakeward
Purple Moon Trading Company	Dream Trading and Thaznirian Diplomacy	Nushala Aranieros

During the 6 centuries of the Dark Age (DA), the area that would be known as the Owenarian capital was once a naval base for the Fuxenarian Empire. Created to supplant the imperial occupancy of Westenra, the base was known as Draco Interfectorem. After the global rebellion that defeated the empire and its corrupted god, the base was reduced to molten steel ruins by the vengeful dragons. In 573 DA, King Utheos Owenar laid the groundwork for across from the base, seeking to unify the disparate tribes of Westenra into a singular Kingdom for Humanity. This ambitious project was launched following a declaration of a Duel of Destiny. Tribal combat between leaders where the victor determines both factions' allegiances. The legendary duel against Chief Dalios of the Silver Fang Tribe secured Utheos's victory and established the city itself. Utheos now had the vast army of the Silver Fang Tribe as part of his kingdom's army.   By 575 DA, They commenced military campaigns against neighboring tribes, culminating in the union with the Pale Stone, Silk Widow, Spellhold, and Horizon's Dawn Tribes by 577 DA. However, by 580 DA, following years of conflict with the Sapphire Leaf Rangers, Utheos returned to his people defeated. He reassured them of his commitment to protect their homes, earning him the enduring title of "Utheos the Silver Wall." The same year brought tragedy: Utheos died from old wounds, leaving his 15-year-old successor, Altheos, to face the complexities of governing a fledgling kingdom.   King Altheos established a parliament in 581 DA, continuing his father's vision and transitioning Arcshire into a constitutional monarchy. This significant shift promoted civic engagement and governance. He also created a special counsel within the Royal Guard to facilitate informed decision-making.   By 582 DA, Altheos advanced Arcshire's economic strategy by developing a port system at Lake Dalios, allowing maritime trade to flourish. The construction of a naval fort named after Chief Dalios and the establishment of Crescent Port as a trading center showcased this progress. The kingdom celebrated its 10th anniversary in 583 DA, marking a milestone that led to Altheos being revered as "Altheos the Wise," recognized for his wisdom and strategic prowess.   Notably, by 600 DA, the Kingdom of Owenar entered a cultural renaissance, often celebrated as a golden age, transitioning from the Dark Age to the Age of Renewal.   Following King Altheos's death, his daughter, Queen Lauren Owenar, ascended the throne. Despite facing challenges from the Church of Breyta, she became known for her grace as a blade dancer and compassionate leadership. Lauren forged a neutral marriage pact with the Sapphire Forest Tribe, enhancing the kingdom's influence.   When the Salted Steel Tribe embarked on a raid, threatening the kingdom, Queen Lauren led her navy decisively into battle. Thus starting the 1st Salted Stell War. Her impressive naval victories increased her popularity among the citizens. Tragically, her reign ended when she perished in a devastating sea storm, leaving her son, Varius Owenar, to inherit the throne.   King Varius, dubbed "Varius the Pious," sought favor with the Church by erecting the Silver Eye and escalating tensions with the Atheist Coalition. The unrest during his rule led to his son, Utheos II, taking over when the Salted Steel Tribe feared retaliation.   Utheos II fortified military defenses and increased funding, earning the title "Steel Heart Utheos" for his steadfastness. Despite confronting civil unrest in the Flintwood Alley District and the mysterious disappearance of his niece, Alice Owenar, Utheos II maintained control until his passing.   Upon his death, his successor, Queen Melain Owenar, enacted city expansion and forged alliances with the Kingdom of Thaznir, establishing the Vukith Institution. Unfortunately, her untimely death during childbirth placed her infant son, Tythos Owenar, on the throne under the guidance of her sister, Princess Melody.   Princess Melody ascended to the throne after Tythos Owenar became king, and her governance marked a pivotal period for Arcshire. Tythos's first act as king involved signing a treaty with the Scorchwood Tribe to counter the influence of the Hollow Syndicate.   In 299 ADA, King Tythos, the oldest reigning monarch known for his wisdom, died while afflicted by the Nightmare Curse. His son, Baron Owenar, ascended the throne but quickly garnered a reputation as "Baron the Cruel Fool" due to his apathetic demeanor and obsession with conquest, particularly against the Dwarven bridge city of Nol Molduhr. Four months into his reign, Baron Owenar's disregard for peace and violation of constitutional law led to his demise at the hands of his son, Beyl Owenar, who then took the throne.   King Beyl sought redemption for his father's aggressive actions by finalizing a peace treaty between his kingdom and the Dwarven clans. This treaty marked the end of the Silver Age and ushered in the Rust Age. However, Beyl's untimely death from an unknown disease allowed Melody Owenar II to ascend the throne amid tragedies that would plague the city for over two centuries. During this time, the Followers of Breyta significantly influenced monarchs and Parliament, leading to a period of censorship that complicated the recording of historical events.   The tension between the Atheistic Coalition and the Worshippers of Breyta culminated in social unrest and political instability. This unrest spiraled into the Great Purge, a violent series of events resulting in the execution of numerous religious leaders and the suppression of minorities, marking a turbulent epoch in the kingdom's history.   Following these events, the Age of Change ensued, during which Parliament established a coalition of adventurers led by Horizon's Dawn Tribe to tackle the growing conflicts. A catastrophic event further challenged the kingdom when a dragon named Athreos attacked the city, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life. The response demonstrated the resilience of Arcshire's citizens as they united to rebuild amidst public outrage directed at the Paladin stronghold for failing to prevent the assault.   As the kingdom rebuilt, the Age of Twin Omens began with the birth of twins to Queen Lauren Valceran, who died from birth complications. Additionally, her twins prompted royal blood conflicts, culminating in regicide when Prince Altheos IV executed his father upon discovering he had killed his twin in fear of the omen. Altheos IV ascended as "Altheos the Executioner," but his reign was marred by the mysterious Sapphire Blood disease that afflicted the royal family.   Queen Selma Aranea's simultaneous birth of twins sparked further division among the populace, leading Parliament to instate her as regent to avert a civil war. Nonetheless, the Twin Civil War broke out when the Queen Regent died. The Siege of Lost Children ultimately saw the demise of both twins, leading to a fragmented royal line and the rise of Maester Judge Reina Hennequin as Defender of Owenar.   In the aftermath, Darius Owenar, a young knight from the royal bloodline, was chosen king. His leadership led to the kingdom's reconstruction, which his son, Derron Owenar II, continued. The birth of brothers Argon and Talon Owenar shifted the power dynamic again, as Argon became the heir, and Parliament temporarily held kingship powers upon the king's death. Corruption, however, ran rampant among sea merchants during this transition, prompting King Argon II to act swiftly by arresting the corrupt. His strong stance earned him the title "Argon the Swift."   In 971 ADA, King Argon honored his younger brother, Talon, by appointing him Judge for Otheos Square. This appointment began Talon's notable, albeit tumultuous, role in Arcshire's history.   Prince Talon's early exploits were not without controversy. He earned the "Bloody Talon" moniker after successfully holding off the notorious Hollow Syndicate in the Scorched Forest. This bravery showcased his valiance and solidified his reputation within the realm.   Talon's fate took a darker turn when he was caught raiding the property of a former Salted Steel tribesman in Arcshire. This incident ignited outrage among the Salted Steel tribesmen, who demanded justice and asserted that Talon's actions had crossed an unspoken line. Talon rebutted these claims, alleging that the tribesman was a Fuxenarian spy. This allegation further strained relationships between the tribes and solidified the growing divide amidst escalating tensions. In response to the ongoing strife, King Argon made the difficult decision to strip Talon of his Judge title, hoping to alleviate the tensions.   Yet, the conflict did not end there. The Salted Steel Tribe, driven by historical grievances, invaded Westenra, reigniting an ancient feud. King Argon commanded the city's military forces. This led to a long and bloody campaign against the invaders, marking the beginning of what would become known as the Second Salted Steel War.   The protracted war culminated in 982 ADA with the return of the king and the surviving soldiers after they had endured an 11-year conflict. The people of Arcshire celebrated the resilience of the royal family and their military, honoring the war heroes—Lorath Valceran, Azarune, Sereshe, Talon Owenar, Hector Alban IV, Elbion Stormmoon, and Lirael Whiteheart—who played pivotal roles in this arduous journey.   Fast-forward to the present day in 1002 ADA. Arcshire grapples with pressing domestic issues, primarily the discord between the Atheistic Coalition and the Worshippers of Breyta. Compounding this precarious landscape are foreign threats from the resurgent Salted Steel Tribe and the enigmatic Fuxenarian Empire. Given these tribulations, Arcshire stands at a crossroads, facing a future rife with uncertainty and formidable challenges.

Arcshire enjoys a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons, though extremes are rare. Summers are warm and sunny, making it pleasant to stroll through the city's roads and gardens. Winters are mild and wet, with a rare amount of snowfall. While a dusting of snow might occasionally grace the rooftops and streets, it rarely accumulates. Spring and autumn are relatively short and pleasant transitional periods. The humidity is generally heavy, making for humid conditions year-round. being so close to bodies of water, rainfall tends to be a weekly occurrence. On sunny days, the water's surface reflects the light like a thousand tiny mirrors, glistening silver when the sunlight touches it. This shimmering spectacle is a daily occurrence, a beautiful backdrop to city life.