Scient Shantar

In the northern reaches of the Alushtas Xilo Forest there is a city built by the elves and forest gnomes of the region. The beauty and wonder of this city is something that can't be described, only experienced. Firstly, the city is built into the canopy of the famous Golden Leaf Trees. This means much of the city is above the forest floor. In the summer the city is fragrant and blooming with flowers. The bottom levels of the city are reserved for the elite and prosperous inhabitants. Many of the families make homes in hollowed out tree trunks of the largest trees. Crime is very low and wealth is generally well distributed, although those at the very top levels are some of the poorest in the region. Fair skin and dry weather are favored highly by the elves, who first built this city many centuries ago. The bottom layers of this part of the forest receive very little direct sunlight and rainfall rarely reaches the forest floor. Ideal for elven nobility. However, there are some equally grand mansions nestled in the branches of the higher levels, mainly built by the forest gnomes that value sunlight and warmth.
  The summer beauty is outclassed by the autumn. The Golden Leaved Trees are so named for their autumn foliage. As the deciduous trees of the forest prepare to lose their leaves, they turn a brilliant golden color. Amber hues of reflected sunlight mix with golden colors of the leaves to create a truly breathtaking display. The city hosts thousands of visitors every fall to see the beautiful colors. Truly a magnificent sight, the tourism industry in the forest and especially in the city of Scient Shantar is a major economic driver.
  The winter in Scient Shantar can be very cold. Not too far from the northern boreal forest/tundra, winters can be well below freezing and windy, since many of the tree cover during the summer and fall is gone. The elves of the region seem to prefer the chill, but others find it a little too cold most of the time. However, there are some minor winter enthusiasts that enjoy snowshoeing and sledding.
  Spring is a time of great joy, The forest gnomes lead a great festival known as the Green Bud Blooming. Every year they celebrate the start of spring with festivities and parties. It is also often a time where diplomatic ties are strengthened as visitors and diplomats alike return to the city.
  Of course, tourism isn't the only thing to do in the city. The Royal Botanical Research Center is housed in the center of the city. The largest research and magical experimentation facility on the continent draws countless interested mages and scientists every year. Adjacent and closely associated with the Botanical Research Center is the Sylvan Library. This library is second in size only to the one in the capitol city of Caligo. These books specialize in information and knowledge associated with nature and nature magic, including wild magic, The Feywild, and a catalogue of all known living organisms.
  The prison outside of town is famous for being nearly impenetrable, since it is located in the treetops and escape from the prison itself usually means an excruciatingly long fall. The noble of Scient Shantar hold no qualms about imprisoning wrongdoers there, even for small infractions.