Selvardis

Summary

Selvardis is a radiant, bustling port city surrounded by shimmering lagoons and dense mangroves that form natural barriers against invaders. The city's architecture reflects a blend of Elven elegance and maritime practicality. Tall, slender towers adorned with glowing runes rise above the city scape, serving both as defensive watchtowers and magical beacons guiding ships safely into the harbor. Houses are built from pale coral stone and enchanted wood resistant to the salty air and storms, with vibrant gardens of sea grass and tropical flora spilling onto cobbled streets.

Nestled on a crescent-shaped island in the southern reaches of The Scattered Islands, near the disputed territories with The Empire of Mori in the Great Eastern Ocean.

Selvardis boasts The Eldar Docks, a sprawling port complex capable of accommodating merchant vessels, warships, and privateers. These Docks are protected by magical barriers that repel storms and unwelcome ships. The Waverider Shipyards, located just beyond the main harbor, are famed for constructing enchanted vessels, including the Therassian navy’s fastest warships.

Economy

The city thrives on trade, with merchants bringing goods from across the Eastern Ocean and beyond. Selvardis is particularly known for its export of enchanted jewelry, fine textiles, and magically enhanced shipbuilding materials. The nearby mangroves and reefs provide unique alchemical resources, including rare coral and bioluminescent seaweed used in magical potions and inks.

Fisheries and pearl farms dot the surrounding waters, contributing to the local economy. The city is also a hub for smugglers and privateers, who are subtly tolerated as long as they contribute to the kingdom's interests, especially in disputes with The Empire of Mori.

Recent events

Military Importance

Selvardis is a critical military stronghold for Therassia’s eastern defenses. The Ecliptic Fortress, an imposing sea wall and bastion, guards the main harbor. The city is home to the Eastern Fleet, a formidable naval force that patrols the disputed waters and deters imperial incursions. Selvardis is also equipped with magelenses, magical towers that amplify and project destructive spells to target enemy ships from afar.

The city’s garrison includes skilled marines trained in both naval combat and amphibious operations. Selvardis frequently serves as a staging ground for counterattacks against the Empire’s forces occupying nearby islands.

Culture

Selvardis is a vibrant cultural hub where Elven and maritime traditions blend harmoniously. The city celebrates the Festival of the Bountiful Sea, a week-long event honoring the ocean’s bounty. During this festival, glowing lanterns are released into the lagoons, and enchanted ships perform synchronized displays of light and movement.

The city is also known for its Pearl Cantors, Elven bards who craft songs infused with magical resonance. These songs are said to calm storms, inspire sailors, and even heal the wounded.

Districts

1. The Eldar Harbor District - The beating heart of Selvardis's maritime activity, this district encompasses the Eldar Docks and Waverider Shipyards. It’s always bustling with merchants, sailors, and dockworkers. Warehouses, taverns, and guildhalls line the harbor, and ships of every size and design bob in the sparkling waters.
2. Moonrise Ward - This is the cultural and administrative core of Selvardis, centered around Moonrise Plaza and the Baron's Palace. The ward is filled with elegant Elven buildings, reflective pools, and gardens. It’s home to the city’s political and spiritual institutions, as well as the residences of its elite.
3. The Submerged Quarter - A residential district built underwater in the bay covered by a magical glass dome, where the majority of Selvardis's Elven and Half-Elven citizens reside. Homes are constructed from enchanted coral and seashells, giving the area a luminescent glow.
4. The Gilded Spires - The wealthiest district of Selvardis, home to merchants, nobles, and retired ship captains. Grand mansions and estates with private lagoons are set amidst lush gardens and glimmering fountains.
5. The Mangrove Veil - Located on the outskirts of the city, this district is a mix of wild mangroves, fisheries, and pearl farms. Many of non-Elven laborers and fishermen live here, along with some more reclusive mages who study the unique flora and fauna.
6. The Unseen District - Located next to the fisheries of The Mangrove Veil is a tent city surrounded by wooden palisades. Within are the monster races used for slave labor to perform the undesirable jobs of the city. Wooden guard towers on the outside have heavily armed guards and there are frequent patrols to keep the population under control.
7. The Ember Bulwark - The military district of Selvardis, located near the Ecliptic Fortress. This area houses barracks, training grounds, and armories, as well as the magelenses that defend the city.

Notable Locations

• The Pearl Baron's Palace: A splendid circular building servicing as the home of the Baron's family and the administrative center of the city.
• Moonrise Plaza: A glowing central square hosting markets and public gatherings.
• The Eldar Docks: Sprawling, enchanted docks with protective barriers.
• Waverider Shipyards: Renowned shipbuilding facilities producing enchanted warships.
• Ecliptic Fortress: A defensive bastion equipped with powerful magelenses.
• The Vault of Lumina: A hidden treasury where Selvardis stores its wealth of pearls, enchanted artifacts, and strategic magical resources.