Embrel
Mostly known as the City of the High Elves, Embrel was the oldest still existing sign that powerful magic was once common place Kalin, and one day could be again. Until it fell.
Embrel was one of the major Fallen Cities of the Second Age, with a history that goes back even further to the Fall of the Torva and beyond. It was also the home of the Torva'Shal, or High Elves, and is inexorably linked with the races history and future.
Beyond being home of the High Elves, Embrel was also known for the fact that flew and was always airborne. During its creation as an Immortal City during the time of the Torva'Ir and Sullia it began as a flying city that only grew. During The Return the city disconnected itself from the surface entirely to avoid invasion by the forces of Darkness, and kept itself literally above the matters and concerns of the continent for most of the Third Age.
The city notably fell during the events of Jayllin's Terror. Its defacto leader, Galan Dalari, killed and the magic that kept the city aloft nullified. The city plummeted to the earth during the Fall of Embrel and Desolation of Idiomaris; leaving the High Elves without a home and leaving a scar upon the world and destroying Domus Novus.
History
Embrel's history stretches back all the way to the founding of the Torva'Ir in the early First Age, and had existed in one form or another until 1009 3A. In recent history though, Embrel removed itself from its earthly tethers during The Return to save it from underdark invasion. For most of the Third Age, it floated above the clouds, traveling the continent beyond most people's reach, quite literally above the concerns of the continent.
The city was destroyed during the Fall of Embrel and Desolation of Idiomaris.
Demography and Population
The city of Embrel was almost entirely High Elves, with an estimated 99% population density, with the 1% counting for the small semi-permanent residents of the Schola Magus branch in the city.
Territories
Embrel only maintained its own city limits, and several floating islands around it. Long gone were the days where it owned the lands around its city.
Military
Embrel maintained a tiny professional army, supported by a citizen militia. The spear walls of Embrel, aided by the talented mages of the city, made for a formidable wall for the enemy to smash upon.
Unlike many of the Mortal races the High Elves of Embrel could train for decades and even centuries perfecting their craft. One Embrel veteran was worth several humans in skill. However there were far less High Elves than other races in the nations surrounding them.
Religion
Embrel essentially worshiped The Mantle in an Orthodox way, but thought itself far above the religious schisms of the continent. In general, most scholars refer to Embrellian worship as "Embrellian Orthodoxy."
Agriculture & Industry
Due to its odd nature as a flying city, many raw materials needed to be imported into the city from the continent, despite its isolationist nature. This was often paid for by trading in enchanted items or rare High Elven skill, or just old fashioned gold. The city became more or less self sustaining food wise due to a collection of floating islands surrounding the city called "The bread islands" where crops were grown.
Education
Embrel had an advanced education system. All High Elves were tutored in one of the four "Core" aspects of society (Magic, Military, Religion, or Trade) from age 5 and specialized in those four areas as they get older. In addition to this specialized training they were also well educated in general writing, reading, arithmetic, and history.
This high level of education was possible due to the low level of births that High Elves usually had. Low levels of students allow for high levels of attention. This was compounded by the fact that non-High Elves were not allowed to participate in this education system and had to be tutored privately. Half-Elves were begrudgingly accepted, but often faced bias and bigotry.
Dissolution Date
1009 3A
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Alternative Names
City of the High Elves, Perch of the Torva'Shal, the Floating City, The Meteor
Demonym
Embrellian
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Torvish Coins
Legislative Body
Embrel was ruled by the Torva’Asu, or “Elven Council”, a callback to the days of the Elven Empire which sported a similar named council. The Council was made up of five members that represent the primary aspects of the city: the magic users (mages, sorcerers), the military, the tradesmen, and the religious. As a matter of ruling there was a fifth “member” of the council called the “Torva’Kir” or “Elven Ancestor”. This member was always a direct descendant of Elanil, the leader of Embrel during the War of the Torva. The Torva’Kir would offer their opinions during Council meetings, but was not allowed to not propose any new laws of policy. Their only written power was the ability to break ties between the other council members during a vote. This led to powerful Torva’Kir if they can manipulate the Council to their whims, or weak Torva’Kir who were merely a rubber stamp of the council.
Judicial Body
The Embrel Protectors, a specialized division of the Embrellian military, were responsible for the enforcement of law within Embrel. Judges, synonymous with Captains in other aspects of the military, made judgements on criminals and how to enforce the law unless overridden by a Torva'Asu member.
Notable Members
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