The Southern Cities

The Seven Cities of the South

The southern cities are ruled by the Council of Seven, each a leader of one of the seven Spire-cities of the South. They are currently split into two camps, Holders seek stability and resist change and the Advancers who seek to expand the Realm.

Holders
Decji Ablelard-an elder and wise, if now somewhat doddering Transmuter, he is much beloved and has lead Tralhalion in a time of peace and plenty, a Holder from way back.
Lord Derakk Baneblade of Spiratyle-Ablelard son and heir, he is a man who loves battle and takes delight each year in the slaughter of thousands of orcs and goblins with his magics, also a Transmutation sorcerer, a traditional Holder.
Lord Pregar of Krohm-A wise and elder member of the Council of Seven, he is its’ current leader and keeps things flowing smoothly, a powerful Priest of the Light and hardline Holder.
Lord Rudolphe of Weyjanik-An academic, he runs the Grand Library and is a man of middle age, of common folk and a Conjurer of unsurpassed talents, solidly Holder, but interested in new ideas.

Advancers
Lord Rekard of Spinebane-Young and powerful he is an Advancer nor a particularly nice person either. He is a Evoker of great power.
Lady Benyar of Xenarlis-A feisty and exotic female Advancer with dark looks and a talent for divination and the mental arts. She is said to be able to scry anyone, anywhere at any point in time.
Lady Zahonia of Tral’Del-the talented and popular leader of the oldest city on Tralhalion. She leads the populist Advancer Cause.
Lady Skylia of Whisperia-A leader in the fashion world via her line of clothing and perfume as well as being an incredibly adept Illusionist. Uncommitted but she is leaning Advancer.

The Spindles

The Spindles is the name for the southern lands of Tralhalion. Unlike the northern lands these are little more than rocky mountain promontories that just out into the sea. The elements dominate in these regions, storms are common and the seas treacherous. Very little life clung to these land except for lizards, insect, birds and dragons. When they arrived it was decided that one of the three hard scrabble valleys that exist here would be the best place to set up shop as it was unoccupied and protected from the creatures and humanoids of the north by the impassable central mountains.
Although life was hard at first they settlers found ways to deal with the difficulties of the land, first by making sure the dragons were not their enemies and then by carefully building up their settlements. In time seven cities came to dominate the regions each built up and jutting skyward as much as it spread horizontally. These spire-cities are the homes of the mystics of Tralhalion.
Unlike the hereditary nobles of the north the south is dominated by two forces-popular voting and magic. The princes here are elected. Virtually everyone here is a caster. From a very young age the Tral’hali need to be able to handle very inhospitable conditions, particular the vertical nature of their cities and so magic is a must. It is possible to be a non-mage here, but rare even for servants or the occasional non-gifted member of society

City Color Prince Party
Spiratyle Crimson Derakk Holder
Krohm Gold Pregar Holder
Weyjanik Topaz Rudophe Holder
Spinebane Evergreen Rekard Advancer
Xenarlis Cobalt Benyar Advancer
Tral’Del Indigo Zahonia Advancer
Whisperia Vermillion Skylia Indifferent


The Southern Cities

Unlike the north the southern cities are all very ancient. The first city Tral’del was established on the most fertile and largest river valley in the Spindles. Even with careful management of crops and extensive magical aid the population constantly suffered from food shortages. As a result the Tralhali turned to the sea and became avid fishermen and harvesters of the bounty of the southern seas. Eventually the city became overpopulated and colonies were sent out to the other habitable location in the south and over time they prospered as well. Although each city state tries to meet its need from internal supplies when possible with the colonization of the north this is no longer required as the abundant fields and farms provide for plenty of food for the population.
Although initially nearly identical in time each city began to develop their individual identities. Weyjanik is noted for its libraries, while Whisperia for its arts. Spirayle developed along more martial lines. Krohm became the center for the priestly classes and Xenarlis for its spices and perfumes, theatre and dance. Spinebane developed a powerful fleet and took the lead in trade and practical affairs such as business and industry. Tral’del is the most diverse but known still as the center for magical research.
Each city is built on a number of platforms or terraces, the lowest at sea level and then rising up from there. Whiles Tral’del, Krohm, Weyjanik and Xenarlis are situated on rivers with access to abundance supplies of river water and lands, Spiratyle, Spinebane and Whisperia are all located on terraced land where large deep natural cisterns created freshwater rain fed lakes. These three are fair more dependent on the sea for their survival and that is reflected in their maritime cultures.
Life is the south is more measured in restrained in public and more decadent and wild in private. Nearly 50 percent of the populace has some magical talent and the rest are generally their servants, guards or manual laborers. All citizens participate in elections, and public charities and functions are common.