Aerilon

Aerilon is the capital city of Joriah, a kingdom of Norlaria.

Summary

Aerilon is a city built at the base of the Attleholm Peaks, it is the hub for trade and business across the continent with a view of the ocean in the distance. The Sprawling Bazaar is the entrance into this city, a market unlike anywhere else on the continent and what is most likely the most diverse gathering of people that most will ever see; all businesses, stalls and traders make their living here in these winding, worn streets, including craftsmen and taverns. Moving closer to and up the mountain, various ramps, lifts and staircases will take people to The Hearth Tier, where the people of Aerilon reside, built into the slope of the mountain itself. These roads are filled with all kinds of residences, some appear to be built on top of each other, others have enough room to build a fence around their home and it's difficult to tell if the space correlates to wealth. Moving upwards again, a single large staircase leads to the highest point of Aerilon where the royal family of Joriah and the nobles reside in The Mercantile Estate. The large mansion built into the mountainside houses the Merchant-King and his family but also his advisors and their families, the estate was designed to be approachable by the denizens of the kingdom, not to put up walls and divide the governing body from their people.

Localities

The Sprawling Bazaar

The Sprawling Bazaar is the entrance to Aerilon, welcoming you into the bustling clutches of this city with it's many traders, stalls, shops and sourceless music. All of the businesses within the city trade here, including traders and importers of goods from other kingdoms. The various shapes and sizes of businesses fill what feels like miles of winding roads, some areas consist of many, many tents and umbrellas set up in close quarters with each other, others are brick and mortar buildings with grand frontages and window displays, some towering up to the sky with 3, 4, 5 levels filled with shops.

Celestia's Curiosities (Magic Shop)

- Located towards the center of the Sprawling Bazaar, this three-story shop stands tall between several smaller buildings, it appears to be painted a deep deep blue with glittering crystals on the outside to appear like the night sky full of stars. This is the largest magic shop within Aerilon, but not the only way to purchase magical products.

Nectar Nook Bakery

- This quaint bakery is found amongst the bustling shops in the Bazaar, a brick and mortar shop painted in varying shades of yellow and amber, a pastel yellow and white striped awning provides some shade above the entrance to one of the most unique appearing shops in the area, the smell of bread and sugar fills the street in the early mornings.

The Mountain's Mug (Tavern)

- Found in the center of the Bazaar indicated by a large, worn sign of a tankard on the side of the old stone building with a sprawling collection of tents extending their seating for patrons, this tavern and inn is the hub for locals, traders and travelers alike and has plenty of room for lodging.

The Steel and Stein (Tavern)

- Located towards the edge of town, this uninviting and lackluster tavern and inn can provide a cheap overnight stay or a shady meeting place for those surreptitious meetings. Owned and run by Rurik, a conversation adverse male dwarf, this tavern is also a safe house and one of several entrances to The Shadow Veil's underground hideout

The Velvet Curtain (Theatre)

- Found within the Bazaar, close to the mountain, this opulent theatre is a place for art and entertainments for travellers and locals alike and is known for an eclectic mix of shows, ranging from local aspiring performers to travelling elite. Owned and operated by Lady Ariadne, a passionate elf with an eye for talent and a skill for business and her extremely loyal crew.

The Whispering Teapot (Tavern)

- This quaint and quiet tavern is towards the edge of the Bazaar, it doesn't stand out and can be difficult to find if the street is too busy but the locals know this place and enjoy the escape it brings from the bustle of city life, follow the smell of good food and you'll probably find it.

The Hearth Tier

The Hearth Tier is home to the citizens that live within the city's walls; some business owners may live in the Sprawling Bazaar but the majority of the city folk live in this tier. Various homes and residences follow the mountain path, some buildings almost perched on top of each other, some are taller buildings that house several families, some homes have enough space to build a fence around their property, however with only a brief glance, it's difficult to determine if this is a matter of wealth.

Hope's Hearth Sanctuary

- The city orphanage, located in what looks like a cluster of buildings on top of each other, it's difficult to miss as the pale stone walls are almost always covered in chalk drawings from the children.

- The inside is kept clean and looked after, nothing looks broken or dirty beyond what you might expect in a building of children, the ground floor is the play area, kitchen, dining room and a few offices, the upper 3 floors are bedrooms for the children and guardians.

Matron Aria, the main guardian and caretaker of the sanctuary, it's difficult to determine her age. Her silver hair is always in a neat bun, deep green eyes that hold a calm and quiet authority and a soothing voice, her unwavering dedication to the children is well-known by the city, she keeps everything running smoothly and provides a warm and loving environment to nurture those in her care. She is a half elf but it's impossible to tell as her ears look human, and is a low level wizard.

The Mercantile Estate

The Mercantile Estate is the highest level in Aerilon, consisting of a large mansion, half of which has been built into carved out sections of the mountain itself. The Merchant-King and his family live here, along with the current advisors and their families; while the estate is guarded, access is not restricted and the populace are welcome to visit and speak to the royal family or their advisors, if they have the time.

Other Points of Interest

Copper Coin Collective

- The headquarters for this merchant guild can be found in the centre of the Bazaar, surrounded by the shops and traders they support. The very large stone building, decorated with gold trim is hard to miss is home to the various sectors of the guild, including offices, research facilities and support for all kinds of merchants.

Society

Notable People

Ironthane family

A large merchant family that has strong connections in Yne, regularly able to locate and supply ores, metals and minerals to Aerilon

The Ironthanes have 7 children, the older siblings are already in the process of learning or participating in the business, there isn't much the younger siblings can do than to work for the company, or attempt to branch out and find their own path