Caelester
Ah, Caelester, the City of Dreams and the City of Tears, where one might find their fortune, or lose everything in the attempt.
The City of Caelester is a major trading port on the east coast of Asuria. Once, it was among the most wealthy and influential cities in the region, a hub of culture and commerce. Now, eight years after a devastating earthquake, the city is a troubled place. Trading routes have mostly shifted to avoid the city's damaged infrastructure, and many of those with the skills and resources necessary to rebuild have sought their fortunes elsewhere. Further complicating the reconstruction, Grand Duchess Luisa Avraine and her potential heirs were killed in the earthquake, leaving the city with no firm leadership, and a string of assassinations and fatal accidents have kept things from stabilizing around a new leader.
Nevertheless, the people of Caelester endure, rebuilding as best they can while keeping the dream of a restored Caelester alive. At this point, while many in the city live in tenements that are far more crowded than what was once common, very few who live in the city lack a place to call home. Some of the city's most noteworthy establishments, such as the grand Caelester Abbey have largely been restored, as have key parts of the city's infrastructure. Still, even after eight long years, the city is far from what it once was.
Government
Historically, Caelester was ruled by a Grand Duke or Duchess, claiming to be descended from Rhille the Swift, the city's legendary founder. For centuries, their rule has been tempered by an influential advisory council made up of the city's guildmasters and religious leaders - a council so influential that they have, on several occasions, quietly adjusted edicts issued by the duke or duchess before its official announcement.
Since the earthquake, the city has reached a state of anarchic equilibrium. People by and large continue to keep to the laws and social norms that have always governed the city, occasionally hiring Adventurers or mercenaries to provide enforcement where necessary.
Navigation table under construction. Sorry!
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