There are few major cities on Starhelm. The majority of the communities exist in small villages, towns, or settlements. The Human cities of
Essillion and
Avandar, the Elf cities of
Brightbough and
Aspenshield, and the cosmopolitan Gnomish cities of
Hollow's Point and Stonebridge are the only topside cities on the continent. The Dwarvish cities of
Forgehome, and
Shalehaven, the Goblin city of
Golzect's Throne, and Fallen city of
Exandar are all major underground cities. There are other smaller cities that exist, like the remaining Dwarf cities, the other Fallen cities, and Minotaur city of
Hoofstadt, and the Halfling city of
Meadowspring.
City
City life is very different for the citizens of Starhelm. With few cities left on the continent, particularly on the surface, the two Human cities represent the main view of city life. Avandar and Essillion could not be more disparate, owing to more than just their great difference. Essillion is a bastion of the old. They have an unbroken monarchy that dates to the time of
The Fractioning. Before that the city was run by three Dukes of Essillion whose families have not changed since the founding of the city. They preserve the old ways, and they are a deeply religious city that reveres their ancestors. They value new ideas as long as they don’t overwrite the old ways.
Avandar, on the other hand, was created as a way of doing things differently from Starhelm and Essillion. It was a city founded by freethinkers, visionaries, and creative minds. They wanted a modern take on a city, and they worked very hard to get it. They formed a council to represent the different interests of the people who came from all over the land to settle there. Six members of a council to represent six distinct districts, each with their own needs and values, and wishes for the future. Even after the Fractioning, when Avandar was ripped from the mainland and struggled for a long time, they kept their council intact.
Today, Essillion is a reminder of the old, Avandar of the new, but they are working to bring their two cities together with trade, ideas, wealth, and knowledge.
City life for Elves is vastly different than for the Humans. Aspenshield is a city because of its size, but it resembles a three-tiered ring of impenetrable trees, each area distinct from the other. It is less like it was when it was an Avariel city, which is in contrast to the age of its leader, who was an Avariel when the cities were placed on Starhelm, albeit a young one. She has transformed her city to fit the needs of her environment and the location to her friends and enemies.
Brightbough appears more like it did when it was still floating but the talents of the Wood Elves and the High Elves of Brightbough work more in conjunction with each other. The city is integrated with the woods and forest, but it still has an ethereal feel to it. It is splendid, full of colour and shine, bright and joyful. It is a reminder of what it meant to be Avariel and what it means to be Elven.
The people of both Brightbough and Aspenshield spend their days making music, art, poetry, wine, crafts, and food. They train in weapons, arm themselves with knowledge, and give thanks to Lyradell. The noble families rule in Brightbough but in Aspenshield they give great deference to the Crystal Queen.
Dwarven cities are monumental structures, designed to awe and impress the visitor, but they also aim to make it as practical and efficient as possible. Their citizens spend their time trading, crafting, praying, and learning as much as they can.
The principally Gnomish cities of Hollow’s Point and Stonebridge are both cosmopolitan in nature, though their city makeup is different from each other in many ways. Hollow’s Point is a very commercial and merchant-friendly city that enjoys great trade, wealth, and security. The people there appreciate items that make money and help the populace, but they still enjoy festivals and fairs (mostly as a way to make more money). Stonebridge, on the other hand, while being very cosmopolitan, was created as a bridge for the races to learn and grow with each other. They are very fond of their festivals and take great pains to make them enjoyable for all, locals and visitors alike. They relish in their unique artistic and practical crafts and they love modern and interesting ways of thinking.
Countryside
Rural life on Starhelm is dangerous, but can be very rewarding. For those that tend the land close to their respective cities they are well protected, offered vibrant trade, and respected for their contributions. For those that risk the wider world, they are met with raids, harsh weather, and sickness, but for some that is the only way they can survive. Without a hereditary plot of land many citizens must forge their own way. The successful ones can make a good life for themselves, but most don’t get that opportunity
For tribes that wander a migratory pattern emerges. They follow the herds, know the best places to water, rest, and learn. They meet up with other tribes, some friendly, some not and spread news and trade information or goods. These wanderers, while not congregating in large tribes, cover the bulk of the land of Starhelm. Humans, Goblins, and Goliaths make up the majority of this population.
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