The Free City of Zellence
Founded just before the collapse of the Tierysian Empire by Oskar Zellence, an eccentric and strange traveling bard by all accounts, the Free City of Zellence serves as Elix's odd and sometimes dirty attempt at democracy. Originally a small village established by refugees of war and renegade criminals, Zellence has since blossomed into an unconventional but curious city. While the city was originally founded on the premise of anarchy-like freedom, over the past century, each subsequent Governor has steadily reinforced its local militias and court systems to maintain both the safety of its citizens and their freedoms. Zellence hosts an impressive court system that oversees both criminal and civil squabbles. This court system also doubles as a religious complex dedicated to Ebris, The Wanderlust Spirit, where the clergy of such serve as judges dedicated to both freedom and justice.
While the city of Zellence is certainly a haven for free-thinkers, artists, and radicals, it's also home to a shady underbelly of organized crime and nefarious syndicates. With a lackluster system to thwart any serious crime, various organizations have established themselves in Zellence to prey not only on its citizens, but the other nations of Elix as well. This has posed a significant problem for the Free City of Zellence, which sees its reputation tarnished on an international scale. In response, The Artill Unison has imposed tariffs on Zellencian goods while nations like The Republic of Valgrad and The Kingdom of Silverlight have openly denounced the Free City of Zellence and have threatened intervention should further serious criminal incursions occur in their territories.
Yet, despite outside pressures, Zellence and its citizens still enjoy a particular culture and lifestyle that remains an attraction to many on the continent. A recent interest by traveling clergy of Emon, the Inspired Reveler, in the free city have spawned various annual festivals and fairs, which draw large numbers of tourists year round to sample exotic delicacies--both literal and figurative.
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