Almas
Almas (pronounced AHL-mehs) is the capital of the free nation of Andoran, and one of the largest and most influential cities on the Inner Sea. In many ways, the city's egalitarianism and multi-culturalism typify the assumptions and prejudices that are held about Andoran society in general.
Demographics
Halflings are the second largest racial group in the city after humans, numbering over 6,000. This makes Almas one of the largest halfling settlements in the Inner Sea region. Halflings are attracted to the city by its freedoms, which halflings elsewhere may not enjoy.
Government
Almas is home of the People's Council, the elected rulers of Andoran. The council consists of 350 members who serve five-year terms. These representatives then elect civil officials like ministers, lesser bureaucrats, and mayors, along with the Supreme Elect. Being the capital city, Almas is governed by the Supreme Elect of the People's Council, rather than an appointed mayor. Currently this is Codwin I of Augustana.
Defences
Andoran's Eagle Knights maintain a large garrison in the capital even though they have no mandate to maintain the peace there.
Guilds and Factions
Agents of the Aspis Consoritum have established shell companies in Almas in order to keep a close watch on the city, and take advantage of its productive economy, while the Pathfinder Society maintains a lodge in the East Hill district.
History
The city of Almas predates the founding of the democratic state of Andoran, and even predates the founding of the nation of Cheliax centuries before. Even though the region was first settled by the Empire of Taldor and its Fourth Army of Exploration in 1683 AR, its first historical mention wasn't until over 2,000 years later when the eruption of Droskar's Crag in the Five Kings Range caused the melting of millions of tons of snow pack and flooded the Andoshen River, inundating the city of Almas.
A new nation
Almas was one of the centers of the People's Revolt, the democratic uprising that lead to the creation of the first nation with suffrage for all of its citizens. Almas erupted in riots in 4669 AR, with merchants and commoners joining together to bring the Chelish economy to a halt.[5] A year later, a delegation of gillmen arrived in the capital with the keystone of the Arch of Aroden, presenting as a gift to the new nation.Recent troubles
A notorious killer named the Portside Strangler was caught and executed in Almas in 4709 AR, but inspired many copycats who continue to menace the capital's citizens even today. Even more recently, the notorious Dorianna Ouidda seized hostages in the Pathfinder Lodge of Almas.Geography
Almas is located on Andoran's southern coast, where the mouth of the Andoshen River meets the Inner Sea. Almas is built on a series of hills, and connected by several bridges crossing the Tamuth, Kernite, and Moulton rivers; these three waterways flow through the city before joining the waters of the Andoshen and emptying into the sea. The bridges are tall enough to allow riverboats to pass beneath them without running into the pilings.
The spiritual center of the city of Almas is the Field of Concord. This former Chelaxian parade ground is now home of the palace of the People's Council (on its westernmost end) and the twin spires of the Golden Cathedral to the east. The center of the Field is dominated by a large marketplace and the Golden Aerie, the headquarters of Andoran's Eagle Knights, and the residence of its commander, General Reginald Cormoth. Beyond the Field of Concord, the city is divided into numerous districts, each providing specialized services and goods the people of the Almas.
Founding Date
~3683 AR
Type
Metropolis
Population
76,600
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
Comments