Edeli (Eh-Dell-Eye)
The greatest by far of all the ancient cities of The Old World and earlier is eternal Edeli [as it is now known], and it was the first recorded king of this great city, Mishra, known as the Great One, who defeated the monarchs of the other city-states and brought nearly all of what is now the Pridelands under his rule and the dominion of Edeli. There are countless temples, palaces and necropolises scattered throughout the world that mention King Mishra, both praising and condemning him in equal measure. He was, by every account, a great warrior and masterful general; a leader without peer in his time, though also a bloody-handed tyrant to all who dared question his rule. Mishra was also a vain and bitter man, despising his own mortality and the fact that despite all his mighty victories and temporal power, death would one day rob him of everything he had won. So it was that the Great One embarked upon his greatest and life-long campaign, he ordered his priests to find a way to ensure his immortality upon this plane of existence.
They did not succeed. But, Mishra did manage to create one of the greatest cities in the world, and rule over the largest empire known to Kermoria.
They did not succeed. But, Mishra did manage to create one of the greatest cities in the world, and rule over the largest empire known to Kermoria.
Demographics
Much of Edeli is made up of tribal peoples of various natures, including Tabaxi, Leonin, Loxodon, some centaurs, gnolls, and an ever-growing number of creatures known as 'Near Humans', a type of people who seem to have mixed bloodlines with humans and many other races.
Nearly 750,000 slaves also call the city and it's surrounds home, making up just about every race in Kermoria, from Rock Gnomes to Frost Giants and even some extra-planar beings.
Nearly 750,000 slaves also call the city and it's surrounds home, making up just about every race in Kermoria, from Rock Gnomes to Frost Giants and even some extra-planar beings.
Government
The overall government of Edeli is both an absolute monarchy and a theologic dictatorship, where the ultimate ruler, the Abydos Menos [meaning Abyssal Monarch in Tabaxi] reigns supreme. Seen as both a leader, and a bridge between the people and their Gods, His word is law and is carried out with the utmost respect for both His person, as well as their own souls in the afterlife, should they fail Him.
To that end, the will of the Menos is carried out by a number of lesser ministers, many of whom are in some way related to the Supreme Monarch and thus seen to be of Divine blood themselves; the Menos rarely concerns himself with day-to-day rulings, leaving the true task of governance of the city to others; after all, He has the entire Kingdom to run, does He not?
Taxation is paid in many forms to the royal tax collectors, both in currency (weights of gold or other precious metals), or more commonly in goods; a tariff is collected on trade and sundry goods, and these appropriated 'funds' are then redistributed as payment from the city's coffers for various workers and services; this system applies not only to Edeli, but to the majority of the Great Kingdom; only in the most northerly segments of the Kingdom does true currency carry any weight, as it is used to bargain and barter with the foreigners at their borders.
To that end, the will of the Menos is carried out by a number of lesser ministers, many of whom are in some way related to the Supreme Monarch and thus seen to be of Divine blood themselves; the Menos rarely concerns himself with day-to-day rulings, leaving the true task of governance of the city to others; after all, He has the entire Kingdom to run, does He not?
Taxation is paid in many forms to the royal tax collectors, both in currency (weights of gold or other precious metals), or more commonly in goods; a tariff is collected on trade and sundry goods, and these appropriated 'funds' are then redistributed as payment from the city's coffers for various workers and services; this system applies not only to Edeli, but to the majority of the Great Kingdom; only in the most northerly segments of the Kingdom does true currency carry any weight, as it is used to bargain and barter with the foreigners at their borders.
Defences
Much of the city is defended by large brickwork walls, made of clay and straw baked in the savannah sun. There is a large standing army of the Kingdom which can be called upon, but Edeli's largest defense is it's location at the interior of the Kingdom, and the inhospitable terrain surrounding it. No advancing army or other large force could sustain themselves on the savannahs for long enough to approach unnoticed, nor could any large airborne threat (such as a marauding dragon).
Industry & Trade
Much of Edeli's industry is devoted to agriculture, but the city is rife with numerous other industries, most notably the production of weapons and armor (including chariots) which are, on occasion, exported to the various rivalling clans of Centaurs, Gnolls, or other denizens of the Pridelands.
Their primary source of income, however, is war, and the slave trade which occurs from it. Slaves are taken from battle captives and cities/towns which have been conquered, and sold to the various merchants throughout the city, the Kingdom, or sometimes even the world, as there is a vast labor market amongst the Duergar of the Underdark, as well as in many extra-planar places such as the City of Brass.
Edeli is also home to the largest papyrus-making industry in the world, used as both regular writing paper as well as for extremely important magical scrolls or royal decrees; thousands of workers gather reeds along the shores of the Okoniawai River, and hundreds of workers toil day and night to pulp them, roll them, and eventually dry them into a writing surface fit for even the majesty of Abydos Menos.
The economy of Edeli is centered around trade and agriculture. Being situated in a desert, much of the city's food is imported from further south down the Okoniawai River from the city of Diaspora. However, there are farms along the river's floodplain that grow a variety of crops, including beans, grains, and fruits. These crops are then sold in the markets throughout the city.
In addition to agriculture, animal husbandry is also an important industry in Edeli. There are numerous ranches and farms surrounding the city that produce a variety of livestock, such as cattle, goats, and sheep. These animals provide meat, milk, and wool, which are sold both locally and to traders passing through the city.
Trade is also a significant part of the economy of Edeli. The city is a major hub for trade caravans traveling through the desert, and many merchants come to Edeli to buy and sell goods. Some of the most valuable commodities traded in Edeli include spices, textiles, and precious metals. Much of this passes through the Edeli Sandport, but some goods travel through less scrupulous means.
While Edeli makes good use of bronze, they do know of iron and steel, but have no reliable sources of them, making them exceptionally expensive to trade for. Additionally, wood is at a premium due to the desert geography. As a result, the city has developed unique ways to construct buildings and structures out of local materials, such as mud brick and adobe.
Their primary source of income, however, is war, and the slave trade which occurs from it. Slaves are taken from battle captives and cities/towns which have been conquered, and sold to the various merchants throughout the city, the Kingdom, or sometimes even the world, as there is a vast labor market amongst the Duergar of the Underdark, as well as in many extra-planar places such as the City of Brass.
Edeli is also home to the largest papyrus-making industry in the world, used as both regular writing paper as well as for extremely important magical scrolls or royal decrees; thousands of workers gather reeds along the shores of the Okoniawai River, and hundreds of workers toil day and night to pulp them, roll them, and eventually dry them into a writing surface fit for even the majesty of Abydos Menos.
The economy of Edeli is centered around trade and agriculture. Being situated in a desert, much of the city's food is imported from further south down the Okoniawai River from the city of Diaspora. However, there are farms along the river's floodplain that grow a variety of crops, including beans, grains, and fruits. These crops are then sold in the markets throughout the city.
In addition to agriculture, animal husbandry is also an important industry in Edeli. There are numerous ranches and farms surrounding the city that produce a variety of livestock, such as cattle, goats, and sheep. These animals provide meat, milk, and wool, which are sold both locally and to traders passing through the city.
Trade is also a significant part of the economy of Edeli. The city is a major hub for trade caravans traveling through the desert, and many merchants come to Edeli to buy and sell goods. Some of the most valuable commodities traded in Edeli include spices, textiles, and precious metals. Much of this passes through the Edeli Sandport, but some goods travel through less scrupulous means.
While Edeli makes good use of bronze, they do know of iron and steel, but have no reliable sources of them, making them exceptionally expensive to trade for. Additionally, wood is at a premium due to the desert geography. As a result, the city has developed unique ways to construct buildings and structures out of local materials, such as mud brick and adobe.
Infrastructure
Edeli is bustling with trade, trade which flourishes from it's location along the shores of the Okoniawai River. With a population as large as it supports, it is only natural that much of the city's infrastructure be dedicated to agriculture and farming.
Thousands upon thousands of hectares are set aside for various grains, a staple of the populace's diet; the fields produce so much grain that more than five hundred watermills, windmills, and other apparatuses are set up throughout the city just to grind the grain into flour for bread!
Bread is the lifeblood of the city, feeding it's people and powering their daily lives. From the lowliest slave to the mightiest warrior, everyone within the city has an allotment of bread to be drawn from one of the many granaries scattered throughout the city. Without a stable supply, as has been seen in years past, the populace quickly becomes unruly; in order to placate them, more and more land each year is allocated to agriculture.
The hills near Edeli are rich in copper and tin, allowing a number of blast furnaces to work around-the-clock to forge brass weapons and armor, which are seen as the epitome of a well-maintained warrior's arsenal. They are, coincidentally, also rich in coal, which allows the furnaces to operate without the need to import wood for fuel, a scarce resource in much of the Kingdom.
Thousands upon thousands of hectares are set aside for various grains, a staple of the populace's diet; the fields produce so much grain that more than five hundred watermills, windmills, and other apparatuses are set up throughout the city just to grind the grain into flour for bread!
Bread is the lifeblood of the city, feeding it's people and powering their daily lives. From the lowliest slave to the mightiest warrior, everyone within the city has an allotment of bread to be drawn from one of the many granaries scattered throughout the city. Without a stable supply, as has been seen in years past, the populace quickly becomes unruly; in order to placate them, more and more land each year is allocated to agriculture.
The hills near Edeli are rich in copper and tin, allowing a number of blast furnaces to work around-the-clock to forge brass weapons and armor, which are seen as the epitome of a well-maintained warrior's arsenal. They are, coincidentally, also rich in coal, which allows the furnaces to operate without the need to import wood for fuel, a scarce resource in much of the Kingdom.
Districts
The Old City: This is the oldest part of Edeli, and the heart of the city's history and culture. Here, you can find ancient temples, museums, and other historical landmarks, as well as traditional markets and artisan shops.
The Imperial Quarter: This is where the ruling class of Edeli resides, including the royal palace and the offices of the city's government officials. The architecture here is grand and imposing, with wide boulevards and ornate fountains.
The Trade District: As the name suggests, this district is dedicated to commerce and trade. Here, you can find markets and bazaars selling everything from spices and textiles to rare jewels and exotic pets.
The Artisan Quarter: This is where the city's skilled craftsmen and artisans live and work. Here, you can find workshops and studios dedicated to everything from pottery and jewelry-making to glassblowing and woodworking.
The Waterfront: This district is located along the banks of the Okoniawai River, and is home to a bustling port where ships from all over the world come to dock when the river's depth supports it. Here, you can find warehouses, taverns, and other establishments catering to sailors and traders.
The Entertainment District: This is where the people of Edeli go to unwind and have fun. Here, you can find theaters, dance halls, and other venues dedicated to music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
The Residential Districts: These are the areas where most of the city's inhabitants live, ranging from humble slums to luxurious villas. Each district has its own unique character, with some being known for their beautiful gardens and others for their bustling streets and colorful markets.
The Imperial Quarter: This is where the ruling class of Edeli resides, including the royal palace and the offices of the city's government officials. The architecture here is grand and imposing, with wide boulevards and ornate fountains.
The Trade District: As the name suggests, this district is dedicated to commerce and trade. Here, you can find markets and bazaars selling everything from spices and textiles to rare jewels and exotic pets.
The Artisan Quarter: This is where the city's skilled craftsmen and artisans live and work. Here, you can find workshops and studios dedicated to everything from pottery and jewelry-making to glassblowing and woodworking.
The Waterfront: This district is located along the banks of the Okoniawai River, and is home to a bustling port where ships from all over the world come to dock when the river's depth supports it. Here, you can find warehouses, taverns, and other establishments catering to sailors and traders.
The Entertainment District: This is where the people of Edeli go to unwind and have fun. Here, you can find theaters, dance halls, and other venues dedicated to music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
The Residential Districts: These are the areas where most of the city's inhabitants live, ranging from humble slums to luxurious villas. Each district has its own unique character, with some being known for their beautiful gardens and others for their bustling streets and colorful markets.
Guilds and Factions
Edeli is home to a number of guilds and factions, mostly devoted to various industry. By far, the largest is the Slaver's Union, which regulates pricing and practices when it comes to privately-owned slaves and slave auctions. They are also authorized to impose strict fines and levies against slave owners who violate a particular code of conduct regarding their property, ensuring that even slaves are treated with a modicum of dignity.
Beyond the slaver's union, there are a number of competing factions amongst the mining and quarrying industry, each vying for position and power amongst their brethren; it is considered a great honor for metals or stones mined by your company or guild to be used or worn by priests or royalty, or to be used in a stele, obelisk, or mastaba.
Beyond the slaver's union, there are a number of competing factions amongst the mining and quarrying industry, each vying for position and power amongst their brethren; it is considered a great honor for metals or stones mined by your company or guild to be used or worn by priests or royalty, or to be used in a stele, obelisk, or mastaba.
Points of interest
In the heart of Edeli lies the greatest achievement of the Kingdom, the Pyramid of Mishra. From within this palace rules the Abydos Menos, a sort of God-like figure who resides on a throne of a perfectly shaped, absolutely massive singular diamond who's worth could bankrupt the entire rest of Kermoria.
The pyramid is home to the lavish sarcophagus of Mishra and some of his most devoted and beloved servants, standing ready in life and the afterlife to serve their Monarch. Much of the rest of this magnificent limestone pyramid is dedicated to chambers containing thousands of Mishra's loyal warriors, who willingly chose to be buried alive, so they, too, could arise when Mishra was needed most by his peoples.
For thousands of years after his death, the priests of Edeli have tended the funeral flames outside the sealed tomb, nurturing Mishra's immortal spirit with sacrifice and incantations in preparation for the Day of Awakening. No tomb before or since has ever had such powerful hieroglyphs of warding and incantations of protection heaped upon it.
A few miles west of the city lies the ruins of what is now known as the Black Pyramid, or the Black Pyramid of Lyras. During her reign of terror, she conquered the city of Edeli and declared herself supreme ruler of the entire Kingdom. Marble the color of midnight was brought from afar, and innumerable slaves, both living and dead, toiled day and night for fifty years until the Black Pyramid of Lyras towered over all other monuments in the whole of the Pridelands. Such was Lyras' arrogance that she had built for herself a tomb that dwarfed even the Great Pyramid of Mishra. The broken corpses of countless slaves were built into its foundations, and mystic sigils of power were woven into the Black Pyramid's walls in an attempt to protect Lyras' soul in whatever afterlife she found.
The Grand Archway is a massive stone archway that spans the main entrance to the city, and is the first thing visitors see as they approach. The arch is made of a type of white stone that is only found in the quarries near Edeli, and is a testament to the skill of the Kingdom's master stonecutters. The arch is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from Edelian history and mythology, and is illuminated at night with magical lanterns that make the archway glow with a soft, warm light. The Grand Arch serves not only as an impressive entrance to the city, but also as a symbol of the city's pride and craftsmanship.
The pyramid is home to the lavish sarcophagus of Mishra and some of his most devoted and beloved servants, standing ready in life and the afterlife to serve their Monarch. Much of the rest of this magnificent limestone pyramid is dedicated to chambers containing thousands of Mishra's loyal warriors, who willingly chose to be buried alive, so they, too, could arise when Mishra was needed most by his peoples.
For thousands of years after his death, the priests of Edeli have tended the funeral flames outside the sealed tomb, nurturing Mishra's immortal spirit with sacrifice and incantations in preparation for the Day of Awakening. No tomb before or since has ever had such powerful hieroglyphs of warding and incantations of protection heaped upon it.
A few miles west of the city lies the ruins of what is now known as the Black Pyramid, or the Black Pyramid of Lyras. During her reign of terror, she conquered the city of Edeli and declared herself supreme ruler of the entire Kingdom. Marble the color of midnight was brought from afar, and innumerable slaves, both living and dead, toiled day and night for fifty years until the Black Pyramid of Lyras towered over all other monuments in the whole of the Pridelands. Such was Lyras' arrogance that she had built for herself a tomb that dwarfed even the Great Pyramid of Mishra. The broken corpses of countless slaves were built into its foundations, and mystic sigils of power were woven into the Black Pyramid's walls in an attempt to protect Lyras' soul in whatever afterlife she found.
The Grand Archway is a massive stone archway that spans the main entrance to the city, and is the first thing visitors see as they approach. The arch is made of a type of white stone that is only found in the quarries near Edeli, and is a testament to the skill of the Kingdom's master stonecutters. The arch is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from Edelian history and mythology, and is illuminated at night with magical lanterns that make the archway glow with a soft, warm light. The Grand Arch serves not only as an impressive entrance to the city, but also as a symbol of the city's pride and craftsmanship.
Architecture
Edeli is the oldest, largest, proudest and most powerful of all the ancient cities. The monuments built in this grand necropolis are vast and majestic to behold, crafted by the most skilled architects in the land. Graven images of gods and monsters peer down from every rooftop, and statuary marks the corner of every dust-scattered street. Many of these statues are marble and granite, hauled from far away lands as spoils of war or as symbols of a various guild or ruler's authority.
Geography
Edeli is situated on the banks of the Okoniawai River, which winds its way through the desert landscape. The river is a crucial source of water for the city's inhabitants, and it sustains the farms and orchards that line its banks. The river is also used for transportation, with barges carrying goods up and down its length. The surrounding terrain is mostly flat and arid, with sand dunes stretching out to the horizon in all directions. However, there are some rocky outcrops and low hills nearby, providing some variety to the otherwise monotonous landscape.
Despite the harshness of the surrounding environment, there is a certain beauty to the scenery. At sunset, the sands glow with a warm, golden light, and the river reflects the sky in shades of pink and orange. At night, the stars twinkle brightly overhead, unobscured by any light pollution. Occasionally, a dust storm may sweep through the area, but these are usually brief and do not cause too much damage.
The city itself is laid out in a rectangular grid, with wide streets and courtyards to allow for the movement of caravans and wagons. The buildings are constructed of local sandstone, which is abundant in the area. Most of the structures are low and flat-roofed, to protect against the intense heat of the sun. The city is surrounded by a defensive wall, made of the same sandstone as the buildings, and punctuated by watchtowers and gates. Beyond the wall lies the vast expanse of the desert, with nothing but sand and sky for miles around.
To the west, in the desert surrounding the city of Edeli, a massive natural wonder looms over the landscape, drawing the curious and the brave to its site. Petrified and ancient, it is a colossal ribcage of a beast long forgotten to the world, almost unearthly in its proportions.|
The enormous bones, each the size of a small house, jut out of the sand at irregular angles, their jagged edges as sharp as knives. The ribs are so massive that a team of people could stand inside each one with room to spare. The sheer scale of the remains is awe-inspiring, and many scholars and explorers have tried to piece together the puzzle of what sort of creature this might have been.
Some claim that the bones are from a great serpent, while others speculate that it could have been a massive land-dwelling creature, possibly with an exoskeleton like a beetle or crustacean. Still, others believe that it was a creature of the gods, something beyond comprehension.
Despite the many theories, no one can say for sure what sort of creature left behind these bones. Some say that the ribcage is a natural formation, but others insist that it is proof that the world is full of wonders that no one has yet to understand. Regardless of its origins, the ribcage remains an enigmatic and awe-inspiring sight, attracting adventurers and scholars from all over the world.
Despite the harshness of the surrounding environment, there is a certain beauty to the scenery. At sunset, the sands glow with a warm, golden light, and the river reflects the sky in shades of pink and orange. At night, the stars twinkle brightly overhead, unobscured by any light pollution. Occasionally, a dust storm may sweep through the area, but these are usually brief and do not cause too much damage.
The city itself is laid out in a rectangular grid, with wide streets and courtyards to allow for the movement of caravans and wagons. The buildings are constructed of local sandstone, which is abundant in the area. Most of the structures are low and flat-roofed, to protect against the intense heat of the sun. The city is surrounded by a defensive wall, made of the same sandstone as the buildings, and punctuated by watchtowers and gates. Beyond the wall lies the vast expanse of the desert, with nothing but sand and sky for miles around.
To the west, in the desert surrounding the city of Edeli, a massive natural wonder looms over the landscape, drawing the curious and the brave to its site. Petrified and ancient, it is a colossal ribcage of a beast long forgotten to the world, almost unearthly in its proportions.|
The enormous bones, each the size of a small house, jut out of the sand at irregular angles, their jagged edges as sharp as knives. The ribs are so massive that a team of people could stand inside each one with room to spare. The sheer scale of the remains is awe-inspiring, and many scholars and explorers have tried to piece together the puzzle of what sort of creature this might have been.
Some claim that the bones are from a great serpent, while others speculate that it could have been a massive land-dwelling creature, possibly with an exoskeleton like a beetle or crustacean. Still, others believe that it was a creature of the gods, something beyond comprehension.
Despite the many theories, no one can say for sure what sort of creature left behind these bones. Some say that the ribcage is a natural formation, but others insist that it is proof that the world is full of wonders that no one has yet to understand. Regardless of its origins, the ribcage remains an enigmatic and awe-inspiring sight, attracting adventurers and scholars from all over the world.
Climate
The climate of Edeli is characterized by hot and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching scorching levels during the day. The city is located near a large river, which provides a source of water and life for the inhabitants, but also creates high levels of humidity and fog during the cooler months. The winter season is mild, with cool and comfortable temperatures, making it a popular time for travelers to visit the city. However, sandstorms are known to occur occasionally, especially during the transitional seasons, which can be quite severe and cause damage to buildings and structures. The city's unique climate has shaped its architecture and way of life, with many buildings designed to provide shade and shelter from the intense sun and occasional sandstorms.
During the wet season in Edeli, the city experiences a significant increase in rainfall and humidity. The streets and buildings become slick with rainwater, making it difficult to move around without proper footwear. The city's drainage system is designed to handle the increased precipitation, but it can still lead to localized flooding in some areas. Despite the challenges, the wet season is also a time of great joy and celebration in Edeli. The increased rainfall brings life to the surrounding countryside, and the city's many gardens and parks burst into vibrant colors as flowers and plants bloom. The Pridelands people celebrate the bounty of the wet season with festivals and feasts, often featuring fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from the local farms.
During the wet season in Edeli, the city experiences a significant increase in rainfall and humidity. The streets and buildings become slick with rainwater, making it difficult to move around without proper footwear. The city's drainage system is designed to handle the increased precipitation, but it can still lead to localized flooding in some areas. Despite the challenges, the wet season is also a time of great joy and celebration in Edeli. The increased rainfall brings life to the surrounding countryside, and the city's many gardens and parks burst into vibrant colors as flowers and plants bloom. The Pridelands people celebrate the bounty of the wet season with festivals and feasts, often featuring fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from the local farms.
"In that dread desert and savannah, beneath the pale gaze of the moon, dead men walk. They haunt the shifting dunes of the breathless, windless night, roaming the oasis and slaughtering those they find. They brandish weapons of bronze in mocking challenge and bitter resentment of the life they no longer possess. And sometimes, in ghastly dry voices, like the rustling of sun-baked reeds, they whisper the one word they remember from life. The name of the one who cursed them to their existence, more than death but less than life. They whisper the name, Lyras..."
—Extract from the Liber Necris, translated by Victoria Pendrake in 217AV.
Founding Date
Edeli has existed since the beginning of The Old World, in one form or another. Perhaps even older than that.
Type
Megalopolis
Population
The city swells and wanes with the flooding of the Okoniawai River, but can exceed four to five million people during events and festivals.
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
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