Embrel
Mostly known as the City of the High Elves, Embrel is perhaps the oldest still existing sign that powerful magic was once common place Kalin, and one day could be again.
Embrel was one of the major Fallen Cities of the Second Age, with a history that goes back even further to the Fall of the Torva and beyond. It is and was the home of the Torva'Shal, or High Elves, and is inexorably linked with the races history and future.
Beyond being home of the High Elves, Embrel is also known for the fact that it flies and is always airborne. This is not a new development, as during its creation as an Immortal City during the time of the Torva'Ir and Sullia it began as a flying city that only grew. What is "new" though is that it no longer tethers to the land at all, as during The Return the city disconnected itself to avoid invasion by the forces of Darkness, and has kept itself literally above the matters and concerns of the continent since.
Due to the changes in Elven birthrates at the end of the Second Age, Embrel, already prone to ethno-conservatism and isolationism, has only grown more isolationist. The city allows little to no outside settlement or citizenship, and visitors are not aided in finding or gaining entry to the city in any way, essentially restricting it to those with the immense power needed to teleport, or chart airships.
Those that do visit speak of amazing magical feats, floating islands chained together with magic, and buildings that bleed magical light and power. Though they also speak of haughty and self assured people with no love for most outsiders.
Embrel involves itself little in the matters of Kalin politics or related concerns, instead the city worries more about the safety and future of the High Elven people and their city, and little else.
History
Embrel's history stretches back all the way to the founding of the Torva'Ir in the early First Age, and has existed in one form or another since then. In recent history though, Embrel removed itself from its earthly tethers during The Return to save it from underdark invasion. Since then, it has floated above the clouds, traveling the continent beyond most people's reach, quite literally above the concerns of the continent.
Demography and Population
The city of Embrel is almost entirely High Elves, with an estimated 99% population density, with the 1% counting for the small semi-permanent residents of the Schola Magus branch in the city.
Territories
Embrel only maintains its own city limits, and several floating islands around it. Long gone are the days where it owned the lands around its city. Embrel is now the city, and only the city.
Military
Embrel maintains a tiny professional army, supported by a citizen militia. The spear walls of Embrel, aided by the talented mages of the city, make for a formidable wall for the enemy to smash upon.
Unlike many of the Mortal races the High Elves of Embrel can train for decades and even centuries perfecting their craft. One Embrel veteran is worth several humans in skill. However there are far less High Elves than other races in the nations surrounding them.
Religion
Embrel essentially worships The Mantle in an Orthodox way, but thinks itself far above the religious schisms of the continent. In general, most scholars refer to Embrellian worship as "Embrellian Orthodoxy."
Agriculture & Industry
Due to its odd nature as a flying city, many raw materials need to be imported into the city from the continent, despite its isolationist nature. This is often paid for by trading in enchanted items or rare High Elven skill, or just old fashioned gold. The city has become more or less self sustaining food wise due to a collection of floating islands surrounding the city called "The bread islands" where crops are grown.
Education
Embrel has an advanced education system. All High Elves are tutored in one of the four "Core" aspects of society (Magic, Military, Religion, or Trade) from age 5 and specialize in those four areas as they get older. In addition to this specialized training they are also well educated in general writing, reading, arithmetic, and history.
This high level of education is possible due to the low level of births that High Elves usually have. Low levels of students allow for high levels of attention. This is compounded by the fact that non-High Elves are not allowed to participate in this education system and must be tutored privately. Half-Elves are begrudgingly accepted, but often face bias and bigotry.
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Alternative Names
City of the High Elves, Perch of the Torva'Shal, the Floating City.
Demonym
Embrellian
Leader
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Torvish Coins
Legislative Body
Embrel is currently ruled by the Torva’Asu, or “Elven Council”, a callback to the days of the Elven Empire which sported a similar named council. The Council is made up of five members that represent the primary aspects of the city: the magic users (mages, sorcerers), the military, the tradesmen, and the religious. As a matter of ruling there is a fifth “member” of the council called the “Torva’Kir” or “Elven Ancestor”. This member is always a direct descendant of Elanil, the leader of Embrel during the War of the Torva. The Torva’Kir may offer their opinions during Council meetings, but may not propose any new laws of policy. Their only written power is the ability to break ties between the other council members during a vote. This can lead to powerful Torva’Kir if they can manipulate the Council to their whims, or weak Torva’Kir who are merely a rubber stamp of the council.
Judicial Body
The Embrel Protectors, a specialized division of the Embrellian military, are responsible for the enforcement of law within Embrel. Judges, synonymous with Captains in other aspects of the military, make judgements on criminals and how to enforce the law unless overridden by a Torva'Asu member.
Notable Members
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