Loudwater

Diversity, Prosperity, Lively. These words ring true in every corner of Loudwater. A port city in every meaning of the word, Loudwater bathes in its diversity. It’s a city for all: from giants to bugbears; to dragon and humans. With a marketplace bigger than most other cities you can find whatever your heart desires. Mercenaries, adventurers, smugglers, and thieves all thrive in the naturally occurring economic ecology. It's a place for hard workers, where whatever skillsets you possess, someone has just the job for you. The city is the oldest city known to exist in the material world, only beaten by Betheriel and Cialmader. Started by a gold dragon named Elendrix of Gold who migrated from Betheriel in the second age, this city stands tall with several floating islands above. People naturally migrated to the city as living under the protection and rule of a dragon was preferable to being killed by the dangers of the world.

Demographics

There are no prominent races in Loudwater due to the nature of its creation and leader. All races are prominent, though races naturally aggressive or hostile are less frequent

Government

Empire/Autocracy: Though there is a supreme leader that governs the land of Loudwater and its smaller sub-cities, there is also a highly skilled and carefully selected group of people that function as an oligarchy.
The Master of Development, Manos Thanner works with the masonry guilds to approve and oversee all major construction and renovation within the city of Loudwater, as well as larger projects in its sub-cities.
The Master of Arcana, Allas Kienmo keeps vigil over the lawful use of magic within Elucidien, informs the council on matters beyond the mundane, and occasionally works with the University, in Reun.
The Master of Law. Lawand Watcher enforces O'l Andem written law from within the Cloudshade Court, serving as High Judge on grand matters of the court, approving any exalted amendments, and managing the smaller courts across the land.
The Master of Commerce, Endinger Shines works with all major merchant guilds and trading networks within Reun and beyond. They are to maintain a healthy economy, further good trade relations, and watch over the treasury.
The Master of Information, Heppa Godot overlooks foreign diplomacy and maintains a well-developed network of spies and informants throughout the realm and beyond. They are to listen for whispers beyond the reach of the council’s ears and stand ever vigilant for political dangers.
The Master of Defense, Farrion Westland is head of the Loudwater Guard, working closely with the Master of Law to maintain order and peace within the city, and sometimes beyond. The leadership of military might is assigned to the Master of Defense in times of peace.
The Master of War, Carem Till is a temporary position, only filled during times of severe strife and impending conflict. The rest of the council elects the Master of War, who takes charge of the military from the Master of Defense, and all warfare and strategic decisions begin with them. When peace is called, the position is dissolved until required again.

Guilds and Factions

The Coalition
One of Elucidiens greatest crime rings, The Coalition has made a name for themselves as thieves, assassins, fencers, and much more. They operate in localized sects called cells where every member is expected to pay a tithe to their local gang boss. Their schemes and structure are second to none only beaten by the likes of the Wild-fire orders. One of the main reasons for the Coalition's success is the cell division strategy. A cell is made up of 3 subgroups all responding to one boss. Neither subgroups know the real name of the boss nor the names of any other members than their own subgroups. like a pyramid, if a stone breaks, just replace it. In recent years they have expanded their empire to include most Elucidien cities and even some cities in Aridell. They have also begun activity in Reun, much to The Golds Gallow dismay

Tourism

The Flowing Gardens
One of the main tourist attractions in Loudwater is its flowing gardens. Held aloft in the sky by petrified titans are several large platforms containing gardens with exotic gardens. Water from the gardens flows down in forms of waterfalls into aqueducts that run maze-like to different places in Loudwater. These aqueducts run above the city and are well made with engravings and sculptures keeping them aloft.
The Papal State of Jeonza
As Loudwater expanded in the third age due to its port activity it managed to consume a large Pelorian fortress. This fortress doesn't belong to Loudwater and is technically a separate self govern state led by the great Sunpriest that resides within. The fortress has become a tourist attraction as the architecture on the church within is gothic and beautiful. Politically the papal state has had run-ins with problems from the Loudwater council, but the idea of attacking or undermining a religious establishment as large as Pelor would not end well for either party.
The Sky Castles of Olean and Chrysan
High in the sky above the ground floats two castles held aloft by magic. The two castles are headquarters for rival mercenary firms that are known for being proficient in all forms of work. The main attraction for tourists is their great and well-made halls. Along with the chances for great stories from those who reside within the castles.
The Glitterstone Guildhall
Beneath the cloud top district in Loudwater lies a large mountain like hall of gemstone and rare metals. These glittering caves are home to a gnomish clan of tinkerers that researches the properties of gemstone and metal and supplies the army and state with their research and products. Gnomes being innate capitalists, have tours of their great halls making lots of money from tourists wanting to look at their great inventions and the glittering gemstones within.
The great Illuminus
when the sun sets and darkness falls over Loudwater thousands of lantern-like lights in the sky illuminate the streets. The mild orange glows can be called upon to follow travelers in the night. Tourists have been known to spend hours commanding lights as entertainment.

Founding Date

Early 2nd Age

Alternative Name(s)

The Breath of Life

Type

Capital

Population

5 000 000

Included Locations

• Bardell
• The Passing