Korvosa
Korvosa (pronounced kohr-VOH-sah) is the largest city in Varisia, and used to be the capital of Chelish Varisia. It now serves as the seat of one of three city-states that claim independent authority over their individual holdings in the region. Though its citizens and traditions have strong ties to the nation of Cheliax, with many of its people tracing their ancestry directly to servants of the Empire, the city's location at the mouth of the Jeggare River and the presence of a highly-defensible harbor have contributed to the establishment of Korvosa as a primary hub for trade. Various cultures and peoples can be found within the city's walls as goods move in and out of its gates.
Demographics
16,637 humans, 739 dwarves, 371 elves, 369 halfling, 184 half-elves, 186 other
Government
Overlord (Monarchy)
History
Korvosa is the eldest of Varisia's three city-states, once part of Imperial Cheliax but now independent. The settlement originally served as no more than a defensive position from which settlers and explorers would enter Varisia, only growing into the cosmopolitan center of trade that it is today with the passage of time and events. Korvosa is built upon the ruins of the Thassilonian city of Xin-Eurythnia, the capital of Eurythnia, which was ever ruled by Sorshen, the Runelord of Lust.
Founding
Before the arrival of the Empire of Cheliax, Korvosa was no more than a site sacred to the Shoanti; the protection of the location, as well as the pyramid found there, was of great importance. However, in 4407 AR a group of Chelish marines under the command of Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa selected the site to begin construction of a defensive outpost. Once completed, Fort Korvosa acted as a common stop for explorers, settlers, and trappers operating in the region. The trading post and its defenses were later strengthened after a Shoanti raiding forced burned much of the location in what would become known as the Great Fire.The Cousins' War
The Cousins' War began in 4502 AR, the result of an insult directed at one of Korvosa's noble families. The conflict heralded the end of the settlement's significance as a military position, but also resulted in the growth of both its population and economic power. Soon after, Korvosa was seen as a true colony of the Empire of Cheliax.Death of Aroden
In 4606 AR the death of the deity Aroden resulted in civil war in Cheliax; many of the Empire's colonies, including Korvosa, suffered as their connection to the homeland unexpectedly disappeared. The city's government has succeeded in achieving some measure of prosperity since the Empire's decline, but the city's recovery from the chaos that resulted as a result of the Empire's sudden absence has been slow; its population is but a fraction of what most would expect given a settlement of Korvosa's physical size. Nevertheless, regarding political power, Korvosa is now equivalent with Magnimar, though this is far below the level considered appropriate for its decadent ruling class.Geography
Korvosa sits in a double bend of the Jeggare River in southeastern Varisia just before it empties into Conqueror's Bay. The oldest part of the city is located on Endrin Isle, a relatively small spit of land, while the majority sits on the mainland across the Narrows of Saint Alika. Two smaller neighborhoods, Thief Camp and East Shore (see below), lie on the eastern shore of the Jeggare River. The city is built around two major hills: Garrison Hill on Endrin Isle and Citadel Hill on the mainland. The small Jeggare Isle lies off the southern coast of the city and holds little but Palin's Lighthouse.
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