The Elven Ambassador's Guide to Miercna

Democracy cannot be exported or imported. It must be developed by the citizens of the country. It is this that tells us that the Empire cannot be a democracy, for nowhere does it resist democracy more than in its educated cities.
The Haim is around 150 miles long, 48% cultivated land, supporting a population of around 370,000. Within Miercna, there are around 37000 people, or 10% of the population of the continent as a whole. It is the center of finance, export and military and civic decision making.
Of the population of Miercna, around 35000 are Humans. 800 are Aarakocra or Owlin blooded humans. 300 are Orc-blooded humans. 200 are Halfling or Halfling blooded Humans. 200 are Gnomes. 150 are Half-Elves. 25 are Clay Dwarves. 325 are other.
Important Factions

• The City Guard, previously led by Eldrick Hardwicke III
• The Imperial Guard - loyal to The Emperor over the city, they are stationed within the palace walls.
• The Black Fang - The Thieve's Guild
• The Civil Servants - anyone from any family can become a civil servant if they pass their civil service exams. They're becoming part of a rising middle class.
• The Nobles These people do not question their place in society. They are in for a rude awakening.
• The Merchants The merchants are part of a growing middle class.
• The Academics The academic class managed to whip up the underclass into sedition recently. This did not end well.
• The Church of The Goddess - The Church of the Goddess is very strong here. Be careful. Do not say anything that will get you burned at the stake.

Important Facts

• Miercna was developed around the time of the extraplanar invasion of demons, beginning as a war camp.
• Most of the major noble families were important human allies to the Emperor. The Hardwickes and the Bordwealls have worked in the city guard for generations. The Hildegards and Ehlerts have demonstrated impeccable military service, the Heafocs have long brought religion and reason to all corners of the empire and the Royces are known for their contribution to the arts.
• Of all these families, be most careful of the Royces; their patronage to the arts is a cover for their immense network of spies. Be especially careful of the Lady of their house, Cataline. While her weapon of choice is kindness, the amount we estimate she knows about others is truly unnerving.
• There are multiple groups at play in Miercna. The academics, the religious, the underworld, the merchants and the nobility.
• The nobility, by and large, do not see themselves as a faction. They ignore the rise of the merchant class at their own peril, but slowly their wealth is being eclipsed by a newly minted middle class. They underestimate them, believing the Emperor will keep their titles safe, but I strongly believe the Emperor is more interested in money and power than names or blood.
• The academic class has been left largely toothless since they were investigated for sedition. Academics like Miriam Heafoc represent a new class of intelligent but silent thinkers. The University of Miercna's policy for staff seems to have changed from Publish or Perish to Publish and Perish.
• The last time I visited Miercna, it had a chillingly organised underworld, headed up by a thieve's guild named the Black Fang, and an assassin's guild which I do not know the name of. I can recall losing my purse to a beggar, only for that young man to be beaten and forced to return my purse to me, as he did not have 'permission' from the thieve's guild to steal on their territory. I would steer clear of the Sea Ward if I were you.
• What I know of the assassin's guild could fit into a thimble, but I imagine they were just as sharply run. It is to my intense delight that I did not run across them,
• If you are in need of a place to stay, the Trade Ward and the Horse Ward both contain fine Inns. Within the Horse Ward, I would recommend the Prancing Pony, and within the Trade Ward, I would set my heart on breakfasts at the Dancing Fiddle. Stay away from the Sea Ward.
• There is an unpleasant court magician who occasionally makes himself known. We'd thought he'd retired about eighteen years ago and handed over to his apprentice, but he came back to the job fifteen years ago and has been growing older and angrier since. Stay on his good side at all costs and he may show you some of the old magic that we once lost.
• And finally, rumours are swirling that there is a new figure at the Emperor's court, one who speaks for the Goddess herself. They call him The Voice of the Goddess. Son, I love you dearly. But you may want to stay quiet around him.

Be careful. Be good. Be safe. If you are ever in desperate need, look for a clay dwarf.
Elven Ambassador Leylenna of Abhaile.