Aetha

7% Half-Elves

4% Dwarves

7% Halflings

11% Other

**Aetha** is the 'starter city' for typical player characters, where plenty come to start their first quests and have a drink or two at the booming tavern! It is the capital city of the **Kingdom of Uldia**.

## History

Aetha was among the first official cities upon Zelnora, nearly 500 years ago. It was formed by a group of valiant heroes, many of whom are now dead or have long ventured off to other adventures, although their names are still inscribed within the Hall of History within Aetha's Royal District. Since it's inception, Aetha has undergone a significant amount of strife and hatred, and despite the constant tugging at it's strings, it has always remained a city of good and free from oppression.

In it's first 50 years, Aetha was frequently the target of raids and attacks by Goblins, Hobgoblins and the occasional Orc Warband that came up from their tribal grounds in Naruglad's dense Forest, not to mention greedy, over-confident dragons. Although the fledgling city-state was frequently defended by it's valiant Founders, it was still the subject of much assault and hatred from the uncivilized races.

Finally, after 300 years of assault and back and forth battles, it stopped - the enemy masses disappearing back into Naruglad's forest. Not a sign came from the forest of the once intruding races.

200 years later, in the year of 500, on the 7th of Pharast when Spring first begins, something had caught the eye of a wandering elf child..a purple substance that glittered against the vibrant green shrubs. This enticed him, following the trail and ending up at an encampment that seemed active. The child snooped around until he heard the noise of a twig snapping behind him. He swiftly turned on his heel and just at his knee level was a goblin..but it wasn't a normal type of goblin. This goblin wore tattered robes, his face held a pale green tone to it with purple abscesses appearing as if they could pop at anytime, his body shivering and twitching ever so slightly as he dragged a sword behind him. With a yell that caused foam to fly out his mouth, the goblin screamed in anger, revealing his bloodswelled eyes as he swung at the child. The child quickly dodged out of the way and was quick to get out of there, turning on his heel and screaming himself as he ran back to the nearest city, who would then alert Aetha of the strangeness that the child had seen.

## Geography

A small, freshwater river named '**Emerald Canal**' flows directly through the center of the City to the southern end of the Ashmaul Expanse, giving them a good source of freshwater, as well as access to the vast sea. In addition, it is connected with several large forested areas and mountains to it's West, South and East.

The city of Aetha itself is a large, mismatched combination of multiple distinct, architectural and design styles, with no two buildings looking the same. With so many different races being able to make a living and create a life in the city, it's no wonder that the city never looks the same in any one area outside of official Government buildings, which need to be distinguished from the rest of the city. Stone wise, the city of Aetha actually appears welcoming with light colored cobblestone, which seemed to be much of the city's stone - although this is purely because it is the most common and most convenient stone within the area.

## Inhabitants

Aetha has an incredibly diverse population, with many of the primary races being in the several thousands, although most abundant, by far, are humans and elves which live remarkably well together. This inter-mingling has, naturally, cause a large amount of half-elves to also appear within the city. Although there are also a number of halflings, as well as some dwarves. In addition to this, there are a number of other races, such as tieflings, aasimar, orcs, half-orcs, et-cetera within the city.

## Religion, Magic & Technology

#### Religion

Religion is quite popular, and Aetha easily boasts the largest Temple to Sarenrae, but they are also advent worshipers of Iomedae. Two of the original founders were both Crusaders of Iomedae and Sarenrae, respectively, fighting and spreading light and hope in their names, therefore, they provide the most significant centers of worship within the city. Although smaller temples to Gozreh, Erastil and other deities also permeate the city.

#### Magic

Magic is very widely used within Aetha. Although the arcane and divine are the most primary forms of magic, druidic can also be found in some places. Due to it's size as a city though, few druids feel comfortable within it's confines.

#### Technology

Technology is a large part of Aetha and the Kingdom of Uldia's life. Airships, steam boats and other various things of industrial creation makes life within Aetha a mixture of loud, but very efficient in many ways. Although the occasional unsanctioned explosion occurs, it is punished swiftly and repaired, as Tinkers experiment with newer and more volatile technology.

## Law & Crime

### **Severe Offenses:**

* Treason against the city and her people

* Assault Upon or Impersonation of a Lord or Magister

* Forgery of an official document

* Poisoning of city wells or fresh water sources

* Murder

* Spying

* Sabotage

* Defiling a holy place or grounds

* Arson of public property or items

* Assault, whether it be magical or physical resulting in mutilation or crippling injuries

* Slavery

### **Serious Offences:**

* Grand theft of items or property worth 2000 gold or more

* Arson of private property

* Impersonation of guardsman or officer of the watch

* Repetition of lesser offenses

* Willful disobedience of any offical.

* Fraud

* Fencing stolen goods of 2000 of more gold

* Repetition of any Lesser offenses up to three times

* Theft of temple goods or offerings

* Tomb or grave robbing of respected official or individuals

* Burglary of public property, usury.

### **Lesser Offenses:**

* Vandalism of public or private property

* Rally that results in the slander or harm of city officials

* Copying of an official document without consent

* Assault upon or bribery of any city official clergy member, or citizen.

* Hindrance of city guards in their duty.

### **Minor Offences:**

* Assault with minor injuries

* Public disturbances

* Blasphemy of a god or priesthood in a church

* Drunkenness and disorderly conduct in public

* Bribery

* Vagrancy

* Littering

* Brandishing a weapon in public

* Dangerous operation of a coach, wagon or other conveyance

## People & Places of Interest

**Market District:**Here, transactions of all kinds can be found; shops of almost any kind can be found within the Market District.

**Arena of Aetha**: Where Adventurer's take up arms in the looming area that hovers above the city. This is typically their first encounter and will often return to heighten their strengths. Adventurer's do not need to fear death here, unless blood has been called.

**Royal District:**Government buildings of most kinds can be found here, as well as the nearby King's Manor. You can also find the several houses of Nobleshere. This is also where most Royal Activities happens between the King and his loyal companions.

**War District:**The War District is where soldiers train, ready, sleep and various other activities relating to War go on. Within it is also the War Headquarters**,**the center of Command for any war and violent activities involving the Kingdom of Uldia. The true secrets lie within safely guarded meetings with the King, but you can view past battles here from Moonday to Fireday.

**Temple of Sarenrae:**The Temple of Sarenrae was the first temple in Aetha and remains to be the largest; a beacon of Light to all who would look upon it, it stands as an inspiring presence to those who first enter the city from the South.

**The Red Lion:** A tavern that is often filled with the laughter of the townsfolk and the delicious smells of home cooked meals that give you a warmth, that most Adventurer's miss the most. Rest your blades, pick up a pint and enjoy the live music straight from students of the Bardic College itself! The owner, Larissa, appears to be related to Lyrina but if you mention her, she will give you an earful of how much she despises Lyrina.

**The Redder Lion:** A tavern that is often filled with the laughter of the townsfolk and the delicious smells of exotic cooked meals that will have your mouth drooling and a spice in your mouth that you won't forget! Rest your blades, pick up a pint and enjoy the live music straight from students of the Bardic College itself! The owner, Lyrina, appears to be related to Larissa but if you mention her, she will give you an earful of how much she despises Larissa.

**Nexia, Institute of Wizardy:** An astonishing architecture of several castle like buildings that hold Uldia's most magically inclined and talented children. Here, students typically remain on campus and receive the best tuition that the land can offer (ranked #1 in the nation). On campus, it's not uncommon to see floating lamp posts, students practicing their magic on the dummies on campus, and plenty more! Feel free to stop by, and if interested, head to the Front Desk where you might just meet the Headmaster himself!

## Facts

* The city has 236 noble houses.
* The peace is kept by 423 guardsmen, and there are 108 advocates to assist with legal matters.
* For those more concerned about their soul, there are 701 clergymen and 45 priests.