Elpis

*Writer: Nymphrena#4609*

## Description

In the south east of Athena, by the border to Ebitrea lays the unofficial city state of Elpis. Sitting almost 25 miles north, downstream from the city of Castra, on the Athena side of the river. Originally a small farming settlement, the growing threat of Ebitrea and subsequent war has grown Elpis from a small collection of buildings to a military encampment, and now populous enough that it could be considered a city state, if unofficially.

Eplis boasts a population of 20,000 within the main encampment and fields surrounding. An additional 5000 are stationed at the river garrison by Castra.

Elpis's trade comes almost exclusively in weapons for war and defense. While the Maker's Quarters does create general goods for sale and trade, most of their work is in arms and armor. Though trade with Ebitrea is allowed, Elpis does not trade their own war gear with them, always on the watch for a resumption of the war.

Having been around for 15 years, the truce ending the war, Elpis has lasted long enough to begin to develop its own culture. This culture has been greatly influenced by war, and the requirement to always be prepared. As a result, there is a great emphasis on excellence in whatever you do, more than anything else. If a solider, you must be well trained and prepared for anything. If a blacksmith, your arms and armor need to be of excellent quality, for the soldier who will need them.

Elpis has no restrictions on who can join. Whatever the gender or race, all are accepted into the training halls to become a solider. The only requirement is a willingness to defend Athena with your life. As a consequence, even criminals or deserters from Ebitrea are welcomed, if they are willing to show that willingness.

The daily life of a citizen of Elpis is simple. Three days of a week are spent in soldier training, to ever stand ready to defend Athena. Three days are spent in work, farming the fields or crafting equipment, to ensure the soldiers are as best prepared as possible. And the final day is free, for the person to enjoy as they wish. Most citizens, however, spend it as a day of pursuit. Learning a new craft, additional training at arms, or just working a trade, it is the day in pursuit of a person's goal for a professional life.

While Elpis is extremely loyal to Athena as a whole, the current relationship of Elpis to the council governing Athena is strained. The previous council head was a friend of General Sara Esell, de facto ruler of Elpis, leaving them with a personal and direct route to bring concerns to the council, and ensuring their voice could be heard.

This past year, however, has seen a new council head appointed. Without this route to the council, Elpis lacks any representation, and their voice has grown more and more unheard. General Esell is currently waiting, giving the new head a chance, but as time goes on, her patience grows thin.

## Areas of note

* The Elpis River Garrison: Situated on the Athena side of the river across from Castra, it observes and defends the bridge connecting the two countries. Watchtowers on the Athena side of the river extend up and down for a hundred miles, staffed to ever keep watch for the first sign of invasion.

* Grower’s Quarters: The first sight of Elpis is, in reminiscence of the city's origins, the unoffical fourth quarter, the Grower's Quarters. The large farms and fields outside the walls of Elpis provide food for the city. Once past the fields the palisades of Elpis come into view.

* Residential District: The residential district is the smallest of the districts. It contains housing and bathing for the non-military residents of Elpis, as well as those few whose military service has been completed and have chosen to remain in Elpis.

* War District: The war district is the largest and most expansive district within Elpis. It houses barracks, training yards, parade grounds. It is a constant flurry of activity and training, as military service is required for citizenship, and training begins early and lasts long. The largest portion of the population are professional soldiers, and live and work within the war district.

* Maker’s Quarters: The maker's quarters are the last district within Elpis. It houses the crafters and makers workshops. Blacksmiths, woodworkers, lumbermills; anything and everything dedicated to making goods, weapons, or armor are housed within the maker's quarters.