The Free City States of Ancient Asteron

The City States of ancient Asteron are each unique in their history and culture. They are the first human civilizations after the end of the age of legends and the collapse of the 2nd Elven Age.

**Arkanthus**

Arkanthus has deep roots, and is said to be the place of the first human wizards.

Also called the city of 20 towers, the city of Arkanthus is ruled by the most prominent wizard’s whose families have occupied the eponymous towers for generations.

The true city is built atop enormous mezza hundreds of feet tall, accessible they say only through magical means.

The lower city which supports the wizards is a vibrant and bustling city with great wealth. It is here one must go to gain access to the upper city.

**Jewel of the world**

Ozzantus, the largest and most splendid city in the world sits in a dominant position on the neck of the inner sea. The port of Ozzantus finds the boats of every nation. The markets of Ozzantus are said to have everything a mortal could desire. The ancient city does not war, but can call on an army of guardsmen to rival the armies of most Kingdoms, and has a fleet that is second to none.

If you need information, Ozzantus is the place to go with a library that rivals even that of the wizards of Akanthus and priests of Liefin.

The city is ruled by a Lord Mayor who curries favour from the various merchant princes. Old money is important in Ozzantus, but not as important as a lot of money.

**The City of Asloving**

Nestled south of the Caemlin Mountains Asloving is the eastern most City of Old Asteron.

Its principle rivals are Azotus and Tiralond, and the three are frequently at a low state of war with a shifting alliance among the city states.

Renowned for its strong  administrative corps and courts, this has traditionally been the path of advancement for the ambitious within the city state. The monarchy is elected for life from among the houses of the blood, nineteen prominent families.

The chivalric traditions of Alba and Rheagus have infiltrated the traditional power structure of the city, and Asloving has deep roots with Rheagus. It is said the first kings of Rheagus were exiled princes of the city.

**Shodom**

The oldest (surviving) human city in the world, Shodom has a reputation as in inhospitable and shady place. In the shadow of the resplendent Ozzantus, they survive trafficking slaves and exotic goods from dangerous forests of the wild coast.

They are ruled by a King, chosen from among the dozen or so sons born of the royal harem. Politics centers on the great slave breeding families who supply mercenary soldiers as fodder for the wars of other states.

Shodom rarely risks war profits by participating themselves. The people of Shodom cower behind the cities ancient walls from the dangers of the surrounding harsh environment.

**Pinatek**

Pinatek is the city of heroes. A great warrior society ruled by an elected king who represents the equestrian class and a Lord Protector, a warrior raised from the commons who represents their rights. The city cultivates private warrior societies that train the young to be peerless warriors. These societies compete against each other for renown and patronage and often come to blow in frequent civil unrest.

When united Pinatek  is unrivalled in war in the south, and from time to time they unite to punish some slight against another city state, raiding and plundering. The unity never lasts enough for permanent conquest.

Pinatek has produced the most famous epic heroes in history, and their bards have produced the most famous epic poems, including the famous voyages of the Argonaust.

**Orlisand**

Famous for its sailors and ports, and for its rivalry with Arkanthus, Orlisand is a city ruled by a council of merchant princes and priests and has one of the largest collection of relics in the south. The presidency of the council rotates between a cleric and a merchant prince on a 5 year cycle. This cycle usually coincides with their antagonism towards Arkanthus whenever the priests are in power.

Trading in ocean goods and provisions, trade goods from east to west pass through the city as they are a port of rest for trade between Ozzantus and the dragon lands. They are also the only effective way for Arkanthus to get their magical goods and famous glassware to market.

**Tiralond**

Tiralond dominates the most populous region of the south, but is considered among the poorest in trade. They are known mainly for their traffic in domestic slaves.  Ruled by a council of elected patricians politics is based on wealth and family connections.

Tiralond is a rival and frequent enemy of the cities of Azotus and Asloving for dominance of the eastern part of Asteron.

**Azotus**

Azotus is also known as the silver city.  It is said that their river is rich with minerals from the Caemlin mountain range to the north. The great wealth of the city comes from their silver and platinum mines in the north, as well as rare spices incenses to the south.

They are a major consumer of Tiralond slaves and often quarrel with that city over the supply, relying on mercenaries rather than risking their citizens.

They are ruled by two house council – one consisting of elected patricians of the inner court and the other prominent citizens of the outer court, but the membership in the elite is considered less pure and strict than other cities such as Tiralond, with merchants frequently gaining great power and influence – sometimes even a seat in the inner court.