Elodia

Elodia is the largest, and one of the oldest established cities in the Broken Earth. It is nestled between Dragon Marsh and three rivers; Sathee River to the left, Tepeh River below, and Yatookut River to the right. What little land borders they have are secured with a thick knitted wall of trees, giving the city optimal protection from outside attacks. It has a population of 4,000. Elves comprise the majority of the Elodian populace, but there are quite a few tieflings, dragonborn, and humans residing there as well. Elodia is comprised of five districts: the Rapids, Marsh Inland, the Tepeh-Yatookut Edge, Branch Market, and the Sand Slums. Elodius is the most dominantly worshiped god of the city, but there are temples provided for general prayer.

## Origins

Elodia was founded by the Rapids family. When certain orcs were risking enslavement for their ideas of settling the land, they crossed the Yatookut River to what would soon become the great city. Here they could abandon their nomadicism and live a more secure lifestyle and provide for their young. It took three days to reach the still waters of Dragon Marsh, where the Rapids and their clanspeople met the local dragonborn of the area. They were helped to the shore and taught how to survive in a land with such a strong fey influence. More and more exiled orcs traveled via river to reach what would become Elodia. Over hundreds of years, they evolved into elves.

## Aesthetic and Culture

Elodia, like much of Leushlan, is marshy and humid. There are farmlands and rice patties sprinkled throughout the city limits. Much of the architecture comes from trees that hollowed themselves to provide shelter for the early humanoids. The older districts rely more heavily on these trees, but as one travels further southeast, trees that have hollowed and then died are being built upon to expand the space inside.

Elodian culture is varied, as the city is a melting pot of different races and peoples mixing together within the city walls. The elves that make up the majority of the population have a long history in that land, with many historical celebrations surrounding their successful pilgrimage to Leushlan. Their predominant worship of the god of life has led to a flourishing history with little worry of war, famine, or natural disaster.

## Royal Elodian Family

The Rapids family were the first to journey across the Yatookut River to Elodian land. They have been the ruling bloodline since the establishment of the city. Currently, King Ahnen sits on the throne alone. His queen Endeki passed years ago, and his daughter, Princess Tihpeecha, ran away and has yet to be found. He has gotten increasingly unstable, and there is a rising push for him to remarry so he has a spouse to keep him in line. There is debates over whether he is grieving or just ensuring that the crown belongs to him alone.

## Districts of Elodia

### The Rapids

The Rapids is the finest district of Elodia. The majority of the upper class resides here, aside from those living within castle walls. There are some shops in this area tailored to the wealthy, but more practical shoppers will be going to the Branch Market after getting snubbed here.

### Marsh Inland

Marsh Inland is the oldest district of Elodia. It is along the coast of Dragon Marsh and mainly serves as an entrance to the city. Rapids Castle is located in the far west of this district. Many people in this district either reside in the giant tree of the castle, or in mud huts along the coast of the marsh.

### Tepeh-Yatookut Edge

The majority of the middle class lives within Tepeh-Yatookut Edge. It is comprised mostly of fishers, farmers, and craftspeople that work in Branch Market. This district is mostly residential, with trees that have housed the same clan for generations.

### Branch Market

Branch Market contains the majority of the shops and businesses of Elodia. It is the only district that has a land border. The streets here are old and worn after centuries of use, and many of the trees that hold shops within have their roots fitted with stairs up to account for the sinkage. Many Elodians live above their shops, though it is more common to commute from the River's Edge.

### The Sand Slums

The majority of the tiefling population of Elodia resides within the Sand Slums. While they are no longer enslaved, the pen walls around this district still stand as a visual reminder of their continued second class status. The tieflings remain in poverty and the architecture of this area reflects that. Many of the trees here are rotted and collapsing, and the land is packed densely, dried and cracking away from the shore.