Introduction Arlay
Arlays history is a story of two cultures fused at the end. Lacia established Fort Arlay as a fortified city on the eastern bluffs of the Medyn River after the Eahuran war. Fort Arlay served as Lacias western defense and later as the realms port authority for the south. This brought great prosperity to the region. In no time, Astan merchants and thieves set up shop in the marshland west of the river to capitalize. West Arlay was formally founded by Ferrer Ajals as his first major enterprise. He made a fortune by regulating trade in the city. He was later appointed as leader of the Silver Guild. As Lacia built its jewel of the inner sea at Fort Arlay its sister to the west grew as well. There has always been tension between the two groups. This came to a head in 937 CE when fighting broke out along the Medyn River. This lead to a three month civil war in the two cities. The struggle finally ended when the Sar sent a company from the Circle to restore the peace. As a result of the conflict, the governments of the two cities were merged and it was renamed Arlay. The western part of the city is still a haven for nefarious characters and is suspected to hide three of the most wanted people in the realm (This is separate from the new list started for traitors). Arlay continues to develop and is considered the realms leader for innovation in a variety of fields.
Geography
Location: Central Provinces, Western Lacia, Eastern Asta
Landmarks
The Widow of the Sea- Built in 1550 CE on the eastern cliffs of Arlay; The Widow of the Sea is a 20 foot marble statue of a kneeling women with her hands over her eyes. She faces the sea and during rainstorms the cup formed by her hands fills with water. As the water drains out she appears to be weeping. The Widow was commissioned after a violent storm took the lives of many sailors stationed at the harbor.
The Sun Fountain- This magnificent fountain is located in the center of Arlays largest market. A giant brass sundial elevated over a fountain casts a reflection onto the pool below. The base of the fountain is made of granite. Much of the surface is trimmed in blue and gold lapis. The plot around the fountain is lined with fig trees. It is a popular place for people to sit and relax at various times of day.
The Tomb of Ferrer Ajals- While most historians believe that Ferrer was buried somewhere near Lathay there are a small group who believe that he is buried in a distinct but unmarked tomb in Western Arlay. The tomb is a dark granite building 20 foot square in the middle of the swamp. An iron fence surrounds the building. Throughout its existence the tomb has constantly been harassed by tomb raiders. In 1912 the city officially opened the tomb and found it completely deserted. The tomb was officially closed shortly thereafter. A guard is posted there to keep people from injuring themselves. Several youth have been hurt trying to sneak in. Some people say the true tomb is underneath this one. Others say it holds clues to reach Ferrers true wealth. So far there is nothing to validate any of these claims.
Area 150 square miles
Coastline 10 miles
Terrain
Eastern Arlay- Grassland, hills
Western Arlay- Marshland, some areas under sea level. Much of the district is networked by canals and bridges.
Population: 73,000
Noun: Arlan
Adjective: Arlainian
Ethnic Groups:
Lacian: 57%, Astan 41%, Other 2%
Languages:
Eldan, Talanthi, Ashuri
Economy
Arlays economy is strong. It serves as a port for the southern provinces and it is along a major trade route between Lathay and Regais. A wide variety of goods can be found in the markets of Arlay. Depending upon the season the types of goods change significantly. It is said that if one were to spend a year in Arlay they could find everything available for purchase in the realm here. The eastern markets tend to have uniform pricing and quality in products. Most merchants only take crowns. The western market fluctuates daily and between vendors. Some merchants are known to accept carats as currency. Overall, prices are roughly on par with those of Sarus. The exception in Lacian cloth. It can be found for half the price it is found for on Sarus.
Transportaion
Roads: 150 miles
Waterways: 30 miles
Bridges: Over 50, only 3 cross the Medyn.
Ferries: 15
Ports and Harbors
The entire coastline is suitable for docking vessels. Most fishing ships use the western port. Traders tend to use the eastern port.
Military
Army: 600
Navy: 800
Police: 175
Arlays history is a story of two cultures fused at the end. Lacia established Fort Arlay as a fortified city on the eastern bluffs of the Medyn River after the Eahuran war. Fort Arlay served as Lacias western defense and later as the realms port authority for the south. This brought great prosperity to the region. In no time, Astan merchants and thieves set up shop in the marshland west of the river to capitalize. West Arlay was formally founded by Ferrer Ajals as his first major enterprise. He made a fortune by regulating trade in the city. He was later appointed as leader of the Silver Guild. As Lacia built its jewel of the inner sea at Fort Arlay its sister to the west grew as well. There has always been tension between the two groups. This came to a head in 937 CE when fighting broke out along the Medyn River. This lead to a three month civil war in the two cities. The struggle finally ended when the Sar sent a company from the Circle to restore the peace. As a result of the conflict, the governments of the two cities were merged and it was renamed Arlay. The western part of the city is still a haven for nefarious characters and is suspected to hide three of the most wanted people in the realm (This is separate from the new list started for traitors). Arlay continues to develop and is considered the realms leader for innovation in a variety of fields.
Geography
Location: Central Provinces, Western Lacia, Eastern Asta
Landmarks
The Widow of the Sea- Built in 1550 CE on the eastern cliffs of Arlay; The Widow of the Sea is a 20 foot marble statue of a kneeling women with her hands over her eyes. She faces the sea and during rainstorms the cup formed by her hands fills with water. As the water drains out she appears to be weeping. The Widow was commissioned after a violent storm took the lives of many sailors stationed at the harbor.
The Sun Fountain- This magnificent fountain is located in the center of Arlays largest market. A giant brass sundial elevated over a fountain casts a reflection onto the pool below. The base of the fountain is made of granite. Much of the surface is trimmed in blue and gold lapis. The plot around the fountain is lined with fig trees. It is a popular place for people to sit and relax at various times of day.
The Tomb of Ferrer Ajals- While most historians believe that Ferrer was buried somewhere near Lathay there are a small group who believe that he is buried in a distinct but unmarked tomb in Western Arlay. The tomb is a dark granite building 20 foot square in the middle of the swamp. An iron fence surrounds the building. Throughout its existence the tomb has constantly been harassed by tomb raiders. In 1912 the city officially opened the tomb and found it completely deserted. The tomb was officially closed shortly thereafter. A guard is posted there to keep people from injuring themselves. Several youth have been hurt trying to sneak in. Some people say the true tomb is underneath this one. Others say it holds clues to reach Ferrers true wealth. So far there is nothing to validate any of these claims.
Area 150 square miles
Coastline 10 miles
Terrain
Eastern Arlay- Grassland, hills
Western Arlay- Marshland, some areas under sea level. Much of the district is networked by canals and bridges.
Population: 73,000
Noun: Arlan
Adjective: Arlainian
Ethnic Groups:
Lacian: 57%, Astan 41%, Other 2%
Languages:
Eldan, Talanthi, Ashuri
Economy
Arlays economy is strong. It serves as a port for the southern provinces and it is along a major trade route between Lathay and Regais. A wide variety of goods can be found in the markets of Arlay. Depending upon the season the types of goods change significantly. It is said that if one were to spend a year in Arlay they could find everything available for purchase in the realm here. The eastern markets tend to have uniform pricing and quality in products. Most merchants only take crowns. The western market fluctuates daily and between vendors. Some merchants are known to accept carats as currency. Overall, prices are roughly on par with those of Sarus. The exception in Lacian cloth. It can be found for half the price it is found for on Sarus.
Transportaion
Roads: 150 miles
Waterways: 30 miles
Bridges: Over 50, only 3 cross the Medyn.
Ferries: 15
Ports and Harbors
The entire coastline is suitable for docking vessels. Most fishing ships use the western port. Traders tend to use the eastern port.
Military
Army: 600
Navy: 800
Police: 175
