ulsterwarrior

The Fires of Anuria(Reboot)

Is this still open?

The Darkness Descends (Fantasy Conquest RP)

Is this still open?

The Rise of Man (Fallout-like RP)

I was wondering if this would be open for me to join as Ireland, occupying the southern regions, as I see that there already a nation in Ulster?

Ashes of Orvell - Setting Construction

Here's the third city. I only have two more cities that I want to do, but they are basically the same so I am including them in the same sheet. This is Kareka.

Kareka

Name: Kareka (The City by the Sea)
Summary: An Ordinary City-State
Location:
Type: City
Description: Kareka is a generally normal city. It is built in the same manner as Ekrech and Erakan, with large buildings in the shapes of domes and spires. There are smaller, less glamorous buildings in the poorer of districts, though. By most standards, Kareka is a standard city. It has its mix of criminal activity that concentrates in cities, but it isn’t as chaotic as Erakan is steadily becoming. Kareka is built upon both banks of the Aelk River, where it opens up and flows into the sea. Thus, Kareka is a large port city, rich in cultures, colors, and smells.
History: Kareka has a normal history for a city. It was founded by settlers from Ekrech, not long after Erakan. It rose as an independent city, as have all the Aelkan cities, however it has always remained fiercely loyal to the mother city of Ekrech. Only a few events of great importance have occurred in Kareka, the majority of which being great battles defending against the desert lords. These battles are the source of tales of great heroes and mighty sacrifices, the subject of numerous nationalistic songs. However, they are all the same, essentially, with Kareka repelling their assailants back in to the desert.
Kareka’s greatest claim to fame, though, is its role as a port city. Like most ports, it is a city of a meeting of cultures and peoples. Kareka was long like this, home to a great amount of foreigners, from both the north and the south. Kareka is the only Aelkan city to be like this, even despite there being two other cities with access to the sea. It was this openness to foreigners that saw the Aelkan people’s first interaction with the Orvalli Empire. Dignitaries sailed to Kareka and met with the Council, thus exposing the Aelkans to the western Empire and beginning the negotiations that would eventually see the Aelkan Alliance under the Empire. This is the richest moment in Kareka’s history, as not much else occurs there.
Governance: Kareka is ruled by the typical Aelkan Elder Council, comprised of an Aelki Priest, Tarsark, Ealindil, Karsark, and Norvali, who head the different aspects of Aelkan life. The Karekan Council, no matter who has served on it, has always been fiercely loyal to that of the city of Ekrech
Culture: Kareka, along with it sister cities, are based on the principles of Aelk. These principles state that all life is to be cherished, as the Aelk provides life in death. Death comes hand and hand with life, but life must be preserved. It should only be taken when absolutely necessary. One must provide for others, as Aelk provides for them. Nature must be protected, as it is sacred and easily destroyed. Aelkans believe they must provide life where they can, taking the form mostly in reproduction. Thus, Aelkan families tend to be extremely large. Due to the peace brought by the Orvallan Empire, it has evolved into a relaxed, peaceful culture. They center themselves around learning and amassing knowledge, as well as serving the great river Aelk.
Men and women are seen as equals. There is no nobility, either, as in Kareka, it is seen that everyone are equals. The only societal distinctions in Ekrech are the wealthy and the poor, and even the poor are fairly wealthy in the standards of other cities. Though the city is one of peace, the fall of the Empire is like to change that. The desert lords or the Orcs of the east are like to rise once more and attempt to take the city and its fertile land. The people of Kareka must hope that the Aelkan Guard is still the great fighting force it once was.
Populace:The populace of Kareka is largely comprised of Aelkans, the humans who once roamed the desert as nomads but eventually found the fertile land of the Aelk region and settled it. However, as it is a prominent port city, it is also home to numerous foreigners. Either they are sailors staying temporarily while their ship is docked in the city’s port, or they are travelers who found the city attractive enough to settle down and live there. The city is filled with both Aelkans and foreigners, and occasionally the two intermix and breed a half-breed, a fact that some Aelkans disapprove of.
Religion: The Aelkan people, both of Kareka and other cities, worship the great river Aelk, which flows from the east to the sea in the west. They see the river as the great provider of life, since all around them is a desert that provides nothing but death. They believe the Eurak river, which stems from the Aelk, is Aelk’s spouse and the two are meant to give life to all. The Aelkans see themselves as the chosen, the select few that Aelk chose to provide life to, to allow them to live in comfort and luxury. Thus, they hold themselves to multiple principles, as can be seen in their Culture. The Aelkans believe in an enemy of Aelk, Kurshash, who embodies the desert. The two are locked in an eternal battle of life against death. Aelkans believe it is their duty to give life where they can, to further the war in Aelk’s favor. Thus war and fighting is often frowned upon and is only practiced in the most direst of situations.
Economy: Kareka has a substantially powerful economy. By no means is it as wealthy as Ekrech and there a number of its citizens that live in poverty, yet is not struggling to stay afloat as does Erakan. It’s main exports are crops and fish, the staple of Aelkan products. However, it was able to build its economy off of its involvement in trade. Due to the other two Aelkan ports’ strong dislike of foreigners, Kareka is the greatest Aelkan port.
Many foreign nations thus sail to Kareka to trade, where then those products are shipped up the Aelk to Ekrech and beyond to the cities that lay upon the Eurak. It is this reason, since Kareka is the Aelkan window into the rest of the word, that the cities along the Aelk are so wealthy and prosperous, as the Eurakan cities do not receive as much of the goods. This is a large reason for the growing animosity between the cities.
Diplomacy: In the internal politics of the Aelkan cities, Kareka is the sidekick of Ekrech. While the northern cities grow more and more angry towards Ekrech and its rule, Kareka becomes more and more disliked due to its staunch support of the city. However, Kareka has no major enemies, besides the warlike desert lords and Orc of the east. It has good relations with many of the foreign nations due to the trade relations between the two. While Kareka tries to remain in the good graces of those that it interacts with, it fears that the northern cities are not far from taking action, action that will not end will for Ekrech or Kareka.
Military: The military of Ekrech takes the form of the Aelkan Guard. These are a famed group of warriors, who train from a young age in the way of war. They devote their lives to the protection of Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities against those that would destroy them. The Guard tactics typically include forming phalanxes, a wall of flesh and steel. The military takes a largely defensive role, as Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities have never conquered another people, rather defending their own lands. The Guard were once a military order of great renown and prowess, yet it often speculated that the years of peace under the old Empire have caused them to grow weak and soft.
Plot Hooks:-The Brink of War: Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities are on the brink of war, if rumors can be believed. There are whisperings of an Orc army gathering in the East to burn Ekrech to the ground once and for all. There are rumors told of a desert lord uniting all of the other lords behind his banner to claim the Aelkan lands for their own. Some even say that the two have join forces to bring down their common enemy. Whatever the case may be, with the fall of the Empire, war will not be far away. Warriors will be needed to defend the city, or take it if that is what you desire.
-The End of an Empire: Ekrech, in all but name, rules an empire of city states. The Aelkan people are united in the beliefs, even if their cities are separate and independent. But that can all change in an instant. Some upstart may belief that he should rule all of the cities as Emperor and make a vie for power. A city may decide the cast of the “yoke” of Ekrech and declare itself truly free. The century-old bond between the cities could be destroyed at any minute.

Ashes of Orvell - Setting Construction

The second city of the Aelkan City States: Erakan.

Erakan

Name: Erakan
Summary: Powerful City-State
Location:
Type: City
Description: : Erakan is modeled heavily after Ekrech. Thus, the buildings that make it up are largely domes. However, there are many spires throughout the city, tall towers that stretch high into the sky. It does not have the numerous waterfalls or bridges that Ekrech has, but is still beautiful. However beautiful Erakan is, it is not the same as Ekrech. There are numerous slums in the city, making up the majority of the city, beside the city center, where the Eurak branches. There is much lawlessness and gang fighting that occurs in Erakan, a result of poor leadership and maltreatment of the populace.
History: : Erakan was the second Aelkan city to be founded, roughly a hundred years after Ekrech was built. Erakan was meant to be a second Ekrech, a furthering of the great city and its ways. For a time it was as so. It was beautiful, it was peaceful, it was Ekrech. That changed during the Great Orc war, though.
Some centuries after Erakan was founded, shortly before the Aelkan cities fell under the control of the Orvellan Empire, a great horde of Orcs descended upon the cities from the East. This was nothing new, as this had occurred numerous times before. The Aelkan Guard along with the cities’ militias were raised and began to march towards Erakan, the target of the Orc horde. Word was sent from Ekrech, the leader of the Aelkan Alliance, to hold in the city until reinforcement could come. However, the Tarsark of Erakan was young and foolish, believing that he could bring great honor and glory to both his city and himself by defeating the Orc army on his own.
So he marched east, across the Eurak, to meet the Orc horde in the desert. The resulting battle was disastrous, with nearly the entire army slaughtered, including the foolish Tarsark. The Orcs did not halt there, though. They crossed the Eurak and marched into Erakan, which was left nearly completely unguarded. They slaughtered the Erakan people and burnt much of the city to the ground. Some of the citizens were able escape, fleeing to Ekrech or the other cities, but most fell to the Orcish blades.
Eventually, the rest of the Aelkan army arrived in Erakan and drove out the Orcs, killing many of them. Erakan was in ruins, though, as the result of a foolish commander’s mistake. The city was never the same after that. It was rebuilt, though it lost much of its beauty. Not long after the sack, the Aelkan cities became part of the Empire. Much of Aelkan culture was lost in the fact, as numerous Orvellans flocked to the famous city to aid rebuilding it. Ever since then, Erakan has chafed under the rule of Ekrech, seeing that it should be a free city. The Empire always kept it at bay, though. Now that it has fallen, though, who can say what will happen?
Governance: Erakan, like the other cities, are ruled over by a council comprised of a Aelkan Priest, a Tarsark, a Ealindal, a Karsark, and a Norvali. The five are meant to balance each other out and restrict each other from one ever gaining too much power. However, in recent years, the Tarsark Uknar has risen in prominence. He rules over much of Erakan. It is whispered that he is the King of Erakan and that the rest of the Council is just a ploy to deceive the other cities.
Culture:Erakan, along with it sister cities, are based on the principles of Aelk. These principles state that all life is to be cherished, as the Aelk provides life in death. Death comes hand and hand with life, but life must be preserved. It should only be taken when absolutely necessary. One must provide for others, as Aelk provides for them. Nature must be protected, as it is sacred and easily destroyed. Aelkans believe they must provide life where they can, taking the form mostly in reproduction. Thus, Aelkan families tend to be extremely large. Ever since the Destruction, a large majority of the city has had to struggle to survive, by any means necessary. Thus, crimes are an often occurrence, gangs control the streets, and illegal practices are common.
The only societal distinctions in Erakan are the wealthy and the poor. At least, this is as it used to be. Now, though, a hidden class system has begun to arise, subtle enough to not anger the other cities but prominent enough to effect the lives of Erakans. There is much outrage on this fact, resulting in riots and violence in the streets, violence that the Council has desperately attempted to stamp out, to avoid attracting the attention of the other cities.
Populace: Erakan is populated by the Aelkans, a human cultural group. The Aelkans were once a nomadic people who traveled the desert, like the current desert lords. Fortunately for them, they came upon the Aelk and discovered the life it provided. Eventually they founded Ekrech, along with the other Aelkan cities, becoming the Aelkan people.
Erakan is also the home of many Orvelli natives, as many of these foreigners came to Erakan to aid in the city’s reconstruction after the Orcs burnt it down. Thus, the city’s culture has slowly but steadily begun to change, resulting in the shift in power currently happening.
Religion: The Aelkan people, both of Erakan and other cities, worship the great river Aelk, which flows from the east to the sea in the west. They see the river as the great provider of life, since all around them is a desert that provides nothing but death. They believe the Eurak river, which stems from the Aelk, is Aelk’s spouse and the two are meant to give life to all.
The Aelkans see themselves as the chosen, the select few that Aelk chose to provide life to, to allow them to live in comfort and luxury. Thus, they hold themselves to multiple principles, as can be seen in their Culture. The Aelkans believe in an enemy of Aelk, Kurshash, who embodies the desert. The two are locked in an eternal battle of life against death. Aelkans believe it is their duty to give life where they can, to further the war in Aelk’s favor. Thus war and fighting is often frowned upon and is only practiced in the most direst of situations.
Economy: Erakan, like Ekrech, does not have many surrounding natural resources to create a booming or even stable economy. Erakan, however, does not have other cities for it to rely on to create its wealth, as does Ekrech. As so, the majority of the city’s populace lives in poverty. However, there are a select few, the rising “noble” class, that do command a vast wealth. These “nobles” are merchants and other characters who have grown involved in numerous illegal activities or otherwise less desired fields of work. This ranges from supporting gangs, accepting bribes for voting members of the Council, smuggling illegal substances, selling and purchasing slaves to investing in taverns, brothels, or other businesses of vice to assassinating political opponents, which is seen as a great sin in the Aelkan church. The Erakan economy reflects how far the city has fallen from its once glorious days.
Diplomacy: Erakan once was well-liked by its neighbors. It shared a close bond with the other Aelkan cities, united by their heritage. They were fierce enemies of the desert lords and the Orcs, those that would destroy their city and did. Yet after the Orcs burnt down the city, relations between Erakan and the other cities have been strained, especially Ekrech. Some Erakans whisper it was the other cities fault that Erakan fell, saying that they would not offer support until the last minute, rather waiting until the city fell to offer aid. As such, tensions between Erakan and the other Aelkan cities, specifically Ekrech, are extremely high, especially with the hidden changing of power in the city’s Council.
Military: Erakan, like all of the Aelkan city-states, has a military primarily comprised of the Aelkan Guard, who are devoted to protecting the cities of the Aelk and Eurak. There is also a local militia, to be called upon when the city is in dire need, such as when it is under attack. However, the Tasark has begun to secretly raise his own army, a personal unit of bloodthirsty fighters loyal specifically to him. As of now, he uses them in the pretense of quelling the unrest ravaging the city, but many predict that if a war breaks out, they will fight for the Tarsark rather than Erakan or the other city-states.
Plot Hooks:-The Brink of War: Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities are on the brink of war, if rumors can be believed. There are whisperings of an Orc army gathering in the East to burn Ekrech to the ground once and for all. There are rumors told of a desert lord uniting all of the other lords behind his banner to claim the Aelkan lands for their own. Some even say that the two have join forces to bring down their common enemy. Whatever the case may be, with the fall of the Empire, war will not be far away. Warriors will be needed to defend the city, or take it if that is what you desire.
-The End of an Empire: Ekrech, in all but name, rules an empire of city states. The Aelkan people are united in the beliefs, even if their cities are separate and independent. But that can all change in an instant. With the power struggle occurring in Erakan and the personal believes of the Tarsark Ulnar, Erakan may declare war against Ekrech to either declare itself truly free or attempt to replace the elder city as the leader of the Aelkan Alliance.
-A Power Struggle: In the shadows of the political elite, there is a power struggle occurring in Erakan. The Council is divided, as the Tarsark Ulnar has begun to claim more and more power for himself, all but ruling the city by himself. The Karsark stands with him, supporting him on the council, yet the Aelkali Priest, Ealindil, and Norvali oppose him. Despite being outnumbered on the council, Ulnar rules over Erakan with an iron fist, much to the discomfort of many of its citizens. Not only does this power struggle provide a chance for players to get involved with intrigue, but also support (or oppose) the rising opposition rising against Ulnar in the city.

Marches of Man: the Black Shields. [ALWAYS OPEN]

Erryn Halsven

“Where I am needed, I shall go.”

Erryn has a dark red hair, a mix between brown and red. It is on the lighter side, though, especially when in the light, and so is generally referred to as red. This has always set him apart from others. This isn’t the only thing about his appearance that sets him apart. He also has pale white skin, even paler than those of the Barren Flats. His skin is dotted by faint freckles, which have grown less obvious with age. His nose is relatively normal, as is his mouth, with thin yet full lips. What truly captures one’s attention, as well as brining much to him, are his eyes. They are eyes that are often unseen in Broacien. They are a bright blue, deep and penetrating. They are the color of ice, cold and hard. Despite this, there is a certain light in them, that of joy. This adds a look of happiness and kindness to what otherwise would have been dark and menacing.
Erryn tends to wear plain clothes, as befits his station. This includes a worn and stained tunic and trousers. He often wears a fur pelt over his shoulders, due to the cold temperatures of the Flats. He often carries a bow with him, to keep wolves and other predators away. Over the years he has grown quite proficient with it and is one of the best archers in the area he grew up. He also has a saxe knife at his belt, which he primarily uses for skinning and cleaning hunted meat.
Erryn has a sleek physique. He stands at roughly 6’5, a height that is surpasses many of the fully grown men of the surrounding villages. He is lean and skinny, though muscled due to years of hard work. Though he may not have the broadest shoulders or the largest muscles, he is still surprisingly strong for his appearance.

【Character Name】

Erryn Halsven

【Aliases】

Erryn

【Age】

18

【Sex】

Male

【Sexuality】

Heterosexuak

【Religion】

Nordic Pantheon

【Family】

Ronan was an only child, born to Ronan and Rosie Halsven, two modest sheepherders of the Barren Flats. Erryn’s birth was a difficult one, after a long and painful labor. Rosie would often refer to Erryn as her miracle child. Erryn’s parents loved very much and cared for him tenderly. Ronan taught him everything, from how to string a bow, to skinning a kill, to herding sheep. Erryn loved his father and looked up at him as a role model. Unfortunately, Rosie died when Erryn was young, the victim of the spring fever, leaving Erryn alone with Ronan. Though Ronan was no longer as joyful as he once was, he still loved his son very much, even more so now that he was his only link to his wife. Ronan is dead now, though, the victim of a mysterious fire that consumed the entirety of the Halsven household. Erryn is completely on his own

【Birthplace】

The humble village of Hartsford, a weeks ride from Barren Hall.

【Societal standing】

Peasant

【Former employment】

Sheepherder

【Rank and role】

New Recruit. Will serve as an archer in the vanguard.

【Personality】

Erryn is a humble, honorable young man. He is kind, courteous and gentlemanly, all traits that are uncommon among the peasantry. He tends to use more sophisticated words than other lowborns and has a much more expanded vocabulary. In fact, if it wasn’t for the rags he bears on his back, he could easily be mistaken for some low standing gentry. However, Erryn is a commoner, through and through, and he is aware of this. Despite his noble demeanor, Erryn does know how to get himself into trouble. He has gotten himself into many a fight with other boys from nearby villages. He knows his duties though, and will never shirk from seeing them done.
He is loyal to the crown of the Broacien and the forces that serve it, extremely so. He has a great nationalistic pride for his nation, one rooted into him in childhood. This is a reason why he joined the Black Shields, despite his ignorance in the ways of war. He wishes to do something, to serve his nation and try and make meaning of his life. While he does not search for self-glory, if he earns some along the way, where is the harm in that?
Erryn is the perfect image of a knight and what he should be, even despite his low birth. He is chivalrous, honorable, and charitable. He is always willing to offer his help, even to a stranger. He will always stand up for the weak who are being bullied by the strong (oftentimes the reason he gets himself into fights) and he would never do something he sees as wrong. Erryn is also extremely loyal, not only to the crown, but to those he calls his friends. He will never abandon them and never betray them. He is a happy and cheerful person, well-liked. It is not hard for him to make friends and so he is extremely loyal to many people. It is hard to hate Erryn, unless you are a cruel, heartless soul. Erryn is well-liked by nearly everyone he meets.

【History】

Erryn was born of common blood. The child of two shepherds in a small village in the Barren Flats, he lived a relatively normal life. He learnt how to hunt and how to mend a cart’s wheel. He learnt how to care for the animals that Erryn’s family owned. He played at war with the other children that lived nearby. He was always eager to learn anything that he could possibly learn, ranging from the skills of a craftsmen, history lessons from the local druid, or the most recent news from the southlands from a merchant who dared to come so far north. Due to this, Erryn has a surprisingly vast expanse of knowledge for one born so low.
As Erryn grew older, he began to develop into a fine young lad. He was handsome, strong, and kind, traits that were well sought after in every village. Many farmers and villagers wished to wed their daughters or sisters to him. He never accepted the numerous offers, though, believing that he was yet young and still had a life to live before being married. And so Erryn traveled around the lands of his home, aiding those he could while still assisting his now widowed father on their farm.
Yet one day, when least expected, disaster struck. Erryn had been away in the village, enjoying the company of old friends. When he returned home late that night, he found the farm he had grown up in ablaze, with his father trapped inside. He tried to rescue him, but friends who had accompanied him kept him from doing so. Instead, he had to listen to the blood-curdling cries of his father’s death as his home slowly burnt to the ground. Not knowing where else to go, Erryn stayed with the local druid, Arstan, who had been an old friend of Ronan’s. The druid was kind and caring, aiding Erryn in his time of grief. Yet as time grew on and Erryn began to recover, despite the scars he bore, Arstan gave him world-shattering news. He told Erryn that Ronan and Rosie Halsven were not his true parents. Instead, Erryn was a Northling, a child of the wild tribes that lived there. Rosie had been able to bear a child. When Ronan found an abandoned babe on a counterraid to the north one day, he took the child back, raising it as his own. That babe was Erryn.
Not believing what he was hearing, Erryn immediately packed his things and left. He did not know where he was going, at first just drifting around aimlessly. Yet eventually he stumbled upon a village that held a recruiter for a company of the King’s soldiers. Not seeing any other purpose for his life, Erryn signed himself up, despite knowing nothing of the ways of war. So now he is a recruit, a soldier in the King’s army, hoping to bring meaning toa life that he thinks has none, haunted by demons and questions left unanswered.

【Dreams, short term goals, and fears.】

Erryn wishes to serve his king and country, to bring it honor and glory. He hopes that he may make a name for himself, as do all young men who dream of war, but does not make it an absolute goal. He would also like to learn the truth of his birth, to put the fears that he isn’t actually Ronan’s son but a Northling to rest. For that is his worst fear, that his entire life was simply a lie.

【Skills】

Erryn is a skilled hunter, due to a childhood of hunting in the small forests near his home. He is skilled with the longbow, having trained with it from a young age. Erryn, despite being of common birth, is also well versed in the history of Broacien and other lands, due to a lifelong fascination with knowledge.

【Martial prowess】

Erryn is quite an accomplished archer, one of the most distinguished among the other recruits. He can hit the smallest of targets from great distances away. He prefers a longbow to the new crossbow, as it his quicker to reload and a sign of expertise. He has also proved himself a capable swordsman in training, though he is a far stone’s throw from being anywhere near a master of it. He is still a recruit and a greenblood, yet to be forged in the fires of battle

【Combat style】

Erryn is meant to join the archers of the Black Shields, the group of soldiers that will fire in mass volleys at the amassed enemies before the heavy infantry meet each other in a clash of steel and wood and flesh. Due to this, Erryn’s combat style is to mostly stay out of the thickest of the fighting, rather picking off those that he can with his bow. At least, that is his plan. That is not to say that when the fighting grows fierce and he is needed, he won’t draw his sword and charge into the thick. He just won’t be the oafish brute swinging an axe as he is swallowed by the enemy lines.

【Weaponry】

Erryn’s primary weapon is the longbow, having trained with it from a young age. He also carries a saxe knife with him for close quarters. He has been issued a shortsword and buckler to weild when the battle turns to melee. Erryn has been debating between a sword or a hatchet, though.

【Armor】

Erryn, as befits an archer, uses light armor. This includes a leather jerkin, toughened to withstand blows, or at least some. He has a steel cap, a standard issue meant to allow the soldiers to keep their heads in battle. Not that Erryn really trusts the helm he has been issued. There is a well sized dent in one side where a warhammer once met it. There is much too much dried blood that remains stained there, even after thorough scrubbing, to guarantee Erryn a sense of safety.

Marches of Man: the Black Shields. [ALWAYS OPEN]

So I was wondering, since there is a number of veteran warriors, is anyone willing to be Erryn's mentor of sorts. He's untrained and ignorant of the ways of war, so I was wondering if any of these well-experienced fighters wanted to him under their wing and teach him how to fight. If not, that's cool. I just wanted to try and make an opening for a bond between characters.

Ashes of Orvell - Setting Construction

A couple notes on Ekrech @ulsterwarrior:

• First, try to separate the blocky text into smaller paragraphs at natural breakpoints. The city-state's page is difficult to read right now. If you want, I can handle those sort of edits.
• Secondly, keep in mind that humanity is a flawed species, and no city will be perfect. While it can definitely be a great place to live, this should come at some sort of price. Perhaps the other Aelkan city states suffer as their resources are pulled into Ekrech, or perhaps the city's army is not as strong as the stories claim. (I won't suggest the "corruption" route because Amurach has that covered.) Perhaps you might consider a pro-Human angle for the city's flaw? Non-humans might be looked down upon, seen as despoilers of the fair city? Just a thought, but again: you need some sort of flaw.
• Also, while it may prefer to make friends rather than enemies, there's definitely going to be a lot of covetous eyes looking toward that city. I think you understand that very well, and I like your allusions to that. I'd suggest keeping that in mind when writing up the other city states. Perhaps one of them has suffered most at the hands of raiders and has become considerably more warlike than its neighbors... and has a grudge against those cities near it that haven't had to suffer as it has suffered.
• Your plot hooks are all very good. I'm happy there.

EDIT: I see, on a closer inspection, that you did mention the army being possibly weak and soft. Makes perfect sense. Good!

@Inlaa

First point, I'll fix that. It just gets complicated because I write it up in a Word Document. Second point, I was eventually going to address that with the other cities. The people of Ekrech aren't bad people, and they're even nice. They don't try and hurt people. What they don't realize is that they have been unintentionally hurting the other cities due to the tributes they demand. Most of the cities are cool with it, because that's just life for them, but I'm going to have one of the cities be a bit of an odd duckling and try and start causing trouble. I also like the idea of disliking of non-humans. I'll wait and see what races pop up from other players, but I'll probably add that. Third, yeah, as there isn't much else there yet, I put Ekrech's main enemies as the desert lords and the Orcs that you alluded to in Amurach. I'm not sure how far away Amurach is from Ekrech, but if you want, the two could have a rivalry. Or if someone else makes a bloodthirsty settlement/nation to the south that wants to invade, I'm down for that.

Ashes of Orvell - Setting Construction

Here is the first city of the Aelkan City States. There will be three to four more but I wanted to put this one down now. Feel free to make any edits necessary.

Ekrech

Name: Ekrech
Summary: Peaceful City-State
Location:
Type: City
Description: Ekrech is a sprawling city that stretches for miles and miles. It is nestled between two rivers, where the Erak River branches from the Aelk River, which flows from the east. It spreads both in between the two rivers, as well as on both banks. Thus, the city is one of numerous bridges, stretching over the rivers as well as the assortment of canals and streams.
The city is the most powerful and wealthiest of the Aelkan Cities, and is visible through the city’s architecture. Nearly every building is a large, towering dome, a masterpiece of architectural power. There are a few slums in the city, located on the far extremities of the city, though even those are considered to be a good place to live compared to some.
History: Ekrech is the oldest of the Aelkan Cities and the most powerful. It was formed by the first Aelkan people, those that dwelled along the great Aelk River. The Aelk is one of the greatest water sources in the desert and so the Aelkans began to worship it. Eventually, Ekrech was founded by these people, as they gathered together out of necessity. In its early days, Ekrech was not as beautiful as it is today. It was a collection of farmers and fishermen and those that survived off of the bounties provided by the Aelk. The was fertile and greatly desired by those that lived in the desert, cursed to fight to survive in the harsh desert. So, Ekrech was subject to numerous attacks from both the desert people and the Orcs of the east. Yet the young city survived and grew more powerful.
Eventually, other cities began to rise, settled by the Aelkan people. While they remained independent, free to rule themselves, they remained loyal to Ekrech, which they see as their mother city. Yearly tributes were paid and military support was promised. With this newfound source of wealth, Ekrech grew more and more beautiful, transforming into the wondrous city is today. The Aelkan Cities States had been formed, with Ekrech at their head.
Governance: Ekrech is ruled by the Elder Council, a collection of the wisest and most experienced men in Ekrech. There are five different men on the Council, each who head a different aspect of the city life. There is the Aelkali, the High Priest of the Aelkan Church, who is responsible to lead the Aelkan people in their worship of the great river. The Aelkali is the one person whose power stretches all over the cities, as he is elected from all of them. Thus, arguably, the Aelkali is the most powerful person in all of the cities.
The next member of the council is the Tarsark, the military leader of the Ekrech and commander of the Aelkan Guard. It is his duty to ensure the safety of Ekrech from the outside forces who would destroy it for the fertile land it sits upon. The next member is the Ealindal, the intellectual leader of the Ekrech people. Ekrech has become more and more a city of learning in its years of peace and so the influence of knowledge has grown greater. The Ealindal is seen as the wisest and most intelligent man in all of Ekrech.
The fourth member is the master of trade and finances, the Karsark. The Karsark oversees the financial relations between Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities, as well as other cities that it has come in contact with. The final member is the Norvali, the representative of the people. The Norvali is chosen by a vote from all of the citizens of Ekrech, as they believe that they will have the best interests of the people of Ekrech at heart. All members of the Elder Council serve for life or until they resign. Each member is elected by the people of Ekrech, except for the Aelkali, who is chosen by the Aelkan priest from all of the City-States.
Culture: Ekrech, along with it sister cities, are based on the principles of Aelk. These principles state that all life is to be cherished, as the Aelk provides life in death. Death comes hand and hand with life, but life must be preserved. It should only be taken when absolutely necessary. One must provide for others, as Aelk provides for them. Nature must be protected, as it is sacred and easily destroyed. Aelkans believe they must provide life where they can, taking the form mostly in reproduction. Thus, Aelkan families tend to be extremely large. The culture of Ekrech was once based on survival, as Ekrech was once a bastion of life in the death-filled desert.
People farmed and fished to survive, and fought desperately for their fertile land. Now, though, due to the peace brought by the Orvallan Empire, it has evolved into a relaxed, peaceful culture. They center themselves around learning and amassing knowledge, as well as serving the great river Aelk. Men and women are seen as equals. There is no nobility, either, as in Ekrech, it is seen that everyone are equals. The only societal distinctions in Ekrech are the wealthy and the poor, and even the poor are fairly wealthy in the standards of other cities. Though the city is one of peace, the fall of the Empire is like to change that. The desert lords or the Orcs of the east are like to rise once more and attempt to take the city and its fertile land. The people of Ekrech must hope that the Aelkan Guard is still the great fighting force it once was.
Populace: : Ekrech is populated by the Aelkans, a human cultural group. The Aelkans were once a nomadic people who traveled the desert, like the current desert lords. Fortunately for them, they came upon the Aelk and discovered the life it provided. Eventually they founded Ekrech, along with the other Aelkan cities, becoming the Aelkan people.
Religion: The Aelkan people, both of Ekrech and other cities, worship the great river Aelk, which flows from the east to the sea in the west. They see the river as the great provider of life, since all around them is a desert that provides nothing but death. They believe the Eurak river, which stems from the Aelk, is Aelk’s spouse and the two are meant to give life to all. The Aelkans see themselves as the chosen, the select few that Aelk chose to provide life to, to allow them to live in comfort and luxury. Thus, they hold themselves to multiple principles, as can be seen in their Culture.
The Aelkans believe in an enemy of Aelk, Kurshash, who embodies the desert. The two are locked in an eternal battle of life against death. Aelkans believe it is their duty to give life where they can, to further the war in Aelk’s favor. Thus war and fighting is often frowned upon and is only practiced in the most direst of situations.
Economy: The Ekrech economy is extremely prosperous. The city was built upon crops and fish yet has somehow become a merchant powerhouse. It has no natural resources that are in high demand, such as dye or ore, but has built a merchant empire. Goods are shipped up and down river from its sister cities that reside by the sea, which in turn import goods from foreign nations. The Ekrech economy is mostly built upon the Aelkar, the coin that Ekrech exclusively mints. It is the form of currency for all other Aelkan cities and is largely accepted by surrounding peoples. Ekrech is extremely wealth and the majority of its populace live lavish and luxurious life-styles.
Diplomacy: Ekrech is the political powerhouse of the south east. In a land surrounded by primitive forces based on fighting and killing (desert-lords, Orcs, etc.), Ekrech is extremely civilized. It is the head of the alliance of Aelkan City States. It is the center of an undeclared empire and rules over nearly all of the south. However, is it peaceful and not warlike, preferring to make friends rather than enemies. The only time it will fight a war is when a foreign force threatens the Aelkan cities, in which all of them unite to repel the enemy.
Military: The military of Ekrech takes the form of the Aelkan Guard. These are a famed group of warriors, who train from a young age in the way of war. They devote their lives to the protection of Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities against those that would destroy them. The Guard tactics typically include forming phalanxes, a wall of flesh and steel. The military takes a largely defensive role, as Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities have never conquered another people, rather defending their own lands. The Guard were once a military order of great renown and prowess, yet it often speculated that the years of peace under the old Empire have caused them to grow weak and soft.
Plot Hooks: -The Vista: Ekrech is a beautiful city, full of wonders and sights that would take breaths away. If ever anyone needed a vacation from tiresome adventuring and constant fighting, then Ekrech would be the place to go. Relaxed, comfortable, and peaceful, it is the ideal adventurer getaway.
-The Brink of War: Ekrech and the other Aelkan cities are on the brink of war, if rumors can be believed. There are whisperings of an Orc army gathering in the East to burn Ekrech to the ground once and for all. There are rumors told of a desert lord uniting all of the other lords behind his banner to claim the Aelkan lands for their own. Some even say that the two have join forces to bring down their common enemy. Whatever the case may be, with the fall of the Empire, war will not be far away. Warriors will be needed to defend the city, or take it if that is what you desire.
-The End of an Empire: Ekrech, in all but name, rules an empire of city states. The Aelkan people are united in the beliefs, even if their cities are separate and independent. But that can all change in an instant. Some upstart may belief that he should rule all of the cities as Emperor and make a vie for power. A city may decide the cast of the “yoke” of Ekrech and declare itself truly free. The century-old bond between the cities could be destroyed at any minute.

Ashes of Orvell - Setting Construction

I was wondering if it was alright if I created a collection of city states in the south east, around the rivers in the desert? They would be separate cities but allied due to the Orc presence in the area.