Medissa

The city was built on the marshy delta of the river of the same name. It is the main city on the east coast, and was an essential port for the Sylvan Empire to retain control over the Pyrmaian Ocean. Still, the silt in the river keeps the channels to the ocean shifting, and the captains and rivermen must know where passage is possible each day.

The swampland around Medissa, famous for herbs that can both heal and kill, would make it very difficult for any invading army to approach, but that same land makes it very easy for small bands of outlaws to hide. Being able to hide within a day’s journey of a major city makes the area ideal for conspirators, cults, and thieves.

Medissa faced this challenge before the Fall, but after without reinforcements from the Sylvan army it became even more difficult. Several wealthy families took ownership of different sections of the city.

As other cities began forming alliances and extending influence, the leading families of Medissa realized that they would need to do the same to remain relevant. They agreed to a complex process of selecting a monarch from amongst themselves. Each family wants to claim the monarchy, but once claimed that family becomes a target for all the others. It is a difficult dynamic but somehow Medissa feels stable despite the constant intrigue.

The House Aleur is currently in control of the monarchy. Queen Penelope d’Aleur does not pretend that she can control all the hidden settlements and camps around her city, but she ensures the roads and port remain clear of danger. She has patronage over the numerous Halfling clans that live around Lake Walbern, though the relationship is more pragmatic than warm.