Greengold

Greengold

(City)

City

Elf

Nation

Kyonin

Level

7

Size

Large city

Population

10,400

Demographics

50% elves, 35% humans, 10% aiuvarins, 5% other

Government

Mayor (elected leader)

Ruler

Merchant-Mayor Selwyn Vanaidori

Source: Elves of Golarion, pg(s). 17 (1E)
Spore War Player's Guide, pg(s). 17–19 (2E)

The port city of Greengold is the second-largest settlement in Kyonin and the first in the elven kingdom to admit non-elves. Situated on Lake Encarthan, Greengold is a popular port of call for traders and diplomats. Greengold generally resembles any other human dockside settlement, except for the trees that grow in unexpected parts of the city and its distinct yellow roofs.

Geography

Greengold is a mostly sparse city, with most of its density concentrated near the lakefront and the rest of the city built around natural, untouched forest land. The Shoreline Road extends along the lake's coast east through the rest of Kyonin and west and south toward Druma, and the Southwestern Road leads inland to farms run by humans. Bridged canals divide the inner city into small islands.

History

In the two millennia since the elves returned to Golarion, they have faced the daunting challenge of reoccupying the ancient territories they once held before Earthfall. Due their limited numbers and low birth rate, they have not even managed to resettle all of the major cities of Kyonin, let alone the more far-flung colonies across Avistan. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that Greengold is the second-largest city in Kyonin.

Greengold was founded in honor of Kyloss Syndar, an elven hero who sacrificed himself to defeat the demonic hydra Slithermaw. As part of a bold experiment of controlled integration, Queen Telandia Edasseril authorized the establishment of Greengold in order to observe and understand the behavior of outside ancestries.

While some elves dislike the intrusion of outsiders into their homeland and the progressive nature of the venture, none can deny that the experiment has proven to be most profitable, as it is the only place in which elven magical supplies are available to the outside world. As part of the experiment, the town was given a degree of autonomy by placing Selwyn Vanaidori, a human, as mayor, although his actions are strictly monitored by elven nobles.

Rules and laws

Generally, the laws of Greengold are comparable to that of most human settlements with some elven variations. Slavery is tolerated, but the buying and selling of slaves is not. The trees inside the town are strictly protected by law, as is the forest itself. Warships, most notably from Razmiran, are refused entry into the town, but peaceful vessels are welcome to dock at Greengold. Most importantly, the town is the limit for outsiders into Kyonin, and the elves do not take kindly to trespassers who leave the town limits. Foreign diplomats are free to plead their case for entry, however.

The city is governed from the Overlook, an ostentatious series of towers visible from the lake's interior that also include the city's palace and jail. As of 4725 AR, Vanaidori remains Greengold's elected mayor and Nuandiall Ciranviash leads the city's defenses.

Economy

Greengold is primarily known as a trade, tourism, and political hub on Lake Encarthan. It also has a significant farming sector. Its piers, all named for freshwater fish, are kept busy with visitors and trade, with Steelhead Pier among the busiest.

The city has many inns and taverns, with popular pub crawls often starting at the Laughing Gale, its oldest active pub. The Hedgerow Holloway is among its most prominent inns and is named for its well-admired topiary features.

Inhabitants

See also: Category:Greengold/Inhabitants

Greengold's inhabitants are mostly either elven or human, but the town not only welcomes but also shows an increased interest in people of other ancestries. Many of its aristocratic families have estates in Greengold, such as the Vynoren family, whose estate often hosts foreign dignitaries.

Religion

The city's Temple of Calistria is its largest and open to the public. Its leader is Nalora, who serves as the temple's Luminary Companion. Residents also worship Desna and other deities of the elven pantheon.

Sciences

Gray Observatory, located on the city's northwesternmost point along the lakefront, hosts a group of welcoming astronomers.