The Free Cities of Ulmera
Centred around Lake Ulmera, The Free Cities of Ulmera (usually just called The Free Cities) is a confederacy of city-states joined together in solidarity against Zaranta, the Silver Empire and their expansionist mindset. The Free Cities control most of the major waterways flowing down from the Torvern Mountains, which gives them easy access to markets not only across the continent, but across the sea as well.
It is this economic strength that has let the confederacy stand on their own against their larger neighbours to the west and south. This strength of coin is what the nation’s leaders hope will continue to lend them strength and stability in the days and years to come.
History
The confederacy of The Free Cities of Ulmera was founded 40 years ago as a response to the growing aggression and expansionist mindset of Zaranta, the Silver Empire. The cities and settlements around Lake Ulmera saw what was happening to the west, and they did not want to fall under the religious dominion of the Empire, so they banded together and formed the confederacy; the idea being that there is strength in numbers.
The confederacy has held strong as the years have turned to decades, but cracks are starting to form. With the threat of the Silver Empire to the west still simmering but not about to boil over anytime soon, the Free Cities are starting to fight amongst themselves. Perceived slights, and a new generation of leaders who all thirst for more say in how the confederacy is run, are leading to the rising tensions seen and felt in the halls of power. Perhaps it is inevitable, or maybe it is because of outside sources, but the alliance is now facing more threats from inside than out, and the future of the Free Cities is not as certain as it once was.
Cities and Settlements
Atmore
Population: ~65,000
Standing proud on a tall promontory jutting out of the lake’s southern shore is the city of Atmore. It was here in the city’s grand debate halls that the alliance of the Free Cities was drafted and signed, bringing together the major cities and many towns around the shores of lake Ulmera in solidarity against the expansionist tendencies to the empires to the west and south.
The House of the Free Cities is here, and it is from this stately building that the representative government of the alliance meet to debate and jockey in the interest of their respective cities.
Bixson
Population: ~9,000
Nestled in the Eplan Bay along the eastern coast of Lake Ulmera is the small city of Bixson. Built in and upon the ruins of an ancient city whose name has been lost to time, Bixson is a mecca for scholars, archeologists, and adventurers alike. Year after year the tunnels beneath the city are found to descend further and further into the depths, seemingly with no end insight. Due to this, the city is constantly growing to accommodate and service the many people who are exploring the ruins.
Reaburn
Population: ~90,000
On the northern shore of Lake Ulmera, and straddling the Bedmere river is Reaburn, the largest of the Free Cities. Raw ore and lumber are shipped down the river from the mountains and foothills and are then sent out across the lake from the impressive Reaburn port on barges of all shapes and sizes. This constant flow of goods has made Reaburn the economic hub of the Free Cities, and where vast sums of gold are exchanged day after day.
Wroxton
Population: ~70,000
Sitting on the western shore of Lake Ulmera is the city of Wroxton. The city has grown around the prestigious University of Wroxton, with most of the population living and working in service of the school. People from all over Ediacara come here to study the finer arts of magic, philosophy, and mathematics from some of the top minds in their fields. This love of learning and open sharing of knowledge is why Wroxton joined the Free Cities in the hope to ensure that their freedom of thought is never stifled.