Meloria

The city-state of Meloria resides at the Tarathai delta, where the river flows into the sea. Encompassing that region, this kingdom has wealth and power disproportionate to its size. With trade relations through several different empires in addition to Taldara, Meloria is the gateway to and from the Empire. Even the recent discovery of the portals at Vintermor has not changed that. As a result of their ties to other places, Meloria is a place where art and philosophy hold sway. Chaotic and individualistic, Meloria is still a loyal member of the Empire, and has been since nearly the beginning. The Pantheistic Church was born here, and the Imperial Cathedral makes its home within Meloria's walls. Meloria is also home to several libraries, and the Pearls of the Ocean monastic sect has their headquarters here as well. Perhaps it is not the center of the Empire, but Meloria is the center of culture, which is more important to the dwellers of this city-state.

People
Nestled in the temperate climate of the Tarathai Delta, with the ocean so close, the Kingdom of Meloria breeds a healthy people. Their height actually tends to be a bit shorter than average; it's a rare Melorian that stands six feet tall. They have a light complexion, with fair hair and eye color. Both sexes tend to wear their hair short, though noblewomen often keep their hair long, braided intricately. Men often wear loose-fitting shirts and leggings, while women prefer skirts or gowns. However, women that are adventurers or the like often wear outfits similar to the men. Both sexes enjoy wearing jewelry, the showier the better as it displays one's wealth and status. Both men and women are found in the Melorian Army, and as various adventurers. In the army, heavier armor and weapons are preferred, while adventurers tend to fight with light armor, using light and quick weapons such as rapiers and daggers.

Culture
Meloria has a rich and ancient culture, stemming back to the dawning of the Third Age. Even in the beginning they were an educated people, and even the peasants and farmers in the fields near the city are literate and rather knowledgeable. Art and philosophy are treasured in Meloria, with several museums and galleries populating the city. Trade is the lifeblood of Meloria, more so than perhaps any other kingdom. Their merchant fleet is the envy of most nations, and they provide a significant portion of the Imperial Navy with their ships as well. Piracy is a high crime, though the city-state maintains a small fleet of privateer vessels to raid other nation's shipping (though never an ally of the Empire. Honest.). It is said that anything can be bought within the streets of Meloria, and that could almost be true, haggling considered a high art in itself among the Melorian people. In the manner of religion, the Melorian people almost all follow the Pantheist Church, honoring most of the deities of the world. They remember that one of their own was the founder of the Church, and take great pride in the fact that their city is where the Church is based. There are a few individual temples scattered throughout the city, but for the most part the temples and cathedrals are all focused to the worship of the many, not just one. There is also a great amount of pride held within Meloria's citizenry with the art of fencing. Duels are quite common amongst the Melorian people, and often used to solve debates. Rarely are duels to the death, typically fighting until first blood is sufficient for the combatants. Occasionally, full-scale feuds break out between noble or merchant families, and death-duels become quite frequent until tensions die down once more. Melorian fencers regard themselves as elite fighters, able to outmaneuver and outwit slower, armored fighters. However, their skills allow them to maintain such arrogant notions more often than not.

Government
The government of Meloria is actually a central elected leader, or Princeps, of the city. This leader is chosen from among the various merchant houses. Though often regarding themselves as 'noble', the merchant houses claim the status that is often held by noble families in other kingdoms. Wealth is power in Melorian society, a reason that many attempt to show off what wealth they can. The Princeps is rather laissez-faire in running the city, trusting the merchant houses to take care of minor problems. As long as the taxes from merchant dealing flows into the city coffer, there is rarely any cause for concern. Indeed, the merchants house themselves often run individual sections of the city-state, their own guardsmen and other members maintaining things in their section of the city. The Princeps himself can call upon the noble houses to contribute efforts for defense, and also can nominally command the Legions in and about Meloria. With the approval of the Emperor, of course.

Race Relations
Most other races can be found in Meloria, and all of them are wellregarded. Indeed, three merchant houses are actually made up of non-human races: one elven, one dwarven, and one that is a mix of gnomes and halflings. However, most Melorians despise orcs and half-orcs, remembering the ancient wars near the beginning of the Empire that almost destroyed the city. Other savage humanoid races are treated with hatred, and it is rare for one to even be allowed into the city. Those that are can expect challenges from duelists, eager to make a mark on such monsters.

Class Preference
Clerics are very common in Meloria, often following Kauppias or the Pantheistic Way. However, fighters and rogues are the most common classes, the Melorian fascination with dueling and fencing leading to those ways of life. Bards are welcome, artists of all stripe treated with respect, and with the reservoir of learning in Meloria, wizards are also rather common. Sorcerers have a flair and panache about them that fits in nicely with Melorian life, and paladins are fairly common as well with the religious focus of Meloria. Monks are respected for their discipline, with several monastic orders having shrines within the city. Barbarians, druids, and rangers are rarely found, though sometimes a ranger specializing in ocean travel is seen amongst them.