City of The Gallian League
Population: 40,000
Patron Gods: Alabaster, King of the Gods, and Heron Lord of Justice
You come at last to your destination. The Royal Road has been long and wearying; the tall hills and mountain passes have worn your shoes to tatters and the fear of bandits has weighed heavy on you each night. But as the somber gate of Galiope gives way to stately churches and townhomes, you realize it was all worth it. Next, a glass of ale at the Dragonpaw.
Galiope is the principal town of the Gallian League and the seat of the Lord Chancellor. All league decisions are made within the Galiopean Townhall.
MILITARY
The Gallian League demands all men in the countryside be trained in archery and the use of the longbow. This large pool of archers, called yeomen, may be summoned at a moment’s notice and are renowned for their deadly accuracy. In town, a reserve of men-at-arms may be called upon whenever required.
Battle mages are the army’s most powerful asset. They are sorcerers who do not shirk from wearing arms and armor. Though they maintain friendly ties with the wizards, their loyalty is with the City and the City alone.
DISTRICTS
The Elven Quarter: A walled-off quarter, this section of Galiope has welcomed elves for many hundreds of years, though the number has increased drastically in the wake of the Zarube-Elven Wars. Now it is a district of 8,000 souls, making up a fifth of Galiope’s population. A Tree of Life stands in the northwest of the quarter, boasting a 200-year-old starstone hanging from its branches that was donated by the Lamen king. A meat market exists here, though a vegetarian-only market exists as well for those who have sworn off meat. A garden dominates the center of the district. The houses and shops throughout the area have a distinct elven style, with plaster walls and curved blue-tile roofs.
Cathedral District: Stone churches, chapels, abbeys and monasteries dedicated to various gods dominate this section of Galiope. Those entering the city through Godsgate will see this promenade of chiseled stone and stained glass first. The priests, monks and nuns — though they might prefer different gods — are supervised by the Rector of Saint Sigmund’s Cathedral.
The Tower of Pythor: By law, not a part of Galiope, the Tower of Pythor nonetheless is located within the city walls. It is considered the property of the Council of the Twelve, the governing body of wizards. Only wizards and invited guests are allowed within, which has created an atmosphere of rumor. The tower is surrounded by a circular stone wall, and entry is limited to one gate.
Lonen Town: Here a visitor is transported into Londor in all its gloomy grandeur. The roofs are curved and covered in purple tiles. The inhabitants are virtually all descendants of Lonen settlers, with pallid features and black hair. The St. Mortagg Cathedral stands out amid the otherwise elven architecture, dedicated to a Lonen rebel.
Market District: Home to 20,000 souls or half the population, Market District is mostly composed of human craftsmen, artisans and merchants. Several theaters and concert halls provide entertainment, especially in the area of the Knightschapel. Many inns dot the streets here, and farmers sell fresh produce on market days.
Middletown: The center of the city contains most of its public entertainment, as well as the Gallian Townhall and the seat of government. It connects to every other district. The Town Square lies where High Street intersects with King’s Road.
Selwyn’s Parish: This section was once the site of a Church of St. Selwyn, which was named after a Gallian who dedicated his life to helping the poor. Fire consumed the district in 1076 Y.E., and gypsies settled there. It is now known as a gypsy enclave, boasting about 2,000 souls.
Riverside: The district, bordering the River Galios, was once a dwelling of rich merchants but transformed over time into a mainly Umen Elf (“Wood Elf”) enclave. Now, three-fourths of the population are elves. A Tree of Life was planted 200 years ago and remains a center for meditation and prayer. Offerings to Illunaddori (“the Lord of Light”) are laid before its trunk. Throughout the district, wood carvings of animals, hewn from tree trunks or thick poles and painted bright colors, stand guard over street corners.
Wodenscross Court: The wealthy section of Galiope, built on a high flattop hill and filled with sprawling mansions. The homes are passed down from generation to generation and not for sale. The guest homes of the city aldermen, as well as the Zarube Embassy, can be found here.
THINGS TO SEE
• The Dragonpaw Inn: A favored inn of adventurers, located on the edge of Middletown and Market District.
• The Gilded Star Theater: An open-air theater in Middletown.
