1. CITY OF MERRILOR - NEW - WIP

[Arie]

CITY OF MERRILOR

 

Numbers End of Final Battle

Asha'man - 400

Aes Sedai - 100 (Oathbound - ~70)

Accepted/Dedicated - 400

Novice/Soldier - 1000+

Trained Guardsman - 70K+

Denizens - 140K+

 

Current Numbers

Asha'man - 550

Aes Sedai - 235 (Oathbound - 64)

Accepted/Dedicated - 600

Novice/Soldier - 1500+

Trained Guardsman - 80K+

Denizens - 240K+

 

Locations of Interest:

 

Luminara Spire // New "Hall of Servants" - Recently Completed

Council Representatives: 13 Members, 1 Elected Leader 20 Years Leadership Cycle (for now)

• Location: Eastern part of Merrilor, against mountains that overlook the Fields of Merrilor
• The governing body overseeing the city.
• It is composed of representatives elected by the various allied groups.
• Local government for city management and law enforcement.
• Regulatory bodies to oversee the responsible use of the One Power and technology.
• Taxation and revenue systems to fund city development.
• Notable Features: Centralized base for representatives from White Tower, Black Tower, Aiel Clans, Seafolk, Wolfkin, willing and capable Seanchan, and members of the Band of the Red Hand.

 

Aeon Chambers // Power Generation and Infrastructure - UNDER CONSTRUCTION

• Knots of fire and steam chambers for electricity generation.
• Transmission lines and grids to distribute power across the city. 
• Self-sufficient

 

Unity Arches // Education and Research Institutions - Recently Completed

• Channeler-led schools for training individuals in the understanding and responsible use of the One Power. 
• Scientific research institutions for advancing technology and harnessing the Power.
• Designated Gardens with paths and platforms for Travel Gateways. - Gardens of Valon

 

Seven Quarters - UNDER CONSTRUCTION

• Residential areas for the city's population. - Liradon Heights
• Merchants facilitate trade of raw materials, finished products, and technological advancements with neighboring regions. - Valheran Commons
• Guilds specializing in the production and distribution of electrical goods. - Egeanis Square
• A garden space in the city surrounded by symbolic monuments representing each relevant faction - Serenity Park

 

Ebon Barracks - The Ebon Vanguard

• Military Center of Merrilor.

 

 

Potential Council Leader Titles:

• Ma'Rahein (watching the Dawn)

• M'ashan (The Blade)

• The Nemainda (Luminara) ("Nemainda" could represent "luminara," evoking the idea of light, brightness, or illumination.)

 

Potential Military Titles:

• Warder-General: A high-ranking Warder responsible for coordinating Aes Sedai and Warders.

• Weapon Master of the Flame: Highest rank for non-channelers, recognizing exceptional skill and leadership.

• Weave Master: Highest rank for channelers, acknowledging mastery of the One Power.

 

 

Ajahs:

They have reverted to 'ajah's of legend, where groups are made more on common goals than tradition. Ajahs of old still maintain many secrets shared with those who wish to join, however, those of the White, Green, and Blue are deeply diminished. Yellow has been the largest surviving Ajah but has chosen to share more of their knowledge than to keep it secret. Only a few oathsworn surviving Aes Sedai maintain the secrets of their Ajah's despite the lack of formal acknowledgment.

Edited February 24 by Arie

[Arie]

MERRILOR

 

SIGIL: 

 

Leadership Structure: - 15 Members. 13 + 2

 

• Head of Council - Voted in by Council

  • Responsible for guiding discussions, maintaining order, and ensuring fair representation

  • Term limits to promote fresh perspectives and prevent stagnation

  •  

 

Head of Council Term Limits

• One Term (Short) - Serves for a brief period of time, typically one term

• Two Terms (Moderate) - Able to strike a balance and stability, infusing new ideas with old. 

• Three Terms (Extended) - Able to produce and see through long-term plans, and continuous lay is able to balance ideas among the council as a whole whether the sole proprietor of power or not. How this is approached can depend on the individual in the role and how they relate to the various members on the Council.

• Once voted out, they can not be Head of the Council again without 100% consensus.

 

Council Member Limits

• Each group serves a minimum of two terms, unless they are removed by peer consensus or their own group they represent. 

• There is no limit to Terms they serve, but they must maintain the support of their base to remain in their role.

• Each group is only allowed a maximum of 3 representatives, as was once set in the White Tower, and no less than 1 member as recognized entities within the city of MERRILOR. 

  • MERRILOR originated with a council of 13 and has since grown to 15 to accommodate the diversity of the city. 

 

Current Types of Representatives

• Black Tower (3)

• White Tower (3)

• Military of the Dragon (3)

• Academy of Learning & Research (2)

• Citizens (2)

• Merchants (2)

 

Known Members:

• Head of Council - Maegan Ryanne (Aes Sedai & Academy Representative) (TBD?)

  • With strong, positive connections to half of the groups and with enough vision to see MERRILOR beyond it’s military standpoint, she was the second Head of Council and has maintained the role for now a Third Term.

  • The groups that support her the strongest are the Military, Citizen, and Academy, with most of the Female channelers. Merchants are her greatest opposition. The male channelers tend to swing different ways depending on where they align with the topic at hand.

  • The Male Channelers and Merchants would prefer to have their own Head of Council instead, but neither rarely agree unless in opposition with the female channelers or citizens, or both. 

  • No group has another representative with enough support from other groups to challenge Maegan Ryanne at this time, though political maneuvering is always fluctuating.

• 3 male Channelers

  • The male channelers have not chosen a replacement ‘mHael’ since their former M’hael went mad before the final battle. Unlike any of the other representatives, the male channelers are a true council with titles among themselves only going lower in status and rank, not up.

• 3 female Channelers

  • Keeping with Tradition, these women are considered “Sitter” in public and within their group, and will often refer to a “Head” or “Amyrlin” within a group despite the merge of the various ajahs.

  • The “Head”/“Amyrlin” is now considered a private/secret among their group instead of a public Leader. This is a decision made among those previously sworn on Oath Rod, and still part of their Tradition to this day.

  • The female channelers consider the “Head”/“Amyrlin” of the same rank as the Head of the Council in Private.

• 3 Ebony Military Specialists 

  • A merged structure of the Band and the Warders of the White Tower, this includes Bannerman, Captains and all various military accommodations depending on the militaries need.

• 1 Academic Representative

  • These are Academics who are interested in the politics of the Academy and their support of Merrilor’s development who are less likely to be lost in their own personal research.

  • The Academic is often in opposition to Maegan in private, but supportive in public.

• 2 Citizen Representatives

  • Often one of Nobility and one of Common descent.

  • The Nobility has only changed once due to death. They are trying to gain a second seat within the Council in hopes of gaining a stronger foothold.

  • The Commoner Representative has changed every term without substantial influence.

• 2 Merchant Representatives

  • The one with the most money in trade is often in this role. It also fluctuates the most of all the council members, much to their internal irritation.

 

Topics of Consideration within the Council

• Building effort of MERRILOR and the completion of the Spire

• Expanding the City’s Quarters to include more space for (citizens’ merchants, etc.)

• How to celebrate the completion of the Serenity Park, and it’s various monuments.

• Peace accords with Malkier, Andor & Carihien.

• New borders to draw and remap. - Working with Cartographers

• Residential Areas requesting more access to the Academy’s Technology for every-day use

• Training Regime for new channelers

• The influx of new channelers and the limitations of available teachers and skilled channelers.

• Military concerns of the Seanchan’s overreach in some of the various nations not protected by Andor. 

• Military concerns on the receding Blight and what as replaced it.

• Military concerns about the loss of -kandor- and their displaced citizens.

• Military concerns about the reduced numbers of Aiel. 

• Merchants want more freedom with less fee’s and costs to their own accounts

• Merchants want more access to military without having to the cost associated

• Nobility wants more accommodations and lands available, in additions to sanctioned areas around MERRILOR to build their own estates like most other nations with the same access and accommodations as those living within the city proper.

Edited February 24 by Arie

[Arie]

CITY OF MERRILOR - CULTURE

 

Built on the primary structure of multiple militaries after the Final Battle, it is a wonder that the city did not continue with a primary leader of a king, nobility, or royal like its neighbors. Here are some basic breakdowns to help describe Merrilor’s general culture.

 

 

Historical Roots:

 

The Fields of Merrilor was a primary location before the Final Battle where most groups convened to plan and strategize for the Last Battle. Where Borderland Nations made peace talks and discussed the problems of both the north and the south, it once held a city in Ages past, and with so many denizens no longer able to return to where they came from, there was a strong precedence to build something new. 

 

In addition to the refugees from Kandor, along with the strong military representation of the Band of the Red Hand, the Black Tower, and those that followed the Dragon Reborn, there was an incredibly wide diversity among those that remained with the beginning of the new Age. A Settlement was created, with the agreement of the bordering Nations of Arafel and Shienar, under the advisement that they remain a city and do not branch out to the lands that belonged to either Nation.

 

Despite the extensively large Military presence of those that remained, many were from the adjourning Borderlands and returned to their homes, depleting the initial military numbers. While there was more than enough to defend and build, there was not enough willingness to fight their Nation for land that they did not need. Under the agreement of the Dragon’s Peace, an additional agreement was written for those that remained and the southern lands where the River Mora and Erinin meet.

 

 

Cultural Diversity:

 

The growth of Merrilor as a culture only started to take off when the Military walls and city structure started to take shape. The rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that coexist within Merrilor, drew influence from the artists and those who set aside their weapons for a tool. Using their talents, or even the One Power, to create instead of destroy. The safety of being misplaced in the world allowed a new cultural freedom to develop, truly highlighting the city's celebration of diversity as a source of strength, innovation, and resilience.

 

This included new cuisine dishes fused from different nations. Attire also changed, as the Military still held a significant influence but skirts, and dresses, became shorter in length with high boots to account for the incomplete streets. Leather pieces that were often seen as armor became part of everyday wear as accessory pieces.

 

Additional changes are the diversity in appearance, with families starting to blend. Though it would be another few generations before Merrilor had a unique appearance, it was not unusual for all colors to walk the streets.

 

A cultural dialect has started to emerge, a little more direct than the formal nobilities of the South. However, the Great Game will always be deeply instilled in the higher class, it became apparent that most who held higher ranks in the military did so out of skill over their ability to speak pretty words. Merrilor has a growing reputation among the common for being more colorful than their neighbors.
 

 

Role of Aes Sedai and Asha'man:

 

The integration of the Aes Sedai and Asha’man posed significant challenges due to centuries of deep-seated distrust and animosity. However, as Merrilor emerged as a beacon of cooperation and renewal, it became the stage for a remarkable transformation in relations.

 

As the city flourished in its first year of development and the formidable walls of the Ebon Vanguard stood sentinel, the Council of the Black Tower made a pivotal decision to invest more deeply in Merrilor. They sought to distance themselves from the haphazard structures of the pre-battle era, prioritizing stability, security, and a sense of community—values intrinsic to the Asha'man tradition.

 

The military hierarchy that once governed the Black Tower had been a necessity in the struggle against the Taint, but now, freed from the constant threat, they aimed to establish a sustainable way of life. With guidance from delegates of the White Tower, the Aes Sedai played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations for a City Council and implementing educational initiatives.

 

After the destruction of the White Tower, the Aes Sedai found refuge and a new home within Merrilor, reminiscent of their ancient sanctuary in the Age of Legends. Working side by side with the Asha'man through a mutual council and representatives from other groups, they formed a collective dedicated to the city's prosperity and well-being.

 

Together, the Aes Sedai, Asha'man, and the diverse inhabitants of Merrilor forged a path towards cooperation, understanding, and mutual growth, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

 

Merrilor and Trade:

 

Merrilor itself is not rich in natural resources, but sitting upon the Erinin and Mora rivers does present certain advantages.  It doesn't dominate the river ways the same way that Tar Valon did before Tarmon Gaidon, but most of the northern routes that are river-bound run through it.  Both Shol Arbela and Fal Moran have connected themselves to the city by new roads and the rivers also facilitate the transport of larger shipments.  Trade from the Niamh Passes also often flows through here, though trade from the east is not what it once was.  In turn, goods from the south often come to Merrilor to in turn filter to the capitals of Shienar and Arafel as well as continue to the reborn Malkier.

 

Where Merrilor shines can be found in their workshops.  Many artisans were actively lured to the new city after Tarmon Gaidon, whether it was due to the safety offered by the city's military and channelers, or the chance to make money in such a place where people of power would need and want the finer things.  The result was the rapid development of industrial and commercial districts with many guilds while differing from anywhere else in the known world for two reasons.

 

The academy and its technological advances have opened up new opportunities for goods and production, and while this has at times led to conflict due to these advances drastically changing the nature of the artisan has led to conflicts between the guild and academy.  The second is a small portion of the channelers of the city who have turned their eye to using their skills to create goods and services of their own.  This has required regulation to try and reach a balance, but it has meant that the production of goods wrought by the power.  While weapons are strictly banned from trade, works of art to something as simple as a cup that can never be broken do attract hefty commissions, money that in turn flows through the rest of the city.

 

The responsibilities of overseeing the management of trade in the city and participating in the city council fall to the Magister and Chancellor respectively  The Magister oversees the guilds of the city while the Chancellor is responsible for regulations of commerce and coinage for the city.  While they are united on most matters, they have been known to be opposed on the matter of guild rights versus free trade.

 

ROLES:

 

Magister:  A nominated representative of the guilds, they are their voice on the council and are responsible for ensuring all guilds are compliant with Merrilor's laws and regulations.

 

Chancellor:  Foremost public servant of the city on economic matters.  Their duties include oversight of regulations governing commerce and taxation.  They also have oversight of both Merrilor's mint and Bank (to be named).

 

The Application of Technology:

 

Amidst the cooperation of the Aes Sedai, Asha'man, and the Academy of Scientists from Cairhien, Merrilor experienced a profound leap in technological advancement that reshaped the city's way of life.

 

Harnessing the power of the One Power in collaboration with scientific expertise, the city witnessed remarkable innovations in various fields. Through the combined efforts of channelers and scholars, infrastructure projects were revolutionized with the construction of advanced transportation networks, fortified structures, and sustainable energy sources.

 

Communication systems underwent a dramatic transformation, with the development of intricate networks powered by the flows of Saidin and Saidar, enabling swift and secure exchanges of information across the city. This newfound connectivity facilitated efficient coordination among city officials, improved emergency response capabilities and strengthened community bonds.

 

The integration of magical and scientific knowledge also revolutionized healthcare practices, with healers and researchers working hand in hand to develop groundbreaking treatments and medical technologies. From advanced diagnostic tools to innovative healing techniques, these advancements improved the quality of healthcare and enhanced the well-being of Merrilor's inhabitants.

 

Additionally, agricultural practices were modernized through the introduction of magical irrigation systems and crop enhancement techniques, bolstering food security and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.

 

As a result of these collaborative efforts, Merrilor emerged as a hub of innovation and progress, embracing technology as a catalyst for growth, prosperity, and cultural exchange. The city's way of life was profoundly transformed, with advancements in infrastructure, communication, healthcare, and agriculture enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.

 

The cooperative spirit between channelers, scholars, and scientists exemplified Merrilor's commitment to embracing change and leveraging collective expertise to build a brighter future for all.

 

 

Challenges and Contention:

 

As Merrilor continues to undergo rapid development and transformation, it encounters a myriad of challenges and points of contention that shape its internal dynamics and external relations. Despite concerted efforts to foster cooperation and understanding among its diverse cultural groups, inherent tensions may arise due to the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and beliefs that define Merrilor's social fabric. These differences, while contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy, can also serve as sources of friction, requiring continuous dialogue, empathy, and compromise to navigate.

 

Internally, Merrilor grapples with power struggles as various factions vie for control and influence within the city. While united in their overarching goal of prosperity and stability, competing interests and agendas can lead to political infighting and discord, potentially undermining the city's cohesion and governance structures. Balancing the diverse needs and aspirations of Merrilor's inhabitants becomes a delicate balancing act, requiring astute leadership and inclusive decision-making processes.

Moreover, Merrilor's embrace of technological innovation, while instrumental in advancing its growth and development, is not without its challenges. While some eagerly embrace the opportunities afforded by technological progress, others may harbor concerns about the erosion of traditional values and practices in the face of rapid change. Striking a harmonious balance between technological advancement and cultural preservation is a complex endeavor that requires thoughtful consideration and community engagement.

 

Externally, Merrilor's rising prominence attracts attention and interest from neighboring nations, leading to diplomatic complexities and geopolitical rivalries. As Merrilor seeks to assert itself on the world stage, it must navigate a delicate diplomatic dance, balancing its interests with the needs and concerns of external powers. Tensions may flare over competing geopolitical interests, territorial disputes, or historical grievances, testing Merrilor's diplomatic acumen and strategic alliances.

 

Furthermore, Merrilor faces security threats and economic disparities that pose significant challenges to its stability and prosperity. Despite its fortified defenses, the city remains vulnerable to external threats and shadowy influences seeking to undermine its security and stability. Economic disparities, while inevitable in any growing city, require proactive measures to address social inequities and promote inclusive growth and opportunity for all residents.

 

In navigating these multifaceted challenges, Merrilor is presented with an opportunity to define its identity and legacy as a beacon of unity, progress, and prosperity in the world. By embracing diversity, fostering cooperation, and confronting challenges with resilience and determination, Merrilor can chart a course toward a future that embodies its founding principles of unity, growth, and acceptance.