Ellari

Ellari is a fictional city-state frequently appearing in fantasy fiction and tabletop role-playing games. Descriptions of Ellari vary by author, but it is commonly portrayed as a merchant hub with a multifaith population and a long tradition of learning and diplomacy.

Geography: Ellari sits near a delta on a major inland sea, with a crescent harbor, stone walls, and a tiered marketplace district. The surrounding countryside includes river valleys, farmlands, and forested hills that influence its defense and trade patterns.

Government and society: In many depictions, Ellari is governed by a council formed from guildmasters, scholars, and elder representatives, with a rotating magistrate chosen through a civil service exam or popular vote. The legal system emphasizes trade law, property rights, and contracts.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on shipping, textiles, metalwork, and crafts, supported by a network of fairs and a port that handles diverse goods. Cultural life emphasizes literacy, multilingual trade etiquette, and tolerance of diverse religious and philosophical traditions.

History and significance: Founding legends describe Ellari as a trading post that grew through maritime alliances. It often serves in fiction as a neutral diplomatic hub or a flashpoint where mercantile interests intersect with political intrigue.

In modern recreations, Ellari is used as a setting for exploration of commerce, diplomacy, and urban resilience, with writers and game masters adapting its lore to fit various worlds.