Amilais

= Amilais =

Amilais is a medium sized city in Escharii, Lyras Soleari, along the northern shores of the Sea of Pearls. As of ASC 1730, the population was 13,012 (OOC: roughly 30 in game players).

Amilais is generally known for its international commerce with Yimmu Audal, Tortuga, and various other nations throughout Nieden and the greater area of Rathnir. The Port of Aglaneia is one of the largest harbors in Lyras Soleari, exporting roughly one million pounds of products a year. Notable products made in Amilais include a variety of flowers, alcohols, jewelry, and fine perfumes.

Amilais has a large catalog of attractions in the tourism industry, including the Arch of Amilais, the Great Eagle of Soleannen, and Arce Cyrii. The local shrine to Hicharys and the Cathedral of the Sun also generates much traffic from devout Soleannen.

Etymology and Nicknames
The name Amilais is derived from the Old Asteri words Anma Laine, which roughly translates to "flower fields." In his book, On Amilais: A History, Niedene scholar Caelus Lyri indicates that Amilais was originally settled on a massive prairie with many now rare flowers, including the lily of the valley and snapdragons. Amilais was also previously known as Neurun, although that name is now considered archaic. Other nicknames include the Sister City, Erosnera Hikaris, and (pejoratively) Northern Lorent.

History
(to be added soon)

Geography
Amilais is located on the northern edge of the Sea of Pearls, with the city proper being split between the regions of Amilarei and Aerene. There is no consensus by the geologic community, but it is believed that Amilais sits just underneath a fault line separating northern and southern Nieden. To the north of Amilais is the Felkerr Mountain, which captures much of the rain coming southwind from the Sea of Pearls, allowing for frequent precipitation. To the west of Amilais is the Elve de Iosan (River of Roses) and to the east is the now dried Elve de Tairis (River of Peonies). The Elve de Tairis previously allowed for direct trade with the city of Muviel-Osundir, although changing climate trends have caused the river to drain indefinitely.

Demographics
Very few records of early Amilais exist, making it difficult to accurately estimate how many people the city has been home to in ancient history. In On Amilais: A History, Caelus Lyri estimates that, "At least a million people, if not more, crowded inside the walls of the burgeoning city," although contemporary scholars contend that number is likely inaccurate.

Modern censuses have placed the city on a steady decline, with the most recent census placing Amilais' population at 13,012 in the year 1730 ASC. In 1500 ASC, the population was 15,059, making for a growth rate of -0.06%. It is believed that periods of civil unrest and a hostile political climate are largely to blame for the decrease in population.

In the 1730 census, it was found that 75.8% of the population was Niedene, with 20% being human, 2.2% elves, and the remaining 2% written as "unsure." Of the Niedene population, 82% are of Amennrii lineage, with 10% being Anoshpite, 4.6% chose Hu'wale, and the remaining 3.4% describing as Hocii. Recent censuses do not track whether or not citizens are full blooded Niedene, although past numbers show that only 5% of participating Niedene are half blooded or less.

Most of the non-Niedene population in Amilais are settled near the docks and outskirts, with a sizeable human population in the upper portions of the Port of Aglaneia in a so-called Alijenera Viam (Street of Fair Foreigners). Censuses show that the non-Niedene population in Amilais is remaining stable, with upward and downward fluctuations every census.

Religion
Soleannen is the state religion in Lyras Soleari, and Amilais by extension, with a 96% adherence rate. 73% of Soleannen-practicing Amilaisians belong to Hicharistai (Cult of Hicharys), with the remaining 27% being nondenominational. The remaining 4% of the population are followers of Ahnirche, which has been granted amnesty from the state mandated faith. Visiting non-citizens that practice other religions are permitted for brief periods (20 days usually), but only with permission from the akesor (mayor) of the city or other governmental bodies.

Traditionally, primary worship of Solaris has been the mainstay of Soleannen belief in Amilais, although that faith has changed over the past 300 years to pivot towards Hicharistai. It is largely believed that civil unrest and hostile government is the most likely cause of this shift in faith, although current records are lacking on the subject.

With some exceptions, Zirra worship and the Caligo Cult are the only faiths that are actively persecuted in Amilais.

Culture
(to be added later)