Lunaridge

Type: City (Mining & Trade Hub)
Location: Base of the Elysian Mountains — Eastern Avaria
Region: Northern Faeloria
Population: ~18,000 (peak mining season)
Primary Exports: Refined ore, gemstones, enchanted crystals, crafted metalworks
Allegiance: Kingdom of Avaria — Crown Province of Lumenara

Overview

Nestled at the foot of the Elysian Mountains, Lunaridge is a vibrant mining town that thrives on the wealth pulled from the earth. Its shimmering night skyline—lit by the glow of enchanted crystal lamps—has earned it the nickname “The City Beneath the Moon.” Though smaller than the capital Lumenara, it is vital to Avaria’s economy and defenses, serving as both mining hub and military stronghold guarding the mountain passes.

Lunaridge embodies the Avarian spirit of craftsmanship and endurance—where miners, merchants, and mages work side by side, bound by shared respect for the mountains that sustain them.

Demographics

Lunaridge hosts a mixed population:

Humans (65%) — Miners, blacksmiths, traders, and administrators.

Dwarves (20%) — Renowned for metalworking and tunnel engineering.

Elves (10%) — Skilled enchanters who refine crystal and gem magics.

Others (5%) — Gnomes, half-elves, and mountain fae who maintain the surrounding woods and caverns.

The city’s culture blends Avarian human tradition with dwarven craftsmanship and elven arcane artistry, resulting in a community both practical and deeply reverent toward the land.

Government

Lunaridge operates under the Crown Charter of Avaria, led by a High Magistrate appointed directly from Lumenara. However, daily governance is handled by the Council of Guilds, representing miners, merchants, enchanters, and blacksmiths.

A local guard captain oversees security, reporting to both the magistrate and the Avarian Crown.

Defenses

The city is fortified with stone walls reinforced by Avarian steel plating and enchanted wards from Lumenaran mages. Guard towers overlook key mountain paths, and the Lunar Watch—a specialized unit of rangers and battle-mages—patrols the ridges above. In times of crisis, the tunnels beneath Lunaridge can be sealed and used as defensive redoubts, turning the mines themselves into a labyrinthine fortress.

Industry & Trade

Mining defines Lunaridge’s lifeblood. The town extracts:

Elysian Iron — a rare, strong metal resistant to enchantment corrosion.
Moonglass Crystals — luminescent stones used in magical lanterns.
Silver and Gemstones — exported to Lumenara and beyond.

Trade routes connect Lunaridge to the Starfall Citadel in the north and Shiokaze (Salt Wind) in the east, exporting refined materials in exchange for food, fabrics, and arcane reagents.

Infrastructure

Lunaridge’s streets are carved along terraced slopes, with stone walkways illuminated by crystal lamps. The city has three primary lifts that descend into the mines, powered by a combination of steam mechanisms and minor levitation enchantments. A network of aqueducts channels glacial meltwater into reservoirs, ensuring clean water for both citizens and the smelters.

Districts

Miner’s Quarter — The heart of the workforce; housing, guild halls, and taverns catering to miners and smiths.
Crystal Market — A bustling bazaar where raw minerals and enchanted goods are traded.
Upper Terrace — Administrative buildings, noble manors, and the High Magistrate’s tower.
Forge District — Where the heat never fades; foundries, forges, and the famed Bellows of Elyra workshop.
Outer Ridge — Defensive walls and guard posts; leads to the high passes and the start of the Starpass Trail.

Assets

The Bellows of Elyra: Legendary forge said to have been blessed by the goddess Ariana; known for crafting weapons of divine resonance.
The Crystal Hall: A council chamber and trading house made entirely of translucent stone that glows faintly during the full moon.
Lunaridge Mines: The largest mining network in Avaria, some sections extending into the Elysian Mountains themselves.

Architecture

Lunaridge architecture blends dwarven practicality with Avarian elegance—stone structures with metal reinforcements, slanted slate roofs, and glowing crystal inlays. Windows are small to retain warmth, and banners bearing the silver crescent of Avaria adorn balconies and arches.

Geography

Built where the Elysian foothills meet the plains, Lunaridge sits on a slope overlooking the Lumina River, which flows toward Lumenara. To the west lie dense pine forests leading to the Silverfall Cascade, while the eastern edge borders sheer cliffs overlooking the sea.

Climate

Cool and crisp year-round, with snowy winters and misty springs. Summers are mild, though mountain winds can make evenings cold. Fog is common in early mornings, giving the city its ethereal “moonlit” aura.

Natural Resources

Elysian Iron Ore
Moonglass Crystals
Silver and Precious Gems
Timber (from the Silverpine Forest)
Freshwater from the Lumina River and mountain melt