Free Cities
History
The Free Cities were originally founded by the remnant armies of slaves after the Elari Wars. When the Elari fled, those left behind in the wake of the war headed to the eastern edge of Trevas and settled there. The area they settled in broke off during the cracking of the planet at the end of the God Wars, and is still on the north east coast of the unknown continent. For the most part being far from the center of the world Darkor/Suriloth and relatively/comparably uninterested in the blessed gods they took no part in the God war, however they were aware of it and it has affected the reception of trolls within their borders since.
Life in the Free Cities
Though the populations of the Free Cities are predominantly Svaald, Human, and High Elf, the Free Cities have served as a racial melting-pot and half-breeds are considered fairly commonplace. The largest svaaldi populations are in the two most northern cities, Isenroth and Avemroth. Due to having the shared history of being descended from slaves, there is very little prejudice between the elven, human, and svaaldi residents of the Free Cities, and these races live and work well together.
Uncomfortable in a society built by the Faerie, many Wild Elves fled south to the Divided Lands and formed tribes with which they staked a claim and built their livelihoods according to their Old Ways. They occasionally interact and trade with the Free Cities. Their Elari masters, however, are especially feared and loathed in the Free Cities. Though very rarely are they seen, and are often killed on sight.
Faerie, on the other hand, hold high positions of influence, many having their own towers within the cities. Draeken are also fairly prevalent in the Cities and surrounding areas, and are not as reclusive as in other parts of the world. While not revered as Drakes, they are highly respected throughout the Cities.
Dragons, while not common (certainly not as common as they were once rumored to be), can occasionally be found within the borders of the cities' territories. They are revered and never hunted. Often, small towns and villages will leave offerings to dragons if they are spotted. Dragonscale armor is very rare in the cities, and unless the wearer is a member of the Guild of Scales, owning such armor may lead to arrest or even death, as wearing the scales of a dragon that were not freely given is considered akin to blasphemy.
Feran live in the area, but predominantly on the plains and prairies, with only few living in the forests. These Feran prides are nomadic and will seldom enter a city or engage in trade; they are very self sustaining. It has been known to have happen on occasion, however the majority of the population of the free cities have never seen a Feran. They are more common in Kertos than any other city, and have a small presence around Isenroth, though usually they are simply passing through the area.
There are Trolls in the vicinity of the Free Cities, however they are more rare than either Karn or Trevas. Despite their rarity, trolls can be formidable foes should they be angered; this has lead to a fearful reputation amongst the Free Cities, and often mercenary companies boast of troll members joining their roster.
Guilds
Almost every profession in the Free Cities is monitored or directly controlled by the Guilds of the Free Cities. No merchant may conduct business within the Free Cities without membership or sanctioning by of one of the many mercantile guilds, the mages' guild, or the sorcerers' guild.