On the Culture, Religion and Economy of the Crownlands of Solaris

"In reflecting upon the ways and customs of Solaris, one finds a land of remarkable harmony, where peoples of countless origins dwell together under the same golden sun. Among the populous, the familiar races of human, elf, half-elf, dwarf, gnome, halfling, half-orc, tiefling, and dragonborn form the backbone of towns and villages, their skills and crafts interwoven into the tapestry of daily life. Yet, there are also those who walk more quietly among us, seldom seen but ever present: the lithe tabaxi, gentle firbolg, towering goliath, capricious fairies, mischievous satyrs, and noble aarakocra, each living in accordance with their own nature, yet contributing in peaceful ways to the greater good. I cannot recall all the details from my youth, but even in my advancing years I am ever grateful to see such diversity live together in concord, without strife, as if Solaris itself shines a benevolent light upon all.

The faith of our people, as has long been recorded in temples and shrines, centers upon the worship of the radiant sun and its deities, whose presence guides both ruler and citizen alike. Most revered among these is Lathander, the Morninglord, patron of dawn, renewal, and the eternal promise of new beginnings. To honor him, families rise with the sun to offer prayers of gratitude and hope, and communities celebrate the changing seasons with festivals of light and song. His doctrines emphasize charity, honesty, and the pursuit of growth in both body and spirit; all are encouraged to act with kindness, to aid the weak, and to bring warmth to the hearts of their neighbors. Alongside him shines Amaunator, the god of the midday sun, whose radiance ensures justice, law, and the prosperity of the realm. While Lathander stirs the heart, Amaunator governs the order of the land, the cycles of day, and the guidance of kings and magistrates alike. Temples to both deities stand in every major town, their golden spires reflecting the sun’s path, reminding us constantly that Solaris is blessed not only in wealth but in divine favor.

Economically, Solaris thrives in manifold ways, though gold is undeniably the jewel of our kingdom. Agriculture sustains the common folk, fields of wheat, barley, and vegetables stretching across the plains of the Golden Reach. Fishing thrives along the Sunset Coast, and trade carries wares both local and foreign across land and sea. Yet it is the veins of gold beneath our mountains that shine brightest, drawing miners and merchants alike from distant corners. Today, the two principal mines—the Western Gold Mine and the Eastern Gold Mine, both nestled deep within the Golden Reach—yield riches beyond counting. Their laborers, though humble, ensure that Solaris remains a beacon of prosperity, and that coin flows freely through the marketplaces of Soulcrest and beyond.

Truly, one may wander across the Crownlands of Solaris and see the fruits of a kingdom both ancient and radiant. Its peoples, varied yet united; its faith, bright and guiding; its coffers, filled with gold and abundance—these testify to the enduring grace of our land. I cannot recall every tale from before King Alistair, nor the full measure of history’s passing, yet I know that Solaris, under the sun and the watchful eyes of our gods, continues to thrive, and we with it."

-Remus Aurelius, Scholar of the Golden Quill