The Thirteen were the dominant city-states in 650 when the Jrusteli Confederation was formed. Technically each city is equal, but they picked one city-lord to act as head of the Confederation, a First Among Equals. Hyrafos of Piskosol cleverly exploited the religious backing he'd gained after being the First Volunteer, and was selected to this office.
Although the Confederation is only 50 years old, tradition says that a First (or Prince) must come from a different city than his predecessor. The current Prince is Nanithir, who won partly because he interpreted the oracles physically rather than spiritually, and as an outstanding athlete was thus the first to pass their tests.
The information below is accurate as of the early 700s.
Arshu Phola
claim to fame: originally founded by Slontan barbariansDuring the Dawn Age, the Waertagi brought several ships of storm-worshipping barbarians from Slontos, who settled in the southern coast. Their largest settlement was Arshu Phola, located near a sacred cave. The Seshnelan colonists were surprised to find them on the island, and at first believed them to be natives.
Although they were not skilled sailors, the barbarians would attack Jrusteli ships when they beached at night. Hadilon of Peresk launched a campaign against them, capturing Arshu Phola. Many barbarians fled to Umathela, but others put up a stubborn resistance, and weren't pacified until many years later, when Algiman allowed them access to the sacred cave.
Eradinthanos
claim to fame: home of the Seven Explorers, who first studied God
Evrowal
claim to fame: ruler is drawn by lot from eligible nobles, and serves for 5 years
Hathinelthor
claim to fame: city lords may not be related to the previous lordThis has actually resulted in many illicit affairs between the lord and women of prominent families, in the hopes that his illegitimate sons will in fact rule after him
Hredmorinos
claim to fame: ruled by a dumaHredmorinos was settled during the first major wave of colonization. Its people quickly began hostilities with the timinits (some scholars theorize its lord was an insectophobe).
Irenstos
claim to fame: has the largest university in Jrustela, possibly the world
Jalanswal
claim to fame: founded by descendents of Nralar the Old
New Frowal
claim to fame: the first city founded in Jrustela
New Orphalsket
claim to fame: its harbor and ships are the best
Peresk
claim to fame: known for its military
Piskosol
claim to fame: city of the first Prince, Hyrafos the First VolunteerThe University of Piskosol has an intense rivalry with that of Irenstos.
Shenilstos
claim to fame: controls the Curand and Jrezar rivers
Svalwal
claim to fame: was destroyed by tsunami in 665, as part of Waertagi retaliation for sailing to UmathelaSvalwal was settled in the second large wave
Anniwal
claim to fame: women may own propertyNote: Anniwal pays tribute to Peresk
Bathijras
claim to fame: excessive devotion to the Invisible God -- the idea for the Seshnelan Crusade orginated hereNote: Bathijras pays tribute to Peresk
Brostawal
claim to fame: founded by descendants of Nralar the OldNote: Brostawal is subject to Jalanswal. It's the largest settlement on its island.
Damroskel
claim to fame: bloodstone mines nearbyDamroskel was founded by descendants of Nralar the Old
Note: Damroskel pays tribute to Hathinelthor
Lukora
claim to fame: Lukora is friendly to the timinits, and they can sometimes be seen in the cityNote: Lukora pays tribute to Shenilstos
Reyenswal
claim to fame: many Brithini settled here in 632Reyenswal tries to keep on good terms with the Waertagi
Tyroas
claim to fame: An impressive bridge crosses the CurandNote: Tyroas pays tribute to Shenilstos