A couple notes on Ekrech [@ulsterwarrior]:

[list][*] First, try to separate the blocky text into smaller paragraphs at natural breakpoints. The city-state's page is difficult to read right now. If you want, I can handle those sort of edits.
[*] Secondly, keep in mind that humanity is a flawed species, and no city will be perfect. While it can definitely be a great place to live, this should come at some sort of price. Perhaps the other Aelkan city states suffer as their resources are pulled into Ekrech, or perhaps the city's army is not as strong as the stories claim. (I won't suggest the "corruption" route because Amurach has that covered.) Perhaps you might consider a pro-Human angle for the city's flaw? Non-humans might be looked down upon, seen as despoilers of the fair city? Just a thought, but again: you need some sort of flaw.
[*] Also, while it may prefer to make friends rather than enemies, there's definitely going to be a lot of covetous eyes looking toward that city. I think you understand that very well, and I like your allusions to that. I'd suggest keeping that in mind when writing up the other city states. Perhaps one of them has suffered most at the hands of raiders and has become considerably more warlike than its neighbors... and has a grudge against those cities near it that haven't had to suffer as it has suffered.
[*] Your plot hooks are all very good. I'm happy there.[/list]

EDIT: I see, on a closer inspection, that you did mention the army being possibly weak and soft. Makes perfect sense. Good!