Description
Not a parciluarly huge city, Pylona is nevertheless an extremely busy one, for it is home to many diviners and prophets that make it the go-to destination when seeking fortunes and warnings for the future. Temples and statues dedicated to
The Witness are always within sight, while merchants seek to cash in on the tourism brought by his chosen.
People & Organisations
The Oracle
The definite article, for while there are many who are granted otherworldly sight by Gods and Demons, only The Oracle has ultimate understanding and mastery over her gifts. Over the many years since she arrived, figures from all over The Varolian have sought her guidance, from the lowliest farmer to the greatest hero. Many believe her to be either an Immortal, a God, or a Spinx - even perhaps all three.
Cassandra Rodea
Cassandra was raised in the Shrine to be an augur from an incredibly young age, displaying remarkable gifts that some folk believe may, one day in the far future, eclipse those of The Oracle herself. A few years ago she was granted visions of a heroic figure, bathed in golden light, and told to seek this person out, aiding them in reaching their great destiny.
Gatherer Sarai
Sarai was born in the forest while her mother was there collecting fruit, and has travelled there every day since to wander amongst the animals, climb the mighty trees, and drink from sacred springs. Many claim her to be a spirit of nature, but she is happy enough to be "just Sarai", and has never once been seen casting spells or dealing in magic.
Places & Landmarks
Shrine of The Oracle
Built into and atop the tallest hill in the area, the shrine is a mighty ziggurat painted in blues and whites that dominates the cityscape, with the gargantuan sculpture of a mighty sphinx resting atop it. The Oracle and her many priests live within.
At each tier of the massive building one will find countless charlatans, pretenders, and con-artists all professing to be prophets in their own right, willing to tell you your "destiny"... for a small fee of course.
The Whispering Library
Deep within, or perhaps fully underneath, The Oracle's mighty shrine lies an ancient library that is said to store every prophecy the oracle has ever made. Entry within is strictly forbidden without special permission, and the few who have been inside report hearing ghostly voices that seem quite unsettling.
The Seven Sisters
The river Ekios hooks around Pylona in a large U turn, with the city in the centre. To facilitate foot traffic from the city to the rest of the world, seven bridges were built to along the river, starting with the first sister facing West towards the forest, and the seventh facing East towards the mountains.
These bridges are commonly used by food gatherers, as a majority of the food in the city comes from the forest on the other side.
The Sapphire's Song
A grand taverna built in recent years to accomodate the never-ending stream of tourists, would-be-heroes, and petitioners all seeking to hear their fates. It is the second largest building in the city and painted in the same style as the much-larger ziggarut. It is a favourite venue for any travelling Várdos, who recount tales of tragic and heroic destinies both.
Prophet's Clearing
Across the first sister lies the ancient and seemingly magical forest which provides all of the city's food, whether through hunters or gatherers. The locals respect it, regarding it as holy ground dedicated to
The Provider, and do their best to prevent outsiders from trampling and ruining the old growth.
The exception to this is a glade found a day's journey within where one is thought to be able to hear voices on the wind. The locals offer guided escorts to this place, allowing tourists to see the forest and "claim" it as part of their journey, without letting them run wild seeking out treasures or fortunes.
History
The Oracle Arrives
Pylona has stood for centuries, far away from prying eyes as a minor settlement with few visitors. It was once a secret training grounds for prophets and priestesses across the generations until, some 30 years ago, most of the faithful began sharing visions of a great woman ascending the stairs of their shrine and becoming the mouthpiece of the Fates themselves. Sure enough, the woman arrived and was instantly elevated to the status of archpriest and leader, heralding a new era of fame, power, and prosperity for the city.
Lion's Flight Festival
Every few years (or few decades), priests throughout the city are granted visions of a great sphinx flying around the city in a grand display, the stars trailing behind it. As soon as anyone receives such a vision, preparations are made to throw a celebration in honour of their holy visitor and celebrate the gifts
Ámmos has bestowed on the population here.
The last festival of this kind was in 658, so it may be quite some time before it happens again.
Demon Seige
Not long before the Underworld invaded
Acidon, cultists launched a similar attack on this city.
The Champions arrived to intervene, but soon after they began their battles the city was swallowed by blinding light. By the time the light cleared, every demon in the city had been reduced to ashes, while the population were entirely unharmed. The odd report of a figure within the light has led to speculations of Gods, Immortals, or The Oracle herself stepping in.
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