Parthenonas
Parthenonas is the holy center of Alsona, and the heart of the kingdom. In the center of the city is the Royal Palace, the fortified citadel from which Queen Miranda III rules over her realm. Around it are the homes of the ancient nobility, the temples to the gods, and all of the buildings required to manage a large and centralized monarchy.
Demographics
The population of Parthenonas is nearly entirely human by regulation. Half-elves and half-orcs are allowed to reside in the city limits, but other races are not trusted within the walls. While they are allowed to visit and stay at the inns, land ownership inside the city for dwarves or elves is strictly forbidden. Even the high elves have been forced to open their banking houses in Pegrama instead, as the crassness of banks and the loaning of money is not welcome in the marble roads of Parthenonas.
Government
The Queen’s Law rules the day in Parthenonas, and is enforced by appointed magistrates and the Royal Order, with the Queen or her steward as the final word on all city affairs. Any crime that takes place within the walls of Parthenonas is viewed to be tantamount to blasphemy, and is punished harshly. Criminals are known to be publicly executed or sentenced to life imprisonment in the bowels of the Palace dungeons, of which little is known. The Parthenon Watch are an independent organization that answers only to the Queen and are known to be dedicated investigators and enforcers of the law. They are stated to be incorruptible and frequently sent out to enforce Royal law within and without the city.
Defences
The city is surrounded by high stone walls, and most of the structures within are built of pure marble and stone, kept polished clean by the hordes of servants employed by the aristocracy. The elite First Phalanx manages the defense of the city, alongside the Royal Order that protects the Queen. The walls themselves are kept painted a beautiful white and gold, and are constantly maintained by the finest available artisans. The towers are equipped with the finest Shin war engines that were purchased over a century ago, raining death upon any who would dare approach. No homes have been allowed construction around the city, and only sweeping acreage of farms between here and Pegrama and a handful of inns and bunkhouses by the entrances have been allowed.
Industry & Trade
Government is the main business of Parthenonas. The estates of all of Alsona's greatest houses are present in the city, and the buildings that mark the governance of the kingdom have been built within the walls. Trade with the city directly is often discouraged, with caravans and traders being sent instead to Pegrama, where authorized dealers in Parthenonas will buy in bulk before transporting to the capital. There are numerous farms and plantations surrounding the city, but for the most part they supply local demand rather than providing exports for the local economy. All of the wealth in Alsona is said to eventually make its ways to the aristocratic vaults of Parthenonas.
Infrastructure
Parthenonas is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Emicara. Its white streets gleam, made of polished stone and marble harvested from far away quarries. The brilliant white of the marble stands out from every surface, giving it the nickname, "the White City." These roads are kept carefully maintained by a large working class, who often labor at night to be kept out of sight of wondering visitors and nobles. The roads are well lit by oil lanterns and even magical lighting in the wealthiest parts of the city. Aqueducts help channel water around the upper parts of the city, made of similar marble. The arches and columns of the city are each individual wonders to behold, decorated with art by the finest sculptors who have ever resided in the kingdom.
Districts
The Parthenonas Market is actually one of the smaller marketplaces in the kingdom but it is known for allowing only the finest trade goods and merchants to be available for purchase within. Catering extensively to the aristocracy and wealthy, they provide magical items and exotic goods from as far away as the Civilized Lands or even the Bahami Emirates. There is the Side Market, hidden in the back alleys, that is frequented by the poor and servants who are typically not allowed to scandalize the wealthy by their abhorrent present in more public spaces, offering standard goods at more reasonable prices. The majority of the day-to-day bureaucracy of the kingdom is located in the Market at the Government Building, providing licenses and registrations, as well as keeping track of land ownership. Magistrates appointed by the Queen hold court over violation of laws and for disputes in this building.
The defining feature of the Palatial District is the Royal Palace, a marble structure that is both beautiful and easily defended from a light assault. Complete with a sprawling estate in the center of the city, and rooms for hundreds of residents, guards, and servants within, the Palace is the center of all Alsonan government. From here 34 year old Queen Miranda III rules with her Prince Consort Theseus and their four daughters. The Royal Archives, Treasury, and Vault are all located within the Palace, while the rest of the bureaucracy typically manages from the Market. Around the Palace are three dozen smaller estates, with their own gardens, each being the residence of the wealthiest families in Alsona.
The Court of the Gods is mostly known for the many major temples constructed here. Temples exist for each of the gods and their devotees, and the Court also possesses a handful of elite academies and a number of enclosed and open aired theaters. The theaters put on plays and performances, frequently organized by the University in Pegrama, but musical displays and bardic shows are by far the most popular pastimes. The academies are fairly exclusive, meant for the children of the wealthy, and more for basic education than higher learning. Each has a specialized focus, whether it is for martial abilities, performance, or even engineering.
Founding Date
26 AF
Type
City
Population
53,000
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Parthenonite
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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