Amarantine
The Capitol City of Clan Amaranthis, and its largest population center. The City also houses the Council Ary, which is a small city complex unto itself. The city is a combination of tunnels, caverns, and open air streets that wind up and around the mountain. The city is known for its tall spires, being accessible to dragons who may live there, and also as defensive bastions to guard against areal attacks. The cities security is entrusted to Clan Amaranthis military proper while the Ary is guarded by a force that answers only to the Steward of the Ary. The City has also been enchanted for the ease of communication, while it is expected most vassals to speak Draconic as the common tongue, any who happen to speak dialects of their native languages can all communicate freely.
The City is one of the first formed upon Ioban in the Age of Wonder. Amaranth, attributed to being the first Amethyst Dragon made her lair here at the peak of the Great Mountain of Ary. A singular peak that towered over the northern region of Ioban and is attributed with being among the highest points of elevation upon Eraneth. During the formation of the Council the highest peak and Lair of Amaranth and her palace was converted to become the meeting and support complex for the Council.
Demographics
Amaranthis would house a higher population of elves, then other regions of the Clan, mostly Moon Elves but a good mix of Sylvan, Golden, and even some Snow. Gnomes and Humans are the next most prevalent, with Half Dragons a close 4th. Dwarves would make up about 10%, being mostly Mithril and Iron ancestry and remain mostly in the subterranean regions. Orcs would be rare as most inhabit surrounding areas of the defensive network of the clan territories.
Government
Amarantine is ruled in two sections, the Council Ary which is governed by the Steward, a Dragon of the Clan granted autonomy and given charge to work in the councilsts best interest not their clans, and then the remainder of the city Ruled by the Leader of Clan Amaranthis and a council of Dragons which inhabit the city.
Since the Slumbering of Dragons the Council is Ruled by the Kindreds family that does not slumber and the city ruled by an assembly of prominent families. This Oligarchy of powerful families is now carefully balancing the Meritocracy of the clans structure with their own ambitions and power.
Defences
The city boasts two distinct forces for its defense, the proper military forces of the Clan and the Elite Council Guard who report to the Steward of the Ary. Amaranthis keeps 5000 City Guard, who are trained soldiers not just a police force. They also maintain around 15000 active reserves who are expected to train regularly with the guard at least once a month. Among the standing forces are a small group of Drake and Gryphon riders making up between 1% and 5% of the active forces. The Council guard maintains 1000 soldiers in the defense of the Ary, but are presently attempting to expand this number.
Industry & Trade
Amarantine is a center of refining raw resources from its sateleite cites and the primary source of raw ores and materials from the Mountain Ary. It is also the primary production point for most of the Clans Industry. It trades with its satelite cities and in the past with many Council Partners.
Infrastructure
The City is quite massive, a network of public teleport ways exist to move about between major sections and districts of the City. Within each district carefully tho often windy roads are laid out in an orderly fashion, however, these can often be crowded and challenging to move with any haste. For quicker travel between elevations or nearby regions the Gnomes have created sets of lift systems to move people up and down the mountain.
Districts
The City is generally divided into 4 quarters, corresponding to the direction side of the Mountain to which they inhabit. From these quarters derive various districts within the city, referred to often as high, low, or deep, for their place on the mountain, or within it.
The Council Ary spans across the entire peak of the great mountain Ary and extending beyond. The Ary holds a massive council chamber able to comfortably house 60+ Dragons and their vassal aids when conducting council business. Descending into the mountain are lairs to house each delegate, hatcheries for the donated eggs, facilities to raise and house young dragons, places to house attendant vassals of the Council and a garrison for the Council Guard provided by Amaranthis. Of late the Ary has been a bit of a ghost town with no dragons and many of the delegates abandoning the venture.
Hart's Ward is a prominent district in the city of Amarantine, known for its stately buildings, affluent residents, and elegant parks. The district is named after Qindirs sacrifice to protect the Council in the Age of Wonder. Hart's Ward is situated on upper south quarter of the mountain overlooking the city, and its grand mansions, villas, and estates are surrounded by lush gardens and tree-lined boulevards. The architecture of the district is a mix of classical and modern styles, with grand columns, ornate balconies, and sweeping staircases. The residents of Hart's Ward are some of the most powerful and influential figures in the city, including high-ranking members of various guilds, wealthy merchants, and influential politicians. They are known for their refined tastes and luxurious lifestyles. In addition to its grand residences, Hart's Ward also features several exclusive clubs, fine dining restaurants, and upscale boutiques. The district's central park, Hart's Garden, is a popular spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor concerts, at its center a great statue to Qindirs sacrifice .
While not a proper District, the Enre Estate spans a large area of the city, encompassing a complex of food production, magical workshops, military training facilities, and other resources the family has dutiful built to support their Draconic Patron. This elaborate complex has ensured, the family, its subordinates, and cadet families have always produced kindreds and some of the most educated minds of the Clan for Millenia.
Located on the upper north side of the city, Scaleworks District is home to numerous industrial facilities that specialize in metalworking, machinery, with workshops and warehouses that produce and distribute goods for the city. The streets are wide and lined with tall, functional buildings made of brick, stone, and metal, with large chimneys and smokestacks that emit steam and smoke into the air. The district is a hive of activity, with workers bustling about their daily tasks, hammers rumbling in the background, and the singing of picks in the mines of the Deep of Scaleworks. There is a constant hum of activity, as goods are produced and transported throughout the district and beyond. The district is also known for its bustling marketplaces and trading centers, where goods and raw materials are bought and sold. Despite its industrial nature, Scaleworks District is not without charm. Many of the buildings are adorned with intricate carvings, reliefs, and murals that depict the dragons and their scales in various forms. The district also features several parks and public spaces where workers and visitors can relax and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the workshops, smithies and foundries.
Rats Market is a lower-end section of the city of Amarantine, known for its crowded and chaotic streets, ramshackle buildings, and colorful characters. Despite its somewhat unsavory reputation, the district is a vital part of the city's economy, and it is a hub for trade and commerce. Rats Market is home to a wide range of vendors, selling everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles and trinkets. The streets are narrow and winding, with vendors setting up their stalls and displays wherever they can find space. The buildings are old and worn, with many showing signs of neglect or disrepair. Despite its shabby appearance, Rats Market is a lively and vibrant place, with a diverse mix of people from all walks of life. The vendors are known for their sharp wit and bargaining skills, and haggling is a common and accepted practice. Visitors to the district can expect to find bargains on a wide range of goods, as long as they are willing to negotiate and have a keen eye for quality.
Drakons Roost is a fortified district in the city of Amarantine, located on the steepslope of the Western quarter. The lower district is home to several garrisons of the Amarantine armies, which are guarded by heavily armed watchtowers. The Upper district houses several Dragon Rider roosts, where those actively charged with the defense of the city would reside. Now with the dragons asleep it houses a small number of Drakes and Gryphons. Inside the walls, Drakons Roost is a mix of stately mansions, grand palaces, and austere fortresses, all built from the same dark stone as the walls themselves. The streets are wide and well-paved, and the buildings are adorned with intricate carvings, ornate balconies, and towering spires that reach toward the sky. It is also home to several prestigious academies and research institutes, where the brightest and most talented of vassals come to study the arts of war and magic.
Wings Walk is a long, winding street located in the Western quarter of Amarantine that is known for its charming architecture and bustling atmosphere. The street is lined with ornate buildings, each with their unique style and design, and is a hub of activity and commerce. The name "Wings Walk" is derived from the street's history as a thorofare large enough for the landing of Dragons. As visitors walk down the street, they can see a wide range of vendors, selling everything from fresh fruit and flowers to handcrafted jewelry and clothing. The shops and restaurants along the street are diverse and colorful, reflecting the many cultures and traditions that make up the city of Amarantine. In addition to the many shops and vendors, Wings Walk is also home to several important landmarks and institutions, including the prestigious University of Amarantine, which is located in the Upper portion of the district. The university is one of the most respected and influential educational institutions in the dragon world, and it attracts students from all over the continent.
Eastgate is a district in the city of Amarantine that is located on the eastern edge of the city. It is named for the large, imposing gate that marks the entrance to the district, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in the city. The district is known for its historical significance and cultural importance, as it was one of the first areas to be settled by elven vassals when the city was founded many millennia ago. As such, the buildings in the district are some of the oldest in the city, and they are a mix of different architectural styles and designs that reflect the district's long and storied history. Despite its age, Eastgate is also a place of great energy and vitality. The streets are busy and bustling, with vendors selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and baked goods to handcrafted art and jewelry. There are also many shops and boutiques that specialize in unique and one-of-a-kind items, making it a popular destination for shoppers and collectors. The district is also home to several important landmarks and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Amarantine History, which is located in a grand, ornate building that dates back to the city's earliest days. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city's rich and complex past, and it attracts visitors from all over the continent.
The district of Rose Fair in the city of Amarantine is a lush and beautiful area that is best known for the stunning Violaceous Gardens. Aside from the Violaceous Gardens, the district of Rose Fair is also known for its cultural and artistic scene. There are numerous art galleries and studios in the area, as well as a thriving music and dance scene. The district is also home to a number of food and drink establishments, ranging from traditional dragon cuisine to fusion restaurants of the various vassal cultures and trendy cafes. Overall, the district of Rose Fair is a beautiful and culturally rich area that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression.
Guilds and Factions
The city has many organizations, guilds and factions. It currently houses 4 political factions vieing for control of the clans future and its ambitions. These factions include the Councilists, Vassals attempting to re introduce the Dragon Council with no dragons. Clanists, a faction wishing to establish a dominant clan faction in place of the council. Stasists, those wishing to maintain a status quo while the dragons slumber, and Anti Dragonists who are looking to overthrow the former order and free all vassals from draconic influence.
Among guilds of the city there can be found the Gnomeish Engineers guild, responsible for the Gondola network that moves people up and down the mountain side between levels of the districts. They are also keenly interested in new inventions and methods of travel with the dragons slumbering. On the seeder side of things are the Black Hands, a thieves guild that operates in the Rats Market and some of its neighboring regions.
Points of interest
Temple of Times End - Attached to the Council Ary, its giant statue of Chronokarah looks over greater Council Ary, and built into this statue resides the Temple itself. A massive complex allowing Dragons to Enter in their natural form should they wish, it in fact is a simple Temple, as the Lady of Time has little need for regular worship. Inside the temple can be found altars and places of worship for each of her Pantheons deities, as well as a small dedicated cadre of priests and guardians of the temple.
Violaceous Gardens - An impressive garden and park which spans the Southern Middle region. It has a wide variety of violet and purple flowers, intricate hedges and exotic trees cover the landscape. The Gardens also extend into the mountain where sparkling displays of raw amethyst still imbedded into rocks and carefully curated into beautiful displays can be enjoyed.
First Steps - A former temple of Emorath that had fallen into disuse located in the Upper Region of Scale Works. This renovated temple has been converted it into a massive tavern. Garnering a reputation for a quality place to find good food and drink while taking in shows. It's also commonly said that The First Steps is one of the best places to go to meet new people, its staff often serving as hosts to introduce parties who might do business together. Despite operating primarily as a tavern and hub for the Raven, the First Steps do have a sanctum dedicated to Emorath within and followers may come there to pray and seek guidance along their path.
- Common: Level 20
- Uncommon: Level 20
- Rare: Level 18
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