Marble City
Here it is; the Marble City.
The capital of Eras Til spares no expense in its splendor. Julius is powerful, allowing him to protect his citizens and draw in new inhabitants through his monthly tournaments. It has been said that this city is—or at least pays homage to—East.
Demographics
An impressive amount of people mill about the bazaar near us, shouts of sales and deals reaching my ears.Though the Marble City boasts an impressive mix of peoples, goliaths make up the upper caste. There are areas, such as the grand library, where only goliaths may enter.
Industry & Trade
Julius's monthly Tournament of Acheron is the main source of revenue for the city. People from all over the land travel to participate in the tournament, hoping to win and receive gifts from Julius himself. Many people stay in the city, drawn to its convieence and safety, and additional chances at winning the tournament.
Tournament winners are threatened with a personal smiting at the hands of Julius should they leave and try to re-enter the city. This understandably keeps even tournament winners living within the city.
Infrastructure
Defensive walls protect and surround the city, with an opening for the river to flow through and ships to dock.
There are four monuments that tower over the rest of the city; three atop artificial plateaus and one suspended over the city center. The northern plateau holds a massive cathedral—the Omnibasilica— with stained glass letting in light from the east and west sides. Atop the eastern plateau is a large chalice with large gemstones and precious metals embedded into it. Rain falls—only above that platform—into Julius's Gift, creating an overflowing waterfall to the city below. The Touch of Hikari sits atop the western plateau, home to the arts, open-air and decorated with various statues on the exterior.
Each plateau has three staircases; two leading down to the ground and the last leading up to the center structure. These staircases are all that support the central massive marble structure; the Apex, enclosed within its own walls.
The Apex is a massive castle with seven towers. Six of these towers circle around the seventh, all in increasing height, with the seventh spire being the tallest.
The city is also home to many beautiful and well-kept gardens and parks.
Architecture
Many structures utilize marble in some fashion, though only the grandest structures are mostly comprised of stone. Many homes, businesses, inns, and stores are composed mostly of wood. Stone streets are well maintained, leading people through the city and its many parks, gardens, and open pavilions.
Lantern lights sparkle in the dim twilight, gentle light twinkling off the bright marble. The shadows of citizens heading home or meandering to taverns weave patterns through the streets.Decorated columns are a centerpiece of the city's architecture. Many buildings are open on at least one side, utilizing these columns to mark boundaries. Even fully enclosed buildings often contain a form of pillar in their facade.
Geography
Like most other places in East, the surrounding area is ruin-littered hills and plains. The Onnan River runs south to the city.
by holyflpncows
The city, from the southern river entrance.
A top down diagram of the major monuments of the city.
I give a resigned sigh. The place is impressive.
by holyflpncows
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