The Palatine

Demographics

• Humans: 53%
• Elves: 20%
• Dwarves: 16%
• Orcs: 10%
• Other: 1%

Government

The Palatine belongs to no single land or country within The Palatinate. It is an enclave that separates itself from the rest of the other imperial territories. It is supposed to be the seat of imperial power, which houses the different diets and councils that manage the empire. Even though it is the empire's official capital, emperors haven't always ruled The Palatinate from this location--sometimes preferring their own native capitals instead. 
Other than being the official capital of the empire, The Palatine does have its own government that keeps the city running. The leader of the city is the Lord Mayor, who is typically appointed by the emperor themselves. The Lord Mayors are either nobles or some other high ranking government figure in society. The lord mayor runs the city until they pass away, in which a new lord mayor is chosen by the emperor. Under the lord mayor are the city council members. These council men and women are individuals who are elected by members within the community to represent the different neighborhoods and districts. There is also a city judge who oversees the laws and trials of the city. Lastly there is the Burgermeister, who oversees and manages the growing urban challenges of the city; that an elected official might not be able to deal with themselves. They are usually voted on and chosen by the Mayor and City Council Members.

Defences

The first line of defense for the Palatine is a magical barrier that erects itself whenever the city comes under threat. This barrier is constructed by the empire's war mages. If this barrier is somehow breached, the city's walls are its next line of defense. These walls aren't formidable because of their height or thickness, but because of how well maintained they are along with the tools that accompany it. The city has four different gates. Towers fix themselves atop the city's four main gates, while bastions and flanking batteries of canon line themselves along the walls. There are several well hidden postern-gates that allow troops to freely go in and out of the city unnoticed. There are also arrow slits from the days of the Thaloran Empire, where soldiers--mainly snipers and skirmishers--can take position to attack and be well defended at the same time. There is also a large moat that surrounds the city that can be easily drained, forming a large trench or ditch that is littered with spikes and other traps.

Industry & Trade

• Textiles
• Farming
• Metal Production
• Mining
• Glasswork

Infrastructure

• Paved Roads
• Windmills
• Sewers
• Courtyards
• Blast Furnaces
• Bridges
• Dams
• Dikes
• Canals
• Schools
• Hospitals

Guilds and Factions

• House Vilstatt: Ruling dynasty of the Palatinate.
• Landsbergists: Pro-Mehrklav supporters. They support Mehrklav's royal house, the Landbergs, as the empire's true ruling dynasty.
• Church of the Silver Flame: The Church of the Silver Flame has a religious presence within the city as it is one of the main religions throughout the empire.
• Winged Spire: Conclave magicians who have a presence within the capital. Some of their mages make up the emperor's imperial court.
• Palatine Coin Guard: Local chapter of the Coin Guard mercenary group.
• Loyalist Coalition: Political party that supports the Vilstatt Dynasty as the rulers of the Palatinate.
• Unified Nationalist Party: Political party that supports the union of all Gothic peoples into one nation, and the expulsion of all others.
• Merchant's Guild: Organization of merchant's within the Palatine who protect each other's interests.

Tourism

The Palatine is a bustling city with visitors coming almost daily. Many of these visitors are high ranking individuals within the imperial government coming to do business to run the country. Other people who visit are travelers on their way to another location, or citizens coming to do business within the city. Whether that be to sell or trade goods at the markets, buy supplies, or parous the artisan's wares. There are plenty of establishments throughout the Palatine of different social and economic levels where visitors take up residence. Since the Palatine is the capital of the empire, there are several locations where visitors like to frequent and sight see.

• Imperial Palace: Home to the Emperor of the Palatinate.
• Imperial Diet: An impressive structure that houses the many royals and nobles who have come to run and create laws on the empire's behalf.
• Imperial Court: Where laws are interpreted within the empire, and where the most important trials are held.
• Cathedral of the Highest Matriarch: Temple and place of worship for the Church of the Silver Flame. The cathedral also houses the burial places of several Palatine Emperors. 
• Palatine University: A college of higher education within the empire.
• Kursnarths Academy: Magic school associated with the Conclave that trains wizards, sorcerers, and other people of magical ilk.
• The Winged Spire: An establishment of the Conclave where some magic users are assigned.
• Palatine Rathaus: Houses the different offices of the city's government; including the city council and mayor's office. 

Geography

The Palatine is seated in a central location within the empire. The city is surrounded by several forests and rolling hills, giving it some natural geographic defenses.

Natural Resources

• Wood from nearby forests
• Metal and stone from the surrounding hills
• Agricultural products from the farms
• Sheep, pigs, and other livestock from surrounding farms

Founding Date

124 1.E.

Alternative Name(s)

The Center

Type

Capital

Population

175,400

Inhabitant Demonym

Palatines

Owner/Ruler

King Leonhard VII

Owning Organization

The Palatinate