Oldkeep
Oldkeep is the oldest part of Lundeinjon, where the original Pallaman settlement began. It is filled with narrow, winding streets and close-set buildings, where even the most powerful and wealthy institutions in the Empire are crowded together on Albion's most expensive land. It is home to the financial core of the Empire and to many of its most historic locations, from the grandeur of St. Simon's Cathedral to the sheer power of the Bank of Albion and the historic resonance of Blacktower Castle. To many, Oldkeep is the true face of the city, with all that has grown up around it merely distorted reflections.
Demographics
The people of Oldkeep range from the wealthiest merchants, who trade millions of crowns on The Imperial Exchange, to street urchins sheltering in the shadow of Kingsgate. They are proud of their neighborhood to a fault and often consider themselves the true Lundeinjoners, with all outside the walls belonging to some lesser version of the city.
There are few of the aristocracy in Oldkeep itself; they prefer the less crowded districts of Kingsward and Crownstairs. Instead, in Oldkeep it is gold rather than nobility that matters. A commoner with a fortune is welcome, whereas a penniless duke will be turned away. Oldkeep knows where real power lies, and that the true axis of power lies in what you have, not what you are.
History
The history of Oldkeep is the history of Lundeinjon. It was the first district enclosed by the city wall fifteen centuries ago, and parts of that wall still stand, incorporated into structures like Crowgate Prison. When the land was conquered by the Arvoringians, they built Blacktower Castle to house their treasures, and its tower still overlooks the city.
At every stage of Lundeinjon's history, Oldkeep has been there, holding the purse, paying the bills, and ensuring that the Empire remains the wealthiest nation in the world, and thus the most powerful.
Points of interest
Crown Court
At the very heart of Oldkeep is Crown Court, where the money lives.
One side of the court is dominated by the massive Imperial Mint, a fortress that guards the source of all Albion's currency. Opposite the Mint stands Olddame House, the headquarters of the Bank of Albion. The institutions of financial power cluster around these two behemoths. The Imperial Exchange lies just off Crown Court, where merchants meet to make deals worth more than countries. The Lundeinjon Stock Exchange stands just behind the Bank, while the mysterious and ancient Prometheus Club holds an address across from the Mint's rear gate.
The neighborhood is filled with tiny restaurants and specialty shops carving out space in the crowded district to cater to the wealthiest people in the Empire. These places gain legends of their own, borrowed from the titans nearby. Merchants from Elbid make a point of dining at Homer's Chophouse in Grin Alley, just to eat where some of the most consequential deals in history were made. Crown Court is the home of money, where it is made and where it always returns after venturing out into the world.
Ancient Institutions
The history of Oldkeep is apparent on every corner.
At the edge of the district stands Kingsgate, a monumental arch marking the border with Greyspire where the first city wall once stood. By tradition, every monarch crowned in St. Cuthbert-on-High must then process to and through Kingsgate, claiming the city by entering it in state.
On the riverbank stands Blacktower Castle, the original residence of the Kings of High Albion before they moved to Highcourt Palace. Blacktower has served many roles over the centuries: residence, fortress, armory, treasure house, and prison. Today it guards those things requiring the most secure facilities, whether imperial treasures or important prisoners.
In the northeast lies St. Bertram's Hospital, the oldest hospital in the city and one of the most prestigious in the world, where the physicians of Wealry Row learn their trade before setting out into private practice among the nobility.
Two ancient churches stand at opposite ends of the district. To the west, upon Westgate Hill, rises St. Simon's Cathedral. It is the tallest building in the city, its dome reaching 365 feet at its apex. St. Simon's is the seat of the Archbishop of Lundeinjon and the heart of the Church of Albion.
On the opposite side, near Kingsgate, stands ancient Knight's Church. It was founded as a chapterhouse of the Knights of the North, the cult hunters of the Old Church. Though it was claimed by the Church of Albion after the Proclamation of Purity in 1510, rumors persist that secret vaults lie hidden beneath the chapel, and that whatever the Knights concealed within them remains buried to this day.
Halls of Power
Oldkeep is also home to many of the city's civil institutions. Most notable is Common House, the residence of the Lord Mayor of Lundeinjon and the center of city government. It was named in hopes of invoking the common good, and though it does not always succeed, it provides the editors of The Albion Mirror endless material for sharp satire.
Near Common House stands the Central Post Office, headquarters of The Ministry of Correspondence. The Ministry oversees the communications and information flow of the Empire, and its presence in Oldkeep further marks the district's centrality to imperial affairs.
In the shadow of St. Simon's Cathedral stand two institutions that represent the power of law in the city: Crowgate Prison and Old Crow Court. Old Crow is the city's central criminal court, where any crime of note is tried. Crowgate, built directly into the old city wall, is the city's oldest operating prison and the site of most of Lundeinjon's executions. Gallows stand permanently erected in the courtyard before its main entrance, a reminder to all who enter that the law is not broken with impunity.
Finally, there is one more hall of power that cannot be omitted: Greythorne House, home of The Greythorne Trust. This institution, whose motto is "Disciplined Mercy", coordinates the charitable works of Lundeinjon and beyond. It ensures that money given to charity is well spent, aiding those among The Poor most likely to be improved by it and not wasted on the unredeemable. In the shadowed halls of Greythorne House, futures are made and destroyed, as its trustees decide who deserves the aid of Oldkeep's wealth and who would only squander it.
Greyspire
Lantern Row
Southfell (across Southbridge)
Related Articles
Visions of Oldkeep
Below are paintings of Oldkeep by some of Lundeinjon's most prominent artists.
Central Post Office by J.S.A. Carver
Common House by J.S.A. Carver
Crowgate Prison by J.S.A. Carver
Greythorne House by J.S.A. Carver
Kingsgate by J.S.A. Carver
Knight's Church by J.S.A. Carver
St. Bertram's by J.S.A. Carver
St. Simon's Cathedral by J.S.A. Carver
I really love how distinct your neighbourhoods are, yet also how its very clear they are connected to each other. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that it feels like a real city with a long history
Thank you!